dean, faculty of fine arts university of victoria presented by · dean, faculty of fine arts...

Position Profile Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts University of Victoria January 22, 2016 of 13

Position Profile

Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts

University of Victoria

Presented By:

404 — 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E2 Canada Tel: 604-998-4032 | Fax: 1-888-443-4028

Email: [email protected] www.hwest.ca


TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................................................... 2

THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA ...................................................................................................................... 3

FACULTY OF FINE ARTS ................................................................................................................................. 5

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA ...................................................................................................................... 6

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................................... 7

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 11

HOW TO APPLY ........................................................................................................................................... 13


THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA OVERVIEW

Established in 1963, UVic is recognized as one of Canada’s leading research universities and offers a rich

and supportive learning community for students and faculty alike. The University is widely recognized

for leadership in research, inspired teaching, a broad-based co-op program, and community

engagement. Ranked consistently among the top universities in Canada and internationally, its success

is built on the high quality of its educational offerings and student experience, excellence in research,

and the integration of research into

teaching.

In 2014, UVic set out to deepen its

understanding of why faculty, staff,

students and partners choose UVic over

other top Canadian and international

universities. The culmination of those

qualitative and quantitative insights are

three ingredients that define the institution

and set a bold path for how UVic

will remain a university of choice in the

future. The three ingredients are: dynamic

learning, vital impact and extraordinary

academic environment. The fusion of these three ingredients is called the UVic Edge.

UVic offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional degrees.

More than 20,000 students, including 3,406 graduate students, are enrolled in academic programs

offered by the University’s 10 Faculties - Fine Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies,

Human and Social Development, Humanities, Law, Science, and Social Sciences – and its two Divisions -

Medical Sciences and Continuing Studies. The University has nearly 5,000 employees, including 886

faculty members. The University awards about 4,300 degrees a year and has over 116,000 alumni

worldwide. Campus events, including plays, concerts, ceremonies, art exhibitions, conferences,

continuing studies programs, public lectures, films and athletic events attract a total audience of more

than 500,000 annually.

UVic takes pride in its inclusive and increasingly diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The

University is committed to fostering a personally engaging and intellectually stimulating learning

environment. Most students are not local, creating an opportunity for a residential focus and a strong

sense of community. The University supports students through a responsive curriculum and a variety of

co-curricular activities and services. UVic is home to one of the largest university co-operative education

https://www.uvic.ca/home/about/a-university-of/index.php


programs in Canada, integrating academic studies with relevant paid work experience in more than 45

academic areas. The strong focus on civic engagement is reflected through community-based

internship, field schools, research and clinical programs, continuing education, artistic collaboration,

athletic opportunities and knowledge transfer initiatives. UVic is also recognized for its commitment to,

and expertise in, innovative programs and initiatives that support Indigenous students and communities.

VISION

Our vision is to be a university of choice for outstanding students, faculty and staff from British

Columbia, Canada and the world. We aspire to be the Canadian university that best integrates

outstanding scholarship, inspired teaching and real-life involvement. As members of a diverse and

dynamic learning community, we challenge one another to become thoughtful, engaged citizens and

leaders, prepared to contribute to the betterment of a rapidly changing global society.

MISSION

The University of Victoria (UVic) enriches its students and society by creating knowledge, fostering

academic and experiential learning and serving communities in British Columbia, in Canada and around

the world. We build on the strength and diversity of our people – students, faculty, staff, and alumni –

to strengthen our position among the best universities in Canada, recognized for excellence in teaching,

learning, research, artistic creativity, professional practice and service to the community.

We are committed to:

• Providing a high-quality learning and research environment, both in and outside the classroom

• Integrating teaching, learning, research and community engagement across the disciplines

Employing our core strengths to benefit our external communities – locally, regionally,

nationally and internationally – and promoting civic engagement and global citizenship

Promoting the development of a sustainable society through our programs of education and

research and the stewardship of our own financial and physical resources

Collegial forms of governance that provide appropriate opportunities for all members of the

university community to participate

Environments for work and study that are safe, supportive, inclusive and healthy, foster mutual

respect and civility, recognizing that people are our primary strength

Public and internal accountability

USEFUL LINKS

For information on UVic, please visit: www.uvic.ca.

http://www.uvic.ca/


FACULTY OF FINE ARTS Dedicated to the principles and practices of experiential learning and community-engaged research, the

Faculty of Fine Arts is an important contributor to the intellectual and creative success of the University

of Victoria locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Faculty of Fine Arts is one of the pre-eminent faculties of its kind in Canada. Among all the post-

secondary institutions in British Columbia, it is the only Faculty of Fine Arts. Inaugurated in 1969, the

Faculty of Fine Arts is well established at the University of Victoria and is home to the Departments of

Art History and Visual Studies, Theatre, Visual Arts, Writing and the School of Music. Additionally,

through the Dean's Office, the Faculty offers interdisciplinary courses ranging in topic from cultural

issues to technology—anchored by our Studios for Integrated Media.

The Faculty is comprised of 64 regular faculty members, 55 sessionals, 4 artists-in-residence, 3 limited

term appointments and 31 regular support staff, the faculty has over 1,000 full-time equivalent

undergraduate students (7% of the University total) in its BA, BFA, BMus., certificate and diploma

programs, as well as 83 graduate students in its MA, MFA, MMus, PhD programs. Annually the Faculty

awards approximately 200 undergraduate degrees and 20 graduate degrees.

The Faculty is a recognized cultural centre for the local community with more than 200 plays, concerts,

exhibitions, readings, and events hosted every year.

MISSION

The fine arts enhance and transform our lives and our world. As such, the Faculty of Fine Arts provides

the finest training and learning environment for artists, professionals, and students involved in the arts.

It nurtures the arts in performance, in writing, in exhibition and in scholarship. As part of the university

and wider community, our faculty provides a space for diverse contributions to cultural expressions and

ensures the growth of knowledge and experiences of life-long learners. Our overarching mission is to

prepare students for the cultural challenges of the 21'' century.

USEFUL LINKS

For information on UVic’s Faculty of Fine Arts, please visit: https://finearts.uvic.ca/.

https://finearts.uvic.ca/


VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA

With its spectacular scenery and charming

ambience, it is no surprise that Victoria, British

Columbia is one of the world’s favourite

destinations. Victoria, the provincial capital, is

known for its old-world charm, lively arts and music

scene, fine dining and myriad of outdoor pursuits.

Victoria and the Gulf Islands boast the mildest

climate in Canada. Summertime is typically warm

and sunny, with frequent ocean breezes.

Temperatures reach average highs in the mid 20's Celsius (70 to 80 Fahrenheit). In winter, Victoria is the

most temperate city in all of Canada, with temperatures that rarely dip below 0 Celsius (32 Fahrenheit).

Victoria also benefits from being situated in the "rain shadow" of the US Olympic mountains, receiving

half the annual rainfall of nearby locations like Vancouver. With one of the mildest climates in Canada

and gardens blooming year-round, Victoria (population 330,000) is aptly nicknamed "The City of

Gardens".

Victoria has earned a reputation as a mecca for adventurers drawn by the limitless outdoor activities

available in the city and throughout the Islands. Because of the temperate climate, outdoor activities

take place year round. Many people sail, kayak, fish and play golf in January. Beaches are open to the

public and even residential areas have corridors allowing public access. Because Vancouver Island's

topography is so varied, you can actually choose your climate. Within a few hours drive, you can enjoy

skiing in the Mount Washington region or you can make a weekend trip to the world-renowned Whistler

ski resort. Other interesting nearby destinations include Vancouver (population over 2 million) and

Seattle (State of Washington), both just a ferry-ride away.

USEFUL LINKS

For information on life in Victoria please visit: http://www.uvic.ca/opportunities/life/index.php.

For tourist information on Victoria please visit: http://tourismvictoria.com/.

http://www.uvic.ca/opportunities/life/index.php

http://tourismvictoria.com/


POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES FUNCTION

Reporting to the Vice-President Academic & Provost, the Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts is responsible for

providing strategic and administrative leadership to the Faculty of Fine Arts as the chief academic and

administrative officer. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Dean works in collaboration with

the Deans and academic leaders, senior administrators and staff, as well as other key stakeholders to

implement and advance the University’s Strategic Plan and objectives.

KEY OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES

Lead the collaborative development of the Faculty’s Strategic Plan in the context of the University’s

Strategic Plan and the University’s Enhanced Planning Tools initiative and to inspire the University’s

Academic Plan, Indigenous Academic Plan and International Plan

Promote the Faculty across campus and in the broader community; ensure that stakeholders are

aware of current Faculty initiatives and opportunities for future collaborations; foster and grow

existing and new strategic alliances and partnerships

Understand and value the diversity and variation of disciplines within the Faculty; understand the

complex resources and constraints under which they operate

Recognize and respond to the evolving post-secondary landscape; e.g., internationalization,

demographic shifts, enrolment trends and graduate employment options; respond proactively to

the environment and navigate the changes in a transparent and collaborative manner

Evaluate and measure the quality of programming; ensure that the appropriate infrastructure is in

place to support existing and future students, faculty and teaching innovations

Advocate internally, provincially and nationally for funding; identify new, creative and sustainable

funding sources; actively participate in University-wide fundraising activities

Lead and build collaborative networks to support innovation in teaching and learning and the

development of disciplinary and interdisciplinary programs and curriculum

Set priorities for growth and development initiatives within the Faculty that build on existing

capacity and demonstrated strengths

Participate in international student recruitment activities and build relationships abroad to support

and increase international partnerships, exchanges and opportunities; ensure relevant supports are

in place for international students

Build, implement and regularly evaluate a strategic enrolment management plan to support Faculty

and program growth as well as resource and space challenges

http://www.uvic.ca/strategicplan/


RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

Articulate the identity and vision of the Faculty to the University and the wider community; build

and engage support

Recognize, communicate and value the differences in pedagogy, research and creative practice that

exist within the Faculty, to foster an environment of collegiality, and encourage the development of

collaborative and interdisciplinary initiatives

Identify and set priorities for development initiatives that build on existing capacity and

demonstrated strengths within the Faculty

Represent and interpret the interests of the broader University to the Faculty; effectively and

independently represent and advocate the interests of the Faculty in the University

Identify and articulate the complex resource needs of the Faculty; work collaboratively with other

leaders in the Faculty to develop academic plans (including student, staff and faculty recruitment

plans) that will enable the Faculty to successfully meet its commitments

Advocate and work creatively to maintain and improve the quality of the Faculty’s programs;

participate in the review of the Faculty’s programs and support program renewal and advancement

Champion equity issues and inclusion; foster a supportive and respectful working environment that

is committed to diversity

Research and Creative Activity

Promote excellence and integrity in research and creative activity

Support and advocate research productivity, creative production and scholarship of teaching

Facilitate research productivity and creative production

Identify opportunities for scholarly collaboration across the University and beyond

Assemble resources to support the Faculty’s education, research and creative activities

Teaching and Learning

Facilitate high quality program development and experiential learning; inspire innovation and

change while building on teaching excellence and a student centred approach

Consider the impact of, and foster programming with, the Divisions of Co-operative Education and

Continuing Studies

Promote the use of contemporary technology to enhance learning style preferences and teaching

pedagogies

Sensitive to the diversity of pedagogical, research and creative approaches across the Faculty

Promote and support Aboriginal scholarship and learning

Support resources for students seeking accommodations


Management

Provide effective administrative and office management of the centralized office

Leadership of a complex multi-union Faculty

Oversee staffing plans, budgets and application of university policies and procedures, etc.

Formulate and implement academic and financial plans

Prepare budget estimates and priorities; administer the Faculty budget and make effective decisions

regarding allocations to the academic units

Provide advice and counsel to academic administrators

Facilitate dialogue regarding the effects of enrolment trends and the impact on the Faculty’s

infrastructure and resources

Recruitment

Plan and prioritize personnel needs for the Faculty, ensuring that viable hiring plans are in place

Establish strategies that enhance the Faculty’s ability to compete in the recruitment of high calibre

faculty and staff at a national and international level

Provide leadership in student recruitment to best recruit high quality undergraduate and graduate

students; recognize the unique needs and interests of both undergraduate and graduate students to

promote the best learning environment; liaise directly with the UVic Student Recruitment team

Provide general oversight of admissions and academic standards

Communication

Establish clear and transparent lines of communication with faculty, staff and students and facilitate

communication between these parties

Ensure appropriate lines of communication are established with various units across the University

Communicate effectively with stakeholders external to the University, particularly in situations

where advocacy is required

Internal and External Relations

Serve on Senate, Dean’s Council and the President’s Advisory Council; represent the Faculty on

various other committees and councils

Establish and maintain contacts with external deans, university officials, government officials and

industry and community leaders

Participate in relevant provincial, national and international organizations to promote the interests

of the Faculty and University

Capitalize on opportunities to connect with the leaders in Victoria’s vibrant art community


Consult, liaise and work creatively with other universities and relevant communities regarding the

Faculty’s programming

Engage, promote and advocate for undergraduate and graduate student success and resources

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to:

The Vice-President Academic and Provost

Interacts with:

President, Vice-Presidents and Associate Vice-Presidents

Deans, Executive Directors and Directors

Associate Deans

Directors and Chairs

Faculty members

Staff members

Students

Indigenous leaders & Elders

Alumni

Donors

Government (municipal, provincial, and federal)

Granting agencies

External arts agencies


CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

GENERAL

The Dean will be an involved and proactive leader for the Faculty. The successful candidate will have a

broad understanding of the arts and art education and their value to society, as well as the ability to

champion those values in the University and broader community. The candidate will have knowledge of

and respect for the special needs of teaching and research in the Faculty of Fine Arts, including studio

courses, and a concern for the needs and interests of students.

The successful candidate will be an inspiring and strategic leader with a strong record of success as an

academic administrator and a strong understanding of the arts and art education in Canada. The

successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to navigate change in a transparent and

collaborative manner, and will be an accomplished academic who possesses a substantial record of

achievement in teaching and research. Exceptional advocacy and communication skills are essential.

BACKGROUND

Candidates must hold a PhD or Master of Fine Arts degree in a relevant discipline with a

distinguished creative or scholarly reputation in the candidate’s field

EXPERIENCE

The Search Committee recognizes that no single individual is likely to meet all of the following criteria in

equal measure; nevertheless, the Dean of Fine Arts will have/be:

Demonstrated scholarly achievement of excellence in research and teaching with an established

record of service

A clear understanding of the disciplines and diversity within the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University

A record of success in academic administration, including:

o Setting priorities and managing a workload with substantial responsibilities

o Developing and implementing budgets; allocating effectively in a climate of financial

constraint

o Human resources related to faculty and staff, including staffing plans

o Delegating responsibility while maintaining accountability

o Interpreting, creating and implementing policies and procedures

o Setting organizational goals and indicators of performance and measuring outcomes


Demonstrated understanding of complex university-wide issues such as space, funding, and

recruitment of excellent students, faculty and staff; the ability to effectively develop and implement

plans

Experience in undergraduate and graduate student recruitment and retention, in a challenging fiscal

environment

Experience leading faculty and staff recruitment, including development and support

A proven ability to develop a strategic plan and goals, set priorities and make decisions regarding

resources to achieve those goals; ability to maintain a broad perspective and achieve balance

between competing needs

Experience identifying and obtaining resources through development initiatives and other sources

Knowledge of relevant programming at a provincial, national and international level

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Professional and discreet with sound judgement, integrity and diplomacy

Empathetic, even tempered and works well with others

Fair-minded, politically astute mediator; inclusive with the ability to integrate opposing views and

productively resolve conflicts

Persuasive in dealing with diverse stakeholders to create common purpose and vision

Proven ability to make and be accountable for difficult decisions through fair and appropriately

transparent processes

Excellent verbal communication skills, able to:

o Consult widely; build consensus with faculty, staff, and students

o Communicate effectively with stakeholders outside the Faculty, particularly in situations where

advocacy is required

o Confidently articulate to a variety of audiences (e.g., one-on-one, small or large groups)

o Facilitate discussions and debate on difficult issues; communicate difficult decisions thoughtfully

and collegially

Strong written communication skills

Skilled in working with diverse populations

An innovative and creative problem solver who is flexible and open to change

A demonstrated and meaningful commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion


HOW TO APPLY

The University of Victoria is an equity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with

disabilities, visible minorities, Aboriginal peoples, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and

others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University. All qualified candidates are

encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Should you be interested in learning more about this unique leadership opportunity, please contact

Carol Robinson or Paul Phillips at 604-998-4032 or forward your résumé, a letter of introduction and the

names and contact information for three referees, in confidence, to [email protected]. We will respond to

all who express interest.

.

mailto:[email protected]

dean, faculty of fine arts university of victoria presented by · dean, faculty of fine arts...

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