Dean for a Day: Priya Seeraj-Turingia and Dr. Nathan Colborne
This year, Nipissing University introduced Dean for a Day; a first-of-its-kind opportunity inviting students to change places with their Dean for an academic Freaky Friday-inspired experience. Students were asked to submit a 500-word essay to their respective Dean’s office in response to the prompt: If you were Dean, what new idea(s) would you pursue to enhance the student experience? The initiative offered students a chance to influence change, explore leadership, and build connections, while having a bit of fun along the way.
Two students stood out: Kyle Labron and Priya Seeraj-Turingia. Their compelling essays earned them the opportunity to trade places for a day with Dr. Graydon Raymer and Dr. Nathan Colborne, respectively.
On April 2, Nipissing University English student Priya Seeraj-Turingia and Dean of Arts & Science, Dr. Nathan Colborne, traded perspectives as part of the Dean for a Day initiative, an experience that offered each of them a deeper understanding of the other’s role in the University.
For Dr. Colborne, the day was a reminder of the enthusiasm and intelligence students bring to the table and the importance of creating space for their voices in shaping the university. “Priya wrote an excellent essay for her application that included three thoughtful proposals for Arts & Science,” he said. “She advocated for interdisciplinary courses, stronger integration of Work-Integrated Learning, and greater inclusion of students and alumni in program design.”
Dr. Colborne arranged meetings where Priya could explore those ideas in action. She connected with Nipissing’s Alumni Relations Coordinator and the Advisor to the Provost on Quality Assurance and Program Innovation to discuss experiential learning initiatives and share her insights.
“What I enjoyed most was being invited into spaces where my ideas were not only acknowledged but genuinely engaged with,” Priya reflected. “It was incredibly validating to see that the university is not only open to student feedback, but committed to evolving in ways that support student development beyond the classroom.”
She was particularly struck by how much long-term planning and behind-the-scenes collaboration goes into decisions that students often experience only at the outcome stage. “From policy development to interdepartmental collaboration, I gained a new appreciation for the strategic thinking and balancing act that leadership in higher education requires,” she said. “It was eye-opening to see how much effort goes into advocating for student success at every level.”
For Dr. Colborne, participating in one of Priya’s classes was a highlight. The class, which included student presentations and a trivia-based exam review, offered a window into the vibrant learning environment she’s part of. “It was a lot of fun seeing the enthusiasm of the students,” he said. “Their enthusiasm was matched by their professor’s, and it was a delight to see how much the students liked and respected each other and their instructor. It was a privilege to be part of that class.”
The experience gave Priya a more nuanced view of university leadership. “As a student, it can be easy to feel frustrated by delays or decisions we don’t fully understand,” she said. “But this opportunity showed me how collaborative and student-focused leadership at Nipissing really is. It reminded me that while student voices are vital, effective leadership also requires patience, communication, and an understanding of the bigger picture.”
Reflecting on next steps, Priya proposed a student-led advisory panel that would focus on communication between students and administration, especially around alumni engagement and experiential learning. “Having a formal space for those conversations to continue would ensure that these ideas don’t stop with one day,” she said, “but are carried forward through ongoing dialogue and partnership.”
For both Priya and Dr. Colborne, the day emphasized the value of connection, collaboration, and shared purpose in shaping the student experience at Nipissing.
“I spend a lot of time thinking about how to meet the needs of students,” Dr. Colborne noted. “But it was great to be reminded of how much students have to contribute to the university. Their insights have the potential to transform our programs. I hope this experience will be just one of many opportunities to integrate the student contribution into the decisions we make.”
Nipissing University extends sincere thanks to the students, deans, and faculty who participated in and supported the Dean for a Day initiative. Their openness, curiosity, and collaboration helped make this initiative both meaningful and memorable.
Media Contact:
Khia Beauchesne
Communications Officer
Nipissing University
(705) 474-3450 ext. 4035
communications@nipissingu.ca