Dean of the faculty of education selected to take on the role
This month, Professor Alice Pitt agreed to assume the position of vice-provost academic for an 18-month period.
Pitt, who previously served as the former dean of York’s Faculty of Education and as associate dean of undergraduate programs, has been with York since 1995.
Pitt spent five years as associate dean of undergraduate programs. “I became very familiar with senate policies, cyclical program reviews, and the development of curriculum,” she says of her experience at the university.
She says her role as dean significantly increased her involvement at York by allowing her to contribute to the Provostial White Paper as well as to university-government relations.
“I have been very active in discussions about extending the Bachelor of Education degree and changes to the Ontario College of Teachers regulations governing initial teacher education. I also participated in national discussions about education,” she says.
While acting as vice-provost academic, Pitt says she hopes her support for the university’s academic priorities will make an impact.
“Post-secondary education has become increasingly important in our society, and I am very interested in conversations and decisions about how we can improve access to post-secondary education, enhance the quality of student experience, and develop exciting and edgy academic programs that will prepare York’s students for their future roles as creators and decision-makers in Canada and around the world,” she says.
Despite feeling slightly apprehensive about starting, Pitt says she is nevertheless honoured by her appointment to the role and eager to begin working closely with her new colleagues.
“I am as ready as I can be, and I know that I will have very strong support from everyone in the Provost’s office and all the other units I will be working with. There is a lot of expertise and wisdom at York.”
By Milica Markovi?, Contributor
