On May 28, 2018, Professor Andrew Szeri, Provost and Vice-President Academic announced the appointment of Dr. Simon Bates to the role of Associate-Provost, Teaching and Learning, effective July 1, 2018. This is a newly created position in response to the retirement of Professor Hugh Brock, whose term as Associate-Provost, Academic Innovation ends June 30, 2018. Dr. Bates has also been appointed Interim Executive Director of UBC Extended Learning (ExL).
As Associate-Provost, Teaching and Learning, Dr. Bates will provide academic leadership and oversight of ExL and the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT). He will also oversee the development of new programs and lead curriculum quality assurance. In addition, his portfolio will include experiential learning, and oversight of the UBC Learning Exchange.
Dr. Bates joined the Department of Physics at UBC in 2012 as one of the first Professors of Teaching. He has served as Senior Advisor to the Provost, Teaching and Learning, and was most recently Academic Director, Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) before being appointed to Associate-Provost.