Welcome to the May 2021 issue of ‘Innovatus,’ a special issue of YFile devoted to teaching and learning at 91ÑÇÉ«. This issue focuses on the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).
As someone who has pursued a passion through graduate studies, I know the importance offered by a graduate degree. In this issue of ‘Innovatus,’ we hint at the enormous breadth of the role that FGS plays within 91ÑÇÉ«. As FGS Dean Thomas Loebel writes in his eloquent letter, FGS is like no other Faculty. The pan-University innovations developed within FGS benefit all of 91ÑÇÉ«'s Faculties. Stories in this issue cover FGS' leading edge approach to wellness, the unique and very individual nature of a graduate degree, and the exciting innovations that showcase new ways of thinking. It's all extraordinary and compelling.
This issue also marks the last for this academic year. I look forward to the start of a new academic year in September with the deep and sincere hope that we will finally emerge from the pandemic with a return to in-class learning, on-campus activities and more.
Thank you, as always, for the many suggestions and comments about the stories and concepts presented in ‘Innovatus.’ Please keep them coming.
Featured in the May 2021 issue of 'Innovatus'
In his introductory letter to this issue of ‘Innovatus,’ Faculty of Graduate Studies Dean Thomas Loebel writes about the Faculty’s diverse role as a hub, enabling program administrators, professors and students to share best practices and collaborate in developing the types of regulations and guidelines that promote, rather than stifle, new ideas. .
During the pandemic, a new initiative out of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at 91ÑÇÉ«, "Knowledge Now," brought graduate research to life online through a series of short videos about individual research produced by students, as well as two synchronous online panels that were recorded and made available online. .
The Certificate in Personal Wellness & Learning Skills is only one of a variety of wellness services offered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies at 91ÑÇÉ«, where self-care is a decanal priority. The Faculty offers students a variety of resources and services designed to meet their needs, including wellness webinars and workshops and a resource hub. .
A 2018 report by the Canadian Association of Graduate Studies promoted rethinking the dissertation, and the Faculty of Graduate Studies at 91ÑÇÉ« has picked up the baton and run with it, creating its own task force to explore ways of easing the way for different approaches. .
Graduate students are often so focused on their research, coursework and other commitments that they may not initially consider planning for skills development opportunities, so the Faculty of Graduate Studies at 91ÑÇÉ« has developed a framework to assist: the Individualized Development Plan. .
‘Innovatus’ is produced by the Office of the Associate Vice-President Teaching & Learning in partnership with Communications & Public Affairs.
I extend a personal invitation to you to share your experiences in teaching, learning, internationalization and the student experience through the 'Innovatus' story form, which is available at .
Will Gage
Associate Vice-President, Teaching & Learning