Structural Changes within Students and Enrolment
Dear members of the Carleton community,
As you may know, Suzanne Blanchard’s term as Vice‑President (Students and Enrolment) will conclude on January 31, 2027. With that horizon in mind and in keeping with our responsibility to plan thoughtfully for continuity and long‑term success, the university has been engaged in careful planning for the future of this important portfolio.
This work is grounded in the direction set out in From Promise to Inclusive Impact and Prominence, Together, our shared commitment to student success, academic excellence, equity and collective impact. As we continue to move from promise to action, it is essential that our organizational structures support deeper integration between the academic mission of the university and the lived student experience.
Last fall, a review of the Provost’s portfolio was undertaken by an independent external assessor. One of the key recommendations was to explore the feasibility of moving student and enrolment‑related functions into the Provost’s portfolio. The overarching objective is for Carleton to fully adopt a Provostial model. This approach, used at many peer institutions, reflects the understanding that student success is best supported when academic and student‑focused priorities are considered together in a holistic and intentional way.
Under the new structure, the Students and Enrolment portfolio will be organized into two distinct groupings:
- a registrarial and enrolment group, and
- a student affairs and ancillary group.
Both groups will report into the Provost and Vice‑President (Academic). This alignment is intended to strengthen collaboration, enhance clarity of purpose and better integrate student‑focused and academic priorities.
To support a smooth and intentional transition, the changes will occur in phases:
- May 1, 2026: The Accessibility Institute will transition to the Office of the Vice‑President (Research, Innovation and International).
- July 1, 2026: The registrarial and enrolment group (Admissions Services; Awards and Financial Aid; International Admissions and Recruitment; Undergraduate Recruitment; Registrar’s Office; Academic Advising Centre; Info Carleton; Scheduling and Examination Services; Student Systems Support) will transition to the Provost’s portfolio.
- February 1, 2027: The remaining units will transfer, aligning with the conclusion of the Vice‑President’s (Students and Enrolment) term.
The phased approach will provide teams with the time and support needed to prepare for the transition. The university is committed to working collaboratively across portfolios throughout this process and to ensuring that individuals and units are equipped for success.
Recognizing that organizational change can bring questions and uncertainty, there will be ongoing communication and opportunities to ask questions as this work progresses. Questions can be sent to either provost@carleton.ca or vpstudents@carleton.ca.
The Students and Enrolment team brings extraordinary care, professionalism and commitment to their responsibilities every day to ensure that our learners are appropriately supported to thrive and to succeed. I am confident that this evolution will enhance their work further and help to position the university strongly as a preferred destination for students and to provide them with the most meaningful and impactful experience.
Thank you,
Wisdom Tettey
President and Vice-Chancellor