Candidate Statements: Two Regular Staff Members to the Vice-President, Academic & Provost Nominating Committee
Joyce Barlow – Workplace Accessibility Specialist – Human Resources
I have been with the University for 5 years, working to advance equitable access and inclusion for our disability community. I have collaborated with many departments and faculties in bringing accessibility into their work. I have a strong understanding and knowledge of relative social justice legislation, including the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Ontario Human Rights Code. In considering the Provost’s reappointment, I will bring the perspective of applying an equitable, inclusive and accessible lens in all that we do and the accountabilities at all levels of the organization, from individual contributors to senior leadership.
Alan Binns – Director – Special Constable Services
My name is Alan Binns (Binnsy) and I currently hold the position of Director, University of Waterloo Special Constable Service, formerly UW Police Services. I am proud to say that I have been a member of the UW family for over 30 years, during the good and sometimes challenging times. My previous and current positions at UW have enabled me to form strong and extremely valued relationships with members of our community at both our main and satellite campuses. My strengths are my extensive UW relationships/partnerships and my ability to communicate and work together towards the common goal.
Trenny McGinnis – Administrative Officer – School of Pharmacy
Throughout my 41-year career at the UW (three of those at St. Jerome’s University), I have provided strategic and administrative leadership, advice and support to senior university officers, chairs/directors, faculty, staff and students. My experience encompasses both academic and academic support units. and I am currently the Administrative Officer in the School of Pharmacy. My experience on nominating committees includes, most recently, the Dean of Science Nominating Committee and the Nominating Committee for the Pharmacy Director. I am comfortable expressing my opinion, will strive to understand the issues, and will provide a voice for staff that is balanced and informed.
Norah McRae – Associate Provost – Co-Operative and Experiential Education
The Associate Provost, Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE), reports into the Provost and engages with regular interactions. Given the strategic importance of the co-op program and the vision for expanding other forms of work-integrated learning, it is of critical importance that any UW Provost has a strong understanding of CEE and our strategy. As the leader of this unit, I am well positioned to provide my perspective on the Provost’s engagement in CEE and would welcome the opportunity to support the work of the re-appointment committee.
Beth S. Namachchivaya – University Librarian – Library
I interact regularly with staff, students, faculty, alumni and the broader community, to connect individuals and groups with information and expertise that supports learning, research, and community development in the University. Since joining the University of Waterloo in 2017, I have been engaged in University-level governance and related activities through a number of groups, including: the PACSC (staff compensation), UCIST (information technology), the Senate, the Board of Governors, and the Copyright Advisory Committee. If appointed, I would provide perspective from working with diverse campus groups and programs that are focused on the University’s academic mission.
Trish Owens – Instructional Support Coordinator – Professional Development Program
As a staff, alumni, and current graduate student with three children poised to attend the University of Waterloo, I have a personal and professional interest in the academic and administrative excellence of the University. Excellence starts with the leadership of the University and flows through every aspect of this amazing institution. If accepted to sit on this committee it would be my honour to follow due process and give fair, unbiased consideration to the reappointment of Dr. Rush for a second term as Vice-President, Academic & Provost.
Mona Skuterud – Administrative Officer – School of Accounting and Finance
I have worked in administrative leadership roles at the University of Waterloo for ten years. These positions have included Administrative Officer at the School of Architecture, the Stratford School and the School of Accounting and Finance. I also served a secondment in the Faculty of Mathematics as the Executive Officer. The benefit of serving in three faculties, with assorted numerous contacts in the academic support units would complement the staff member for the VP, Academic & Provost nominating committee.