Dear members of the McGill community,
Welcome to the start of academic year, 2023-24! It is uplifting to see, after what I hope was a restorative summer for everyone, campus life resume. There is a spectacular and unique energy – characterized by anticipation and openness to all possibilities – that accompanies the return of our amazing students to McGill in the late summer. Although I have been a McGill professor for more than 30 years, the excitement of back-to-school at McGill does not wane!
The start of a new term offers an opportunity for me, in my role as Provost & Vice-Principal (Academic), to remind our community of the principles that underlie the pursuit of our University Mission: academic freedom, integrity, responsibility, equity, and inclusiveness. In all that we do at McGill, these principles must be our lodestar, guiding the way in which we engage with our work and with one another.
Intellectual curiosity, openness, and ambition are at the very heart of McGill’s commitment to advancing knowledge and learning. As set out in McGill’s recently-adopted Policy on Academic Freedom, our institution will protect with vigour the freedom of inquiry, even when topics at issue are controversial or morally divisive. Within an academic community, the expression of disagreement is most compelling when rooted in evidence-based, respectful argument. Please bear this in mind as you embark upon the world of ideas this academic year.
Of course, rights are never absolute. Our academic freedom must be balanced against equally important principles of integrity, responsibility, equity, and inclusiveness. McGill prides itself on a professoriate and student body that holds itself to the highest standard of scientific rigour. That standard can only be met when our teaching, learning, and research are carried out in an ethical and accountable manner.
Last, I must underscore the importance of wellness to academic flourishing. We can only succeed if we are caring for ourselves and for each other. Resources are in place for support and care (see below). Please reach out when you need it; there is absolutely no shame or weakness in doing so. In addition, I expect each of us to uphold our shared commitment to a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment, free of sexual violence, harassment, and discrimination. This means understanding the impact of our words and actions, and engaging with each other in a way that respects and values our diverse lived experiences. As Provost, this has been a priority, as reflected in commitments to: prevent and respond to sexual violence and harassment and discrimination, promote equity and Indigenous initiatives, and combat anti-Black racism as well as Islamophobia and Antisemitism.
Working together in a way that balances and pursues our University’s core principles, we can be assured that our academic and professional experiences are rich, successful, and rewarding.
Happy academic year 2023-24!
Christopher Manfredi
Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic)
Resources:
Wellness Hub (for students)
Employee and Family Assistance Program (for faculty and staff)
Office for Sexual Violence Response, Support, and Education (for all)
Office for Mediation and Reporting (for all: for inquiries or to report incidents of sexual violence, harassment, and/or discrimination)
First Peoples’ House (for students)
Black Student Affairs Liaison (for students)
Muslim Student Affairs Liaison (for students)
Jewish Student Affairs Liaison (for students)
Student Accessibility & Achievement (for students)
Accessibility Advisor (for faculty and staff)