Paula Rayson is the Registrar & Director of Student Services at the University of Toronto's John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. A seasoned higher education leader with over two decades of experience, Paula provides strategic and operational oversight for all aspects of registrarial and student services across undergraduate, professional master’s, research master’s and PhD programs. 

As a member of the Faculty’s Executive Leadership Team, Paula leads a diverse portfolio that includes enrolment management, academic advising, financial aid, student engagement, and policy development. Her student-centred, data-informed approach has driven innovations in service delivery, improved retention and enhanced the student experience. She oversees a multi-million-dollar budget and a team spanning seven functional areas, ensuring services are aligned with institutional priorities and responsive to evolving student needs. 

Prior to joining Daniels in 2023, Paula held senior roles at Toronto Metropolitan University and York University, where she led integrated student support services and championed equity-focused initiatives. Her leadership has consistently emphasized inclusion, access and academic success, with a strong record of cross-campus collaboration and system-wide impact. Paula holds degrees in history and psychology as well as additional certifications in inclusive leadership, curriculum development, and legal studies. She is a multi-time nominee for institutional leadership awards (TMU) and a recipient of U of T's True Blue Award for Leadership.