Lakehead U Announces New Faculty of Graduate Studies

(Thunder Bay - November 17, 2005) Lakehead University's graduate programs keep growing, and to keep up with the expanding programs and students, Lakehead U has officially opened a new faculty: The Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Prior to the establishment of the Faculty of Graduate Studies which was passed at Senate on October 28, Graduate programs at Lakehead U were managed through the Office of Graduate Studies. As Lakehead continues to develop more Masters and Doctoral-level programs, the need for a Faculty of Graduate Studies became more urgent to unify the procedures governing the administration of Graduate programs across faculties and disciplines.

"Our goal in changing from an 'office' to an official Faculty was to effect a cultural change, to increase the credibility of graduate studies at Lakehead U, and to enhance the reputation of our teachers and researchers," says Dr. Gary Boire, Dean, Graduate and International Studies. "In one sense, we wanted to move to a more sophisticated structure to reflect the growth in Graduate programs. The Faculty would also coordinate efforts to promote graduate studies, facilitate interdisciplinary graduate programs, and foster a sense of community among graduate faculty and students."

Lakehead U has 26 Masters programs and three Doctoral programs. These programs are listed on the following page.

"The Faculty of Graduate Studies is made up of strong individual units which are autonomous, yet interconnected; independent, yet cross-supportive," Dr. Boire adds. "This new Faculty will have clearly established criteria for membership; clearly written and consistent regulations for both Master's and Doctoral programs; and a clearly articulated strategic plan. The Faculty increases our programs' credibility with the Ontario Council of Graduate Studies, which ensures quality Graduate education and research across Ontario, and with potential students. This is a positive step for Lakehead U."

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Media Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, 807-343-8177 or 807-472-9113.