To: Graduate students at the University of Waterloo
Cc: Faculty Associate Deans, Graduate Studies; Faculty Administrative Assistants, Graduate Studies; Faculty Recruitment Officers; Department/program Graduate Co-ordinators; Department/program Graduate Officers/Associate Chairs; Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs staff; The Centre staff
From: Marianne Simm, Director, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
Subject: New leadership and ongoing support
Date: Friday, July 12, 2024
July marked the beginning of new academic leadership for graduate studies at the University of Waterloo and within Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA).
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Justin Wan and Dr. Clarence Woudsma, who formally began a one-year term as Interim Co-Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs on July 1. They succeed Dr. Jeff Casello, who served as Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs from 2016 to 2024. Before taking on this new role, Justin and Clarence served as Assistant Vice-Presidents, GSPA, in 2023/2024.
Prior to his role in GSPA, Justin collaborated with different units and offices across campus to create multiple new graduate programs, led initiatives to strengthen graduate students’ financial support, and created opportunities for efficiencies within the Faculty of Math.
Before joining GSPA, Clarence led initiatives within the School of Planning that included several student-centred efforts in teaching innovation, the introduction of new graduate degrees, and significant revisions to all graduate degrees in the face of evolving accreditation standards. His work has resulted in the comprehensive integration of graduate students in all facets of the academic and professional community.
Both Justin and Clarence are excited to take on their new leadership roles within the GSPA and continue their commitment to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars at the University of Waterloo. To reach either Justin or Clarence, you can email avp-gspa@uwaterloo.ca. For a full overview of the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs team, visit our profiles.
In addition to sharing this news, I want to take this opportunity to strengthen our ongoing commitment to you, our graduate students. You are an integral part of the University of Waterloo, an institution that facilitates and promotes academic excellence and one that supports your journey to engage and advance new knowledge through impactful research and academic studies.
On behalf of our graduate studies community at the University of Waterloo, I want to ensure you have the necessary tools, resources and support to succeed in your studies, research and personal aspirations. In addition to the university-level supports, as a graduate student, your primary resources are your supervisor, your graduate co-ordinator, your graduate officer or program director, and your associate dean, graduate studies. These academic and professional staff are here to offer their support as you progress through the requirements of your graduate degree. Within GSPA, we continue to offer resources that are available to all students.
We are committed to providing you with a world-class education and community experience.