About us
Researchers Bernie Pauly (middle) and Budd Hall (right) with community leader Ted Hughes (left).
Preparing our students for life
The Faculty of Human and Social Development (HSD) focuses on the health and social well-being of children, families and communities. We prepare our students for life!
We have a history of championing students who want to contribute to their community. This reflects our strong belief in community partnerships, Indigenous student support and programs, health education, government engagement, and the pursuit of social justice.
For over 30 years all HSD schools have all offered full programs and specialized courses through distance education. Up to 60% of all HSD students are distance learners. Distance learning is supported through computer-based technologies and high-quality web-based communication.
We make a difference in the community through multiple disciplines and effective community partnerships. We invite you to join us and help make a difference in your community.
Message from
the dean
Message from Dean Mary Ellen Purkis:
Welcome to the Faculty of Human and Social Development (HSD), where we bring learning to life!
For over 30 years our faculty has been delivering interdisciplinary health and community service programs in applied and professional practice― learning together about the challenges that people confront in today’s world and the successes they achieve as they apply their own local knowledge and ingenuity to those challenges.
Our schools and programs
We are home to the Schools of: Child & Youth Care, Health Information Science, Nursing, Public Administration, Public Health and Social Policy and Social Work, as well as to two graduate programs: Studies in Policy and Practice and Indigenous Governance.
Educational programs offered in the faculty result in academic credentials or professional qualifications that prepare graduates to engage in important intellectual and practical work that leads to strengthening society.
What our graduates do
Graduates enter careers that offer opportunities for supporting children, families, elders and communities – both the strong and the vulnerable – here in the Victoria region, throughout BC and around the world. We are proud of our many achievements and leadership in the areas of health education, Indigenous programs, health informatics, community–based research and practice, and advancements in distance education.
Distance education programs
The Faculty of Human and Social Development has a long history of distance education delivery. All of our schools offer full programs and specialized courses through distance education. Our full service distance education programs allow our students to continue to be leaders and innovators in the communities where they reside while expanding their academic horizons.
Faculty research
Our faculty researchers are contributing to the development of knowledge and the enhancement of professional practice for the benefit of a strong and just society. I invite you to explore our faculty website to learn more about the schools, programs and individuals that make this a lively and vibrant place to learn and contribute to the health of our society.
We are driven by a desire to improve our world – come join us in our mission.
Mary Ellen
Email Dean of Human and Social Development
Dean’s advisory
council
Members who participate on the dean's advisory council represent strategic connections to the faculty. They have been asked to participate on the basis of their interest and ability to represent the school, community or professional field relevant to the faculty.
The dean’s advisory council in the Faculty of Human and Social Development:
- provides advice to the dean on HSD initiatives in terms of their relevance to the external community
- provides advice to the dean on current and emerging issues in the areas of strategic priority to the faculty as they relate to the members’ field, area of expertise or the community they represent
- assists the dean in raising the profile of the work and mission of the faculty within the community at large
- assists with recommendations to the dean on ways to enhance engagement between the faculty and the community
Associate Dean
Academic
Message from Associate Dean Academic Laurene Sheilds
Welcome to the office of the Associate Dean Academic. The Faculty of Human and Social Development (HSD) is a vibrant place to learn! We provide our students with knowledge translation and professional studies that prepare leaders to meet the challenges of today’s society.
Responsibilities
As the Associate Dean Academic I have a range of responsibilities that include leadership for the academic undertakings of the faculty, providing support for curriculum development, championing teaching, and fostering a positive environment for students. Within this context I am responsible for attending to undergraduate student appeals and for leadership on the faculty’s curriculum and distance education committees.
UVic Family Centre
In addition, I oversee the UVic Family Centre. The family centre is an innovative family resource centre located in family student housing on campus. The centre provides direct service to UVic student families and opportunity for student practicums.
Our strengths
HSD is dedicated to student success and values our community partnerships. This faculty has a long history of distance education delivery, attending to the needs of non-traditional, mature students including student families and honoring and valuing Indigenous students. These commitments reflect our beliefs in community partnerships, engaging with marginalized peoples and our pursuit of social justice. I sincerely believe and hope these attributes permeate our curricula as well as our academic processes.
To learn more about our each of our professional schools and graduate programs visit schools and programs.
I wish you well in your studies and if I can be of any assistance to you please feel free to contact me.
Laurene Sheilds
Associate Dean
Research
Message from Associate Dean Research Leslie Brown
Welcome to the office of the Associate Dean Research. In the Faculty of Human and Social Development (HSD) research informs our educational programs and is a vital part of our scholarship, teaching and community service activities. We are leading the way on new and emerging health research, community-based research, in our work with Indigenous communities and developing new programs that contribute to the strength of communities by addressing priorities for a healthy society.
Our diverse research
From major grant-supported projects to community-driven initiatives and student curiosities, there is great diversity in the nature of research activities undertaken and I encourage you to take a look at the variety of research ongoing within our faculty.
Responsibilities
My role as Associate Dean Research is to help facilitate the development of research expertise and the conduct of research that supports the health and well-being of children, families and communities. I have a particular interest in community-based research and Indigenous research approaches, but am keen to "talk research" at any time, so don’t hesitate to get in touch and tell me about your research projects, ideas or suggestions. I look forward to working with you.
For more information view our recent research publication – Community Research Matters @ HSD.
Happy trails ….. Leslie
