Faculty and students key priorities for new provost

Enhancing the quality of student life both within and beyond the classroom and supporting faculty in the delivery of high-quality and innovative teaching are two of the priorities of McMaster’s new provost and vice-president Academic, David Wilkinson.

To support these goals the provost is restructuring two key portfolios within his office. The new roles are an associate vice-president (Students and Learning) and dean of Students, and an associate vice-president (Faculty). The changes were approved by Senate on Wednesday and go into effect on July 1, 2013.

“The existing AVP roles have served the University well,” said Wilkinson. “But McMaster continues to evolve and delivering on the priorities and principles of Forward with Integrity requires a more focused approach. The reorganization of responsibilities will help us focus on the services students need to be successful and will more effectively support faculty in their roles as educators.” The two positions will work in close partnership to foster a holistic approach to education and teaching.

The AVP Faculty will support Faculties and faculty members in their role as educators and will help to lead the development and implementation of initiatives that enhance the research-focused student-centred culture of teaching at McMaster. Interdisciplinary programs not administered by a Faculty, the Centre for Leadership and Learning, Centre for Continuing Education and educational programs with college and university partners are part of the portfolio.

Matters relating to undergraduate and continuing education students, including student life on campus, will be the responsibility of the AVP Students and Learning and Dean of Students. This work will focus on student development, learning and the many support services offered to students through the Office of the Registrar, Enrolment Services, the Student Success Centre, Housing and Conference Services and Athletics and Recreation.

Current AVP Student Affairs and dean of Students Phil Wood has served two full terms in the role and had agreed to stay on through the 2012/13 academic year to help provide continuity during the change in provosts. “To say I’ve loved this job is an understatement,” said Wood. “Having the chance to spend so much time with students is the biggest benefit of the job. Seeing the Student Success Centre open and the wonderful new athletic facilities for students are just two of the many accomplishments I will always look back on with great pride.”

Peter Smith will complete his term as AVP Academic in June. During his tenure he helped lead the revitalization of the scholarship of teaching and learning through the restructuring of the Centre for Leadership and Learning and development of a robust quality assurance process for academic programs. “I’m looking forward to refocusing on my research and teaching,” said Smith. “Working in the provost’s office has been a wonderful opportunity and I’ve been fortunate to have worked with so many colleagues from across the University.”

Wilkinson said, “The University has benefited from these dedicated and passionate leaders and I’m confident we will be just as fortunate as we begin the search for our new AVPs.”