Two UofGH Program Heads offer words of wisdom and a little advice for those who will be at the front of the class during this back-to-school season.
Dr. George Bragues, Program Head, Business
What's the best piece of advice you ever received from a mentor?
Be prepared. Preparation is everything.
What makes UofGH different from other universities?
The great thing about our students is that they reflect our pedagogy – they are inquisitive and career-focused, and enjoy equally weighted theoretical and practical learning.
What do you hope new faculty members get out of their experience here?
I hope that they will refine their own understanding of the topic that they’re teaching. The great economist and philosopher Adam Smith once pointed out that the best way to know something is to continually practice and teach.
What's the most important thing you've learned from your students over the years?
Balancing substance and style. While substance is critical to good teaching, how you present the information is just as important. This is especially true when dealing with theories and concepts that are not tangible to everyday experiences; it’s even more critical in these cases to use creative ways of teaching.
Dr. Gary Ellis, Program Head, Justice Studies
What's the best piece of advice you ever received from a mentor?
Always do the right thing – even if the right thing may not be the best thing for you.
What makes UofGH different from other universities?
Aside from our unique programming, our size allows for students to get to know each other and their professors very well. There’s a real positive, active and collegial environment.
What do you hope new faculty members get out of their experience here?
I want them to feel part of the Guelph-Humber family. The strength in our faculty lies in the fact that in addition to teaching, they work in the occupations that our students aspire to, and as such, act as role models. I’m confident this will strengthen their relationships with their students, and ultimately make them feel at home.
What's the most important thing you've learned from your students over the years?
We are fortunate to have unique students, and with that comes a responsibility to consider each student’s unique qualities in order to help them get the most out of their experience here.