Two executive staff appointments announced today are intended to improve the responsiveness and efficiency of the University of Guelph executive offices while building on the work of the University Secretariat.

President Franco Vaccarino announced that Vicki Hodgkinson, currently university secretary, has been appointed special adviser to the president, and Kate Revington has been named university secretary. Both appointments are effective July 1.

Hodgkinson will advise and support the president and the senior executive team, and work with key stakeholders, on initiatives designed to develop and implement the University of Guelph’s strategic plan and transform the organization.

Appointed as university secretary in 2006, she has overseen administration of the Board of Governors and the Board of Trustees, as well as the Senate and its committees, task forces and working groups.

She has also served as freedom of information and privacy commissioner to meet U of G’s responsibilities under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Revington’s appointment as university secretary was approved by the Board of Governors.

Serving in the University Secretariat since 2006 as associate university secretary, she has supported the Board of Governors. She coordinated and facilitated activities of Senate, which is one of the largest among North American universities, as well as several of its standing committees.

Revington has overseen student judicial services for misconduct and worked with the Student Senate Caucus.

Beginning in 2006, she led a review of the Senate committee structure, revamping committee bylaws, membership and procedures. She began a review in 2011 of student academic and non-academic appeal systems, leading to major changes to improve policies and procedures.