Before students even pick up a pen or crack open a textbook at the University of the Fraser Valley, their academic journey starts with enrolment. The staff from UFV’s Enrolment Services team offer a warm welcome to newcomers, setting the perfect tone for the exciting times to come. 

They provide valuable frontline support, actively guiding new and returning students through processes, ensuring they understand their options and feel supported. 

UFV could not fully meet students’ needs without the work of this exceptional team, co-winners of the 2025 UFV Teamwork Award. This award recognizes teams who exemplify best practices of collegial, supportive, and effective collaboration in the service of the mission and goals of the university. 

The Enrolment and Records crew includes Ruby Bhatti, Star Brines, Janelle Dochuk, Elizabeth Guevara, Vinni Kaur, Lisa Kouwenhoven, Amanda Pierce, Carrie Whitehouse, Camryn Wolfe, and Adam Magalhaes. 

“Being chosen as the recipients of the 2025 Teamwork Award is an acknowledgment of the crucial work that we are responsible for, throughout the day, each week, year-round,” Adam says. “Enrolment and Records Assistants provide multifaceted and multilayered support to students, faculty, and staff in a variety of ways, and that ensures the university can efficiently, and effectively, deliver on its mission with customer service at heart and student success in mind.  

“The highly functional, dynamic, and collaborative nature within Enrolment Services is anchored in the support and direction received from our coordinators and management, and it is an honour to serve in this capacity.” 

This group does much more beyond registration. 

University processes can feel overwhelming, and they go above and beyond to ensure students feel heard and valued. They help students identify potential issues – such as registration deadlines and missing documents – before they arise, and advocate for students when they face barriers to enrolment, financial constraints, or academic progression. 

The team is deeply engaged in learning about Indigenous perspectives, ensuring Indigenous students feel included and respected, and they work hard to recognize and celebrate all backgrounds and needs. They assist international, Indigenous, and mature students by providing specialized enrolment support.  

The team also offers additional resources such as workshops and online guides to help students navigate registration, financial matters, and academic policies confidently.       

“The team is very aware of how best to support individuals based on their personal needs,” says Delinah Marples, senior associate registrar. “Recognizing more sensitive situations and how to most effectively support is a challenge, especially in front-facing environments. They welcome everyone with empathy and a friendly face, and the level of professionalism displayed by this team is outstanding.” 

What makes the enrolment and records assistants particularly well suited for the UFV Teamwork award is how well they work together. 

“Each of them is assigned to a specific area within the unit –  such as transcripts, fees, registration –  that they are responsible for supporting, and they rotate through these groups periodically,” explains Brayden Tielmann, enrolment services manager. “They all hold varying degrees of expertise on different subjects and tasks, and they are incredibly supportive of one another when questions arise. They effectively leverage the diverse skills and abilities of each team member.” 

Martina Southern, manager of international operations, says the team shows an incredible spirit of camaraderie and respectful collaboration. 

“The environment they have created is all about open communication and mutual support,” she says. “They step in to help one another whenever needed, no matter their specific roles. This culture of collaboration is particularly crucial during busy times, like the beginning of each academic term, ensuring everything runs smoothly.”