Assistant Dean (Student Affairs) appointed
Arig Girgrah has been appointed the University’s inaugural Assistant Dean (Student Affairs) for Intergroup Programs and Community Development effective July 1.
The new role is the first known position of its kind at a University, said Dean of Student Affairs Jason Laker, who personally designed the position.
“I’ve seen positions like this at other schools but not to this particular mould … I am not delegating this task; this is someone who will be a key partner with me in this area,” he said, adding that he thinks Girgrah’s familiarity with the University will prove to be an asset in her new role.
Girgrah hold two degrees from Queen’s and has worked as a Faculty Advancement Officer (Arts and Science), the executive assistant to the dean and associate vice president of Student Affairs. Last year, she acted as the interim Director of Residence Life.
“She’s generated a lot of respect within the University,” Laker said.
In a letter sent to University staff, Laker said the position is designated to “provide venues in which students are actively encouraged and expected to develop individual and cross-cultural awareness and skills in order to promote learning, personal development, and commitments to community and social inclusion.”
Girgrah will be in charge of implementing new initiatives such as a new intergroup community building program which will be designed to encourage crosscultural dialogue amongst students. She will also be in charge of increasing advising services for clubs and individuals.
—Emily Davies
Tett Centre construction to begin fall 2009
Construction for the J.K. Tett Creativity Centre at 390 King St. West is not set to start until fall 2009, said Principal Tom Williams.
The project will be built at the current site of the JK Tett centre along Lake Ontario at 390 King St. West.
The budget is currently targeted at $40 million, with half the money coming from a donation from frequent donors Alfred and Isabel Bader.
The remaining $20 million will consist of financial contributions from both the private and public sectors.
Williams said that the University is appealing to both the federal and provincial governments to support this endeavour.
“We’ve been working with officials from Ottawa and Queen’s Park on funding proposals but nothing will be made available until at least the fall,” he said. “We hope that this new centre will become the best or one of the best music facilities in Canada.”
The project will include facilities to be used by the University’s fine arts department, while additionally acting as a space for the general public.
The space will include a 550 seat concert hall, a 200 seat studio theatre, a rehearsal hall, a sound studio and recording facilities, a climate controlled art gallery, music teaching rooms, a film screening room and the new home of the Department of Film and Media.
Design plans for the project have yet to be finalized.
“The period from now until next spring will be spent on the design process,” Williams said.
—Emily Davies
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