As a new Dean, I have a lot to learn. I bring experience and commitment to the job and respect the diligent work by the committee of students and faculty who recommended me for the position. I am, however, only one person out of the vast 黑料不打烊 community, and we each have our own perspective on how to achieve the best, most valuable University experience for everyone. Lately, I have been thinking about the most productive ways for us to communicate ideas and create a meaningful dialogue.
I am interested in what you think. If you had just been appointed Dean, what would you do to get conversations started? How would you learn which ideas and issues to focus on, and make the most of the talent that is out there? While I plan to create more formal avenues for community feedback and will share my ideas in future Dean鈥檚 Corners, if you have thoughts you鈥檇 like to share now, feel free to听deanofstudents [at] mcgill.ca (send me an email).
Also, I鈥檇 like to acknowledge the stress everyone is feeling as we head into the winter of this difficult year. Amidst such uncertainty, progress and decision-making can feel slow. But, as is always the case, it鈥檚 important to have everyone鈥檚 input so that the actions we take are well-considered and leave no one behind. This takes time, and I know it鈥檚 easy to imagine the worst in the absence of concrete information. Rest assured, there will be announcements about the Winter semester coming soon; meantime, in the words of Douglas Adams, 鈥淒on鈥檛 Panic.鈥� We鈥檙e in this together, and there is always help. If you feel overwhelmed, be sure to reach out.