In August, 2015, a transitional academic organization structure was introduced. I am pleased to share the following updates intended to support and strengthen the academic sector as we move forward. I am delighted to announce that:
1. Dr. Melanie Spence-Ariemma will formally be named Vice Provost. For the past 8 months in her acting capacity, Melanie has demonstrated outstanding leadership for the Faculties, Library and Learning Services, Centre for Teaching and Learning and Centre for Professional and Organizational Development. I am confident that the strong working relationships that have developed will continue to thrive as Melanie assumes her permanent role as Vice Provost.
2. Brian Jervis’s present portfolio will be expanded as he becomes Associate Vice President, Scholarship, Research and Creative Activities (SRCA). Brian’s professional experience in research and development in the technology sector, interpersonal strengths and passion for Sheridan’s people and Vision all contribute significantly to his expertise as our leader for Institutional Research, Office for Applied Research and Innovation (formerly Sheridan Undergraduate Research Office), Research Centres (SIRT and SERC) and Academic Enterprise Systems. The Institute for Creativity and Creative Campus is the new addition to this portfolio and will further enrich the SRCA conception at Sheridan.
In this context, Cindy Gillett has agreed to assume the role of Director of the Office for Applied Research and Innovation (replacing her Acting Dean of Research function). Together, Brian and Cindy will ensure that our faculty and students’ research initiatives are appropriately encouraged, supported and tracked.
3. Dr. Has Malik is our new Associate Vice President, Academic Pathways and Planning. He will continue in his leadership of the Faculty for Continuing and Professional Studies (FCAPS) and for Academic Planning as he has been doing in his “interim” capacity. Has will now assume leadership for the promotion, operationalization and tracking of pathway opportunities and experiences for our students. This initiative is of pivotal importance to the unique role we envision for Sheridan and Has brings his long-term commitment to academic access to this portfolio.
Dr. Yael Katz will move from her “acting” capacity to become Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHASS) in addition to her present portfolio as Director of the Institute for Creativity and Creative Campus. Yael’s passion for, dedication to and expertise with these portfolios is evident and very much valued.
The Vice Provost; Associate Vice President, SRCA; and Associate Vice President, Academic Pathways and Planning are three critical portfolios that reflect our fundamental belief in the importance of teaching and learning, SRCA and academic pathways for our students. I have every confidence that the leadership provided by Melanie, Brian and Has will provide the vision, support and mobilization for the essence of what is Sheridan. Please join me in congratulating them as we move forward. The attached organizational chart reflects the above revisions.