“Students are the reason why I do what I do.”
It took 12 years and a new role to lead the Mount’s new Registrar back to campus. A 2015 graduate of the Mount’s Master of Education in Literacy Education program, Paul Cantelo’s relationship with Mount Saint Vincent University started in 2004 when he worked as Associate Registrar in the Registrar’s Office. Returning as Registrar this past August, Paul’s journey back to the Mount has had a common focus over the years – students.
Born and raised in Southampton, England, Paul came to Canada as an international student studying at the University of Prince Edward Island. A mature student, a varsity athlete on academic scholarship, a residence assistant and a student employee in the Office of the Registrar, Paul’s multiple perspectives on the university environment were inspirational in his chosen career paths.
Holding both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education degree, over the course of several years, Paul saw himself continually drawn to work in the education field – first, as a Liaison Officer (student recruitment), then as an Assistant Registrar and Associate Registrar, a junior high school teacher and, most recently, the Registrar/Director of the Office of Teacher Certification with the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
Immersing himself in work that centered around students, Paul credits them with continually pushing him to learn new things and being the biggest influence in his career “working with students at so many different times in their lives, whether it be junior high, university, recent graduates or my own classmates, I am always encouraged by their drive and determination. Students are the reason why I do what I do.” And with over 23 years of working with students, Paul’s advice to them is simple, “Find a way to connect with your studies. Continually ask questions. That’s how you learn.”
“We are a student-centered environment and our job is to support students through their academic journey and we welcome every student to bring their questions and concerns to us.”
— Paul Cantelo, Registrar
Learning has always been important to Paul, however it was his time spent as a junior high school teacher that inspired his personal belief that if students can “balance high standards academically and have the highest level of student support services, then they can achieve anything.” And it is this same belief that is guiding his new role in the Registrar’s Office. “We are a student-centered environment and our job is to support students through their academic journey and we welcome every student to bring their questions and concerns to us.”
Located in Evaristus Hall, the Registrar’s Office is one of the busiest places on campus. From facilitating the processes of academic policy and procedure, to admission, to registration, to scholarship and financial aid, and convocation, the team provides comprehensive services in support of all aspects of a student’s academic career.
Paul notes that while the function of the Registrar’s Office is “to support the induction, registration, academic process and the convocation of its students, our team is dedicated to helping students in any way we can. We are able to help with the intricacies of university admissions and registration and are here to support students with those processes.” Understanding that the university supports need to exist both in and outside the classroom, Paul encourages students to stop by the Registrar’s Office anytime. “Our doors are always open.”