We’ve pursued our commitment to experiential teaching and learning with passion. This year, our students have completed 2,815 placements and we’ve added 86 new partners. Students’ education has also been enhanced by innovative interprofessional and pedagogical initiatives.
We’ve begun a restructuring of the undergraduate section of the Academic Office, as well, to better meet the growing, complex needs of our students. These changes are meant to offer more personalized, integrated service, thus favouring student retention and satisfaction.
We’ve continued our efforts to build an inclusive community. Our Allies for Change series, Black History Month talks and focus on student research dealing with the health of Black and francophone communities speak to our tangible commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
We’ve also been able to collaborate effectively with our clinical partners. Whether it’s crisis management training or organizing joint vaccination clinics, these projects have shown our ability to adapt and innovate to meet student needs.
I’m lucky to be surrounded by a leadership team that I can count on and that support me every day. I’d like to take a moment to thank some leaders whose terms are coming to an end:
- Mary Egan, who’s been serving as director of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences for the past few years.
- Martin Bilodeau and Matthieu Boisgontier, who have been acting co-directors of the physiotherapy program during Stéphane Poitras’s academic leave.
- Chantal Matar, who has done a great deal for the nutrition sciences master’s program.
And it’s my privilege to welcome some new faces to the leadership team:
- Matthieu Boisgontier, who’s moving into the director role at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences for a three-year term.
- Krista Power, who’s rising to the challenge of serving as assistant director of graduate studies at the School of Nutrition Sciences for the next three years.
- Brandi Vanderspank, who has accepted a three-year term as director of the School of Nursing.
- Julie Nantel, who’s taking over from François Gravelle as assistant director of undergraduate studies at the School of Human Kinetics.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to recognize the commitment of Riadh Hammami, who has been interim director of the School of Nutrition Sciences for the past year and who will continue on in this role for a three-year term. Finally, thanks so much to Judy King, vice-dean of interprofessionalism, partnerships and practical education, for her continued dedication.
