The Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) is furthering its commitment to student success with the appointment of a special advisor who will work closely with Associate Dean Students Michele Johnson.
Professor Daniel Kikulwe will be taking on the role of Special Advisor on Student Success. An associate professor in the School of Social Work, Kikulwe’s area of research focuses on child welfare practices, policies, families, and immigration. Other areas of research interests relate to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children and its applicability to the global south, as well as kinship care trends in Canada.
Kikulwe will work with the Student Success Team on the Faculty’s academic honesty policy and will help address outstanding cases to allow for a more rapid response. He will also provide guidance on expediting student academic petitions.
“We are thrilled that Professor Kikulwe has accepted the role of Special Advisor on Student Success at LA&PS. He will bring compassion and enthusiasm to this important appointment,” said Dean J.J. McMurtry. “This is just one more way we are ensuring students meet their academic goals.”
Kikulwe says that he was inspired to take on the role of special advisor because of the support he received in achieving his own academic goals. “The pursuit of education requires support from others including family and educators. In fact, I always joke that the back part of our degree and diploma certificates should include acknowledgement of individuals who have supported our academic journeys,” Kikulwe said. “My goal is to join with Faculty and staff and walk behind and beside students as they work toward their academic dreams.”
In addition, Kikulwe will also work with the Faculty’s bursaries coordinator to overhaul existing systems and improve how the LA&PS promotes the existence of bursaries and scholarships.