Committees

Committee terms begin effective July 1.
Committees can view a copy of the The Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism Constitution here.
Students can view a copy of the The Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism Student Assembly Constitution here.

Graduate Studies Committee

The Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) serves as the governing body of The Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism. It is responsible for advancing and safeguarding the Centre's interests while acting as a liaison among the Centre, its students, and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS). The GSC also provides guidance on matters related to the Centre's strategic direction, governance, and overall management.

Membership:
Joshua Schuster (Director, on sabbatical July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027)
Chris Keep (Acting Director, English)
Tobias Nagl (English and Writing Studies)
Tilottama Rajan (English and Writing Studies)
Matt Stahl (Information & Media Studies)

TBD (MA rep)
TBD (PhD rep)

Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee is responsible for identifying, recruiting, and recommending faculty members for service on The Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism's committees and governance bodies. 

Membership:
Ruramisai Charumbira (History)
Alan Pero (English)
Aontonio Calcagno (Philosophy, King's University College)

Research Committee

The Research Committee supports the Centre's research mission by overseeing the annual Speaker Series, coordinating conferences and scholarly events, and providing leadership on research-related initiatives and emerging priorities.

Membership:
Matt Stahl (Information & Media Studies)
Sharon Sliwinski (Information & Media Studies)
Chris Keep (English)
Janelle Blankenship (English and Film Studies)

TBD (MA rep)
TBD (PhD rep)

Steering and Advisory Committee

The Committee supports the continued success of The Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism by advising on administrative matters and contributing to discussions regarding the Centre's strategic direction, governance, and overall management.

Membership:
Dean of Arts & Humanities (Chair)
Dean of Social Science
Dean of Information & Media Studies

Joel Faflak (English)
Helen Fielding (GSWS and Philosophy)
Janelle Blankenship (English and Film Studies)

TBD (MA rep)
TBD (PhD rep)

Qualifying Examination Committee

The Qualifying Examination Committee is responsible for administering Doctoral degree program requirements, including the Core Qualifying Examination.

Membership:
Joshua Schuster 
Benjamin Muller (Political Science, Kings University College)
John Vanderheide (English, Huron College)

Equity Committee

The Equity Committee is composed of core faculty members, PhD students, and MA students who work collaboratively to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within The Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism. The Committee promotes a culture of inclusivity, open dialogue, and mutual respect across all aspects of the Centre's academic community. It is committed to ensuring that the Centre is welcoming to members of historically marginalized groups and ensures that courses, examinations, and scholarly activities reflect a broad and diverse range of theorists, perspectives, and intellectual traditions.

Membership:
Gus Riveros-Barrera (Faculty of Education)
Mathew Rowlinson (English)
Mary Helen McMurran (English)

TBD (MA rep)
TBD (PhD rep)

Graduate Student Assembly

The mandate of The Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism Student Assembly (TCSA) is to:

  • Maintain institutional knowledge of the Centre's practices, policies, and procedures
  • Promote transparent, accountable, and ongoing communication between students and the Centre's administrative bodies
  • Provide a regular forum for Theory Centre students to share their perspectives, concerns, and priorities regarding the Centre's operations
  • Elect student representatives to administrative bodies within the Centre and across the University
  • Foster a strong sense of community and encourage meaningful peer-to-peer engagement among Theory Centre students

Membership
Chairpersons: Ulysse Sizov and Charles Martin
Treasurer: Antonia Stan
Business Administrator: Joseph Palmeri

Students can view a copy of the TCSA Constitution here.