DR. APRIL CUFFY

Currently empowering university students to achieve academic success by developing essential study skills and fostering independent learning.

• Guided students in goal-setting and project management strategies, enabling effective fulfillment of university coursework requirements.
• Cultivated confidence and fostered independence in students through personalized coaching on enhanced study skills and strategic management techniques.
• Provided tailored support to diverse learners, improving academic performance and self-efficacy through targeted interventions.

Delivered engaging lectures and tutorials, contributing to student success in Media Business, PR Strategy, and Public Relations modules.

• Prepared and delivered engaging lectures and tutorials, both in-person and online, for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Evaluated and marked coursework for Media Business, PR Strategy and Specialisms, and Public Relations modules, providing constructive feedback to over 100 students per semester.
• Conducted one-on-one student feedback sessions, enhancing learning outcomes and addressing individual academic needs.

Provided comprehensive freelance communications services, including research, writing, editing, and formatting, for diverse web and print media clients over 14 years.

• Researched, wrote, edited, proofread, and formatted a wide range of web and print communications, delivering high-quality content (portfolio available on request).
• Conducted client consultations and provided training on Microsoft Office software, optimizing client workflow and document management.
• Collaborated closely with clients to ensure high-quality results and timely delivery of projects, consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations.

Managed the end-to-end production of 21 British Columbia travel guides, overseeing schedules, layouts, and content development.

• Managed production schedules, page layouts, and budgets for 21 distinct British Columbia travel guides, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Developed compelling content through collaboration with community stakeholders, freelance writers, and photographers, enhancing guide quality and appeal.
• Oversaw the entire editorial process from concept to print, maintaining high standards for accuracy, consistency, and reader engagement.

Led editorial operations for a student newspaper, overseeing content creation, staff development, and production timelines.

• Recruited, mentored, and managed a team of student writers and photographers, enhancing their journalistic skills and output.
• Created and facilitated student writing workshops on journalism practices, significantly improving content quality and consistency.
• Effectively set and managed production schedules and deadlines, ensuring timely publication of newspaper editions.

Provided academic support to students, enhancing their writing, research, and assignment completion skills.

• Assisted students with grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, and overall presentation of written work, leading to improved academic submissions.
• Guided students on effective research methodologies, project management, and comprehensive written assignment completion.
• Provided one-on-one and group tutoring sessions, fostering independent learning and academic success for a diverse student body.

Provided comprehensive visitor support and managed internal documentation for a regional tourism center.

• Assisted hundreds of visitors with inquiries about local and British Columbia culture, recreation, and travel, enhancing visitor experience and satisfaction.
• Created and edited essential internal and external documents using Microsoft Word and Excel, improving operational efficiency and communication.
• Provided expert guidance on local attractions and services, contributing to regional tourism promotion and visitor engagement.

Authored weekly news articles and features for a local print publication, engaging with community members through interviews and research.

• Conducted in-depth research and interviewed local citizens to write weekly news articles for print publication, contributing to community engagement.
• Produced a weekly 'Person on the Street' featurette, conducting interviews on selected weekly questions to capture diverse community perspectives.
• Consistently delivered well-researched and engaging content, meeting weekly publication deadlines for print distribution.

Provided essential administrative and clerical support, ensuring efficient office operations and client file management.

• Transcribed handwritten meeting notes into Microsoft Word, ensuring accurate and organized record-keeping for executive meetings.
• Managed email correspondence and diary appointments, coordinating travel arrangements for senior staff to optimize schedules.
• Prepared, scanned, and managed client files, maintaining confidentiality and accessibility of critical documents.

Co-led the Research Student Association, representing postgraduate students and fostering a supportive academic community.

• Served as Co-President, overseeing initiatives to enhance the postgraduate student experience and advocate for their needs.
• Contributed as a committee member from 2018-2019, actively participating in planning and executing student-focused events and programs.

Represented postgraduate student interests on the university's governing board, contributing to strategic decision-making.

• Served as Postgraduate Student Governor, providing student perspective and input on key university policies and strategies.
• Acted as a crucial liaison between the student body and the university's leadership, ensuring student voices were heard.

Represented diploma program students on the college's governing board, contributing to academic and operational oversight.

• Served as Diploma Program Student Governor, providing student perspective on college policies and academic programs.
• Contributed to governance discussions and decisions impacting the student body and college operations.

Provided student insights to the advisory board for the Resort and Hotel Management program.

• Represented student interests on the advisory board, offering valuable feedback on curriculum and program development.
• Contributed to discussions aimed at aligning the program with industry needs and improving student readiness for the workforce.

Served as Executive Chair and External Co-ordinator for the Students' Union, leading student advocacy and external relations.

• Chaired executive meetings and coordinated external relations, enhancing the union's reach and impact.
• Spearheaded initiatives to improve student life and advocate for student rights within the college and broader community.

Contributed as a writer and editorial reviewer for the Youth Advisory Committee, shaping youth-focused content.

• Served on the writer and editorial review team, contributing to the development and refinement of youth-focused publications.
• Ensured content was engaging, relevant, and accurately reflected the perspectives of young people in the Columbia Basin.

Orchestrated and hosted monthly literary showcases, managing event planning and publicity.

• Led event planning and publicity efforts for monthly literary showcases, significantly increasing community engagement and attendance.
• Served as host for the events, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for participants and audience members.
• Managed all logistical aspects, from venue coordination to performer scheduling, ensuring successful execution of each showcase.

Awarded the prestigious Scotland's Saltire Scholarship in recognition of academic excellence and potential, supporting postgraduate studies in Scotland.

Received scholarship for academic achievement in the Resort and Hotel Management program, demonstrating commitment to the hospitality industry.

Awarded the D. Fowler Memorial Creative Writing Scholarship, recognizing exceptional talent and promise in creative writing.