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Congress 2023 a success

Harriet Tubman Institute and Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages at Congress 2023

York University’s Keele Campus welcomed more than 10,000 guests and over 400 volunteers from May 27 to June 2, when the University hosted Congress 2023 in partnership with the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. 

The seven-day event – Canada’s largest academic gathering – invited scholars, graduate students, policymakers and community members to identify and discuss the decisions we need to take today to build a better world for all, as part of conference’s theme “Reckonings and Re-imaginings.” 

Andrea Davis speaking during Congress 2023
Andrea Davis speaking during Congress 2023

The theme was implemented as a guide for knowledge sharing during the hundreds of events taking place at the Keele Campus, including presentations, panels, workshops, art exhibits, community activities and more.

“My desire over the many months of planning was to create a culture shift at Congress 2023 – to create a space where Indigenous and Black knowledges, and community and artistic practice, could enter and transform the disciplines of the humanities and social sciences and impact the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in a way that was tangible and real, beyond the written word,” says Professor Andrea Davis, Congress 2023 academic convenor.  

“I truly believe that we accomplished that, and I am deeply grateful to the many York community members who walked with me on this journey and executed this vision with passion. None of this would be possible without the unparalleled, team-centred leadership of Congress Director, Liz McMahan, and my fearless colleagues on the scholarly planning committee who guided and contributed to every aspect of the vision of Congress 2023 from the planning of Indigenous initiatives, to the centering of art, and the building of community relations. I am indebted to them, and to all our staff teams and volunteers. I have such an increased understanding and appreciation of the work they do quietly every day to make the University function. I am truly grateful to have been able to lead this partnership of ideas.”

York’s team of dedicated staff, faculty and volunteers were pivotal to the success of conference, which included more than 250 faculty and scholars from York presenting their research to Congress participants affiliated with 67 academic associations.

“I am deeply grateful to the nearly 900 staff and over 400 volunteers who made Congress 2023 a reality. Hosting an event of this magnitude on our campuses required a tremendous amount of collaboration and creativity. The community really came together to provide all of the services and support that were needed that made for an exceptional experience for attendees,” says McMahan. 

See more stories about Congress here. To view images captured during Congress, go here. For a video with highlights from the week, see below.

York University to address budget deficit over next three fiscal years 

Arial view of Kaneff

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

The following is a communication from York University:

York University, like many post-secondary institutions across Canada, is facing short-term financial pressures related to a variety of internal and external factors. Fortunately, the University maintains healthy reserves to help mitigate enrolment fluctuations, support strategic opportunities and priorities that will continue to advance our vision and reduce our exposure to future risks.  

The key drivers of the revenue shortfall include provincial operating funds that have been outpaced by inflation, a decline in international student enrolment exacerbated by slow visa processing times and a concurrent three-year tuition freeze. York has a clear plan to respond to the challenges we face. A number of immediate measures are being taken to reduce the expected gap in revenue compared to expenditures that will see the budget balanced by 2025-26. The aim is to strengthen our enrolment, diversify revenue, and to minimize the impact on the high-quality education we provide where reductions in expenditures are necessary.   

Consequently, to bridge the gap, administrative units will face an average of 2.5 to 4 per cent reduction in expenditures, with the Faculties and School of Continuing Studies absorbing up to a 2 per cent expenditure reduction. Budget reductions include a temporary pause or reduction in employee professional development, limiting the hiring of tenure stream faculty and staff to only urgently needed appointments, and a reduction in advertising that is not directly related to strategic enrolment management. It will also include the deferral of minor renovations and some equipment renewals. 

Strategies to drive new revenue will also be enhanced including program innovation, expanding capacity in high-demand programs, advancing 21st century learning such as microcredentials, launching our Markham Campus, student success and retention initiatives, strengthening our global engagement and internationalization strategy, implementing our Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Strategy, building our profile and reputation, increasing our success in research and commercialization, intensifying University Advancement, and progress on our Campus Vision and Strategy. While each of these will contribute to our future financial sustainability, it will take time to realize the full benefit of our efforts.

“York University has seen tremendous success and growth over the past few years, and I am confident we can maintain our momentum while navigating this short-term challenge. Our leadership in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and our commitment to decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion has helped propel York as the first-choice university for domestic students. These successes are a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our community and their commitment to driving positive change,” says Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor. “It will be important for us not to lose sight of our long-term goals and delivering on our vision to provide students with access to a high-quality, research-intensive learning environment committed to the public good.” 

Based on current university application data, York is in a strong position for the 2023-24 academic year with domestic first choice applications up 11.2 per cent. Converting these applications to enrolled students will have a positive budget impact. 

“Mitigating current financial pressures require all Faculties, divisions and units to do their part,” says Lisa Philipps, provost and vice-president academic. “We will work with units and Faculties to ensure their individual goals, plans and initiatives are supported through a temporary pause of some activities. We have faced these challenges in the past with success and have identified a strategic way forward that allows us to continue to advance the priorities set out in the University Academic Plan.” 

L’Université York va gérer son déficit budgétaire au cours des trois prochaines années fiscales

L’Université York, tout comme de nombreux autres établissements d’enseignement supérieur au Canada, fait face à des pressions financières à court terme liées à divers facteurs internes et externes. Fort heureusement, l’Université conserve des réserves saines pour atténuer les fluctuations des inscriptions, appuyer des possibilités stratégiques et les priorités qui continueront à faire progresser sa vision et à réduire son exposition aux risques futurs.

Les principaux facteurs à l’origine de ce manque à gagner sont les fonds de fonctionnement provinciaux qui ont été insuffisants pour faire face à l’inflation, la baisse des inscriptions d’étudiants internationaux exacerbée par la lenteur du traitement des demandes de visa et le blocage parallèle des frais de scolarité pendant trois ans. York a un plan d’action clair pour répondre aux défis auxquels elle est confrontée. Plusieurs mesures immédiates sont actuellement mises en place pour réduire l’écart attendu entre les recettes et les dépenses, et cela permettra d’équilibrer le budget d’ici 2025-2026. Même si des réductions de dépenses sont nécessaires, l’objectif demeure de renforcer nos effectifs, de diversifier nos revenus et de minimiser l’impact sur l’enseignement de qualité que nous offrons.  

Par conséquent, pour combler ce déficit, les unités administratives devront réduire leurs dépenses de 2,5 à 4 % en moyenne, tandis que les facultés et l’École de formation continue devront absorber une réduction des dépenses allant jusqu’à 2 %. Les réductions budgétaires prévoient une suspension temporaire ou une réduction du développement professionnel des employés, l’embauche de professeurs et d’employés permanents restreinte à des nominations indispensables, et la réduction de toute publicité n’ayant pas de lien direct avec la gestion stratégique des inscriptions. Elles comprennent également le report de rénovations mineures et du renouvellement de certains équipements.

Les stratégies visant à générer de nouveaux revenus seront également consolidées, notamment : l’innovation en matière de programmes; l’augmentation de la capacité de programmes très recherchés; la promotion de l’apprentissage au 21e siècle (comme les microcrédits); le lancement de notre campus Markham; les initiatives de réussite et de rétention étudiante; le renforcement de notre engagement mondial et de notre stratégie d’internationalisation; la mise en œuvre de notre stratégie de décolonisation, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (DEDI); l’amélioration de notre profil et de notre réputation; l’augmentation de nos succès en matière de recherche et de commercialisation; l’intensification des activités d’avancement de l’Université; et la progression de notre Vision et stratégie du campus. Chacun de ces éléments contribuera à notre future viabilité financière, mais il faudra un certain temps pour que nos efforts portent leurs fruits.

« L’Université York a connu un succès et une croissance extraordinaires au cours des dernières années. Je suis convaincue que nous continuerons sur notre lancée tout en relevant ce défi à court terme. Notre leadership dans la promotion des objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies et notre engagement envers la décolonisation, l’équité, la diversité et l’inclusion ont contribué à faire de York un choix privilégié pour les étudiantes et étudiants nationaux. Ces succès témoignent du dévouement et de la persévérance de notre communauté et de son engagement à susciter des changements positifs, déclare Rhonda Lenton, présidente et vice-chancelière. Il est important de ne pas perdre de vue nos objectifs à long terme et de concrétiser notre vision, à savoir donner à la communauté étudiante l’accès à un environnement d’apprentissage de haute qualité, axé sur la recherche et engagé en faveur du bien public. »

Sur la base des données actuelles sur les demandes d’inscription, l’Université York est en bonne posture pour l’année universitaire 2023-2024 avec des demandes nationales de premier choix en hausse de 11,2 pour cent. La conversion de ces demandes en inscriptions aura des incidences budgétaires positives.

« Pour atténuer les pressions financières actuelles, toutes les facultés, divisions et unités doivent faire leur part, déclare Lisa Philipps, rectrice et vice-présidente aux affaires académiques. Nous travaillerons avec les unités et les facultés pour nous assurer que leurs objectifs, plans et initiatives individuels sont appuyés par une suspension temporaire de certaines activités. Dans le passé, nous avons relevé ces défis avec succès et nous avons tracé une voie stratégique nous permettant de continuer à faire avancer les priorités définies dans le Plan académique de l’Université. »

Osgoode grad hopes scholarship will help inspire Indigenous youth

Osgoode Hall Law School graduand Justin Thompson hopes a major scholarship he recently won will help inspire other Indigenous youth to reach for the stars.

Justin Thompson portrait
Justin Thompson

The member of Nipissing First Nation near North Bay, Ont., who officially graduates from York University’s Osgoode at Spring Convocation, was recently named a recipient of the $10,000 John Wesley Beaver Memorial Award. John Wesley Beaver was a former chief of the Alderville First Nation in eastern Ontario who served as a fighter pilot in the Second World War and rose to become a high-ranking executive at Ontario Power Generation. The scholarship is offered annually by Ontario Power Generation through Indspire, a national Indigenous charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

“Indigenous students want to see someone like themselves who is achieving things,” said Thompson. “So getting the award helps to show that anything is possible for Indigenous students and the sky is the limit.”

Thompson, who is the first in his immediate family to attend university, said the award also represents for him one more sign of hope that Indigenous youth and their communities can look forward to a brighter future after many generations of suffering under colonial oppression. His own great-grandmother, Agnes, was a residential school survivor.

In 2014, for example, his community enacted its own constitution, effectively supplanting the federal Indian Act. In addition, Nipissing First Nation is currently developing its own citizenship law, which will allow the community – not the federal government – to decide who is a citizen. Alongside these developments, he added, the community is enjoying better times economically and is eagerly awaiting the results of the Restoule case, a landmark case currently before the Supreme Court of Canada that could see members of the Anishinaabe Nation in northern Ontario win better compensation for the lands they agreed to share with the Crown under the 1850 Robinson Huron Treaty.

“We’ve seen all these exciting changes,” said Thompson. “So I want to play my part in helping my community become more sovereign and to exercise its rights of self-determination, loosening the grip of the Indian Act.”

Even as a teenager, he said, that desire drove his decision to become a lawyer. The scholarship has helped him to realize that dream, he added. In July, after completing his bar admission exams, he will begin articling in the Toronto office of Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP, one of Canada’s leading Aboriginal law firms.

As an aspiring Indigenous lawyer, Thompson said, Osgoode was his first choice of law school after he completed undergraduate and graduate studies at Trent University in Canadian and Indigenous studies. His graduate research there focused on the issue of Indigenous over-incarceration and the lasting impacts of the Indian Act related to the criminalization of Indigenous individuals.

“I came to Osgoode specifically for the Indigenous Intensive,” he said. “And the Indigenous faculty here have been an amazing source of support.”

The only program of its kind in North America, the Intensive Program in Indigenous Lands, Resources, and Governments (IPILRG) explores the legal issues related to Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous rights through the combination of a rigorous academic experience with challenging placements in Indigenous, Aboriginal or environmental law.

“The Intensive was my favourite aspect of law school,” said Thompson. “It was a bit disrupted by COVID, but [Professors] Amar [Bhatia] and Jeff [Hewitt] made sure we had all the support we needed.”

As an Indigenous law student, Thompson said, other highlights of his Osgoode experience included participating in the Kawaskimhon National Aboriginal Moot and his leadership roles with the Osgoode Indigenous Students’ Association (OISA).

“We took on a lot of important initiatives,” he said, citing in his third year the association’s ReDress Week event, its Moose Hide Campaign against domestic and gender-based violence and its Orange Shirt Day, which featured guest speaker and Osgoode alumna Kimberley Murray, the federal government’s Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools.

York ranks among top universities making global impact for positive change 

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings banner

By Ashley Goodfellow Craig, YFile editor

York University continues to stand out as a global leader in building a more just and sustainable future by driving positive change through the shared vision and collective actions of its faculty, course directors, staff, students, alumni and community partners.

The University is positioned among the world’s top 40 universities for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings which measure how more than 1,500 universities work to address the most complex and compelling societal issues of our time.

The results of the rankings – the only global report of its kind – recognize York’s interdisciplinary research and innovation strengths in sustainability, inclusivity and equity that have earned the University placing in the top three per cent of universities in the world overall.

Work to advance the SDGs is rooted in the University Academic Plan as reflected in York’s vision to provide a broad demographic of students with access to high-quality education at a research-intensive University that is committed to enhancing the well-being of the communities it serves.

“York University continues to be recognized worldwide for its leadership in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. York’s top 40 ranking is a testament to the ongoing commitment of our faculty, staff, students and instructors who have taken up the challenge outlined in our University Academic Plan to strengthen our impact,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “I am grateful to the entire York community for driving positive change and building a better future for everyone.”

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings considers factors such as research, stewardship, outreach and teaching to determine the rank for each institution. York’s position in the rankings speaks to its strong global standings in the SDGs, with nine of 17 ranked in the top 100. Learn more about the rankings here.

York’s commitment to answering the call to right the future reflects the dedication of faculty, instructors, staff, students and alumni to research, academic pursuits and campus initiatives that advance more inclusive, equitable and sustainable communities.

York community members are encouraged to update their email signatures with the latest rankings and see other ways to amplify this achievement by using this toolkit.

Community voices at Congress 2023

Congress 2023 attendees outdoors at the Keele Campus

YFile communications officer Joseph Burrell spoke with attendees of Congress 2023 and asked “What have you enjoyed most about your Congress 2023 experience at York University and why?”

Here’s what they had to say:

Mohammad Sohel portrait, photo by Joseph Burrell
Mohammad Sohel

Mohammad Sohel, York U master of social work (MSW), Congress presenter

“Today is my first day joining here. But it’s a great opportunity for me, and for people like me, to be meeting other scholars. There are a lot of publishers here too – publishers from all over the city and elsewhere. It’s a time to expand your knowledge, your skills and to make connections.

“My paper’s title is ‘Deficit of Professional Skills and the Experience of Skilled Bangladeshi Immigrant Physiotherapists in Ontario.’ I explore the skilled profession of physiotherapy and how immigrants face difficulties. I interviewed physiotherapists here who have experience back at home, extensive experience, but they are waiting years to get work here and in other countries. I present that work here June 1.”

Joshua Brand portrait, photo by Joseph Burrell
Joshua Brand

Joshua Brand, PhD student in philosophy and AI ethics at Institut Polytechnique de Paris

“I came to Congress to participate in a specific conference with the Canadian Society for Practical Ethics, so it was great that we could bring in people from all over Canada and the world, and also interact with people from other provinces.

“There’s some really great interdisciplinary discussion that’s going on. And today (May 31) I’m definitely looking forward to seeing Michaëlle Jean at her big speech – that’ll be a nice opportunity.”

Sherri Priestly portrait, photo by Joseph Burrell
Sherri Priestly

Sherri Priestly, instructor at The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Edmonton

“I read a book called Rehearsals for Living by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson and Robyn Maynard, and they’re in conversation with each other in the book, and they’re here in conversation with each other on stage, so I’m excited to check that out.

“It’s my first time at Congress – and I’ve never been to York University, so that’s also a first. The campus is beautiful. Good first impressions all around.”

Quinton Huang portrait, photo by Joseph Burrell
Quinton Huang

Quinton Huang, master’s student in the Department of History at University of British Columbia

“I’m a master’s student and this is the very first time that I’ve been at Congress. It’s so incredible to see. You know that Congress is all of the social sciences and humanities associations coming together to have conferences at the exact same time, but coming here to actually interact with all of the really fascinating communities of researchers and scholars and practitioners – from across the country and beyond – it’s kind of invigorating.

“I think for myself, the opportunity to not only meet the scholars at the Canadian Historical Association – who have greatly influenced my work, that was a really important part for me – but also just getting exposure to all of the other amazing people who are working on subjects that are not necessarily relevant to my own field, but nonetheless have sparked my imagination and curiosity.”

Riley Yesno portrait, photo by Joseph Burrell
Riley Yesno

Riley Yesno, PhD student in political science at University of Toronto

“Congress has been great so far; I’ve gone to some really interesting panels and have learned a lot from people that I probably wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to have a discussion with in an average day. That’s a big win for me.”

York volunteers central to success of Congress 2023 

York community members and volunteers at Vari Hall with the YorkU letters during Congress 2023

By Ashley Goodfellow Craig, YFile editor and Joseph Burrell, YFile communications officer 

York University community members contributed hundreds of volunteer hours to support the University in hosting Congress 2023, Canada’s largest academic gathering, in partnership with the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. 

From May 27 to June 2, York staff, faculty, students, retirees and alumni made up the 400-plus cohort of volunteers at the University’s Keele Campus working to bring the first in-person Congress since 2019 to life. 

“We had an overwhelmingly positive response to our call for volunteers with nearly 700 applications received, surpassing our goal of 500,” says York University’s Liz McMahan, director, Congress 2023. “This is a great opportunity for community members to meet each other and demonstrate their York pride by working together to welcome attendees from all over the world.” 

With more than 10,000 participants at this year’s conference, volunteers were recruited as front-line ambassadors to greet guests, give directions, support events and help with operations.

Congress volunteers lining up to get their volunteer t-shirts
Congress volunteers lining up to get their volunteer t-shirts (Photo by Joseph Burrell)

Volunteers attended a training session to learn more about what they would be doing in different roles, including: event ushers, cultural programming assistants, hospitality assistants, wayfinders, kiosk attendants, accessibility stop assistants, catering assistants and logistics support. Volunteer groups are coordinated by volunteer team leads. 

The effort was led by Congress 2023 Volunteer Coordinator Christine Le, who oversaw the recruitment, scheduling, training and provided ongoing support for the volunteers. 

“The volunteer program has been a huge success, thanks to Christine’s leadership,” said McMahan. “There is a palpable energy that volunteers have been bringing to Congress. We have received many comments about how warm and welcoming they are – and they are terrific ambassadors in their red Team Congress 2023 t-shirts.” 

Diane Beelen Woody
Diane Beelen Woody (Photo by Joseph Burrell)

Diane Beelen Woody, co-president of York University’s Retiree Association (YURA) and retired associate professor and senior scholar from the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LAPS), says working towards the success of Congress is a “lovely contribution” to make in retirement. 

“Many of our members have spent their entire careers at York, including me,” she says. “I think this is special for York because it is unique in terms of its student diversity, and the themes of Congress are so appropriate for York, and for Canada, at this time. I think it’s a monumental undertaking and the organizers deserve all of the support that we can give them.” 

Dammy Atekoja
Dammy Atekoja (Photo by Joseph Burrell)

For Dammy Atekoja, a student in Schulich School of Business’ MSc Financial Accountability Program (MFAc), the opportunity to volunteer supports his goals of helping people and contributing to society. 

“Personally, it brings me pleasure to know that I’m helping. This is a school that I feel connected to, and when they have events like this and they need students to make sure the event is a success, then I want to be a part of that,” says Atekoja. 

Jodi Tavares
Jodi Tavares (Photo by Joseph Burrell)

For some, like staff member Jodi Tavares, volunteering is an opportunity to show and share pride in the University. “We have the best and brightest minds on campus, and I want to make sure I’m part of the group that shows them how welcoming York can be. If I’m volunteering, then I feel that I’m helping that experience, and helping reflect the values of York. We’re open. We’re welcoming. We want to bring more community here.” 

Tavares, a student of the liberal arts, says hosting Congress is a big deal for York, and helps to increase awareness of York’s successes. 

“York is already on the map – we’re a massive research institution and we have a huge footprint in terms of number of students, [and being] the third-largest university in Canada. But this puts us on the map academically – we have some of the best researchers here, some of the greatest minds, and now we’re bringing the rest of them here. It’s a big deal, I just want to be a part of it.” 

McMahan says she hopes volunteers come away from their Congress 2023 experience feeling proud of their accomplishments with lasting memories of a fun week. 

“I’ve really enjoyed watching our volunteers have fun – dancing to music being played on the Swag Stages, welcoming attendees with big smiles, making new friends, and taking pride in their university and in being part of Team Congress 2023.” 

Snapshot of Congress 2023

Community mural at Congress 2023

As host of the 92nd annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, together with the Federation for Humanities and Social Sciences from May 27 to June 2, York University Keele Campus has been buzzing with activity.

With more than 10,000 participants, over 400 volunteers, and York community members who are working and studying on campus, the week-long event created opportunities to attend scholarly presentations, panels, art exhibits, live performances, interactive events and more at Congress 2023. It was the first in-person Congress held in four years.

View a photo gallery below for a glimpse of some of the activities and performances held throughout the week.

Vari Hall Exterior_Congress (May2023)-7

Pride Month a time to celebrate, reflect, learn

Pride Month banner 2023

Dear York community,

June marks Pride Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the lived experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and to learn about the history, culture and contributions they have made to our campuses and to Canadian society. 

Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community have been historically, structurally and systematically excluded. These barriers very much exist today in Canada and around the world. For example, more than 70 countries today still criminalize same-sex conduct, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community still experience disproportionately high rates of gender-based violence and harassment.

York continues to fight for the equal rights and safety of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community standing against all forms of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, discrimination and racism. These actions are central to York’s core values of equity, diversity, inclusivity and social justice.

York is focussing on ways to remove systematic barriers to ensure that our campuses are experienced as safe spaces where everyone feels that they belong. This focus can be seen through York University initiatives such as the Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Strategy, the Provostial Fellows Program: 2023-24, and the newly announced President’s award for Excellence in Decolonization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) which recognizes sustainable and measurable change on campus, with an intersectional social justice lens, especially for equity-deserving groups such as women, visible/racialized minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

We invite you to visit the Pride website to learn more about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and their ongoing work and accomplishments. We also encourage you to attend the events that are happening during Pride Month through the Central Events Calendar and Student Event Calendar. Join us for the Pride 2023 Opening Ceremony on June 7 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Vari Hall. The Ceremony is hosted by The Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion in collaboration with Student Community & Leadership Development.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor

Alice Pitt
Interim Vice-President Equity, People & Culture

Déclaration à l’occasion du Mois de la Fierté

Chers membres de la communauté de York,

Le mois de juin est le mois de la Fierté, une période de célébration et de réflexion sur les expériences vécues par les membres de la communauté 2ELGBTQIA+, et de découverte de leur histoire, de leur culture et de leurs contributions à nos campus et à la société canadienne. 

Ces personnes ont été historiquement, structurellement et systématiquement exclues. De telles barrières existent encore aujourd’hui au Canada et dans le monde. Par exemple, plus de 70 pays criminalisent encore aujourd’hui les comportements homosexuels, et les membres de la communauté 2ELGBTQIA+ subissent encore des taux disproportionnés de harcèlement et de violence basée sur le genre.

York continue de lutter pour l’égalité des droits et la sécurité de la communauté 2ELGBTQIA+ en s’opposant à toutes les formes d’homophobie, de biphobie, de transphobie, de discrimination et de racisme. Ces actions sont au cœur des valeurs fondamentales de York, à savoir l’équité, la diversité, l’inclusion et la justice sociale.

York se concentre sur les moyens d’éliminer les barrières systématiques afin de garantir que ses campus soient des espaces sécuritaires où tout le monde se sent à sa place. Cette orientation se traduit par des initiatives de l’Université York comme la Stratégie de décolonisation, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (DEDI) et le programme de bourses de la rectrice  2023-2024, ainsi que le nouveau prix de la Présidente pour l’excellence en matière de décolonisation, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (DEDI), qui récompense les changements durables et mesurables sur les campus, dans une optique de justice sociale intersectionnelle, en particulier pour les groupes en quête d’équité (les femmes, les minorités visibles/racialisées, les peuples autochtones, les personnes en situation de handicap et les personnes 2ELGBTQIA+).

Nous vous invitons à visiter le site Web de la Fierté pour en savoir plus sur la communauté 2ELGBTQIA+, ainsi que sur son travail et ses réalisations. Nous vous encourageons également à participer aux événements du Mois de la Fierté en consultant le calendrier central des événements et le calendrier des événements pour les étudiantes et étudiants. Joignez-vous à nous pour la cérémonie d’ouverture du Mois de la Fierté 2023 le 7 juin de 12h30 à 14 h au pavillon Vari. La cérémonie est organisée par le Centre des droits de la personne, de l’équité et de l’inclusion, en collaboration avec Développement de la communauté étudiante et du leadership (SCLD).

Sincères salutations,

Rhonda Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

Alice Pitt
Vice-présidente intérimaire de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture

Learn more about York’s Community Engagement Community of Practice

York's Community of Practice meeting

Members of York’s Community Engagement CoP (CE CoP) steering committee will present on the value and benefits realized by the University’s CoP at C2U Expo this June.

C2U Expo is Community Based Research Canada’s international conference providing leadership and space for both academics and communities to showcase community-campus partnerships that address local and global societal problems.

York’s CE CoP welcomes anyone across its campuses who work with external communities in their scholarship, teaching or professional role, or anyone with an interest in community engagement. The CE CoP provides opportunities for members to interact with colleagues from across the University that: are involved in community engagement; support capacity building and skill development for deeper engagement; facilitate peer learning; and create opportunities for collaboration.

“Despite many institutions across Canada participating in community engaged work, few have incorporated a CoP model,” says Shawna Teper, assistant director, Community and Government Relations in the Office of the President. “Many are reaching out to learn more about York’s CE CoP as they contemplate what might strengthen community engagement within their own institutions.”

Presenting at C2U Expo is an opportunity for York to showcase its leadership in this area and share how, within a large and decentralized university, a CoP can serve an important convening and coordination role to support members that incorporate community engagement into their work or are interested in learning more about it.

Those interested in learning more about this presentation at C2U Expo, or would like to engage with others that are involved in community engagement work at York, are invited to the next meeting, which will be held virtually on Tuesday, June 27 from 10  to 11:30 a.m. The invitation link is enclosed here.

York University’s Markham Campus welcomes community to first Spring Showcase

Markham Centre Campus FEATURED image

York University’s Markham Campus held its first Spring Showcase on May 18, 2023, at Yspace Markham, inviting the community to learn about the new campus and its programs. The event drew in hundreds of community members eager to learn more about a world-renowned higher education institution like York University establishing roots in Markham and York Region.

Student volunteers, staff and faculty members showcased the unique programs and features that will make Markham Campus an exciting addition to the region. The buzz from families and prospective students contributed to an evening of excitement and anticipation for the new campus.

High school students shared enthusiasm for the convenient location of the campus, as well as the opportunity to learn more about the programs it will offer.

Students and professors mingle at the Markham Campus Spring Showcase
Parents and prospective students speaking with program representatives at the Spring Showcase information fair

Gordon Binsted, deputy provost for Markham Campus, kickstarted the event with an insightful information session delivered in the Markham Cineplex. He outlined the tech-forward and entrepreneurial programs and key features of the campus before inviting attendees to ask questions. Audience questions ranged from specific programs of interest to access to public transit to transportation between campuses to the campus’ anticipated opening date. Attendees also learned:

  • Markham Campus is located next to nearby transit options with increased service plans currently in the works for GO’s Unionville Station (only a five-minute walk from the campus);
  • plans are underway for a shuttle between the Keele and Markham campuses; and
  • future students can apply as soon as this fall for programs beginning at the campus in Fall 2024.

“Imagine having all the amenities and opportunities of a larger campus like Keele Campus, but in a more intimate setting at the Markham Campus,” says Binsted. ”You’ll have the opportunity to connect with professors and classmates on a more personal level and access a wide range of resources and amenities right on campus. Moreover, every program emphasizes experiential education, providing you with hands-on learning experiences in the community, labs, and work-integrated settings. This not only equips you with valuable work experience but also creates a positive impact on the surrounding community.”

One of the highlights of the evening was the information fair, featuring program booths representing Markham Campus programs. Prospective students and their parents were able to interact with faculty members and program representatives, gaining valuable insights into their programs of interest and empowering them to make informed decisions about their educational journeys. This interactive experience helped attendees envision the endless possibilities and opportunities that await them at the new campus.

Group photo of Markham Campus Spring Showcase volunteer organizers
Student volunteers, faculty, and staff members who contributed to the success of the event

“I’m really excited about the co-op placement aspect of the Markham Campus programs,” says Melissa Agaba, an international development studies student at York University. “This is especially helpful for newcomers and first-time students since they won’t have to wait until post-grad to gain valuable experience. They can avoid the frantic scramble in their final year to secure work experience.”

“This showcase was an excellent opportunity to share the excitement around art and technology, and to bring to life the collective vision we have been working on at Markham Campus,” says Rebecca Caines, professor, creative technologies. “It feels like we’re one step closer to moving into the campus and making exciting things happen.”

Anesa Albert, associate director of communications, recruitment and digital engagement, Faculty of Graduate Studies, says she was impressed with the turnout from those interested in graduate programs. Prospective graduate students expressed a keen interest in the integrated work experience component of programs, she said.

“As a biomedical student, I’m specifically interested in the new Biotechnology Management program,” says Oluwatimileyin Aina, a biomedical science student at York University. “I’m looking forward to seeing the new environment, meeting new people, and exploring new opportunities. I feel like Markham Campus will be the next big thing in Ontario.”

When Markham Campus opens its doors in Spring 2024, it will be a hub of innovation, learning and collaboration, further enriching the vibrant communities of Markham and York Region.

Visit www.yorku.ca/markham to learn more about Markham Campus.