[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/self.jpg” caption=”Peter Self has been appointed the School of Graduate Studies’ first assistant dean for graduate student life and research training.”]Peter Self has been appointed the School of Graduate Studies' first assistant dean for graduate student life and research training.

The new position, unique among research intensive universities in Canada, will oversee all aspects of graduate student life and help to build a stronger, more inclusive community for graduate students and other research trainees, such as postdoctoral fellows.

“I am very excited to be in this new position,” said Self. “I'm looking forward to working with our graduate students and research trainees to enhance their entire experience while at McMaster.”

In this capacity, Self will be responsible for implementing events and programs in support of the professional development and social growth of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and other research trainees. He also will establish and oversee the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and the Office of Undergraduate Research, and will work to provide opportunities for and highlight the successes of all of McMaster's research trainees.

“The goal of this new position is to formalize the job of enhancing the graduate student and research trainee experience,” said Allison Sekuler, associate vice-president and dean, graduate studies. “In his previous role, Peter was instrumental in recognizing and addressing a wide range of student needs, and his efforts have led to changes that truly have enhanced that experience. We are thrilled to have him in this new position.”

“It has become increasingly important to expand existing services and resources and to implement new ideas and programs to engage graduate students and address the needs of our unique community,” said Ayesha Rashid, president of the Graduate Students Association. “I commend the School of Graduate Studies for taking the initiative to create this position and appointing Peter as the inaugural assistant dean. We are looking forward to working even more closely with him in this new role.”

Self comes to the position with an extensive record of service at McMaster, having worked in three different faculties and most recently as assistant and associate registrar in the School of Graduate Studies.