Greetings!
On behalf of the Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ, I want to offer congratulations as you commence another year in your academic pursuits. Whether this is your first or final year of graduate studies I want to congratulate you on your commitment to academic excellence and express my appreciation that you are here! You are an important part of creating our vibrant community. We are better because of the more than 6,800 full- and part-time graduate students across more than 70 graduate programs.
Our academic community, like our city, is made up of people like you with big ideas and the drive to make them happen. Collaboration, innovation and hard work, along with scholars like you, are reflective of the critical part we play in the success of our city, province, country, and the world. Together we write the next chapter of a shared story; with the Growth through Focus framework offering a blueprint for how we can extend our vision and impact, while future-proofing our institution and community for rapidly changing times.
As a graduate student you are emerging as a scholar, on a path of discovery to turn challenges into opportunities and improve the world and its societies. The impact of your work reflects the importance of graduate education, and of research-intensive universities. We believe that you have chosen the best place to further your education, and we are glad you are here! At our foundation are commitments to reconciliation and ii’taa’poh’to’p, our Indigenous strategy; to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and to students and the student experience. These are part of our ongoing work as one of Canada’s leading research institutions. The Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà is well on its way to becoming known as Canada’s entrepreneurial university – where innovative and creative thinking, along with transdisciplinary excellence, empowers us to tackle society’s biggest challenges, and supports our student body in writing its own future.
The Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà has a commitment to graduate education that focuses on student experience and features signature programs and access to experiential learning opportunities. We welcome you – whether in person or virtually – to a safe and inclusive campus that supports you as you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in your chosen field.
Finally, graduate education provides the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in areas you are passionate about, and it is important to recognize that you are not alone in your efforts. Together we are better. We hope that you will make the most of your time with us, and utilize the many programs and services available from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the Graduate Students' Association, and the university to support you. And if there is more we can do to support you, I hope you will speak up and let us know!
I wish you great success in all you do.
Dr. Teri Balser
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
Welcome