Seneca College Red - Fall 2012 - (Page 42)

PERSONNEL Recently retired Senior Vice President and Seneca’s first-ever Professor Emeritus Cindy Hazell has enjoyed a distinguished 32-year career. Throughout this time, Cindy has been a teacher, curriculum developer, coordinator, chair and dean. This lifelong educator reflects on the value of self-directed learning, and Seneca’s evolution from a “community college” to a globally renowned degree-granting institution. FLEXIBILITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE mandate. In 1967, we were created as a community college, where “community” meant local. Now, the definition of “community” for Seneca is global. Are there certain moments that have stayed with you? In 2001, I was appointed Vice President, Academic one day after Dr. Rick Miner became president. Soon after, the government issued a call for proposals for institutional differentiation. It’s pretty exciting when the government says, “We’ve decided that some colleges may be ready for a broader mandate with degree granting authority. Send us your vision.” Who is your mentor? When I was a young teacher, my mentor was Bill Riddell, the founder of CIL. In one of my early performance appraisals, he told me I had the potential to become the Vice President, Academic. He likes to tell that story! You coined the phrase “flexibility without compromise.” What does that mean to you? As a College, we must recognize that we have the creativity and resources to assist our students through almost any circumstance—that’s the flexibility piece. Without compromise has to do with academic integrity. That’s non-negotiable. What’s next for you? I’m sure I will go back to the classroom to teach at some point. I don’t know where or when. First, I’ll focus on finishing my PhD. It must be fun to be a student again Oh, I love that. As I’ve been going through my doctorate, I’ve been the “matron” of the class. When people are talking theoretically, I’m providing the applied learning— the real life examples. How optimistic are you about Seneca’s future? Very. It’s difficult to walk away when there are so many amazing things happening. People recognize the value of a Seneca education, and that’s something in which all Senecans should take pride. In recognition of her remarkable tenure at Seneca, the College has established the Cindy Hazell Award, which will support non-direct students in financial need. To contribute, visit senecacollege.ca/donate Cindy Hazell Seneca’s Professor Emeritus When did you realize you wanted to be a teacher? Even as a little girl, I was an academic. It drove my brothers and sisters crazy. I would convince all my cousins to play school—whether they wanted to or not—and I was always the teacher. What was your first position at Seneca? I joined the Centre for Independent Learning (CIL) as a faculty member in 1980. I left my job at the CN Tower and wrote curriculum for CIL’s new Tourism (Hospitality) program. What is the biggest difference in how students learn today? The use of new technologies that allow students to selfdirect their studies, while accessing curricular resources anytime, anywhere. These same pedagogical principles were there when I started at CIL. We just didn’t have the technology to support them. You’ve been at the forefront of so much change during your tenure. What stands out? One of the biggest changes has to do with our institutional 42 RED 2012 http://www.senecacollege.ca/donate

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Seneca College Red - Fall 2012

Seneca College Red - Fall 2012
Contents
President’s Message
News for Alumni and Friends
SSF President’s Update
Beyond the Classroom
Co-op at Seneca
Campus
Huge Wins for the Sting
Fostering a new literacy for the digital age
Senecans' Stories
Donors
Chairman of Giving Back
Personnel
Back in the Day

Seneca College Red - Fall 2012