Meet Dr. Sandra Jarvis-Selinger, associate dean, academic. Dr. Jarvis-Selinger commenced here at UBC Pharm Sci in June, and is responsible for leading the academic portfolio. We caught up with Sandra to find out more about her academic background and experiences – and received some great advice in the process.
Sandra Jarvis-Selinger
Tell us about yourself! What did you do before starting at UBC Pharm Sci this summer?
I began as associate dean, academic on June 15 of this year. Prior to that (Friday, June 12), I was the Director of Curriculum in the MD Undergraduate Program and assistant dean, faculty development in the UBC Faculty of Medicine. It was quite a shift being comfortable and knowledgeable in one role on a Friday and then being in a brand new role on Monday. In my early days I felt like an imposter!
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Having grown up in Northern Ontario, I understood what the Canadian experience was like…cold, snow through the fall, winter and spring, and in the summer – mosquitos. Moving to Vancouver in 1992 changed my definition of the Canadian climate.
What did you study at University?
I had a very storied educational career. I completed a General Bachelor of Arts and an Honors BA in Political Sciences, thinking I wanted to go to law school. I have a Bachelor of Education, Masters of Educational Psychology, and finally finished a PhD in Human Learning, Development and Instruction. So through all of that I consider myself a Developmental Psychologist and (for quite a while) a professional student.
From your ‘professional’ student perspective, what advice would you share with students?
Balance is key. I know professional training programs raise the stakes of what you have to know, the time you spend immersed in learning everything new, and having to make critical transitions from classroom-based through simulation-based, to practice-based learning. But make sure you can balance everything you’re being asked to do and everything you want to do. Find time to connect with your classmates, family and friends. Balance what you’re doing now with time to think about where this is leading you. Even decisions that seem small can have big consequences. For example, I thought I was coming to UBC to do a two-year Masters program and would head right back to Thunder Bay. That was 22 years ago.
What are you most excited about in this new role?
I’m excited about facilitating the changes that are happening in our academic programs. I feel as an associate dean my role is to help make change possible, empower people to think differently, and then get out of the way and let it happen. I like being in a position to see success and feel that I can support teams to achieve their goals.
Current students: Every month Dr. Jarvis-Selinger will be sending you a “From the Desk of the ADA” email with news, updates, and advice. Stay tuned for details on an upcoming lunch event.
Teaching and Course Evaluations Reminder
For those of you who haven’t had a chance to complete your teaching and course evaluations yet, we strongly encourage you to complete them. Your thoughts, opinions, and suggestions matter to us.
Follow