The OCAD University GradEx 105 Task Force will explore options for creating a platform to highlight the work of graduating students who would have nornally participated in this end-of-year showcase for the 2019-20 academic year.
Leading the work of the task force are Vladimir Spicanovic, PhD and Melanie Printup Hope, MFA, who have agreed to serve as co-chairs.
“We are grateful that Vlad and Melanie have accepted the call to co-lead this very important initiative, providing the experience as well as thoughtful and engaging leadership to support us in determining the best way forward,” said Dr. Sara Diamond, President and Vice-Chancellor of OCAD University.
About Melanie Printup Hope, MFA
Melanie is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Design and joined the University in 2018 as one of five faculty hired through the Indigenous Cluster Hire. She brings a deep knowledge of design and decolonization to this important leadership role as co-chair. She is of Tuscarora and European descent and was raised on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation in New York State.
Melanie earned a BFA in Graphic Design at the Rochester Institute of Technology and an MFA in Electronic Arts at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. She is an Associate Professor Emerita at The Sage Colleges, Albany and Troy, New York and has also taught at Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta.
About Vlad Spicanovic, PhD
Vlad is currently on leave as a professor in the Faculty of Art but has graciously agreed to step into the co-chair role to contribute to the University during this very extraordinary time.
As the former Dean of the Faculty of Art for 10 years, Vlad brings extensive experience and involvement on previous GradEx initiatives. Prior to serving as Dean, he was Associate Dean and Assistant Dean within the Faculty. He obtained a BFA from Concordia University and holds an MA and a PhD from McGill University.
Task Force Members
Members on this task force will include stakeholders from across the institution, including students, deans and/or their designates and faculty members from the three Faculties and Graduate Studies and the Office of the VP Academic and Provost, as well as representatives from the OCAD U Student Union, GradEx 105 Committee, Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers, Indigenous Student Centre, Alumni Association, Office of the President, Advancement and Information Technology.
Details regarding the process of selecting task force members and the consultation process will be shared with the community shortly.