Vice-Dean, Governance and Internationalization

During 2021–2022, the Office of the Vice-Dean, Governance and Internationalization (VDGInt), continued to develop and implement its two-fold mission. We have continued to promote internationalization despite ongoing travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a mix of virtual and in-person activities. Our Model United Nations course travelled to New York City in April 2022, as one of the first in-person excursions from the University of Ottawa in two years, earning several prizes at the competition. Four field research courses will depart Canada for international destinations in Spring-Summer 2022, with a fifth course proceeding online. Our international internships continue to be virtual, with a planned return to international travel in Fall 2022. I want to thank all professors, staff, and students for their flexibility and understanding as we navigated significant travel uncertainty over the past year. Our internationalization programs are coming back stronger than ever, and we hope to continue to offer virtual opportunities for “internationalization at home” in the future for a certain number of students who desire international opportunities while remaining in Canada.  

With respect to governance, our major project for this year has been updating the Faculty of Social Sciences’ Strategic Plan for the period 2022-2025. The Strategic Plan is a collaborative effort of the Faculty’s academic and administrative staff. It is an ambitious Strategic Plan that outlines our values as a Faculty and provides a roadmap for future growth and achievement. I want to thank members of the writing committee and the steering committee for their tireless work on this important project. Other governance projects include offering training sessions and materials for incoming Directors of academic units (for the first time) and preparing Frequently Asked Question documents for Directors and Coordinators for navigating internal governance issues.

This is a period of change for the University, as we navigate new funding realities and academic priorities. In the face of these challenges, we will continue to work with our units to develop innovative approaches to serving students, professors and the broader community.

Nathan Young
Vice-Dean, Governance and Internationalization