The sakura cherry trees situated across York University’s Keele Campus are expected to reach peak bloom over the next week, providing an annual – but short-lived – opportunity for the community to take in their natural beauty.
Peak bloom, when 70 per cent of the blossoms on a sakura cherry tree have opened, typically only lasts a short time: four to 10 days. Those looking to enjoy the pink and white blossoms on Keele Campus – one of only a few places in the Greater Toronto Area that has the trees – are encouraged to seek them out soon.
The best display of sakura cherry trees is located adjacent to Calumet College. However, trees are also located in pockets around the campus, along Campus Walk, and there is a small group outside the Tait McKenzie Centre.
The trees were planted as part of the Japanese government’s Sakura Project, which symbolizes the long-standing close relationship between Japan and Canada and York University’s many cultural and academic ties with Japanese institutions.
The Japanese flowering cherry tree, or sakura, is a revered symbol of Japan. Its blossoming marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated in waka and haiku poetry, and with annual hanami, or flower-viewing, picnics under the full blossoms of the sakura.
In 2003, York was the first university in Canada to participate in the Sakura Project, which had a goal of planting 3,000 trees in Ontario by 2005. More than a decade later, the trees planted on the Keele Campus continue to thrive.
Faculty of Education building renovations look to future
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By Elaine Smith
As York University’s Faculty of Education moves into its second half century of teaching and research, it has finished building renovations designed to meet the needs of students, staff and faculty for today and the future.
The renovations – which have included making the building more accessible, efficient and welcoming – accentuate the Faculty’s points of pride.
“It’s a modernized look to a building that opened in the 1960s,” said Dean Robert Savage. “We’ve added glass to the corridors so light pours in, and they become cathedral-like, a metaphor for the illumination provided by education, shining light on our values and our scholarship.”
“The renovations show confidence in ourselves as a leading education faculty with a strong research reputation. We’re doing a lot of impactful work on social issues and encouraging people to challenge the status quo.”
In celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, the Faculty of Education honoured its milestones through the years, such as establishing the Jean Augustine Chair and the Wüléelham Indigenous-focused programs. With the renovations completed, it looks toward the future.
“The renovations are an extremely good use of our resources,” said Savage. “After COVID, it is so valuable to have physical space that welcomes our community.”
Dean Robert Savage
The renovations are the result of a lot of thought and planning. “To ensure it was done correctly, the process started with a space needs analysis in 2018,” says Andrea Torre, executive officer for the Faculty, who managed the project. “Our process was heavily data informed, thoughtful and deliberate. We wanted to provide a supportive and accessible environment for student activities and to also create a cohesive and supportive environment to boost collaboration.”
The analysis identified a number of challenges including impractical traffic flow and the fact that people who work together were spread across different floors, making in-person conversations more difficult.
The Faculty worked with Design Partners in Architecture and Interiors (DPAI) to ensure the recommended improvements could be translated into workable changes to the building. The final plans were dictated by the Faculty’s functional requirements, said Patty Clydesdale, DPAI principal and the project manager, who engaged with as many user groups as possible to determine their needs and wants.
“We wanted to address needs first,” Clydesdale said. “The project’s values and priorities were just as important. The keys were making the building welcoming for students, increasing the Faculty’s visibility in a shared building and providing natural light and views to staff. We also wanted better lighting and acoustics.”
The result is a more student-friendly space. The undergraduate student services have all been consolidated in one area. The teaching assistants have dedicated office and meeting space, and there is a dedicated graduate student area that is accessible 24/7 using key cards.
“The new spaces are well-used,” says Sheetal Prasad, a fourth-year PhD student and co-chair of York Graduate Students in Education (YGSE). “Our grad lounge is the most popular. We have lockers so you don’t need to lug your belongings around, and there’s a kitchenette, a meeting room, a computer lounge and the YGSE office.”
Esther Martinez, a master’s student YGSE co-chair, calls it a place for community. “Some students come to campus just to see their peers. We were even able to have our fall social here” she adds.
The renovations mean the space throughout the building has been optimized and student services are all located side-by-side. The Education Research Centre now occupies a larger, formerly unused basement area. More faculty members’ offices have been created and storage areas have become open meeting spaces. In addition, administrative space has been turned into more research labs for faculty, and classrooms for science instruction have been updated. Plus, locating any of these renovated spaces has become much easier, thanks to an updated navigation scheme that uses signage, icons and Faculty colours.
“The building is a nice balance,” said Clydesdale. “It’s an inviting place to be, a juxtaposition of heritage with of a bit modernization.”
It’s perfect timing for the Faculty of Education which has come a long way since its inception fifty years ago. It’s now the largest undergraduate provider of BA and BEd degrees in Ontario and sits among the top tier of education faculties nationwide.
Savage noted, “It very much represents the next 50 years. We’re very much a Faculty on the move, looking to have an even greater global impact.”
Message de la présidente
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Chère communauté de York,
En date du vendredi 19 avril, le syndicat SCFP (CUPE) 3903, qui représente les auxiliaires d’enseignement, le corps professoral contractuel et les auxiliaires de cycles supérieurs a ratifié les ententes provisoires conclues avec l’Université, après plusieurs mois de négociations collectives, mettant ainsi fin au conflit de travail.
Je souhaite exprimer toute ma gratitude aux équipes de négociation des deux parties prenantes pour leurs efforts visant à renouveler pour trois ans des conventions collectives qui prennent également en compte les ajustements salariaux rétroactifs liés à la Loi 124, dans le contexte budgétaire difficile où se trouve l’Université.
Maintenant que nous nous apprêtons à reprendre toutes nos activités universitaires, nous devons bien évidemment porter notre attention sur notre population étudiante et appuyer ses ambitions, qu’il s’agisse de terminer le trimestre de printemps, de commencer le trimestre d’été ou encore d’obtenir un diplôme de fin d’études, que ce soit au premier cycle ou aux cycles supérieurs.
Le succès étudiant est au cœur de la réalisation du plan académique de York, qui consiste notamment à bâtir sur notre solide réputation d’excellence pédagogique, sur l’excellente qualité de nos programmes, sur l’interdisciplinarité et l’innovation en recherche, sur des partenariats locaux et internationaux sous le signe de l’engagement, et sur une expérience universitaire chaleureuse et inclusive.
Bien que le secteur postsecondaire ontarien continue d’être confronté à des défis considérables, l’Université York est bien placée pour saisir les occasions qui se présentent à elle pour continuer d’investir dans son avenir.
Ensemble, nous avons accompli tant de choses, et nous avons raison d’être fiers de nos réalisations, comme en témoigne notre ascension régulière dans les classements mondiaux. Publié récemment, le classement mondial QS plaçait l’Université York parmi les 100 meilleures universités au monde dans trois disciplines, soit l’éducation, la langue anglaise et sa littérature, et la philosophie. Nous avons obtenu l’approbation du Gouvernement pour la création d’une école de médecine, ce qui permettra une fois de plus de réaffirmer notre engagement à répondre aux besoins en santé de l’Ontario. Par ailleurs, notre campus de Markham ouvrira ses portes cet automne pour ainsi créer davantage de possibilités pour plusieurs Facultés de faire fleurir le talent nécessaire dans de nouveaux domaines en émergence, au carrefour de l’entrepreneuriat et de la technologie.
Je suis certaine que vous vous réjouirez comme moi de la reprise de toutes les activités universitaires et que vous souhaiterez que l’on s’unisse en tant que communauté pour continuer de travailler à la réalisation de notre vision, qui consiste à offrir aux étudiants et étudiantes de tous les horizons une expérience universitaire positive.
As of Friday, April 19, CUPE 3903 – the union representing teaching assistants, contract instructors and graduate assistants – and the University ratified the tentative agreements reached after many months of collective bargaining, ending the labour disruption.
I would like to express my thanks to the bargaining teams for both parties for their efforts to successfully achieve the three-year renewal collective agreements that also address Bill 124 retroactive payments with consideration to the pressing financial challenges faced by the University.
As we resume full academic operations our attention must necessarily be focused on our students and supporting their learning goals – whether they are completing the spring term, beginning the summer term, or graduating. This goal includes both our undergraduate and graduate students.
Ensuring their success is central to the realization of the University’s Academic Plan, which includes building on our well-established reputation for teaching excellence, high-quality academic programs, leading interdisciplinary research and innovation, engaged local and international collaboration, and a welcoming and inclusive campus experience.
While the higher education sector in Ontario continues to navigate significant challenges, York is well-positioned to seize the opportunities before us to continue investing in our future.
We have achieved so much together and have a great deal to be proud of as reflected in our steadily improving world rankings. The recently released 2024 QS World Rankings placed York among the top 100 in the world in three subject areas: education, English language and literature, and philosophy.
We have government approval to create a School of Medicine as a further extension of York’s commitment to meet the health care needs of Ontario and our Markham Campus opens this fall creating more opportunities for multiple Faculties to provide much needed talent in newly emerging fields being reshaped by entrepreneurship and technology.
I trust you will join me in welcoming the return to full academic operations and in coming together as a community to further the realization of our vision to provide our diverse students with a positive learning experience for all.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Lenton President and Vice-Chancellor
President’s ambassadors combat food insecurity
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Each year members of the President’s Ambassador Program are tasked with completing a legacy project that aligns with the President’s Pillars and/or University priorities. This year’s focus was on food insecurity faced by students and the community.
The president’s Ambassador Program is for current York University undergraduate and graduate students with unique perspectives who seeking opportunities to represent the University and share their experiences with fellow students, staff, faculty and alumni.
Every year, they have the opportunity to pursue a project that will positively impact the University beyond their tenure. “The Ambassador Program provides an excellent platform for ambassadors to disseminate, exhibit, and implement ideas inspired by their peers,” says Ijade Maxwell Rodrigues, chief of Government and Community Relations & Protocol, who oversees the program. “This initiative frequently catalyzes sustained efforts from campus partners, yielding tangible benefits for the York community.”
President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton with the current cohort of president’s ambassador
The current cohort decided to combat food insecurity among the student population on York U’s campuses and beyond by promoting access to existing services, resources, and other initiatives. After meeting with the Food Services department to pitch and brainstorm ideas, they settled on a plan that mimics the department’s Teaching Kitchen model.
Teaching Kitchen is a cooking class for students that combines nutrition education, mindfulness, culinary instruction using healthful whole ingredients while also addressing food insecurity. A certified chef leads students on the method and technical skills of cooking while a registered dietitian enriches the experience by teaching students students about the nutritional facts of the recipe and offering ingredient alternatives for those with restrictions and intolerances with the aim of improving wellness through food.
The ambassadors sought to develop a food workshop that would allow students with limited funds to create a nutrient-dense, healthy, budget-conscious yet delicious dish. Working with Executive Chef Frederic Pouch and registered dietitian Dahlia Abou El Hassan, the ambassadors were able to create a French-style salad with ingredients commonly found at York Federation of Students’ food support centre, which is available to all students at York University. Abou El Hassan believes this initiative helps address the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. “It helps increase food literacy and empower students to make nutritious and affordable recipes in a hands-on environment,” she says.
The ambassadors hosted two successful workshops on April 3, where students engaged in hands-on activities such as chopping, mixing, and tasting their own culinary creations. Those unable to secure a workshop seat were provided with valuable tips, tricks, and resources. Additionally, curious bystanders had the opportunity to enjoy complimentary samples.
Tom Watt, director of Food & Vending Services, expressed gratitude for the collaboration: “We are truly honored that the President’s Ambassadors Program chose to partner with us, recognizing the many excellent campus initiatives available. This partnership underscores the significant work Dahlia and our team are doing, and we are thrilled by the community’s positive response and the ongoing value of the Teaching Kitchen program.”
Flags on York University campuses will be lowered to half-mast on April 26 and 28 in recognition of the National Day of Mourning, which honours individuals who have died, been injured, or suffered illness in the workplace.
As the National Day of Mourning falls on a weekend this year, York University will recognize the event on Friday, April 26 with flags lowered to half-mast.
“On the National Day of Mourning, we remember those who lost their lives and those who became injured or ill in their workplace. We reflect on the ways in which we can prevent future incidents and we reaffirm our commitment to developing and fostering a healthy and safe working environment for all York community members. Colleagues are invited to pause at 11 a.m. on April 26 to observe a moment of silence,” said Mary Catherine Masciangelo, assistant vice-president Human Resources and CHRO.
The National Day of Mourning was enacted on February 1, 1991, by an act of parliament. April 28 was selected because it coincides with the date of Ontario’s first Workers’ Compensation Act, approved by government in 1914. Canadian flags on Parliament Hill and at Queen’s Park will fly at half-mast on April 28. A minute of silence will be observed at 11 a.m.
To learn more about the National Day of Mourning, please visit:
As a reminder, all York University employees and their immediate family members have access to confidential counselling 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), available at one.telushealth.com, or by telephone at 1-844-880-9142 (English), 1-844-880-9143 (French) and 1-877-338-0275 (TTY). There is also an online portal with 24-7 access and resources. Please visit yu link for additional information.
Inaugural fair helps EUC students explore green career possibilities
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Over 300 interested York University and high-school students attended the inaugural Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change (EUC) Green Career Fair in January.
In partnership with the not-for-profit organization Green Career Centre, the event welcomed students to the Health, Nursing & Environmental Studies Building to explore possibilities for careers that aren’t often well promoted, but for which there is a growing need among employers. A recent worldwide survey by the Manpower Group found that 70 per cent of employers are urgently recruiting or planning to recruit green talent and people with sustainability skills.
The idea for the fair came from Lauren Castelino, a master of environmental studies student at EUC and founder of the Green Career Centre, who organized a fair last year, attended by EUC staff. The centre focuses on providing under-represented youth with green career opportunities, advancement and inclusion.
Organizers from both the Green Career Centre and Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. From left to right: Joel Famadico Jr., Emma Bramante, Kenneth Ebhomeye Oko-Oboh, Lauren Castelino, Gayathri Baiju, Joanne Huy, Rosanna Chowdhury, Shaniah Hutchinson, Tomisona Oludairo, Bottom: Lester Pinlac
“We mutually thought it would be a great idea to expand the reach of the initiative by working together,” said Castelino, who is also pursuing a diploma in Business and the Environment from EUC and the Schulich School of Business. “EUC’s facilities were much larger than the first venue we used … and we were also appreciative of the staff support we could receive through the collaboration.”
“We intentionally held our full-day event on the same day as the university-wide Career Fair hosted by the York Career Centre as a way of taking advantage of the synergy,” said Joanne Huy, an alumna who graduated in 2015 and is now the alumni engagement and events officer for EUC. “Staff at each event suggested that attendees visit the other fair, too. It was a win-win situation.”
The partners invited EUC students and alumni to participate and invited everyone from York and the local community to attend. The day featured a morning of workshops followed by the career fair. The workshops included a presentation about net-zero programs given by staff from York’s Sustainability Office, a session focused on green job resources and a panel featuring EUC alumni. There was also a speed networking event matching alumni with groups of students for more intimate conversations.
Participants speaking to vendor at the fair
“I’m dedicated to empowering the next generation of changemakers, so it was great to invite our alumni panellists back to campus to share their career paths and discuss how EUC prepared them for the future,” said Huy. “We have 13,000 alumni worldwide and they are eager to contribute. It’s meaningful to them and to our current students.”
The Green Career Fair itself featured booths set up by more than 20 organizations involved in environmental work, including the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority, the Community Climate Council and Outward Bound. Participating organizations focused on issues such as food insecurity, environmental policy, environmental arts and environmental education. Exhibitors showcased jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities.
Muzamil Gadain, an alumnus who graduated from EUC in 2023, works as a project co-ordinator for the Black Environmental Initiative, an organization that works to foster change that considers cultural roots, including issues such as food security and food sovereignty. He, along with a co-worker and a volunteer, used their booth to recruit volunteers.
“We weren’t actively hiring, but there were volunteer roles we needed to fill,” said Gadain. “About 20 volunteers signed up, so it worked very well. We also had an opportunity to network with other like-minded organizations and made some good connections.
Muzamil Gadain (left) and his colleagues from the Black Environmental Initiative boothing at the fair
“Our supervisor was very pleased to have access to university youth and we are happy to be able to help them develop their skills. Some of them have already made contributions by developing social media content and contributing to articles. It was a worthwhile event and we would definitely do it again.”
Emma Bramante, an EUC work-study student who is majoring in sustainable environmental management, helped organize the event by doing outreach to organizations and potential employers. She also contributed to the development of marketing materials and helped to raise awareness to students, alumni and organizations.
The high turnout delighted her and she is eager to see the Green Career Fair blossom and grow.
“I anticipate an expansion in the scope of exhibitors, with a broader range of organizations participating, including both established environmental companies and emerging grassroots organizations and non-profits,” Bramante said. “Furthermore, I anticipate the integration of virtual components into the fair to increase accessibility and reach a wider audience beyond the local community.”
Castelino, too, was thrilled by the interest the Green Career Fair generated.
In June 2023, led by Castelino, Huy and Rosanna Chowdhury, the Green Career Fair was one of four applications awarded funding through the Sustainability Innovation Fund. The Faculty has now built the event into its annual budget.
“Going forward, the fair will also give us a chance to build relationships with organizations as we develop our EUC co-op program,” Huy said. “The synergies are beautiful to see.”
YSpace receives funding to support northern York Region entrepreneurs
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The YSpace Northern York Region Hub, an entrepreneurial support centre for small businesses in the towns of Georgina and East Gwillimbury, Ont., has received $150,000 in funding from the government of Ontario’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program.
The initiative – a partnership between YSpace, an entrepreneurship and innovation hub, and the two towns – was launched in 2021 to provide entrepreneurial resources to the local business community. Those resources include mentorship, access to networks and co-working space for collaboration – many of them tailored to address needs specific to the area.
A chief aim of the initiative is to remove barriers to accessing entrepreneurship and business acceleration for rural communities , whether those involved are startups or existing enterprises. A dedicated spacehas offered virtual and in-person opportunities as well as access to computers, internet, video conferencing solutions, photography tools for e-commerce and online content creation, collaboration spaces, programming support and business community resources.
At the time of the launch York’s Vice-President of Research and Innovation Amir Asif, said, “We look forward to further strengthening this partnership and witnessing the ideas that participating entrepreneurs bring to life – contributing to the region’s knowledge-based economy and creating positive change in their communities and beyond.”
David Kwok
David Kwok, director of entrepreneurship and innovation at YSpace, says in the past few years, they’ve made great progress towards that mission. “Since opening our doors in 2021, we have supported over 700 individuals in Georgina and East Gwillimbury through educational workshops and specialized programming focusing on pivotal areas such as business plan development and digital marketing.”
Now, with the new funding from RED, it can continue to do so.
The RED program looks to support projects that diversify rural economies, retain skilled workers and create jobs in local communities. It also aspires to help better position rural communities to attract or retain investment, and enhance economic growth, while diversifying local economies.
With that in mind, YSpace plans to further enhance its entrepreneurial support service. “This new funding will enable us to continue our work and launch a new mentorship program that is customized to the unique needs of local business owners,” says Kwok. The program will see an expansion of one-on-one mentorship opportunities for aspiring and established entrepreneurs in the region.
The hub will pursue recruiting experienced mentors from diverse industries and backgrounds, ensuring that entrepreneurs receive tailored guidance and expertise relevant to their specific business needs. Through those personalized mentorship relationships, the goal is to empower entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles, make informed decisions and achieve their business goals, ultimately contributing to the economic development and prosperity of the community.
In that way, YSpace continues to live up to what Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor of the University, said when the Northern York Region Hub was announced: “York University is committed to leveraging the success of YSpace’s entrepreneurship programs and make available customized resources to support economic growth and prosperity for the Towns of Georgina and East Gwillimbury. We look forward to continuing this relationship, and building greater access to entrepreneurship for all businesses in the region.”
Watch the April 11 town hall
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Students, faculty, instructors, course directors and staff at York University were invited to a virtual town hall on April 11, 2024.
The town hall was presented by York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. She and other members of the University leadership team were on hand to answer questions from the more than 900 people in attendance.
Pest control treatments scheduled for April 19 to 21
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Pest control applications at the Keele and Glendon campuses for Food Services-contracted areas will begin on Friday, April 19 at 5 p.m. and end on Sunday, April 21 at 5 p.m.
Work is undertaken using accepted practices and approved materials by Professional PCO Services, which holds an Eco Green Ergonomic Extermination certificate from the Ministry of the Environment. A work permit has been submitted and approved by York University’s Health, Safety & Employee Well-Being office.
Monitoring and treatment of component applications will be carried out in the Food Services locations listed below:
Location
Campus
Building Name
Glendon Campus Marché Cafeteria
Glendon Campus
York Hall
Glendon Campus Tim Hortons
Glendon Campus
York Hall, A Wing
Bergeron Market
Keele Campus
Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence
Central Square Cafeteria
Keele Campus
Central Square
Central Square Tim Hortons
Keele Campus
Central Square
Central Square Booster Juice
Keele Campus
Central Square
Central Square Pizza Pizza
Keele Campus
Central Square
Central Square Starbucks
Keele Campus
Central Square
Central Square Subway
Keele Campus
Central Square
Centre for Film & Theatre Starbucks
Keele Campus
Centre for Film & Theatre
Dahdaleh Cafeteria
Keele Campus
Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building
Dahdaleh Tim Hortons
Keele Campus
Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building
Lassonde Palgong Tea
Keele Campus
Lassonde Building
Osgoode Hall Bistro
Keele Campus
Ignat Kaneff Building, Osgooge Hall
Stong College Orange Snail
Keele Campus
Stong College
Stong College Cafeteria
Keele Campus
Stong College
William Small Centre Tim Hortons
Keele Campus
William Small Centre
Winters College Country Style
Keele Campus
Winters College
Winters College Cafeteria
Keele Campus
Winters College
Grad Lounge
Keele Campus
Ross Building
Pod
Keele Campus
Curtis Lecture Halls
For further information, contact John Leva, manager of grounds, fleet and waste management, Facilities Services, at jleva@yorku.ca; or Tom Watt, director of food services, Ancillary Services, at watttm@yorku.ca.
