As you may or may not know, Dean Adel Sedra is quickly approaching his maximum term limit as dean here at Waterloo Engineering. As a result, the University has convened a Nomination Committee to help select his successor. The committee is composed primarily of faculty from both within and outside of Engineering, as well as two staff and two student representatives (one undergrad, one grad). As the undergraduate representative, my job is to ensure that student’s concerns, opinions, input, feedback and thoughts are heard and taken into consideration throughout the search and election process. I am responsible for making sure that students’ voices are heard.
A memo was sent out to all members of the Engineering community on June 29th asking for input from students, staff, faculty, and anyone else who was interested in giving their input to the committee. Since this new dean will ultimately have big shoes to fill following Dean Sedra’s term of tremendous growth, it is critical for students to give their input and feedback as it will be very important in shaping and directing the search.
I strongly encourage you to send your comments in writing to any of the following three people:
- Trevor Jenkins, undergraduate representative at t.ek.jenkins@gmail.com;
- Erin Windibank, the Associate University Secretary at erin.windibank@uwaterloo.ca;
- Gerri Woodford, executive search consultant supporting the committee from Janet Wright & Associates Inc, at gwoodford@jwasearch.com.
All comments are due no later than July 31st, 2011 and will be held in confidence within the committee.
Some questions to think about include:
1. What are the issues, challenges and opportunities facing the Faculty of Engineering?
2. What are your aspirations for the faculty in the next five years?
3. What advice do you have for the search committee as to the background, credentials, qualifications and leadership style that should be sought in the next Dean?
4. Do you have any suggestions as to individuals to whom the committee should speak to about this opportunity?
Feel free to contact me with any further questions, comments or feedback you may have throughout the process. Good luck with exams!