There has been some recent discussion on campus and in some of the student press about the process to appoint a new Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning). I would like to correct some misconceptions that have been circulated about this process.

The Advisory Committee for the Appointment of a Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) was established to advise on this appointment, in keeping with McGill Statute 3.4.1, which states:

“Before recommending an appointment for the office of Provost, Deputy Provost, or vice-principal, the Principal shall have consulted an advisory committee consisting of four representatives of the Board of Governors, four representatives of the Senate and two students. The Principal shall be ex officio chair of the advisory committee.”

It should be noted that, going beyond these parameters, I appointed two special advisors, representing the McGill Association of Continuing Education Students (MACES) and the Macdonald Campus Students’ Society (MCSS). This brought the number of students who sit on the committee to four. (The special advisors do not vote, but participate fully in all aspects of the committee, including sharing their views.)

The establishment of this Advisory Committee was preceded by a year-long consultation process. I hosted many structured meetings with a wide range of individuals, including two retreats with leaders of the Student Societies and Faculty student associations. Students from Macdonald Campus and Continuing Studies associations actively participated in those retreats and offered significant contributions. Considerable and thoughtful feedback from students has thus been incorporated into the search process.

In addition to the representatives from the Student Societies and Associations, the Deputy Provost’s direct reports, and others with knowledge about, experience with, or a demonstrated interest in, student life and learning at McGill, also participated in this consultation. This extensive review was designed to carry forward and strengthen the recommendations of the Principal’s Task Force on Student Life and Learning, and its administrative response, as well as the Principal’s Task Force on Diversity, Excellence,  and Community Engagement.

As part of the review process, the Provost’s Office also investigated policies and practices at peer Canadian and U.S. research universities, with the goal of identifying relevant organizational elements and processes.

To dismiss, as some have, the Board of Governors as out of touch with current student needs is as insulting to these dedicated volunteers as it is inaccurate. Our Board members pay keen attention to all aspects of University life and do not merit such a cavalier, broad-brushed dismissal. As noted by the facts above, there has been significant consultation with students regarding the Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) position and search process. As the McGill Statutes require, the Board of Governors is represented on the Advisory Committee.

To suggest, as some have, that the current Deputy Provost as inaccessible and remote is similarly inaccurate, as anyone would know if they had spent some time checking the record of his interactions with student groups who represent both graduate and undergraduate students at McGill. That he hasn’t always acted exactly in the way some might prefer in no way diminishes the quality of his valuable contributions to McGill.

Through his participation in the most senior levels of University administration, the Deputy Provost has been a vigorous champion of the need for a positive environment for student life and learning. For example, he was instrumental in the development of Service Point.

Over the past year, there has been broad consultation and much thoughtful consideration regarding the portfolio and position of the Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning). These efforts are part of the University’s continuing commitment to be a student-centred University that puts student considerations at the forefront.

Anthony C. Masi is the Provost of McGill University. He chairs the Advisory Committee for the selection of a Deputy Provost (Student Life And Learning).