Frequently Asked Questions

OISE's Transition to a Four-Department Structure

Faculty & Staff

I'm a faculty member affiliated with one of the programs that are moving. When am I moving and what do I need to know?

Faculty in Counselling Psychology, Adult Education and Community Development, and History and Philosophy of Education will automatically move with their programs to their new departments, effective July 1, 2012. All faculty involved in a change of academic appointment (e.g. to a new department) will be contacted directly with further details. The PTR assessment for the calendar year 2011 will take place within the current five-department structure.

Note: Faculty across OISE, including faculty in the programs named above, will have the option to apply to move to a program other than the one to which they currently belong (see below for more details).

How will the transition to a four-department model affect administrative staff in OISE's current departments?

We do not yet have details regarding the staffing plans for the reconfigured departments. However, there are department staff representatives on all four Transitional Councils. One of the responsibilities of the Transitional Councils is to assess resource needs, including staffing, and to make recommendations regarding those needs to the Dean’s Institutional Planning Committee. It will take some time to evaluate and respond to those recommendations. In the interim, current staff can always contact their HR and/or union representatives. As a rule, departments will not be hiring new permanent staff during the transition period.

I would like to move to a program other than the one to which I currently belong. How do I do that?

All faculty may apply to move to a program other than the one to which they currently belong. Faculty will have to make a case for the legitimacy of the proposed move and demonstrate that it aligns with the principles guiding restructuring by completing a request form and providing a CV showing relevant expertise. If both affected department Chairs agree to the move, the request will go to the Dean for final approval.

How will governance structures and processes be affected by departmental restructuring?

All departments will have their own governance processes. One of the responsibilities of the Transitional Councils is to develop appropriate governance structures and processes for the newly reconfigured departments.

Will the new grouping of programs under the four-department model result in the movement of colleagues into a common space?

One of the responsibilities of the Transitional Councils is to assess resource needs, including space, and to make recommendations regarding those needs to the Dean's Institutional Planning Committee. In addition, a space audit for the building will be conducted, taking into account the new departmental structure; all of the information and recommendations will assist the Committee in developing a comprehensive plan.

I'm a staff member in a non-academic unit. Do I have a role in the transition process?

Concurrent with the work of the Transitional Councils within the departments, the Dean and/or Associate Deans continue to meet with many of the non-academic units (Registrar’s Office, Education Commons, etc.) to exchange information and ideas so that the transition to the new department structure can be implemented smoothly, with appropriate supports in place for faculty, students and staff. Many staff will be involved in preparing for or attending those meetings and the conversations that ensue. The Dean will also continue to hold specific information meetings for administrative staff.

Beyond the transition process itself, is the ongoing work of implementing the other significant aspects of OISE's strategic plan. Many staff have already been involved in task forces and working groups, and will have the opportunity to continue to contribute to the implementation efforts. Stay tuned for specific calls for participation.

Who can I contact for more information?

Questions pertaining to individual departments or programs should be directed to the relevant Department Chair or Program Coordinator. For all other matters regarding the transition process, please email dean.oise@utoronto.ca.