Professor Locke Rowe is coming to the end of his planned three-year term as Dean of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) and Vice-Provost, Graduate Research & Education on June 30, 2017. Dean Rowe has informed me that he does not wish to consider an extension to his term.

Dean Rowe has been responsible for transformational change at the School of Graduate Studies, in response to the review that was conducted in 2013-2014. He has revitalized SGS as a student-centric site of graduate research and education. He spearheaded renovation of the School’s space, conducted an overhaul of its processes and procedures, and undertook major efforts at improving communications with graduate students, faculty supervisors, and graduate administrators. Through Dean Rowe’s incredibly dedicated efforts in collaboration with the Graduate Students’ Union and academic departments, SGS has made graduate student funding and financial aid much more transparent. He has also brought a robust, data-driven approach to understanding graduate professional development and outcomes, helping students make better decisions about their own educational plans. The legacy left by Dean Rowe is no less than wholesale culture change at SGS, which is now an engine of innovation in graduate education and student services. I am very pleased that he has agreed to provide advice and assistance to me on a range of matters following the end of his term as Dean.

In accordance with Section 61 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 new Dean and Vice-Provost. The Policy mandates the composition of the Advisory Committee for the Dean of SGS as follows:

• The Vice-President and Provost (Chair);
• One member of the teaching staff from each of the divisions of the School of Graduate Studies;
• One Dean of a Faculty or School;
• One Chair of a graduate department;
• One Director of a graduate Centre or Institute;
• One to three graduate students; and
• One librarian, where appropriate.
• In addition, the Committee may include an alumnus/a, a member of the administrative staff, and a qualified individual from outside the University.

The Advisory Committee will begin meeting this spring. Nominations for the Advisory Committee should be submitted to the Provost’s Office by April 28, 2017.

I am also inviting the submission of nominations for the position of Dean of the School of Graduate Studies / Vice-Provost, Graduate Research & Education, for consideration by the Advisory Committee. Nominations for the Advisory Committee and nominations for the position of Dean and Vice-Provost 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 Rowe for his incredible service to the School of Graduate Studies.