I am reaching out to share some exciting leadership changes on the Transition and Academic Supports team for the upcoming year.  

As many of you know, Dimple Rai (She/Her) started in the role of Associate Director, Advising and Career Services this past May. Dimple will, however, be going on parental leave in September for 18 months as she is expecting her second little one and we are thrilled for her as she embarks on this new adventure in parenthood! 

While Dimple is on leave, Phil Legate (He/Him) has agreed to step into the Associate Director, Advising and Career Services role. Phil is currently the Manager, Advising Services and has been working with the Advising and Career Services team in that capacity for the past two and a half years. Phil’s knowledge and experience with this team position him well to support this team in Dimple’s absence and he will step into the Associate Director role effective September 5, 2023. 

This coming September, Nafeeza Kadir (She/Her), who is the Manager, Student Learning Services will be returning from parental leave. We are excited to share that upon her return she will be joining the Advising and Career Services team as the Manager, Advising Services to backfill Phil for 18 months. Nafeeza recently completed her MEd in Higher Education with OISE and we know that her knowledge, strong leadership skills and experience with developing learning support programs and faculty partnerships will be an asset to the Advising and Career Services team as they continue to work closely with faculty and campus partners to support student success, career development and retention.  

We know this has led to a domino effect in terms of gaps on our leadership team but we are confident that we will find some great talent to the step into the Manager, Student Learning Services role for the next 18 months and will share when the role has been filled.

Please join me in congratulating Phil and Nafeeza on their new roles and Dimple on her growing family. 

Melanie Chai (She/Her) 
Associate Dean, Transition and Academic Supports