Sydney appoints new Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Life)
Dr Scarparo will lead the University鈥檚 focus on providing strategic academic leadership for student life at the University, including the implementation of many aspects of the student experience strategy.
She takes over the role from , who has been interim in the role since February this year, and who returned to her role in the Business School this month.
Dr Susanna Scarparo.聽
Dr Scarparo is an accomplished academic who comes to Sydney most recently from the Australian National University, where she is currently Associate Professor for the School of Literature, Language and Linguistics, and Associate Dean (Student Experience).
As part of that role, Dr Scarparo introduced a Student Peer Mentoring and Leadership Program for the Arts faculty鈥檚 5,000 students.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Pip Pattison said, 鈥淒r Scarparo will continue the very good work of Professor Chua, with her really impressive skills and experience, as well as her real passion for student welfare and learning. I鈥檓 looking forward to welcoming her to Sydney.鈥�
鈥淚 am thrilled to聽be able to聽share my passion for education with staff and students at the University of Sydney,鈥� said Dr Susanna Scarparo.
鈥淪tudent life is central to the University鈥檚 culture and I am really looking forward to building on the work that the university has already been doing.鈥澛犅�
In only a short time Wai-Fong has made an enormous contribution to the Education portfolio.
Prior to ANU, Dr Scarparo was for seven years the Associate Dean for Education and Associate Professor in the Faculty of the Arts at Monash University.
During that time, she led the review and restructure of the faculty鈥檚 Arts and Masters by coursework programs, the introduction of the Bachelor of Global Studies, and established a Peer Ambassadors Leaders Program for Arts students.
Dr Scarparo has a PhD in Italian and Comparative Literature from the University of Auckland.
Professor Pip Pattison said she鈥檚 delighted about Dr Scarparo鈥檚 appointment to build on the excellent foundational work done by Professor Wai Fong Chua.
鈥淚n only a short time Wai-Fong has made an enormous contribution to the Education portfolio across the student support services, Centre for English Teaching and Academic Enrichment," said Professor Pattison.聽
"Highlights of her achievements are evident in the kick-starting of the student experience project, refining the Student Code, developing the Mental Health Strategy where she chaired the Mental Health Working Group and the development of a new Critical Incidents Procedure.聽
鈥淪he should also be commended for her personal management of critical incidents and the establishment of the Pilot University of Sydney Crisis Line.
鈥淪he has also provided high level mentoring and guidance to managers and staff. I鈥檓 very appreciative of her significant contribution.鈥�