York University caps off “A Decade of Impact” with a surge in enrolment

Today, York University releases A Decade of Impact, a new report highlighting achievements of the past ten years, all pointing to the recent success revealed in new Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC) enrolment data with York a leader among Ontario universities.

Cover image of A Decade of Impact report
The report is available to download in both French and English as a PDF

York University’s President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri’s term winds down this month, after a decade of leadership. The report, which takes its name from this exemplary record of achievement, examines how the University’s unique values and priorities, including a commitment to diversity and social justice, accessibility and fairness – have shaped and transformed the University since 2007.

York University President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri
Mamdouh Shoukri

“As I look back with pride and reflection on the last ten years, I am keenly aware of how York has grown to embody many of the strong values that make Canada the country it is today,” said Shoukri. “While the report does not capture the full scope of our collective accomplishments, it serves to highlight some of the success that sets York on a positive trajectory for many years to come.”

The report showcases the vital role of York University’s faculty, researchers, students and staff with impressive developments, including the launch of innovative programs and sizable infrastructure investments. Highlights include the Master of Arts in Disaster & Emergency Management program (2008), Canada’s first undergraduate global health degree (2013), and new facilities like the Life Sciences Building (2012) and stunning LEED certified Bergeron Centre of Engineering Excellence (2016).

The use of these facilities by York University’s faculty and student researchers has given new meaning to innovation, offering big solutions to some of the biggest challenges of our time – and the world is taking note. York’s world-class expertise in vision research helped to secure the University’s largest research grant to date, and Canada’s most prestigious research award, a $33.3M Canada First Research Excellence Fund grant.

A Decade of Impact also highlights York University‘s role as a Canadian leader in campus sustainability, and environmental and social responsibility, thanks to a community of faculty, staff and students who take sustainability seriously.

“When I take stock of all of the progress the York community has made together, I am both delighted and encouraged to see our efforts rewarded with outstanding new enrolment numbers for the coming school year,” said Shoukri.

Recent Statistics Canada data shows that the fastest growing occupations in Canada require a university education. The fall 2017 OUAC data shows a one per cent increase in enrolment of high school students from across the province, resulting from a demographic slump. Despite near flat enrolment, York University experienced an impressive 10.6 per cent increase in domestic high school student acceptances and 10.8 per cent growth in international student acceptances.

The success of York’s strategic enrolment planning, recruitment and retention efforts, academic and research excellence, and outstanding faculty demonstrate the University is on the best path for continued success.