Dean's message

Welcome to the Ontario Tech University's Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (FSSH). I’m hoping that what attracted me to this Faculty back in 2017 will be what attracts you, whether you are a prospective student shopping for a career-building university experience, a researcher looking for advanced expertise, or a community member interested in what is happening at our vibrant downtown campus location.

So, what attracted me to this unique Faculty at this unique university? Well, I have a deep background in social and environmental justice and human rights issues, and FSSH pushes those themes forward like few others. There is a refreshing openness here about the fact that many of us advocate for progressive social policies we feel can make the world a more just, equitable, hospitable place. That this takes place within a university which is widely respected for its STEM-based programming makes us a unique place – as we like to say, we take “tech with a conscience" very seriously.

To be truly rewarding, a career must also be a vocation, reflecting a deep-rooted desire to improve things, and I think this is a guiding factor for our undergraduate and graduate students alike. This passion is also reflected in our professors’ approach to their students, and the attentive kindness of our staff and advising team. We’ve proven our resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic, adjusting to online teaching and advising for our students; we will maintain a strong online learning environment while also returning to classes at both the downtown and north Oshawa campus locations.

Another attraction is the high quality and integrity of the researchers in all of our main fields: Communication and Digital Media Studies, Criminology and Justice, Forensic Psychology, General Psychology, Legal Studies, Political Science, Liberal Studies, Indigenous Studies, and Sustainability Studies. Our diverse yet interdisciplinary group of prolific scholars is well known for their policy-relevant, cutting-edge research in social science, shaping their disciplines and public discourse in the process. Our three graduate programs – in Criminology, Forensic Psychology, and Social Practice and Innovation – reflect this diversity and investment in disciplinary advancement.

We are deeply engaged in community relations, in the Durham Region and beyond. Many of our faculty members are heavily engaged in projects that connect them directly to local community groups, government departments and private companies in the Greater Toronto Area. If you are looking for experiential learning opportunities, including practicums and internships, that will result in CV-enhancing placements in professions where you can make a difference, you’ve come to the right place.

These are just a few reasons I’m honoured to be the Dean of this vibrant, interdisciplinary, exciting faculty at Ontario Tech. Please peruse our website and contact us if you’d like more information about the interesting things happening here. Please see our latest Annual Report, here.

I hope I will have the chance to watch you pursue your dreams in tandem with the growth of our progressive academic community!

Peter Stoett
Professor and Dean