President, Ralph Springett
I went to high school in Palmerston North. Being born in England and being pre-teen in Western Australia it was only on returning from my OE that I made the decision to call Palmerston my home. Now, at 42, with two bright young children, a PhD (horticulture) wife and a lovely home, I am starting to gain traction on a new pathway – a pathway made possible by extramural study.
In 2005 I enrolled at Massey University, studying both internally and extramurally, with the intention of completing the BA (English) I had started twenty years earlier. Life was a juggle as it is for most mature extramural students. The balance of work, study and my family required support from all areas. My chosen work was to set-up and systematically professionalise a Café – a task that improved my skills in management, accountability and communication. Concurrently I operated as a Roving Assessor for the hospitality industry, awarding NZQA qualifications to trainees in the workplace through my own business Foodsystems
In 2007 I was elected to the position of Vice President (Education) at MUSA. Here I gained knowledge of the structures and systems of Massey University and the Tertiary Education Sector. I was involved in strategic planning, complicated advocacy cases and represented Massey’s internal students on many principle boards and committees.
I feel privileged to be a part of EXMSS. My passion for support and representation of extramural learners continues to grow as I witness the achievements, often in difficult circumstances, of extramural students.
Off Campus Editor and Web designer, Murray Kirk
I have a strong background in Education, having taught music at the Southland Polytech (now SIT) in the 90s then going on to complete a Dip Tch (primary) at the Southland Campus of the Dunedin College of Education. After spending a year teaching numeracy and literacy and computer skills at two PTEs; Southland Academy and Frontline Training Academy I moved up to the warmer climes of the Manawatu. I first worked at Freyburg Highschool developing and leading a remedial programme for secondary students but then came to work for EXMSS here at Massey. Over the years I have worked in most areas in EXMSS, though lately have been concentrating on the provision of web-based services, with the assistance of Adam Dodd and editing the Off Campus magazine.
When not at work I am actively involved in music production, occasionally teaching guitar and also spending time renovating my little house and keeping my sheep happy.
I have also completed a Grad Dip Sci at Massey majoring in Ecology and hope someday to do my Masters.
Student Services Manager, Anne Moretti
Anne Moretti has had the perfect training for her job as student support manager – not only is she the holder of a Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood) and a Playcentre Supervisor’s Certificate.
Add five years as a secretary in the College of Education and 15 years as a pre-school teacher, and you can see Anne knows how to deal firmly with troublesome students.
Although cagey about her origins – she is from either Auckland or Brisbane depending on which side of the Tasman she is on when asked – Anne has an unmatched ability to find her way through the Massey labyrinth and point students in the right direction.
