Proposed New Arts Faculty
Following the recommendation to create a new arts faculty, the focus has now turned to a collaboration between the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) and Creative and Critical Studies (FCCS). Together, they will design a Faculty that brings together the strengths of the arts, humanities, social sciences and creative activity at UBC Okanagan.
Students will not see any changes to their programs during the 2026/27 academic year. There will be no impact to students completing their degree requirements.
Why a new arts faculty?
- Streamline governance for degree requirements, curriculum changes and interdisciplinary programs
- Reduce administrative complexity for students, faculty and staff
- Support more coordinated planning and use of resources
- Bring related disciplines together within a single academic structure
- Strengthen the identity and visibility of the arts, humanities, social sciences and creative disciplines
Faculty and Staff Engagement
Drawing on ideas, feedback and expertise from the FASS and FCCS communities, the New Arts Faculty Design Committee will develop recommendations relating to the name and structure of the new Faculty.
Upcoming opportunities
New Arts Faculty Open House
Faculty and staff from FCCS and FASS are invited to attend an open house regarding the proposed New Arts Faculty on October 8.
| Engagements | Timing |
| Community survey on the new Faculty name; Staff information sessions. |
Summer/Fall 2026 |
| Committee retreat and development of recommendations regarding the new Faculty name; Engagement begins on academic department structure. |
August 2026 |
| New Faculty name recommendation presented to the FASS and FCCS Faculty Councils. | August-September 2026 |
Survey feedback results
In July 2026, faculty and staff in FASS and FCCS were invited to participate in a survey gathering perspectives on the creation of the new Faculty. This included opportunities and concerns associated with the transition, and invited respondents to rank potential names for the new Faculty.
Consultation revealed more support than opposition, and neutral feedback calling for continued refinement. Key opportunities for collaboration and growth were identified, emphasizing that workload, resourcing and disciplinary identity be carefully addressed.
Design Committee
The New Arts Faculty Design Committee has been established to help shape the future Faculty. Drawing on ideas, feedback and expertise from across the FASS and FCCS communities, the committee will develop recommendations relating to:
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- The name of the new Faculty
- The structure of Associate Dean portfolios within the new Faculty
- The internal academic department structure of the new Faculty
Presentation of the new structures to the proposed New Arts Faculty’s Faculty Council projected for Spring 2027.
Chair
Bryce Traister, Dean FCCS and Dean pro tem FASS
Faculty Leadership
Diana Carter, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies, FCCS
Jodey Castricano, Associate Dean, Graduate Studies & Research, FCCS
Julien Picault, FASS Associate Dean, Teaching, Learning & Curriculum
Christine Schreyer, Associate Dean pro tem, Research, Graduate, Postdoctoral and Strategic Initiatives, FASS
Department Representatives
Jon Corbett, Head, Community, Culture and Global Studies
Susan Holtzman, Head pro tem, Psychology
Sean Lawrence, Head, Languages and World Literatures
Jessica Stites Mor, Head, History and Sociology
Astrida Neimanis, Associate Professor, English and Cultural Studies
Noriko Ozawa, Head, Economics Philosophy and Political Science
Shawn Serfas, Head, Creative Studies
Staff
Michele Bjornson, Manager, Administration and Operations, FASS
Jennifer Novy, Administrative Manager, FCCS
Governance Milestones
The most up-to-date information on New Arts Faculty activities will be shared on this site. For questions or concerns, connect with your department’s representative on the New Arts Faculty Design Committee, or email Bryce Traister directly (bryce.traister@ubc.ca).