UNBC President Breaks With Tradition
Prince George, B.C. – When a University hires a new president, there is a formal ‘installation’ ceremony, during which the new President is given their ceremonial convocation robes.
UNBC’s new President Daniel Weeks, is skipping that ceremony.
Instead, he will see the dollars normally spent on an installation put towards student awards. Depending on who is invited, an installation ceremony can carry a price tag of $35 to $50 thousand dollars. “I wanted to do something that fits my priorities” says Dr. Weeks “So we will be directing some of these awards towards Aboriginal students, and other awards towards students coming to UNBC ‘s experiential learning programs.”
He says he feels it is “important to invest in our students, the people who are the reason we exist”.
His official installation will be part of the College of Arts Social and Health Sciences convocation ceremony on May 29th.
His Inaugural Address will take place on June 20th, as part of the University’s final 25th Anniversary event. It will be a fitting time for him to present his vision for UNBC as it heads into its next 25 years.
Dr. Weeks says he doesn’t think his inaugural address will hold any great surprises “I think people are getting to know me quite well and by that time, they will have a pretty good sense of where we’re going. I will just be emphasizing it and laying it out for folks more formally in June.”
Comments
Why plan for a party, planning for strike possibilities
Well, he is trying to become popular.
Putting the party money to better use is great.. Had no idea that much was spent on just one event of this nature
Thank you Mr. Weeks. In September I am funding my daughters degree. Good to know someone up top values my money.
Its possible he’s just trying to become popular, but its a good thing to do. It shows fiscal restraint and humility. Give him credit for it unless and until he turns out to be insincere.
Both smart and respectful. I think this is what UNBC needed after Dr. Iwama’s insane travel bill for him and his wife.
Bad news day for caterers everywhere.
A common sense, down to earth approach from the exalted halls of higher learning?
Priceless!
On the other hand, I’m not sure what value there is in ‘awards’ are they an instrument used to generate good feelings in the recipient?
Or are they a reward of sorts, for a singular accomplishment, or significant achievement?
Enquiring mind seeks enlightenment.
metalman.
By the way its Dr. Weeks not Mr. weeks.
Cheers
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