UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH-HUMBER
Announcement about the interim leadership of the University of Guelph-Humber

We would like to thank everyone for their contributions and commitment during these extraordinary times. The COVID-19 pandemic has required us to make significant changes to our teaching and learning environments in order to continue to deliver quality education under difficult circumstances. We thank you for your efforts and understanding.

The current challenges have had numerous logistical effects. This includes the derailment of plans for finding an ongoing replacement for Dr. John Walsh, who is stepping down as vice-provost of the University of Guelph-Humber following the completion of his third term in June 2020.

Instead, we are appointing two interim leads to head the academic and administrative functions at UofGH for next year, beginning in July.

Dr. George Bragues, the University of Guelph-Humber's current assistant vice-provost and business program head, will serve as interim Vice Provost. He will focus on enrolment management and learning and program innovation, especially in light of the challenges presented by COVID-19.

Brenda Whiteside, who was involved in the UofGH service reviews both during and after her career as U of G's associate vice-president (student affairs), will be the interim Director of Administration and Student Services. She will focus on implementing the results of the service reviews and updating agreements between the two parent institutions and help to manage operations.

Given the size and complexity of UofGH, the vision embedded in the original joint venture document and the outcomes of the reviews conducted, the modified leadership structure will provide the necessary support through this transitionary period. We have endorsed beginning the search for the permanent UofGH leadership in the fall.

Due to this new timeline and the fact that our institutions will be dealing with ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic for some time, we have decided to wait until later in 2021 to proceed with strategic planning for UofGH.

Once again, we appreciate your hard work, dedication and understanding, and we are proud of everything we have accomplished together.