Office of the Dean of Students renamed to Student Success and Experience
"It's about meeting the students where they're at, and I feel like that name better encompasses that," Sanghera says.
Jasleen MahindruAs of August 1, the University of Alberta’s Office of the Dean of Students (DoS) has changed its name to Student Success and Experience (SSE).
The Gateway spoke with Ravina Sanghera, vice-provost and DoS, and Sarah Wolgemuth, associate vice-president (student experience), to learn what’s behind the new name and what it means for students.
Previous title was acting as “a barrier,” according to Sanghera
The name was chosen to better reflect the “extensive range of services” the office provides, Sanghera said.
According to Sanghera, the former title was “serving as a barrier” to students reaching out to the office because of its connotation.
“We heard anecdotally from students and faculty members that when they received a message labeled as from the [DoS], it was seen as being punitive or of high concern and [that] was actually shutting down the conversation.”
The new name seeks to promote accessibility and approachability, Wolgemuth said.
“We wanted a title that was more strengths-based that highlighted the services we have,” she added.
“This name doesn’t negate one’s challenges they may experience while they’re here, or any harms they experience,” Sanghera said. “It’s about meeting the students where they’re at, and I feel like that name better encompasses that.”
New name, same services
Consultation surrounding the name change occurred over six months and included engagement with various students, staff, and faculty members. The name change aligns with naming trends seen in other Canadian universities that are “shift[ing] away from the singular identity of DoS,” according to Sanghera.
“Students can often be confused as to where they need to go for help and … many schools have gone this direction in trying to name things more functionally just to help students navigate,” Wolgemuth added.
The SSE portfolio operates through a dyad leadership model including both Sanghera and Wolgemuth. Although the title of the office has changed, its services remain in place.
“[It’s] still the same great services and the same great people that work here,” Wolgemuth said.
Moving forward, Sanghera and Wolgemuth hope the name change encourages more students to access SSE services.
“I hope this name does indicate to our community that if you don’t know where to go, we’re happy to take your queries. We’re happy to welcome you in and help you figure that out,” Sanghera said.
