�������ϲʿ����ӿ�

Karin Ruhlandt has only been on the job for a little more than a month and is already humbled by the welcome she’s received. 

“What intrigued me about coming to �������ϲʿ����ӿ� is that it has a reputation as a very caring, close-knit campus community,” says Ruhlandt, who became vice-principal, academic and dean in early July,  after eight years in the role. 

“The work being done to support students is something I’m very passionate about. There’s a real mission to make everyone here feel welcome and help them succeed. That is what I’ve experienced so far.”   

Ruhlandt joins �������ϲʿ����ӿ� having spent her entire career in the United States. She was recently at Syracuse University where she is a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, and where she held various roles including chair of the Department of Chemistry, and most recently, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Champion of equity, diversity and inclusion

Under her guidance Syracuse University undertook several programs and initiatives to enhance the student experience, while also focusing on attracting and retaining a diverse, world-class faculty. The college also completed its first ever academic strategic plan under her leadership. 

Ruhlandt says her passion for championing access to opportunities for underrepresented communities is partially rooted in her own experience. For the first eight years in the Department of Chemistry she was the only woman faculty member, and during her time as an undergraduate and graduate student she never once had a woman instructor. “Having  role models for our students is a high priority,” she says.

Ruhlandt is particularly proud of her work in collaborating with others to facilitate programs such as ,  and Woman in Science and Engineering (), among others. Founded in 1999, Syracuse University’s WiSE program provided network and learning opportunities to woman STEM students by connecting them with mentors in their field. 

The university’s SUSTAIN (Strategic Undergraduate STEM Talent Acceleration Initiative) is geared towards retaining first-year STEM students, particularly those from underrepresented communities including BIPOC students from rural areas as well as low-income students. The program is multi-faceted but includes mentorship, opportunities for social connections and other forms of support. Ruhlandt says since the program was launched it’s been a resounding success, leading to a 93 per cent retention rate for first year STEM students. 

Meanwhile, the ACS-SEED program contributed funding to high-achieving students from low-income families from the Syracuse City School District so they can experience an academic setting, learn about opportunities on campus and participate in research with established labs. 

Linda Johnston, U of T vice-president and principal of �������ϲʿ����ӿ�, says she is thrilled to have someone of Ruhlandt’s ability and expertise join the campus. 

“Given Professor Ruhlandt’s demonstrated track record and experience in advancing accessibility, equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, I am confident that under her leadership and guidance we will continue to grow a campus environment where the voices and experiences of all community members are valued and uplifted,” she says. 

Campus-wide listening tour and vision for the future

Ruhlandt is still meeting with various departments and student groups across the campus to better understand their needs and how they can help inform her vision as dean. 

One area of interest she hopes to explore is bringing  for students as well as exploring more experiential learning opportunities. She is impressed with �������ϲʿ����ӿ�’s reputation as a leader in co-op education and is hoping to expand experiential opportunities to even more students. 

Everyone has been so welcoming and I’m really starting to understand why this campus is such a special place

She also hinted at increasing undergraduate research opportunities by partnering with the Office of Vice-Principal Research and Innovation. She’s also excited about the future Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH) and the role it will play in educating future health professionals, particularly from underrepresented communities. 

“My first duty is to get to know the campus and get to know the people here, so I’m doing a lot of listening at the moment,” she says. 

“Everyone has been so welcoming and I’m really starting to understand why this campus is such a special place. I’m excited to be here and to get an opportunity to continue making �������ϲʿ����ӿ� even better than it already is.”