Tag: Community

Approved tag

York dialogue initiative embraced by academic institutions

Dialog - two blank speech bubbles
=

York University Professor Randal Schnoor, recognized for his efforts in fostering genuine dialogue on the Israel-Palestine issue through the Bridging the Gap (BtG) student dialogue group, finds his community-building work gaining traction and support from other academic institutions amidst tensions on campuses in Canada and abroad.

Randal Schnoor
Randal Schnoor

The BtG initiative, led by Schnoor and an executive team of eight students, has been instrumental in creating safe spaces for healthy discussions about Israel-Palestine at York University.

“We are a group of York University students and alumni, both Palestinian Arab and Israeli Jewish, who want to change the way that the conversation about Israel-Palestine is happening at York University,” says Schnoor, a sociologist at York’s Israel & Golda Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Studies who teaches the Antisemitism and Islamophobia in Canada course.

“We believe that, as fellow students who have a connection to this land, we all deserve human dignity and an honest conversation.”

The first dialogue session took place on the Keele Campus on Feb. 12. Led by student moderators, the successful outcome garnered attention and praise both locally and beyond.

The Canadian Jewish News covered the inaugural event in a story published Feb. 21, reporting that despite some heated exchanges the panellists, representing diverse perspectives, demonstrated a commitment to civil discourse.

“There is a great appetite for this kind of initiative, as other campuses are also facing similar challenges around the Israel-Palestine issue,” says Schnoor.

He has since been contacted by professors and senior administrators at Western University, Toronto Metropolitan University, the University of British Columbia and the University of Sydney in Australia to share his insights on the proactive advocacy work being done at York.

Earlier this month, BtG travelled to the University of Toronto Scarborough and Queen’s University to present additional panel discussions that explored the opportunities and challenges Schnoor and York students have encountered since the launch.

There are now plans to expand outreach by visiting synagogues and mosques this summer, followed by scheduled campus visits in the fall.

This outreach and ongoing exchange of ideas highlights the broader impact of initiatives like BtG in promoting constructive dialogue beyond York’s borders.

“York should be proud of the leadership role it is taking in Canada – and beyond – in promoting respectful dialogue on Israel-Palestine,” Schnoor says. “The goal of dialogue is not to win debates, but rather to use constructive communication to gain a better understanding of experiences and work towards a more positive future.”

Updated: Create sustainable change this Earth Month

YorkU_EarthMonth BANNER

Update: New information after publication of this article indicates the tree planting events have been rescheduled. The new dates are listed below.

Throughout the month of April, York University looks to commemorate Earth Month by inviting the community to engage in activities and events that advance and celebrate the University’s commitment to a sustainable future.

Every action matters, which is why the York community is invited to create positive change this month in celebration of Earth Day, Earth Week and Earth Month. By engaging in sustainable living – the practice of understanding how individual lifestyle choices affect the world collectively – and finding ways to live better together, each one us can create sustainable change in our communities, on our campuses and around the world

“While institutions, governments and private companies need to make investments in transitioning to a low carbon economy, we also need to demonstrate our personal commitment,” says Mike Layton, York’s chief sustainability officer. “It can be as simple as reducing what we consume by buying local and less, diverting waste from landfill by composting and recycling, or taking public transit to work instead of driving.”

This Earth Month, community members are invited to attend York’s annual campus tree planting and clean-up events at the Keele and Glendon campuses in collaboration with the student group Regenesis and Facilities Services. Registration is encouraged and the details are as follows:

Keele Campus

Campus Clean Up
Monday, April 22
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Tree Planting
Tuesday, April 30
12:30 to 2 p.m.

Glendon Campus

Tree Planting and Campus Clean Up
Thursday, May 2
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Other events happening throughout the month include a WWF Living Planet Leader Certification Workshop, where students can learn how to lead impactful initiatives, and another event titled The Future is Now – A Dialogue on Climate Hope, where participants will have the opportunity to share their personal insights on topics related to climate anxiety, sustainability, the role of community in their lives and strategies for feeling empowered in the face of the climate crisis.

The C4: Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom will also once again host Capstone Day, an event where students showcase projects they have been working on over the past year that relate to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The events – and York’s overall celebration of Earth Month – reflect how, since the launch of its University Academic Plan in 2020, the University has made significant progress in advancing its sustainability initiatives and enhancing its impact on the UN SDGs. The University is currently among the top 40 institutions for global leadership on advancing the UN SDGs in the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and has been named as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 11 consecutive years.

Recently, the University announced its plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, a decade earlier than originally planned. This new pledge is part of York’s renewed sustainability policy, which also includes a commitment to develop and implement a process to track, measure, evaluate and report progress toward net-zero emissions. 

Sustainability has been well integrated into every part of the University – from its wide array of sustainability-focused courses and partnerships, like the Global Water Academy, to campus sustainability features easily accessible throughout its campuses. Last year, the University also launched the Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living, an open-access program that gives participants the opportunity to learn from six of York’s world-renowned academic experts on a diverse range of topics related to sustainability.

To build on its strong repertoire of sustainability work, York recently launched a new, $1-million Sustainability Innovation Fund to invest in projects led by York students, faculty and staff that support the University’s goals.

Join York in creating sustainable change this Earth Month as well as during Earth Week (April 21 to 28) and on Earth Day on April 22. To learn more and get involved, visit York’s Earth Month website.

TTC mural honours Professor Carl James

Carl James BANNER

The Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC’s) subway system recently became the canvas for a new mural honouring York University Distinguished Research Professor Carl James and his impact on community and racial equity.

The mural – which features an evocative portrait of James – can be viewed at the York University TTC subway station, as well as a bus wrap that’s emblazoned on a TTC vehicle deployed from the Queensway Garage, and at various subway stops across the city. It pays tribute to Professor James’ impactful contributions to education, community and racial equity.

Mya Salau, a third-year student at the University of Toronto Scarborough, was commissioned for the project by AstroSankofa Arts Initiatives, a Canadian organization that describes itself as committed to supporting Black and Indigenous emerging artists in public art and Web3 activities.

Salau’s inspiration for the mural stemmed from her desire to capture the essence of James’ teachings and accomplishments. To create the image, she used acrylic paint on canvas, then had the painting digitized to be displayed on TTC buses and murals. She also incorporated various visual elements to reflect his dedication to educational equality, youth studies, and race and ethnic relations.

“I wanted the artwork to not only celebrate Professor James, but also to serve as a reminder of his profound impact on our community,” Salau explained. “Through this mural, I hope to convey the essence of his teachings and inspire others to continue his legacy of advocacy and social change.”

The mural features a captivating portrait of Professor James adorned with textbook pages, symbolizing knowledge, literature and the power of education. “I also added a futuristic eye lens,” Salau said, “as a lot of his work advocates for future change and improving systems in Canadian society.”

James worked closely with Salau as she shaped the mural over various iterations. “I very much appreciate that Mya was able to share an early version of the painting, and use my comments to develop the final version,” he says. “Her efforts to represent me and my scholarship in the painting reflects her reading of my work.”

Carl James mural
The Carl James mural at York University subway station. (Photo credit: York University’s Faculty of Education.)

That work, in a nutshell, is about addressing systemic inequalities in Canadian education and society.

From his early days as a community organizer to his current role as the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora at York University, James has provided research on race, education and immigration that sheds light on the challenges faced by Black students in the Greater Toronto Area. His investigations have catalyzed significant policy changes, including the end of academic and applied streaming for Grade 9 students in Ontario.

“It is not about research for research’s sake, but to inform action,” James said in a recently published interview.

“Community is often a central feature for those who have been marginalized, and it is through collaboration and advocacy that we can bring about meaningful change.”

The unveiling of the mural on Feb. 24 coincided with Black History Month, a time to celebrate the rich contributions of Black Canadians to society. Alongside other honourees, James was recognized during a TTC subway tour honouring Black Torontonians, showcasing their enduring legacies and contributions to the city.

k2i academy and TDSB engage girls in STEM

young girls doing science

With the goal of encouraging girls to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pathways and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ( UN SDGs), the k2i academy – an initiative by York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering – engaged with students at the Young Women on the Move: Possibilities Conference at Runnymede Elementary School, hosted by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).

Since June 2020, the k2i academy and the TDSB have worked in partnership to foster a variety of programs aimed at breaking down barriers in STEM education. For example, the Bringing STEM to Life: In Schools initiative has brought experiential education to schools across the Greater Toronto Area, and the recently 407 ETR-funded Work Integrated Learning Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Fund will expand STEM offerings to under-represented students throughout the area, too.

The most recent example of the partnership, the Young Women on the Move event, engaged 200 girls from eight different elementary schools through an engineering design challenge – with a focus on the SDG priority on sustainable cities and communities ­– organized by the k2i team.

Mentors and k2i academy staff guided the students through building prototypes of earthquake-resilient structures, underlining the importance of creating inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable urban environments. In the process, they learned about earthquakes, the principles of stable structures, and the iterative process of designing, building and testing their prototypes using shaker testing tables.

This practical, hands-on experience introduced the girls to the engineering design process, emphasizing problem-solving and creativity in addressing real-world issues.

“Through our Possibilities Conference, we wanted to empower young women to see the endless possibilities available to them by building their confidence, breaking down barriers and stereotypes, and encouraging them to explore non-traditional courses of study,” says Lauren Rovas, vice-principal and Possibilities Conference lead organizer, TDSB. 

As a result, the k2i academy and the TDSB continue their shared purpose, and partnership, in encouraging the future of STEM careers being more inclusive.

“As a woman who studied physics, it is important for me to encourage and inspire the next generation of girls to consider STEM career pathways,” says Lisa Cole, director of programming, k2i academy. “k2i is thrilled to partner with TDSB to design and deliver programs that encourage youth to discover their curiosities, develop skills in coding and engineering design, and reach students and families who may not have considered STEM pathways.”

Government to invest in a new York University School of Medicine

YU School of Medicine banner YFile

The following announcement was issued to the York U community on March 26, 2024. The Government of Ontario has announced that it will be investing in a new York University School of Medicine, giving the University the green light to proceed with its development.

This is a major achievement for all of the York community including its many partners and supporters, and an important milestone for the trajectory that York U has been advancing as an international, comprehensive and research-intensive University committed to a high quality student learning experience and to strengthening the health and well-being of society and the planet.

Dear colleagues,

It is my privilege to be able to share the exciting news that in today’s provincial budget the Government of Ontario announced $9M in start up funding for a new York University School of Medicine. For all of us this reflects a remarkable milestone and opportunity to amplify our positive impact by creating better health equity in the province.

Together with Senate, the Board of Governors, our Faculties and partners we can now move forward on the creation of a first of its kind School of Medicine. We are delighted that the province sees value in our compelling proposal.

The community will be our campus. Founded on a patient-centred, community-based approach, we envision a School that will prepare the next generation of primary care physicians—trained to leverage the most recent digital health technologies and to work collaboratively within inter-professional health care teams at diverse learning sites.

We have been working steadily towards this vision, expanding health and health-related programs in multiple faculties over the last 15 years including the Faculty of Health, establishing an impressive foundation of teaching and research that will inform our plans for the School of Medicine. To enhance access and the diversity of students in health fields, we also intend to offer a two-year bridging pathway for students who may not have considered a career in medicine or health.

We would like to thank the City of Vaughan, a key partner in this initiative. The City has agreed to transfer land to the University to build the School of Medicine within the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct. This is a unique innovation uniting health care providers, teachers and learners with researchers, innovators, and business leaders, together at one site.

This announcement is one of many steps along the path to bring this vision to reality which will involve important processes including with Senate, the Board of Governors, our Faculties and partners. Time and again we have demonstrated our ability to come together and make incredible things happen. I look forward to working with the University community and our supporters as we deliver something exceptional and community-centred that addresses the health care challenges facing our province and makes a real difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Thank you to the Government of Ontario for their confidence in us, and thanks to our many partners who continue to contribute in a multitude of ways. We are ready and eager to meet the challenges ahead and to contribute to a healthier future for all. Please look for updates on next steps as we learn more details about this new funding.

Rhonda L. Lenton
President & Vice Chancellor

For more information about this historic moment, visit News@York.

Le gouvernement investit dans une nouvelle école de médecine à l’Université York

Le message a été diffusé officiellement à la communauté de l’Université York le 26 mars, 2024. Le gouvernement de l’Ontario a annoncé qu’il investira dans la nouvelle École de médecine de l’Université York, donnant ainsi le feu vert pour son développement.

C’est une réalisation majeure pour l’ensemble de la communauté de York, y compris ses nombreux partenaires et alliés. C’est aussi une étape importante dans la trajectoire que l’université a suivie en tant qu’université internationale, polyvalente et à forte intensité de recherche, qui s’engage à offrir aux étudiants une expérience d’apprentissage de grande qualité et à renforcer la santé et le bien-être de la société et de la planète.

Chers collègues, chères collègues,

J’ai le plaisir et le privilège de vous faire part de l’excellente nouvelle, annoncée par gouvernement de l’Ontario dans le cadre du budget provincial d’aujourd’hui, d’un financement de 9 M$ pour une nouvelle École de médecine à l’Université York .Cette décision constitue un jalon important et une occasion d’amplifier notre incidence positive en améliorant l’équité en matière de santé dans la province.

En collaboration avec le Sénat, le Conseil d’administration, nos facultés et nos partenaires, nous pouvons maintenant aller de l’avant dans la création d’une École de médecine unique en son genre. Nous nous réjouissons que la province reconnaisse la valeur de notre proposition engageante.

La communauté sera notre campus. En nous fondant sur une approche communautaire axée sur les patients, nous prévoyons une école qui préparera la prochaine génération de médecins de première ligne. Ces derniers seront formés pour utiliser les technologies de santé numériques les plus récentes et pour travailler en collaboration au sein d’équipes de soins de santé interprofessionnelles sur divers sites d’apprentissage.

Au cours des 15 dernières années, nous avons travaillé sans relâche à la réalisation de cette vision en peaufinant les programmes de santé et liés à la santé dans plusieurs facultés (dont la Faculté de la santé) et en établissant une base impressionnante d’enseignement et de recherche qui inspirera nos plans de l’École de médecine. Afin d’améliorer l’accès et la diversité étudiante dans les domaines de la santé, nous avons également l’intention d’offrir un programme de transition de deux ans aux étudiants et étudiantes qui n’auraient peut-être pas envisagé une carrière en médecine ou en santé.

Nous tenons à remercier la Ville de Vaughan, partenaire clé de cette initiative, qui a accepté de transférer des terrains à l’Université pour construire l’École de médecine dans l’espace de soins de santé de Vaughan. Ce regroupement innovateur et unique en son genre réunit sur un même site des prestataires de soins de santé, des professeurs et des apprenants, ainsi que des chercheurs, des innovateurs et des chefs d’entreprise.

Cette annonce est l’une des nombreuses étapes sur la voie de la concrétisation de cette vision, qui impliquera la mise en place de processus majeurs, notamment avec le Sénat, le Conseil d’administration, nos facultés et nos partenaires. À maintes reprises, nous avons démontré notre capacité à réaliser ensemble des choses incroyables. J’ai hâte de travailler avec la communauté universitaire et nos donateurs pour mettre en place un projet exceptionnel et axé sur la communauté qui répondra aux défis auxquels notre province est confrontée en matière de soins de santé et qui fera changer les choses dans la vie des personnes que nous servons.

Nous remercions le gouvernement de l’Ontario pour la confiance qu’il nous accorde, ainsi que nos nombreux partenaires qui continuent à nous appuyer de multiples façons. Nous sommes enthousiastes à l’idée de relever les défis qui nous attendent et de contribuer à un avenir plus sain pour tout le monde. Nous vous tiendrons au courant des prochaines étapes au fur et à mesure que nous aurons plus de détails sur ce nouveau financement.

Rhonda L. Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

Pour plus d’informations, visitez News@York.

k2i academy engages Black youth in STEM

k2iacademy event participants banner

Through two of its programs, the k2i (kindergarten to industry) academy at York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering has looked to provide Black students in Grades 5 through 12 with exciting, hands-on learning experiences that provide unique opportunities to explore and engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

K2i academy Lisa Cole
Lisa Cole

The k2i academy’s Path2STEM and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in STEM programs look to provide Black youth with access to opportunities that help the academy achieve its aim of breaking systemic barriers and transforming the future of STEM. It aspires to do so by ensuring that Black youth see themselves as integral parts of these fields.

“Our educational systems have deeply rooted inequities that must be addressed,” says Lisa Cole, director of programming at k2i academy. “As we work alongside collaborative partners, including school boards, the Canadian Black Scientists Network (CBSN), faculty, community members and government, we are better able to design programs that create impact by enhancing access to opportunities, resulting in more equitable outcomes for students and families.”

Recently, as part of its Path2STEM and SHSM in STEM programs, the k2i academy sought to advance its goals through a two-day event that invited over 400 students from the Toronto District School Board and Peel District School Board to participate in activities that provided practical STEM skills, as well as highlighted United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Each day was dedicated to different grade levels, with students in Grades 5 through 10 participating in the Path2STEM program, and those in Grades 11 and 12 taking part in the SHSM in STEM program.

Students at the Path2STEM and SHSM in STEM events.

Among the activities were hands-on sessions where the k2i academy’s mentor team led students through opportunities to explore engineering design, coding, robotics and 3D design. High-school students also got to take part in a hackathon experience, designed to solve real-world problems in transportation and mobility. The immersive challenge encouraged teamwork and innovation, as students worked to develop solutions for smart roads, the safety of autonomous vehicles and accessibility issues.

The two-day event was also indicative of the k2i academy’s commitment to fostering relationships within the community, such as its relationship with the Peel District School Board.

Students at the Path2STEM and SHSM in STEM events.

“We have developed a Black Student Success Strategy with objectives to integrate the experiences of Black Canadians into the curriculum and inspire and support Black student success,” says Camille Logan, associate director, Peel District School Board. “The k2i Path2STEM and SHSM programs align with this work. Characterized by a deliberate focus on uplifting Black students in STEM and enhancing teacher capabilities, this program has flourished into an excellent partnership with the k2i academy. Together, we are not just addressing gaps, we are laying the foundation for a more diverse and inclusive future in STEM education.”

The Path2STEM and SHSM in STEM programs, and event, are the result of funding from the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, which has provided the k2i academy $523,800 over two years to support the Bringing STEM to Life: In Schools SHSM in STEM for Black Youth program. This project, in collaboration with the CBSN, focuses on career pathways, skill development and mentorship, illustrating a collective commitment to building a more inclusive STEM community.

“k2i’s work supports the Black Youth Action Plan’s mission of helping participants develop skills to launch their careers in high-demand sectors and working towards eliminating race-based disparities by dismantling barriers and increasing opportunities for Black children, youth and families across Ontario,” says Michael Ford, minister of citizenship and multiculturalism.

For more information, visit the k2i academy website.

Community Safety Week to focus on learning, transparency and collaboration

studenst talking and sitting BANNER

From March 18 to 21, York University’s Community Safety Department will be hosting its annual Community Safety Week. Members of the community are invited to participate through a variety of learning opportunities and virtual events.

The four-day long event features an extended safety video developed in partnership with the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD), a new safety learning hub to support greater access to information, and two virtual events to hear from safety leadership, community partners and experts.

The community safety team at York takes a holistic and intersectional approach to safety that reflects the diverse experiences of the University community and highlights the joint responsibility required to ensure safety across York’s multi-campus network.

The week provides an opportunity to share information about the department’s mission, safety services and offerings while meaningfully engaging with the community.

“Through the Security Services Review, we heard that the community is looking for greater transparency and collaboration, so that’s what we’re aiming for with this year’s activities,” said Orville Wallace, executive director of community safety. “There are opportunities for self-paced learning, an exciting video collaboration with AMPD, a virtual Q-and-A session with the community safety team and community partners, and a panel discussion with dynamic leaders and experts. I’m optimistic that we are well positioned to effect significant change and make a meaningful impact on community safety in the months and years ahead.”

Learn more about Community Safety Week’s featured activities below:

New digital resources

The community safety team has worked with internal and external partners to compile a safety learning hub for year-round learning. The new hub features resources from Toronto Community Crisis, Student Counselling, Health Services, Education and Promotions, and more. The hub will continue to be updated regularly as new information becomes available. Visit the learning hub and start learning today.

In addition to the new collection of resources, the department also has a variety of existing resources that support learning and awareness, including reports and statistics on safety incidents, safety tips and information about the York U Safety App.

Extended video with AMPD students

Last year, the department worked with students from AMPD to create a video as part of its commitment to community safety. The video featured information on the “run, hide, defend” method and was intended to build awareness of emergency response procedures. This year, the video has been extended to include guidance on the “shelter in place” protocol, offering additional information to educate the community about what actions they can take to keep themselves and the community safe in the event of an emergency. Watch the extended video in English or in French.

Q-and-A with department leadership and community partners

For an opportunity to engage directly with safety leaders and partners, the department is hosting a virtual Q-and-A session on March 20 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wallace will be joined by leaders from the department as well as partners from the community to answer safety- and security-related questions live.

Add the event to your calendar and join.

Panel discussion with community leaders and experts

To foster greater learning and collaboration, the department is bringing together community leaders and experts for a thoughtful discussion about how to adopt and advance a community-centric approach to safety at a post-secondary institution.  

The panel discussion, titled Building Bridges: Advancing a community-centric approach to safety, will take place on Thursday, March 21 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Register to attend.

Pest control treatments set for March 15 to 17

Keele Campus walkway in winter

Pest control spray days at the Keele and Glendon campuses for Food Services-contracted areas will begin on Friday, March 15 at 5 p.m. and end on Sunday, March 17 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:

LocationCampusBuilding Name
Glendon Campus Marché CafeteriaGlendon CampusYork Hall
Glendon Campus Tim HortonsGlendon CampusYork Hall, A Wing
Bergeron MarketKeele CampusBergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence
Central Square CafeteriaKeele CampusCentral Square
Central Square Tim HortonsKeele CampusCentral Square
Central Square Booster JuiceKeele CampusCentral Square
Central Square Pizza PizzaKeele CampusCentral Square
Central Square StarbucksKeele CampusCentral Square
Central Square SubwayKeele CampusCentral Square
Centre for Film & Theatre StarbucksKeele CampusCentre for Film & Theatre
Dahdaleh CafeteriaKeele CampusVictor Phillip Dahdaleh Building
Dahdaleh Tim HortonsKeele CampusVictor Phillip Dahdaleh Building
Lassonde Palgong TeaKeele CampusLassonde Building
Osgoode Hall BistroKeele CampusIgnat Kaneff Building, Osgooge Hall
Stong College Orange SnailKeele CampusStong College
Stong College CafeteriaKeele CampusStong College
William Small Centre Tim HortonsKeele CampusWilliam Small Centre
Winters College Country StyleKeele CampusWinters College
Winters College CafeteriaKeele CampusWinters College
Grad LoungeKeele CampusRoss Building
PodKeele CampusCurtis 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.

International Women’s Day: including all women in positive change

International Women's Day banner

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

On Friday, March 8, York University celebrates International Women’s Day.

Every year, International Women’s Day celebrates the contributions of women around the world, giving focus to issues such as gender equality, violence against women and reproductive rights. This year’s theme, #InspireInclusion, reminds us that women’s rights vary significantly by country and intersect with other factors such as age, race, ethnicity, religion, class, ability, gender identity and expression.

Positive change must address the inclusion and rights of all women, and York University is a powerful advocate for advancing gender equality as reflected in our Times Higher Education Ranking as a top-ranked university in Canada – and 5th in North America – for our impact towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of gender equality.

All across the University, York scholars, staff and students continue to make a difference in the lives of all women:

  • by generating and circulating knowledge, including through academic programs, research and creative activities across our Faculties and organized research units such as the Centre for Feminist Research;
  • by spotlighting women’s leadership, including the upcoming 5th Annual Women & Girls Leadership and Sport Conference hosted by York University Athletics & Recreation;
  • by promoting women’s safety, such as helping to develop the iHEAL app to support women experiencing partner violence and abuse;
  • by advocating for reproductive health, such as the upcoming discussion Reclaiming My Body, hosted by the Centre for Sexual Violence Response Support & Education; and
  • by expanding women’s economic prospects, including through ELLA, YSpace’s entrepreneurship and innovation hub dedicated to women-led ventures.

We invite you to participate in International Women’s Day by exploring the initiatives above or finding your own way to support the inclusion and rights of all women.

Thank you. Merci. Miigwech.

Rhonda L. Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor      

Laina Y. Bay-Cheng
Interim Vice-President, Equity, People & Culture

Journée internationale des femmes : inclure toutes les femmes dans les changements positifs

Le vendredi 8 mars, l’Université York célèbre la Journée internationale des femmes.

Chaque année, la Journée internationale des femmes souligne les contributions des femmes du monde entier en mettant l’accent sur des questions comme l’égalité de genre, la violence à l’égard des femmes et les droits liés à la procréation. Le thème de cette année (#InspireInclusion) nous rappelle que les droits des femmes varient considérablement d’un pays à l’autre et se recoupent avec d’autres facteurs comme l’âge, la race, l’ethnicité, la religion, la classe, la capacité, l’identité et l’expression de genre.

Les changements positifs doivent viser l’inclusion et les droits de toutes les femmes. L’Université York se fait la championne de l’égalité de genre et elle occupe d’ailleurs le premier rang au Canada, et le 7e rang en Amérique du Nord, du classement Times Higher Education pour l’objectif de développement durable des Nations Unies « égalité entre les sexes ».

À l’échelle de York, les universitaires, le personnel et la population étudiante ne cessent de faire changer les choses dans la vie de toutes les femmes :

  • en générant des connaissances et en les faisant circuler, notamment grâce à des programmes universitaires, des activités de recherche et de création au sein de nos facultés et de ses unités de recherche organisées, comme le Centre for Feminist Research;
  • en mettant en avant le leadership des femmes, notamment lors de la 5e conférence annuelle sur le leadership et le sport des femmes et des filles organisée par le Département de l’athlétisme et des loisirs de l’Université York;
  • en contribuant à la sécurité des femmes, notamment avec le développement de l’application iHEAL pour appuyer les femmes victimes de violence conjugale;
  • en défendant la santé génésique, par exemple lors de la discussion Reclaiming My Body, organisée prochainement par le Centre d’intervention, de soutien et d’éducation contre la violence sexuelle;
  • en élargissant les perspectives économiques des femmes, comme avec ELLA, le centre d’entrepreneuriat et d’innovation de YSpace consacré aux entreprises dirigées par des femmes.

Nous vous invitons à participer à la Journée internationale des femmes en explorant les initiatives ci-dessus ou en trouvant votre propre façon d’appuyer l’inclusion et les droits de toutes les femmes.

Merci. Thank you. Miigwech.

Rhonda L. Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière      

Laina Y. Bay-Cheng
Vice-présidente intérimaire de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture

Advancing a community-centric approach to safety through collaboration

Three students walking on York's Keele Campus

This year, York University’s Community Safety Department will be hosting its annual Community Safety Week from March 18 to 21, providing an opportunity to share information about the department’s mission, safety services and offerings while meaningfully engaging with the community about the joint responsibility to ensure safety across York University campuses.

Over the past year, the community safety team has been working to implement the recommendations from the final Security Services Review report. The overarching recommendation, supported by a number of detailed recommended actions, is to transition York away from the current law enforcement model that guides its security services and implement an alternative, community-centric model. To foster greater learning as the University continues this transition, the Community Safety Department is bringing together community leaders and experts for a thoughtful discussion about how to adopt and advance a community-centric approach to safety at a post-secondary institution.  

Join the department for a panel discussion, Building Bridges: Advancing a community-centric approach to safety, on Thursday, March 21 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

The panel will feature:  

  • David Mitchell, former assistant deputy minister, Youth Justice Division of the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services;
  • Devon Jones, founding director of the Youth Association for Academics, Athletics and Character Education; 
  • Louis March, founder of the Zero Gun Violence Movement; and
  • Yukimi Henry, executive director of Community Support & Services at York.

Register to join the informative and engaging discussion. Additional information about activities planned for Community Safety Week will be available in YFile on Monday, March 18.