Our Dean & Staff
Leadership
Jennifer Copeland
Acting Dean of the School of Graduate Studies & Postdoctoral Affairs and Acting Associate Vice-President (Research)
Dr. Jennifer Copeland is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education and the Acting Dean of the School of Graduate Studies & Postdoctoral Affairs and Acting Vice-President (Research). She has served in this role since March 2026. Dr. Copeland earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Mount Allison University before completing an MSc and PhD in Exercise Physiology at the University of New Brunswick.
Jackie Rice
Dean of the School of Graduate Studies & Postdoctoral Affairs and Acting Associate Vice-President (Research) (On Leave)
Dr. Rice is a Professor of Computer Science and is currently serving as Associate Vice President (Research) and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs. She has served in this role since March 2020 and was renewed for a second term in 2024. She attended the University of Victoria and received her B.Sc. in 1993, her M.Sc. in 1995 and her Ph.D. in 2003.
School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Organizational Chart
The School of Graduate Studies team is committed to supporting graduate students throughout their academic journey. Through advising, funding support, student engagement initiatives, professional development opportunities, and community-building programs, our team works collaboratively to help students succeed academically, professionally, and personally.
The Graduate Student Engagement Team is comprised of the Graduate Student Engagement Manager, the Graduate Student Engagement Assistant, the Graduate Peer Mentors, and the Graduate Assistants.
The Graduate Student Funding Team is comprised of the Graduate Funding Facilitator and the Graduate Student Funding Assistant.
This position provides academic and strategic leadership for graduate education and postdoctoral affairs. The Dean works with students, faculty, staff, and university leadership to advance graduate education, strengthen student supports, and promote excellence in research, scholarship, and the graduate student experience.
This position supports graduate students in identifying, applying for, and securing funding opportunities. This role develops funding supports, promotes scholarships and awards, and provides guidance to help students navigate funding processes throughout their graduate studies.
This position supports graduate student success by leading programs, services, and initiatives that enhance the graduate student experience. This role fosters student engagement, professional development, community connection, and well-being through strategic programming, partnerships, and student-centered supports.
This co-op student position supports the delivery of graduate student programs, events, communications, and engagement initiatives. This role helps connect students with resources, opportunities, and services that contribute to a positive and supportive graduate student experience.
The Graduate Peer Mentor Team supports graduate student success through peer mentorship, outreach, community-building, and program development.
Graduate Peer Mentors foster connection, belonging, and awareness of supports by sharing their experiences and engaging with students throughout the graduate journey.
Graduate Assistants support the program through outreach, training, evaluation, communications, and program oversight, helping ensure the program remains responsive, inclusive, and sustainable. Together, the team strengthens the graduate student community and helps students connect with the people, resources, and opportunities that support their success.
This position supports graduate students in identifying, applying for, and securing funding opportunities. This role develops funding supports, promotes scholarships and awards, and provides guidance to help students navigate funding processes throughout their graduate studies.
This position supports funding-related communications, resources, and administrative processes. This role helps students access information about scholarships, awards, funding opportunities, application requirements, and key deadlines.
This position supports the daily operations of the School of Graduate Studies by providing administrative, operational, and front-line service support for students, faculty, and visitors. This role helps coordinate office processes, communications, and services that contribute to a positive and efficient graduate student experience, while also providing shared administrative support to the Office of Research and Innovation Services.