As announced on March 23, 2017 in PDAD&C #78, a consultative process of exploration is underway regarding academic programs and research in forestry and related disciplines at U of T including the potential academic restructuring of the Faculty of Forestry.

Professor Mohini Sain will complete his first term as Dean of the Faculty of Forestry on June 30, 2017. Professor Sain has informed me that he is not wishing to consider an extension to his term.

Dean Sain led the Faculty through its recent self-study and Provostial Review processes, highlighting the overall quality of the Faculty’s research activities and professional master’s programs, as well as its role in influencing climate change and environmental policy in Canada and around the world. Professor Sain is himself a leading researcher in the area of forest biotechnology and nanotechnology, respected internationally for his work in developing products for industrial applications.

In accordance with Section 60 of the Policy on Appointment of Academic Administrators, I am writing to call for the nominations of individuals to serve on the Committee that will advise on the appointment of a Dean, whose term of office will be two years, with the possibility of renewal in accordance with the Policy. The Policy mandates the composition of the Advisory Committee as follows:

• The Vice-President & Provost (Chair);
• Three to five members of the teaching staff of the Faculty;
• One to three students of the Faculty;
• The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, or representative;
• One librarian, where appropriate;
• Two or three other qualified scholars from within or outside this University, but outside of the Faculty;
• In addition the Committee may include an alumnus/a, a member of the administrative staff, and a senior member of the appropriate professional community.

The Advisory Committee will begin meeting this spring. Nominations for the Advisory Committee should be submitted by April 21, 2017.

I am also inviting the submission of nominations for the position of Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, for consideration by the Advisory Committee. Nominations for the Advisory Committee and nominations for the position of Dean can be submitted via the online forms. Questions about this search process should be directed to Assistant Provost Archana Sridhar at archana.sridhar@utoronto.ca.

Please join me in thanking Dean Sain for his dedicated service to the Faculty of Forestry.