Students' Union welcomes Dr. André Costopoulos, new Dean of Students at the University of Alberta

News Staff - Wed Mar 23, 2016

The University of Alberta Students’ Union is pleased to welcome Dr. André Costopoulos to his new role as Vice-Provost and Dean of Students at the University of Alberta beginning July 1. An associate professor of anthropology, and the Dean of Students at McGill University since 2014, Dr. Costopoulos has spent much of his career working closely with students in a variety of academic and administrative roles.

His projects at McGill include the university’s “Ask an Advisor” program, which simplified the process for students looking for student affairs support. He also worked on implementing the school’s early alert system, which uses the course management system to help instructors identify students who need additional supports.

Navneet Khinda, the current Students’ Union President, is excited to have Dr. Costopoulos join the University’s administrative team. “His philosophy and approach to this portfolio will be a great fit here,” she says. “I like that he acknowledges the importance of working with students to find a solution, since that creates further learning opportunities. There are a lot of great opportunities on campus to make some positive changes for the community.”

Vivian Kwan, Vice President (Student Life) at the Students’ Union, was a member of the Dean of Students hiring committee. “Dr. Costopoulos knows how to make students feel that they are being heard,” she says. “His student-first approach really stood out for us, and we are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with his office.”

The Students’ Union would also like to express its sincere thanks to Dr. Robin Everall, who has served as the interim Vice-Provost and Dean of Students for the past two years.

The SU is the official body that represents the nearly 30,000 undergraduate students at the University of Alberta. It acts as a strong advocate for students both on campus and at all levels of government.

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Alix Kemp
External Communications & Media Advisor
alix.kemp@su.ualberta.ca
780-492-4241

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