I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ravina Sanghera as Vice-Provost and Dean of Students for a term of August 15, 2023 to June 30, 2028.
Dr. Sanghera is currently the acting Associate Dean of Students and a clinical associate professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. As acting Associate Dean of Students, Dr. Sanghera led the restructuring and expansion of the Academic Success Centre, co-chaired the Student Accessibility Action Plan Working Group, improved procedures in Dean of Students proctoring services, reignited peer lunch and learn sessions, and established relationships across faculties and campuses. Prior to this, she served as the Assistant Dean of Student Services in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences since 2017. In this role she established and implemented a revised framework of student services centred on mental health and wellness, professional identity formation, and academic excellence. Under her leadership, her office organized sexual and gender-based violence education, workshops focused on anti-racism and gender education, centralized the accommodations implementation process, developed workshops on learning strategies tailored to students in health disciplines and implemented ongoing social and professional activities to foster student-faculty relationships.
Dr. Sanghera is excited to position the Dean of Students as a leader in student affairs, an ally for the colleges and faculties, and a hub of critical resources for the campus community. She is committed to fostering a meaningful, uplifting, personal student experience in which students flourish and impact the University community and beyond.
Dr. Sanghera succeeds Dr. André Costopoulos, who steps down following seven years of service in the role on June 30, 2023. I would like to thank Dr. Costopoulos for his leadership as the Vice-Provost and Dean of Students and to the institution during his tenure. I would also like to thank Dr. Helen Vallianatos who served as Acting Vice-provost and Dean of Students while Dr. Costopoulos was on administrative leave.
Lastly, I want to thank the Dean Selection Committee for their hard work and recommendation on this important decision for the future of the Dean of Students.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Sanghera on her appointment.
Verna Yiu
Interim Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
Melissa Padfield
Deputy Provost (Students and Enrolment)