Jan Boulter’s career in the University of Alberta’s Department of Psychology has spanned more than three decades in the Department of Psychology. Learn about her role as assistant chair (administration). Photo supplied.
Jan Boulter’s career in the University of Alberta’s Department of Psychology has spanned more than three decades in the department that spans two faculties—the Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Science. Her work as assistant chair (administration) touches on nearly all areas of business in the department, including finance, human resources, student services, facilities, and planning. She has celebrated many personal and professional milestones during her time at UAlberta.
“Some of my favourite memories are the friendships and professional relationships I’ve developed over the years,” said Boulter. “Reflecting on three decades, it’s amazing how technology, services, and programs have evolved.”
The countless and invaluable contributions of staff make the world go round in the Faculty of Science, and we are thrilled to introduce you to Jan Boulter. Hear more about her work.
Job title and area:
I am the assistant chair (administration) in the Department of Psychology, which is split between Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Science.
How long have you worked at the Faculty of Science?
I'm in my 32nd year of service to the University of Alberta, spending most of my adult life working for the Department of Psychology in four different positions from 1989 to 2012 and 2015 to present.
What is a typical day on campus like for you?
A typical day for me will involve working closely with our chair, executive team, and staff members overseeing the areas of finance, human resources, student services, facilities, and planning in order to meet the teaching, research, and educational needs of our faculty members and students.
Sometimes there are many fires to put out! I attend many meetings outside the department, enjoy our park-like campus in the spring, summer, and fall, and am happy for the pedways in the winter
How has your work changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Maintaining connections with our faculty, staff, and students and my colleagues across campus is more difficult when online, but my daily tasks haven't changed significantly—other than sometimes being more time-consuming because of the lack of in-person contact necessitating more email and so on.
The psychology wing of the Biological Science Building has been my home away from home for many years. I really identify my job with the spaces in which I work, as well as the people with whom I have daily interactions. Though I'm an introvert, working remotely and alone is appealing in many ways (and I enjoy being home with my pets), I do miss being in our department and interacting with our staff and students. There is definitely more attention now required in the areas of safety and COVID-related protocols, and being attuned to the health and well being of our staff and students is very important.
What's the most common question people ask you about your job?
For those outside the university our job titles don't really reflect our tasks and responsibilities. When I'm asked about my job and describe my title as assistant chair, I'm usually asked, “What is an assistant chair?!”
With Psychology's dual-faculty structure, I'm also often asked what is entailed in overseeing the operations of a department administered in two faculties with competing deadlines, processes, and meetings. Psychology has operated in this manner since the mid-to-late 1960s, so working this way becomes second nature to our administrative and executive staff members.
Favourite memory from work?
Having worked here for many years, I’ve celebrated many personal and professional milestones over the years, so I have many good memories. Some of my favourite memories are the friendships and professional relationships I’ve developed over the years. Reflecting on three decades, it’s amazing how technology, services, and programs have evolved.
The first computer I worked on in Psychology was a Zenith with an amber display monitor. There was no email or Internet. I’ve witnessed countless success stories of our faculty members and graduates over the years. I’m proud that one of my children graduated with a BSc Honors in Psychology!
Favourite thing about working at the Faculty of Science?
The opportunities I’ve been given over the years to work with some really amazing instructors, researchers, staff members, and students. I also feel fortunate to have had many training and professional opportunities.