Tag: Staff

Approved tag

York invites community to participate in Safety and Health Week

two york students smiling and talking on campus BANNER

Safety and Health Week, which runs from May 6 to May 10, 2024 across North America, is a week-long initiative that aims to spotlight the critical importance of health and safety in all facets of life — be it at work, home, or within the community.

During this week, York University will host a range of webinars, activities, and resource promotions surrounding workplace safety, health and connection. Participants are encouraged to engage either individually or as a team to strengthen their sense of community and a shared commitment to health and safety.

“These events at York aim to increase awareness and share valuable resources for personal and communal health within the workplace,” said Mary Catherine Masciangelo, Assistance Vice-President of Human Resources and CHRO.

“Safety and Health Week at York University is more than just a series of events—it’s a part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safer and healthier environment for our community.” said Laina Bay-Cheng, Vice-President, Equity, People and Culture. “We look forward to seeing you participate and thank you in advance for your engagement. We truly are better – in all senses of the word – together.”

Events and Activities

The Health Safety and Employee Well Being(HSEWB) unit at York University invites all employees from all affiliations to partake in a variety of virtual events and downloadable activities designed to foster a culture of safety and good health. These include:

Event TitleEvent DescriptionEvent Details
Living Well With Stress

Led by TELUS Health		This seminar will teach participants how to effectively manage stress for optimal health, well-being, and workplace productivity.Date: Monday, May 6
Time: 1PM – 2PM
Format: Zoom, virtual session
Who can participate? Staff, Faculty and Instructors
Registration Link
Championing Trans Inclusive Workplaces

Led by Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety		Join us for an enlightening and educational session with Dani Gomez-Ortega, a renowned diversity and inclusion champion.Date: Tuesday, May 7
Time: 11AM – 12PM
Format: Zoom, virtual session
Who can participate? Staff, Faculty and Instructors
Registration Link
Introduction to Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Employees

Led by TELUS Health		This seminar introduces the meaning and significance of psychological safety at work and explores actions employees can take to contribute towards a psychologically safe workplace for themselves and their teams.Date: Tuesday, May 7
Time: 1PM – 2PM
Format: Zoom, virtual session
Who can participate? Staff, Faculty and Instructors
Registration Link
Plain Language Helps Workplace Health and Safety

Led by Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety 		Join writing and design expert Jocelyn Pletz, as she demonstrates how plain language and design principles connect with effective health and safety communication.Date: Wednesday, May 8
Time: 11AM – 12PM
Format: Zoom, virtual session
Who can participate? Staff, Faculty and Instructors
Registration Link
Posture Do’s and Don’ts – Chair Setup

Led by Health, Safety and Employee Well-being 		A 30min interactive demonstration on how to understand and adjust your ergonomic chair. (No equipment required).Date: Wednesday, May 8
Time: 1PM – 1:30PM
Format: Drop-in York Lanes Room 280A, in person session
Who can participate? Staff, Faculty and Instructors
Register if you want to receive a credit on YU Learn:
Registration Link
Posture Do’s and Don’ts

Led by Health, Safety and Employee Well-being		A 30min seminar to learn the do’s and don’ts of neutral posture at your workstation.Date: Thursday, May 9
Time: 1PM – 1:30PM
Format: Zoom, virtual session
Who can participate? Staff, Faculty and Instructors
Registration Link
Crucial Conversations for Managers

Led by York’s Organizational Learning and People Excellence team.		This course examines various communication models to help move individuals from disagreement to dialogue.Date: Friday, May 10
Time: 10AM – 12PM
Format: Zoom, virtual session
Who can participate? Managers
Registration Link
B-Well BingoIt is important for our mental health and well-being that we maintain social connections with colleagues. To help facilitate this, HSEWB has created a B-WELL Bingo that you can do as a team, or individually.– Download Bingo Card Here –

For additional resources on ways to promote and sustain mental health and well-being, visit the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) website, the HSEWB page or the Well-being at York page.

To see more activities happening this week, or to learn more about the history of Safety and Health week, visit York’s Safety and Health Week webpage.

University flags to be lowered, marking National Day of Mourning

Vari Hall Plaza

Flags on York University campuses will be lowered to half-mast from April 26 to 29 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 in Canada 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. There will also be an observation of a minute of silence at 11 a.m.

To learn more about the National Day of Mourning, please visit the following websites: 

Employee Resources and Support

As a reminder, all York University employees and their immediate family members (dependents) have access to confidential counselling 24 hours per day, seven days per week from the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider, 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.

York receives $300K boost for research commercialization

Concept of idea and innovation with paper ball

York University’s Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation (VPRI) and the IP Innovation Clinic have received a second instalment – the first was received in 2023 – of $300,000 from the government of Ontario to advance its commercialization services, particularly for research and innovation related to artificial intelligence, automotive and medical technology.

The funding, announced on April 8 by Jill Dunlop, minister of colleges and universities, is from Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), a provincial agency that provides IP support for Ontario businesses and researchers.

This marks the second year in a row the initiative has received $300,000 from the government as it works towards increasing patent filings, outreach and consultation.

“IPON’s continued and valued investment in York helps advance the University’s commitment to helping our researchers realize the full potential of their innovative work and amplify their community impact,” said Amir Asif, vice-president research and innovation. “Strengthening commercialization efforts at York and supporting entrepreneurs in the province through education and training create positive change for the people of Ontario and the province.”

The funding will enable the collaborating units to continue to provide a suite of intellectual property and commercialization services to researchers and their partners, with the goal of taking more of the University community’s great ideas from the lab to market. 

“Together with countless law students and our industry partners, we have saved over $2 million in legal fees to resource-scarce innovators seeking to commercialize their IP and grow Canadian companies. We look forward to fostering the success of many more,” said Pina D’Agostino, associate professor at York’s Osgoode Hall Law School and the founder of the IP Innovation Clinic. “We are grateful to Minister Dunlop and Intellectual Property Ontario for supporting the IP Innovation Clinic for a second year.”

D’Agostino continued: “Ultimately, this is also a big win for our students who can continue to get access to first-rate experiential learning to make them job-ready while helping those who do not have access to legal resources.”

York was one of 10 universities with an existing program to receive the renewed funding, totalling $1.7 million. IPON also announced a new investment of $2.9 million to help commercialize research at 10 institutions across Canada.

“This funding will help institutions across the province more effectively translate research into commercializable innovations, while ensuring the IP at their foundation is appropriately developed and protected,” said IPON CEO Dan Herman.

“Through the province’s support of IPON, our government is ensuring the social and economic benefits of publicly funded research stay in our province, so that Ontarians and the Ontario economy benefit from these new discoveries and innovations,” said Dunlop.

For the full announcement, visit the IPON website.

Watch the April 11 town hall

Laptop with York U webpage

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.

The full video of the town hall is now available to the York U community.

Community members can also find answers to questions submitted to the town hall on the Labour Disruption website’s FAQ.

Additional questions can be sent to communityconversations@yorku.ca.

Staff member illustrates leadership in globally networked learning

image of the world on laptop BANNER

Francesca Boschetti, associate director of the York University English Language Institute (YUELI) in the School of Continuing Studies, gave a talk at the Languages Canada Annual Conference in Vancouver showcasing her groundbreaking work in globally networked learning.

Francesca Boschetti
Francesca Boschetti

A collaborative approach to research and teaching that allows students, instructors and researchers from around the world to work together, globally networked learning holds a special place in Boschetti’s heart because of her own journey as a language student and advocate for multiculturalism.

“I grew up in Italy and studied multiple foreign languages throughout my schooling and into university, where I concentrated on language teaching and learning,” explains Boschetti, who has spent her career figuring out how to best weave internationalization initiatives into language programs in the Canadian university setting.

Boschetti’s talk, titled “Globally Networked Learning: Internationalization at Home in English Language Classes,” focused on setting up virtual exchanges to provide students from universities in different parts of the world with an opportunity to connect with each other and enhance their intercultural communication and networking skills.

To illustrate her approach, Boschetti discussed the globally networked learning project she launched in collaboration with York International and YUELI in Winter 2022 – a year-long virtual exchange between English for Academic Purposes students at YUELI and English for Hotel Administration students at Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), a university in the Dominican Republic. Students involved in the exchange interacted through online activities, including message board chats, group discussions on Zoom, and friendly competitions and games.

“Cross-cultural communication and collaboration have a transformative power,” says Boschetti. “Witnessing our students thrive in the classroom, honing their language skills, forging new friendships and gaining invaluable cultural insights reaffirms my commitment to fostering an inclusive, globally connected learning environment.”

In her presentation, Boschetti detailed how the institute identified a university partner, designed programming, collaborated with instructors and engaged different cohorts of students. She shared the best practices, learning outcomes, strategies and challenges they encountered.

Many attendees approached her afterwards, seeking advice on how to successfully launch similar programs at their own institutions, which is exactly the response she was hoping for.

“As we thrive to enrich the student experience,” says Boschetti, “initiatives such as virtual language exchanges serve as catalysts for meaningful engagement and intercultural dialogue.”

Join the York community for a virtual town hall on April 11

Laptop with York U webpage

La version française suit la version anglaise.

Dear York community,

I invite you to join me for a virtual town hall on Thursday, April 11. This town hall is an opportunity for members of our community to ask questions, and to share feedback and ideas on how we can work together to drive positive change.

Participants are required to register for the town hall in advance using their York U email. Questions and comments can be submitted prior to and during the event by emailing conversations@yorku.ca. Learn more about the upcoming event on the Community Conversations website.

Date: Thursday, April 11

Time: 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Link to register: https://yorku.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TYUJssstTEeiSgn6dScUAw#/registration

I hope you will join me along with other members of the York University leadership team.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor

Le 11 avril, joignez-vous à la communauté de York pour une conversation communautaire virtuelle 

Chers membres de la communauté de York, 

Je vous invite à assister à la conversation communautaire virtuelle du jeudi 11 avril. Cette conversation communautaire est l’occasion pour les membres de notre communauté de poser des questions et d’exprimer leurs idées sur des façons de travailler ensemble pour susciter des changements positifs. 

Pour participer, vous devez vous inscrire à l’avance à la conversation communautaire avec votre adresse courriel de l’Université York. Vous pouvez soumettre vos questions et vos commentaires avant et pendant l’événement en envoyant un courriel à conversations@yorku.ca. Pour en savoir plus sur l’événement, visitez le site Web des Conversations communautaires. 

Date : Jeudi 11 avril 

Heure : De 14 h 30 à 16 h     

Lien pour s’inscrire :  https://yorku.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TYUJssstTEeiSgn6dScUAw#/registration

Ajoutez la conversation communautaire à votre calendrier Outlook à l’aide du fichier .ics en pièce jointe. 

J’espère que vous vous joindrez à moi et aux autres membres de l’équipe de direction de l’Université York. 
 
Sincères salutations,     

Rhonda Lenton  
Présidente et vice-chancelière    

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.

New system to transform financial aid, awards, scholarships processes

Students sitting at outdoor picnic table

York University is on a mission to transform the student, faculty, and staff experience and deliver a culture of service excellence through its Student Systems Renewal Program (SSRP), which is introducing new online systems and user-focused processes across the University. As part of the program, a new solution for financial aid, awards and scholarships is scheduled to launch this July.

The system will make it easier to see which financial aid options, awards and scholarship opportunities are available to students, as well as simplifying the processes for submitting and tracking applications by bringing them all into one place. It will also benefit faculty and staff by automating workflows and significantly reducing manual administrative efforts.

In advance of the launch, several initiatives are underway to help educate the community about the new system.

An SSRP webinar for faculty and staff was held recently, demonstrating the new system’s features, how it works and the training activities planned to prepare users. Approximately 300 people attended and watched the presentation from the SSRP team, followed by a live 20-minute Q-and-A session. Those who were unable to attend the event are encouraged to watch the recording of the webinar on the SSRP website.

In addition to the webinar, event attendees were the first to see the new animated video that was debuted at the event. The video explains the new solution in an entertaining, simplified and highly shareable format.

For those who will use the new system, a demonstration video is also available on the SSRP website, providing a preview of it before its official release. Another demo will take place later this month, and will also be posted online. The recordings offer a hands-on walk-through of specific system functionalities.

Lastly, because gaining the perspective of students is crucial to this project, students will be invited to participate in system testing to help gather their input. Plans to engage with students are currently in development, with tailored communications set to begin rolling out this month. These efforts are intended to ensure students are equipped with the resources and support necessary to integrate the new solution into their academic journey, making it easier for them to apply and be considered for awards.

For more information about the new financial aid, awards and scholarships solution, visit yorku.ca/ssrp.

Don’t look up: how to safely view upcoming solar eclipse

Solar eclipse

Looking directly at the sun is never safe, says Elaina Hyde, an assistant professor in York University’s Faculty of Science and director of York’s Allan I. Carswell Observatory. But that is especially true during a solar eclipse, like the one expected in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico on April 8.

A total solar eclipse is a rare celestial event that occurs as the moon aligns perfectly between Earth and the sun, completely blocking the sun’s face and casting its shadow onto Earth, resulting in brief moments of temporary darkness. In Ontario, the eclipse’s path of totality – the locations where the moon’s shadow covers the sun in its entirety – includes Niagara Falls, Hamilton and St. Catharines.

Although Toronto will only experience a partial eclipse, with the moon covering 99.6 per cent of the sun, the sun’s brightness will still be strong enough to cause eye damage – and potential blindness – to anyone who looks directly at it. This can occur even if direct exposure only lasts a few seconds.

“People, especially young children, may be tempted to look up during the eclipse, but it’s not safe to do so without proper protection,” says Hyde. “Sunglasses are definitely not protective and shouldn’t be used when viewing the eclipse, but there are safe ways to do it.”

Those safe ways of viewing the eclipse – either total or partial – include using ​solar viewing glasses that have been certified by the International Organization for Standardization (labelled ​​ISO 12312-2 certified), a pinhole camera (a type of projector), or solar filters specifically designed to be used with telescopes or binoculars. For more safety tips, see the Observatory’s Eclipse Safety flyer.

In the days leading up to the big event, York’s Observatory will be hosting a pre-eclipse solar viewing on the first clear day between April 2 and 6. Join York astronomers as they take solar-appropriate telescopes outside to view the sun, demonstrate pinhole cameras and pass out free solar viewing glasses. Experts will answer frequently-asked questions about the eclipse and discuss how to enjoy the partial eclipse from Toronto. Good solar views require clear weather, which makes this event especially challenging to plan. Those interested in participating should check the Observatory’s Solar Eclipse 2024 web page daily at 10 a.m. between April 2 and 6 to find out if the event is on or off that day. For more information about the event, and to register for free tickets and daily updates, visit the York University Events Calendar listing.

On April 8, eclipse timing will vary depending on location. At York University, the partial eclipse will begin at 2:04 p.m. and end at 4:31 p.m., reaching its maximum expression at 3:19 p.m., which will be the best time to view it. Wherever you are during those times, Hyde stresses the importance that you do not – under any circumstances – look directly at the sun without the proper eye protection listed above.

Since York’s campuses are not located on the path of totality, the University won’t be hosting any public viewing events that day; however, York staff, faculty and students at the Keele Campus are invited to safely observe the partial eclipse atop the Arboretum Lane Parking Garage, near the Allan I. Carswell Observatory atrium.

Solar viewing glasses will be available, while supplies last, at multiple distribution sites on campus – during the First Clear Day pre-eclipse event, in the Department of Physics & Astronomy office on the first floor of the Petrie Science & Engineering Building; and on April 8, at the observing station on the fifth floor of the Arboretum Lane Parking Garage and at a smaller viewing area near York University Station in Harry W. Arthurs Common.

To learn more about the upcoming solar eclipse, visit the Allan I. Carswell Observatory’s Solar Eclipse 2024 web page for more information and resources, including blog updates from professors Robin Metcalfe and Bruce Waters, sharing their solar eclipse experiences.

Staffing announcement: vice-president finance and administration

Aerial view of Kaneff Tower

La version française suit la version anglaise.

Dear colleagues,

I am writing to inform you that Carol McAulay, vice-president, finance and administration, has informed me of her decision to retire. 

Carol has served York University with dedication and professionalism since being appointed in October 2017. She has overseen a diverse portfolio, including Human Resources, Ancillary Services, Community Safety, Facilities Services, Finance, Information Technology, Internal Audit and Sustainability. 

Carol has provided strong leadership on several important institutional initiatives, including the establishment of the Markham Campus, the Student Systems Renewal Program (SSRP), the creation of the University Service Centre, and the completion of key capital projects such as the New Student Centre, McEwen Building, Farquharson and CUB renewal, and the School of Continuing Studies.

Under her guidance, the Division of Finance & Administration has been an important partner in advancing the University Academic Plan, including transitioning York towards a community-centric safety model in line with our values of transparency and anti-bias. She also played a critical role in advancing York’s sustainability agenda, culminating in our recent commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. 

On a personal note, I wish to express my gratitude to Carol for her friendship and support over the years. 

We have started the search for a new vice-president, finance and administration. Carol will continue to serve in her role until a new VP is in place this fall. 

We will have opportunities to share our best wishes to Carol closer to her retirement date but for now please join me in extending our warm gratitude for her contributions to York. 

Sincerely,

Rhonda L. Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor

Chers collègues, chères collègues,  

Je vous écris pour vous informer que Carol McAulay, vice-présidente des finances et de l’administration, m’a fait part de sa décision de prendre sa retraite. 

Depuis sa nomination en octobre 2017, Carol sert l’Université York avec dévouement et professionnalisme. Son portefeuille diversifié comprend les ressources humaines, les services auxiliaires, la sécurité communautaire, les services des installations, les finances, les technologies de l’information, la vérification interne ainsi que le Bureau de l’écodurabilité. 

Carol a fait preuve d’un leadership robuste dans le cadre de plusieurs initiatives institutionnelles importantes, notamment l’établissement du campus Markham, le SSRP, la création du Centre de services universitaires et l’achèvement de projets d’immobilisations clés comme le nouveau centre étudiant, le bâtiment McEwen, le renouvellement des bâtiments Farquharson et CUB et l’École de formation continue.

Sous son égide, la Division des finances et de l’administration a été un partenaire important dans l’avancement du Plan académique de l’Université, notamment la transition de York vers un modèle de sécurité axé sur la communauté conformément à nos valeurs de transparence et de lutte contre les préjugés. Elle a également joué un rôle essentiel dans l’avancement du programme d’écodurabilité de York, qui a culminé avec notre récent engagement envers l’atteinte de la neutralité carbone d’ici 2040. 

Sur le plan personnel, je tiens à exprimer ma gratitude à Carol pour son amitié et son soutien au fil des ans. 

Nous avons entrepris la recherche d’une nouvelle personne pour assurer la vice-présidence des finances et de l’administration. Carol continuera à assumer ses fonctions jusqu’à la nomination de cette personne à l’automne. 

Nous aurons la chance de présenter nos meilleurs vœux à Carol lors de son départ à la retraite officiel. Entre-temps, veuillez vous associer à moi pour lui témoigner notre profonde gratitude pour ses contributions à York. 

Sincères salutations,

Rhonda L. Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière