Dean's Message

Academic Plan 2025 - Leveraging our Strengths

A Message from the Dean

Dean Melanie Woodin

The extraordinary breadth of the Faculty makes us distinct within U of T and beyond.

In my role as Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science (A&S) I am privileged to meet so many engaged and inspiring students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and I am excited by the conversations that are shaping our vision for what we can achieve together.

Throughout our planning process, a central theme emerged: the extraordinary breadth of the Faculty makes us distinct within U of T and beyond. Capitalizing on our breadth resonated deeply as a way to anchor our goals and priorities and is the foundation of “Leveraging our Strengths,” the Faculty of Arts & Science Academic Plan 2020-2025.

“Leveraging our Strengths” outlines six overarching priorities for the next five years. These priorities emphasize our role as a leader in the University’s mission of excellence in research and teaching, our ongoing efforts to improve the student experience, and our dedication to further infuse our community and our work with Indigenous learning and knowledge. To facilitate our success, we must also develop and sustain meaningful relationships with key partners and supporters, locally and globally, and continue to nurture our shared commitment to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community. Paramount to achievements in these areas is placing priority on the operational supports and fiscal sustainability needed to carry out our goals.

As Dean, I am committed to ensuring that our success and excellence are not prioritized over the health and well-being of our community, and that we continue to develop a culture of caring and implement the recommendations of the Presidential and Provostial Task Force on Student Mental Health. I am also committed to incorporating the principles of sustainability in all that we do, in part through the Faculty’s role in achieving the U of T Low Carbon Action Plan, and consistent with the University’s important role as a founding member of the University Climate Change Coalition.

Success in carrying out this plan will involve the skills, wisdom, and creativity of everyone in our community. I am grateful for the dedication of our faculty and staff, and for the students, alumni, and supporters who continue to bring meaning to our mission. Your voices have informed these priorities for A&S and will be instrumental in implementing “Leveraging our Strengths.”

Professor Melanie Woodin

Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science

Academic plan 2020-25 (PDF)