Making the best years better

McGill Principal creates Task Force on Student Life and Learning

Student life at McGill University is in for a big boost. Universities are more complex and demanding than ever and, consequently, innovative tools and support are needed to help young scholars succeed. Recognizing this, McGill Principal Heather Munroe-Blum has embarked on an ambitious new project to examine and enhance the University's future: Focus on Students: Principal's Task Force on Student Life and Learning at McGill.

"McGill is a truly unique meeting ground for students and faculty from around the world," said Principal Munroe-Blum. "Our students represent the francophone and anglophone populations of Quebec, the rest of Canada and 140 other countries worldwide. We want to provide them every opportunity to have the best experience possible while at McGill. The Task Force will involve students, staff and professors to examine a broad range of topics and recommend ways to enable students to achieve their maximum potential."

Academically, students today are faced with new challenges posed by technological change (including web-based course material) and increasingly diverse program options (such as interdisciplinary, interfaculty and interinstitutional studies, field study programs and study abroad possibilities). On the personal level, they are dealing with social relations, health concerns, linguistic and cultural adaptation, financial responsibilities, immigration matters, off-campus work and other issues.

The Task Force's working groups will address important themes such as:

• Improving academic services to students.
• Administrative support and student aid services.
• Embracing the differences that make McGill students a uniquely international and diverse group.
• How to take maximum advantage of the special opportunities provided by McGill's location in Quebec.
• Electronic learning and communications (e-experience).

Through broad consultation in the McGill community, the Task Force will examine ways to enhance administrative services for students and minimize bureaucracy. The Task Force will also consider how McGill can most effectively frame its standards and goals for the delivery of services to students in a secular setting.

Later this year, the Task Force will begin reviewing the student experience at McGill and peer institutions. This will include a survey of best practices. After further consultation with the McGill community, it is expected to draft recommendations during summer 2006, and issue a final report in fall 2006.