Susan Barker reappointed Vice-Provost (Student Experience)

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Susan Barker has been reappointed for a 5.5-year term as Vice-Provost (Student Experience) effective Jan. 1, 2017.

Earlier this year, Barker indicated her willingness to be considered for reappointment. An Advisory Vice-Provostial Review Committee was established to consider Barker’s performance during her first term and the appropriateness of her reappointment. The committee invited and reviewed commentary from the campus community. The committee also interviewed Dr. Barker. Following the process, the committee recommended renewal, and I was pleased to accept that recommendation.

Barker holds a PhD from the University of Lancaster and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Distinction) from the University of Manchester. Prior to joining the University of Calgary, Barker was chair of Secondary Education and professor in Science and Environmental Education at the University of Alberta. From 2008 to 2010, she served as associate dean, Undergraduate Programs and Services, Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. Susan Barker was appointed Vice-Provost (Student Experience) at the University of Calgary on July 1, 2012. 

Since joining the University of Calgary, Barker has aimed to continuously place students at the centre of decision-making, mindful that each student’s experience is unique. Barker champions a “one student at-a-time” approach within Student and Enrolment Services — by recognizing and addressing the needs of individual students, improvements to services are identified that will benefit the wider student community.

During her first term, Barker placed a major emphasis on improving admissions and registration processes at the University of Calgary. Barker led an admissions processes review, added additional admissions staff, and implemented a range of initiatives aimed at attracting high-quality students. A key achievement was the implementation of “Registration 2015” which saw the academic schedule released four months earlier than in previous years and earlier admission and registration as a result. This initiative demonstrated how improvement to an administrative process can have a significant and positive impact on the student experience. Additionally, students have benefited from improvements in exam scheduling, where final exam schedules are available earlier and exam conflicts have been nearly eliminated.

Barker has shown unwavering commitment to creating a fair and just campus, demonstrated through the review and enhancement of many university policies and procedures that directly affect students. Under Barker’s leadership, a new Student at Risk Policy and new Student Accommodation Policy have been adopted. Barker has also revised the model for the Student Ombuds Office, which is now a well-utilized and highly regarded service for students.

During challenging times, Barker’s leadership skills and genuine compassion for our students and for the larger Calgary community have been demonstrated in extraordinary ways. This was most evident during two devastating events in recent years: the flood of June 2013 and Brentwood tragedy in April 2014. Throughout these difficult events, Susan worked tirelessly, and sought out every possible opportunity for collaboration, and integration of services to ensure our students and our community were supported. Barker has been instrumental in the development of UCalgary Strong, which arose out of the Brentwood tragedy. One of the most comprehensive programs of its kind at a Canadian university, UCalgary Strong integrates elements of student personal wellness, leadership and engagement, enabling student resiliency and success.

In her upcoming term, Barker will be working to further align Student and Enrolment Services with the energized Eyes High strategy as it is developed. In support of Eyes High, Barker has identified six thematic priorities that will be operationalized as part of a five-year strategic plan within Student and Enrolment Services: Student Success and Engagement, Fair and Just Campus, Health and Well-Being, Inclusive Community, Innovation and Sustainability. Continuing to support the implementation of the Campus Mental Health Strategy and the Indigenous Strategy as it unfolds will also be key objectives for Barker and her unit. 

I would like to thank the members of the Advisory Vice-Provostial Review Committee, which I chaired, for their diligent work and contribution to this process. They are: Anne Katzenberg (Vice-President Research representative), Tina Gabriele and Cindy Graham (GFC representatives), Jan Crook and Shawna Cunningham (academic staff representatives from Student and Enrolment Services), Debbie Bruckner and Michelle MacKenzie (MaPS representatives), Barb McCutcheon and Tracey Pyke (AUPE representatives), Penny Werthner (decanal representative), Patrick Ma (SU representative), Veronika Kiryanova (GSA representative), Marcia Epstein (Faculty Association representative), and Brian Sembo and Bonnie MacRae-Kilb (community representatives). 

Please join me in congratulating Susan Barker on her re-appointment.

Dru Marshall

Provost and Vice-President (Academic)