Sydney appoints new Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Life)

Dr Scarparo will lead the University’s 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 Professor Wai Fong Chua, who has been interim in the role since February this year, and who returned to her role in the Business School this month.

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’s 5,000 students.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Pip Pattison said, “Dr 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’m looking forward to welcoming her to Sydney.”

“I am thrilled to be able to share my passion for education with staff and students at the University of Sydney,” said Dr Susanna Scarparo.

“Student life is central to the University’s culture and I am really looking forward to building on the work that the university has already been doing.”  

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’s 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’s delighted about Dr Scarparo’s appointment to build on the excellent foundational work done by Professor Wai Fong Chua.

“In 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. 

"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. 

“She should also be commended for her personal management of critical incidents and the establishment of the Pilot University of Sydney Crisis Line.

“She has also provided high level mentoring and guidance to managers and staff. I’m very appreciative of her significant contribution.”