Year in Review 2020: Top headlines at York University, January to April
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As a new year emerges, YFile takes a look back on 2020 to share with readers a snapshot of the year’s highlights. “Year in Review” will run as a three-part series and will feature a selection of top news stories published in YFile. Here are the stories and highlights for January to April, as chosen by YFile editors.
January
Research on global environmental safety earns Professor Satinder Brar international award Professor Satinder Brar‘s work aims to find innovative ways for cleaning contaminated water, ensuring communities have access to clean and safe drinking water for generations to come. This research earned her the International Achiever Award from Save the Environment.
Lassonde PhD student solves an 18-year-old problem Nearly 20 years ago, a satellite mission called GRACE was launched to monitor mass transfers occurring above or below the Earth’s surface. The gravity field maps derived from GRACE measurements were obscured by very disturbing thick lines sweeping from south to north. A Lassonde School of Engineering PhD student, Athina Peidou, solved this problem that has occupied the international scientific community for more than 18 years.
Faculty associations’ award recognizes founder of motherhood studies, matricentric feminism Andrea O’Reilly, a professor in the School of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, founder of Demeter Press and the Journal of the Motherhood Initiative, received a 2019 Status of Women and Equity Award of Distinction from the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations. The award recognizes faculty whose work has improved the lives and working conditions of academics who belong to historically marginalized groups.
York researchers receive $1.1 million in COVID-19 research funding Three York University researchers received more than $1.1 million in COVID-19 rapid research funding over two years to explore issues of trust, stigmatization and social perceptions of risk from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Additional funding from CIHR for COVID-19 rapid research was announced later in March.
AMPD faculty member receives prestigious award for young artists Freya Bjorg Olafson received the National Art Gallery of Canada’s 2020 Sobey Art Award. Described as a pioneer in Canada’s dance community, Olafson is an intermedia artist who works with video, audio, painting and performance.
Check back in the next edition of YFile for Year in Review 2020: Top headlines at York University, May to August.
Five York community members invested to Order of Canada
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Five members of the York University community are among the 61 new appointments to the Order of Canada, announced Dec. 30, 2020 by Governor General of Canada Julie Payette.
The new member list includes one Companion (C.C.), 13 Officers (O.C.) and 47 Members (C.M.). Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a future date.
Five York University community members were invested to the Order of Canada
Officers of the Order of Canada
John Borrows, O.C., alumnus, honourary alumnus and donor
John Borrows was appointed for his scholarly work on Indigenous rights and legal traditions, which has had a significant impact across Canada and abroad.
Lynn Smith, O.C., Q.C., donor
Lynn Smith was appointed for her extensive and pioneering contributions to the Canadian legal system as a lawyer, academic and judge.
Members of the Order of Canada
Mary S. Aitken, C.M., donor
Mary Aitken was appointed for her leading entrepreneurship in the financial sector and for her dedication to reducing gender disparity in Canadian business.
Rita Davies, C.M., alumna and donor
Rita Davies was appointed for her leadership at the helm of several cultural organizations and for her steadfast devotion to the arts.
Sally Horsfall Eaton, C.M., C.D., donor
Sally Horsfall Eaton was appointed for her leadership and philanthropy, notably in the health care and education sectors, and for her advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.
About the Order of Canada
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada is one of our country’s highest honours. Presented by the governor general, the Order honours people whose service shapes our society; whose innovations ignite our imaginations; and whose compassion unites our communities.
More than 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order of Canada. Appointments are made by the governor general on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. For more information about the Order of Canada program, visit www.gg.ca/en/honours/canadian-honours/order-canada.
A statement from York University President Rhonda Lenton on first anniversary of Flight 752 tragedy
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The following is a statement from York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton:
As we reflect on the first anniversary of the Jan. 8, 2020 downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, the York University community remembers the victims of this tragic event, including three of our own students:
Sadaf Hajiaghavand, an upper-year student in York’s Bachelor of Human Rights Management program;
Pegah Safar Poor Koloor, a first-year Faculty of Science student, studying biology;
Masoud Shaterpour Khiaban, who was about to begin his studies in the Post-Graduate Certificate in Business Administration program at the School of Continuing Studies.
York is one of many Canadian education institutions that suffered losses on the flight, which claimed the lives of all 176 people on board, including dozens of students, staff, faculty and alumni committed to higher education and to making a positive impact in their communities and around the world.
To honour their memory, in February of last year, York established an Iranian Students Memorial Award, which will help support students who have been active in the Iranian community as they pursue higher education.
In addition to this, last month, Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities provided York with $30,000 to award three dedicated $10,000 scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year. In remembrance of Sadaf, Pegah and Masoud, one scholarship will be awarded to a student in the Bachelor of Human Resources program in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, one to a student majoring in biology in the Faculty of Science, and one to an undergraduate student who successfully completed the York University English Language program in the School of Continuing Studies.
On behalf of York University, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of all of the victims of Flight 752, and to the many York community members who share in our grief as we commemorate the first anniversary of this tragic event.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Lenton President and Vice-Chancellor
Déclaration de Rhonda Lenton, présidente et vice-chancelière de l’Université York, à l’occasion du premier anniversaire de la tragédie du vol 752
L’Université York se remémore les victimes de l’écrasement du vol 752 de la compagnie Ukraine International Airline survenu il y a un an, le 8 janvier 2020. Trois étudiants de York ont perdu la vie lors de cet événement tragique:
Sadaf Hajiaghavand était un étudiant d’année supérieure dans le programme de baccalauréat de York en gestion des droits de la personne;
Pegah Safar Poor Koloor, étudiante de première année de la Faculté des sciences, étudiait la biologie;
Masoud Shaterpour Khiaban allait commencer ses études dans le programme de cycle supérieur en administration des affaires de l’École de formation continue.
York fait partie de plusieurs établissements canadiens d’enseignement touchés par cette tragédie dans laquelle les 176 passagers à bord ont péri. Des dizaines de diplômés et de membres du corps étudiant, du personnel et du corps professoral voués à l’enseignement supérieur et désireux d’avoir un impact positif dans leurs communautés et dans le monde entier figuraient parmi les victimes.
De plus, le mois dernier, le ministère des Collèges et Universités de l’Ontario a accordé un montant de 30 000 $ à York afin que l’Université décerne trois bourses d’études de 10 000 $ chacune pour l’année académique 2020-2021. En mémoire de Sadaf, de Pegah et de Masoud, une bourse sera attribuée à un étudiant ou une étudiante du programme de baccalauréat en ressources humaines de la Faculté d’arts libéraux et d’études professionnelles, une autre à un étudiant ou une étudiante en biologie de la Faculté des sciences et une autre à un étudiant ou une étudiante de premier cycle ayant réussi le programme d’anglais universitaire de York dans le cadre de l’École de formation continue.
Au nom de l’Université York, je présente mes sincères condoléances aux familles et aux amis de toutes les victimes du vol 752, ainsi qu’aux nombreux membres de la communauté de York qui partagent notre peine, alors que nous commémorons le premier anniversaire de cette tragédie.
Veuillez agréer mes sincères salutations,
Rhonda Lenton Présidente et vice-chancelière
Individuals with affiliations to York appointed to Order of Ontario
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A total of 12 individuals with affiliations to York University are among those invested with the Order of Ontario for 2020 and 2019. The announcements came simultaneously on Jan. 1 from Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario.
Dowdeswell announced 25 new appointments to the 2020 Order of Ontario, and 22 new appointments to the 2019 Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour.
The Order of Ontario honours individuals whose exceptional achievements have left a lasting legacy in the province, in Canada, and beyond. Members of the Order of Ontario come from all walks of life, represent diverse fields of endeavour, and have played an important role in shaping the province.
Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell
“As Chancellor of the Order of Ontario, it is with great pride that I congratulate the 2019 and 2020 Order of Ontario appointees,” says Dowdeswell. “The announcement on Jan. 1 is special. New Year’s Day is a day for reflection, rejuvenation and re-setting of goals and priorities. We have seen the best of Ontarians this year, and many of these new appointees are being honoured for a lifetime of service to this province, laying the groundwork of resilience and community that each one of us was called to act upon in this historic global pandemic. Let these appointees inspire you and encourage you to honour those around you by nominating them to be recognized by the province. We have much to be proud of.”
2020 appointees with York affiliations
Ernest Eves, alumnus and donor
Ernest Eves, or Ernie to his constituents, was Ontario’s 23rd premier. Elected as MPP six times in Parry Sound and twice in Caledon, he served the government in key posts, including minister of finance. His volunteerism includes supporting students with learning disabilities through the Justin Eves Foundation, named in honour of his late son, and serving on the board of Special Olympics Canada.
Hershell Ezrin, donor
Hershell Ezrin has had a remarkable career spanning politics, corporate leadership and community advocacy. Having advised governments, served as Canadian Consul in several key U.S. cities, and devoted himself to his Canadian-Jewish community, he has worked with great care and perseverance for a civil society by identifying shared values and bridging divides.
Karen Goldenberg, donor
Karen Goldenberg is a champion of the underprivileged and disadvantaged. Educated as a physical and occupational therapist, her professional pursuits have led to innovations to in-home rehabilitation programs while her volunteerism has improved autism education, addiction research, and career and employment services. Her work as special advisor to the Ontario Minister of Health ultimately led to Bill 173, the Long-Term Care Act.
Ellis Jacob, alumnus and donor
As a passionate promoter of Canadian film and CEO of Cineplex Entertainment, Ellis Jacob has innovated Canada’s film exhibition business and continues to push the entertainment sector forward as a major supporter of accessibility and employer of individuals with disabilities. He has also built cinemas in several Ontario hospitals for patients to enjoy during their treatment. Ellis is focused on philanthropy to help Ontarians achieve a better life.
Dale Lastman, alumnus and adjunct faculty
Recognized nationally as a pre-eminent legal practitioner, Dale Lastman is also known for his philanthropy and advocacy on behalf of diversity in the community. In 2017, he was the recipient of the Order of Canada. He sits on the board of several sports franchises and serves as an alternate governor of the NHL and NBA and governor of the CFL.
Arden McGregor, alumna
Arden McGregor is a compassionate humanitarian and a recognized leader in the brain injury community. She is known for her career in community-based rehabilitation as well as her extensive efforts in injury prevention, awareness and advocacy. She is dedicated to helping those with serious injuries recover and live better lives.
Karen Weiler, alumna and honourary alumna
Karen Weiler is recognized for her transformative work respecting the Family Law Reform Act while counsel for the attorney general. Her distinguished judicial career spanned 37 years, including 25 on the Court of Appeal during which she helped disabled and unrepresented litigants gain equal access to justice. Presently, she is a director of Covenant House Toronto and volunteers with Innocence Canada.
2019 appointees with York affiliations
York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton with Professor Emeritus Allan Carswell
Allan Carswell, honourary alumnus, professor emeritus and donor
Distinguished Canadian physicist Allan Carswell is known internationally for his leadership in the field of laser-imaging technology and the development of related space instrumentation. His research pioneered the use of cutting-edge laser radar for remote sensing applications, such as monitoring the Arctic ozone layer.
Nancy Coldham, donor
Through her professional, social and charitable pursuits, Nancy Coldham is dedicated to the advancement of women in business and in politics and fighting injustice and gender discrimination. She helps advance women and girls through supporting a number of well-established organizations locally as well as mentoring women entrepreneurs abroad in post-conflict countries, including Afghanistan and Rwanda.
Barbara Croall, graduate student
Barbara Croall received the Order of Ontario for her contribution to the arts (composer and performer), and for her educational outreach work with First Nations youth and at-risk youth. Barbara is Anishinaabe and hails for the Manitoulin Island. She is from the Odawa Nation.
Audrey Loeb, alumna and donor
Respectfully dubbed “the Condo Queen,” Audrey Loeb is a lawyer, educator, author, and consumer advocate – and one of the first advocates of condominium law reform. She is passionately committed to improving the experience of those buying and living in condominiums in Ontario. As professor emeritus of law, she spent 28 years teaching at Ryerson’s School of Business Management. She is also founder of the Weekend to End Breast Cancer.
Linda Silver Dranoff, alumna and donor
A lawyer, writer and social justice activist, Linda Silver Dranoff has devoted her career to transforming family law, achieving equality for women, and educating the public about law. Her lobbying efforts helped bring about the Ontario Family Law Act, 1986, fundamentally advancing the rights of Canadian women.
Past members of the York community to be appointed to the Order of Ontario include former York University President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri, broadcaster Isabel Basset, pianist Anton Kuerti and community advocate Madeline Edwards.
A total of 798 people have been appointed to the Order of Ontario since its establishment in 1986. Appointments to the Order are made on the recommendation of an independent advisory council based on merit of accomplishments of nominees put forward by the public. The nomination deadline is March 31 each year. You can nominate a resident or former long-term resident of Ontario for the 2021 Order of Ontario here.
York University appoints a new associate vice-president research
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Vice-President Research & Innovation Amir Asif announces the appointment of Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC) Professor Jennifer Hyndman as associate vice-president research (AVP), effective Jan. 1, 2021. Hyndman is former director of the Centre for Refugee Studies at York University where she is resident scholar. Prior to the inauguration of EUC, Hyndman was a professor in Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. She is a prolific scholar in areas related to social sciences and humanities.
Jennifer Hyndman
“I look forward to welcoming Professor Hyndman to the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation (VPRI) and to working with her as she undertakes this critical leadership role. I would also like to thank the members of the AVP Search Advisory Committee for their contributions to this important process. Committee members include Stephen Anthony Gaetz, Laura Levin, JJ McMurtry, Felix Moses, David J. Phipps and Rebecca Pillai Riddell,” said Asif.
“Additionally, I would like to add my sincere thanks to Professor Celia Haig-Brown who served as AVP for the past five years and worked tirelessly to intensify the services available for all researchers,” he added. Haig-Brown, will be returning to the Faculty of Education after a research break, starting in January 2021.
In her new role, Hyndman will help facilitate the promotion of strategic research development at York and lead the development of research policy that bridges the needs of researchers and the institution. In collaboration with the Office of VPRI and Faculties, she will also help continue to track and build York’s research performance, provide leadership for York’s organized research units and enlarge the University’s collaborative role with external stakeholders and communities, with special emphasis on research areas covered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada, including arts, media, performance and design.
Her own research traverses political, economic, cultural and feminist dimensions of migration, focusing on people’s mobility, displacement and security. Her scholarship focuses on the geopolitics of conflict and disaster that displaces people, international humanitarian responses to such events, and geographies of refugee sponsorship, inclusion and participation in Canada.
Her current research projects investigate: (1) how private refugee sponsorship is sustained over time and across space in Canadian communities, with Kathy Sherrell (co-applicant); (2) the motivations of sponsors and the meanings they attach to the work they do, with Audrey Macklin (P.I.), Luin Goldring, Anna Korteweg and Shauna Labman (co-investigators); and (3) the social determinants of well-being and integration among Syrians to Canada after November 2015, with Michaela Hynie (P.I.) and other co-investigators in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.
Hyndman is also a prolific scholar whose list of publications – in peer-reviewed journals and with esteemed book publishers – is extensive. Most recently, she co-authored with Wenona Giles Refugees in Extended Exile: Living on the Edge (Routledge, 2017); she has two monographs, Managing Displacement: Refugees and the Politics of Humanitarianism (Minnesota University Press, 2000) and Dual Disasters: Humanitarian Aid after the 2004 Tsunami (Kumarian Press, 2011), plus a co-edited volume with Giles, Sites of Violence: Gender and Conflict Zones (University of California Press, 2004).
Hyndman earned her BA in sociology and English from the University of Alberta; her MA from Lancaster University in sociology; and her PhD in geography from the University of British Columbia.
Save the date: Join online community meeting Jan. 13 to collaborate in responding to Virtual Learning Strategy call for applications
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The following is a message to the York University community from Associate Vice-President, Teaching and Learning, Will Gage:
You may have already heard that the provincial government is making one-time funding available to universities and colleges for developing and implementing an eCampusOntario Virtual Learning Strategy (VLS). Let’s come together as a community to respond to this call for applications. We need your input and feedback.
Associate Vice-President, Teaching and Learning, Will Gage
On Jan. 13, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., I will host an online community meeting to: a) present you with some ideas, b) hear your ideas, and c) collaborate in defining York University’s response to the call for applications. We need your input and feedback on current ideas for strategy, and to determine what is missing and what might be improved. The best ideas will emerge through inclusion and collaboration and will form the basis for one or several funding applications.
This discussion of the eCampusOntario VLS will serve as a starting point for further discussion about the future of eLearning and will also inform the development of our own York University Virtual Learning Strategy. In light of our new University Academic Plan 2020-25, the time is right for these important conversations.
The online registration form for the Jan. 13 event is now posted on the AVP T&L website. We will circulate the program details and Zoom link to registered participants in January and distribute broadly through our Associate Deans Teaching and Learning Council when ready.
Digital content: Creating a portfolio of high-quality online materials and virtual simulations and/or lab content.
Digital capacity: Providing supports in the form of instructional design, open education librarians and learning technology rovers (paid students).
Digital fluency: Developing aids for students and faculty, along with professional development opportunities for improving virtual teaching and learning.
Digital delivery: Providing support in identifying, procuring and deploying educational technologies to support digital courses, programs and offerings.
We, and the rest of the sector, have been given extremely short notice for this opportunity; the provincial deadline for an institutional response is extremely tight. To ensure success, your input is essential to assisting York in creating the best possible proposals.
We are eager to hear from you on Jan. 13.
The best of 2020: How York is charting a better course toward post-pandemic world
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During a time of extraordinary challenges, York University has continued to make incredible strides, leaving 2020 behind as a year of progress and positive change.
Over the last year, the York community has rallied to support its students, near and far, demonstrating that it is possible to build a better future in the face of a global pandemic.
York’s educators have developed new ways of teaching and continue to provide pathways for students to be successful in the world, and the University is breaking new ground in COVID-19 research.
As well, recent rankings show that York University remains a leading institution for higher learning, worldwide, which speaks to the outstanding accomplishments by its students, faculty, staff, alumni and senior leadership.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights of 2020 that exemplify how York University is a community of changemakers: www.yorku.ca/bestofyu/top-10-of-2020.
A look at what’s planned for York University’s Virtual Winter Orientation
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Winter Orientation banner
Winter term classes begin on Jan. 11, 2021, and with the official start of the new academic term at York University, there’s plenty for new and returning students to do, think about and remember.
York’s official Virtual Winter Orientation takes place on Friday, Jan. 8. The official website launched this week and features a wealth of information for new and incoming students. As with fall orientation, all activities will be virtual and online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, students should visit the website as soon as possible to register for events and explore the resources and videos currently available.
Winter Orientation banner
Virtual Winter Orientation: Jan. 8, 2021
College/Faculty Orientation will take place on Jan. 8 and includes a variety of College/Faculty-specific events, during which time students will get a chance to meet other first-year students as well as upper-year students in their respective Colleges and Faculties (find your session information here) and participate in workshops, ice-breaker activities, panels and other exciting activities. Students who are uncertain of which College or Faculty they belong to can use the College Finder tool for help.
A Virtual Service Fair will take place from 12 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 8, giving incoming and returning students the chance to connect with various student and support services using the EasyVirtualFair platform.
Additionally, two Consent Talks sessions will be offered through York’s Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education. This is a series of vignettes about sex and consent, focusing on the university experience during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the themes include virtual hookups, sexual violence, online harassment, and the impact of social media and physical distancing rules. (Content warning: sexual violence.)
International Student Orientation
York University offers a wide variety of Orientation programming, all online in winter 2021, for all new and incoming students. It is a great way to discover campus resources and learn all about your degree while supporting a smooth transition into university
As the designated support office for international students, York International offers crucial services and programs tailored to address the unique needs of international students. The York International team will host a series of virtual orientation events designed specifically for international students on Jan. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. and Jan. 8 from 8 to 10 a.m. via Zoom. More information can be found on the International Student Virtual Orientation website.
For those students looking to get a head start, there are numerous videos and video series featured on the site that serve to get students acquainted with the overall York community, including:
York Welcome Ceremony video
YORK 101 video series
Zooming Through YorkU series
Parents & Family Orientation session
President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton says York will continue to drive positive change in new year
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Vari Hall
The following is an end-of-year message to the York University community from President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton.
La version française suit la version anglaise.
Dear Colleagues,
There are many times in the last few years that I have been reminded that a university is a team sport, but never more so than over these last nine months. The pandemic has exemplified what is possible when we unite in support of our students and the communities we serve.
York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton
Global issues such as climate change, inequality and the multitude of ways in which our personal and political ideologies can drive us from discourse to division also serve to remind us of the fundamental role played by higher education in a more inclusive and just future.
As I reflect on 2020, I am struck by how different the world looks today than it did just one year ago, but more than this, I am inspired by York University and the people who comprise it. I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you for your perseverance and compassion, and the commitment you have shown to the mission, vision and values of our institution.
Our students demonstrated their resilience by adapting to new modes of learning, often in challenging circumstances.
Our instructors and teaching assistants shifted courses to remote formats over a weekend last March, and continued to develop innovative ways to incorporate experiential education, internationalization and research activities virtually. In some cases, they also redesigned required in-person activities in ways that kept our students safe.
Our researchers continued their groundbreaking work, including with partners from industry, government and the not-for-profit sector, to find impactful solutions to complex social, economic, cultural, environmental and health problems, including the virus and its effects.
Our staff transitioned our services online, supporting all aspects of teaching, research, student services and administration, and where required, continued to support essential operations on our campuses, safeguarding the health and well-being of our entire community.
I also want to acknowledge and thank the senior leadership team, who together with York’s Emergency Operations Committee, worked closely with the provincial government, public health agencies and other academic institutions to help shape our response to the evolving impact of the pandemic, while being mindful of opportunities for recovery.
Our alumni, community partners, and members of the Board of Governors and Senate, supported these efforts, sharing their knowledge and expertise in a multitude of ways, and offering their support and assistance over the course of the pandemic.
These achievements are all the more impressive when we take into account the unanticipated ways that we balanced our professional priorities with our personal and family responsibilities this year. We remained committed to each other and our loved ones, and supported the world around us – donating personal protective equipment to hospitals and long-term care facilities; helping to support local businesses; undertaking work to find solutions to pressing global problems like antimicrobial resistance and access to safe drinking water; and fighting systemic racism and discrimination at home and abroad. And we gained international recognition for these efforts, perhaps most notably by being ranked 33rd out of 767 competing institutions in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
We also started to reflect on what the long-term future of higher education might look like, and how York can maintain its status as a global leader in the sector in a post-pandemic world. To this end, we launched our new University Plan 2020–2025: Building a Better Future, which charts a path to positive change in relation to six priorities that are foundational to York University’s identity, and which was intentionally designed to strengthen our impact on the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. We approved a new Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. And we broke ground on our new Markham Centre Campus, which will contribute to our priorities, support students who need to study close to home, and help us fulfill future labour market and leadership needs.
As I reflect on the possibilities before us in 2021, I am more than hopeful. Indeed, I am confident that – in true York spirit – we will come together in new and inspiring ways to overcome the challenges we face, find opportunities to innovate, and continue to drive positive change both locally and around the world.
I look forward to continuing to build on the progress we have made this past year. Until then, I encourage you to put your professional work aside and spend the holiday period focusing on your personal health, well-being and happiness. To this end, the campuses will remain closed from Thursday, Dec. 24 to Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, and accordingly I would like to extend a special thanks to all those employees whose roles require that they work or provide instruction over the holiday period.
I wish each of you a restful break, and the very best for the holiday season and the new year.
Sincerely,
Rhonda L. Lenton President & Vice-Chancellor
Message de fin d’année de la présidente et vice-chancelière Rhonda Lenton.
Chers collègues,
Au cours de ces dernières années, on m’a souvent rappelé qu’une université est un sport d’équipe, mais jamais aussi fréquemment qu’au cours des neuf derniers mois. La pandémie a illustré ce qui devient possible lorsque nous faisons front commun pour appuyer nos étudiants et les communautés que nous servons.
La présidente et vice-chancelière Rhonda Lenton
Les grands enjeux mondiaux tels que le changement climatique, les inégalités et la multitude de façons dont nos idéologies personnelles et politiques peuvent nous faire passer du discours à la division nous rappellent également le rôle fondamental joué par l’enseignement supérieur dans un avenir plus inclusif et plus juste.
Quand je fais le bilan de l’année 2020, la différence entre le monde d’aujourd’hui et celui de l’année dernière est frappante, mais surtout, je suis inspirée par l’Université York et les personnes qui la constituent. Je suis profondément reconnaissante envers chacun d’entre vous pour votre persévérance et votre compassion, ainsi que pour votre engagement à l’égard de notre mission, de notre vision et de nos valeurs.
Le corps étudiant a fait preuve de résilience en s’adaptant à de nouveaux modes d’apprentissage, souvent dans des circonstances difficiles.
En mars dernier, le corps enseignant et les auxiliaires d’enseignement ont assuré la transition à des formats de cours à distance en une fin de semaine, et ils ont continué à trouver des moyens innovants pour intégrer virtuellement l’éducation expérientielle, l’internationalisation et les activités de recherche. Dans certains cas, ils ont aussi redéfini les activités en personne essentielles pour assurer la sécurité du corps étudiant.
Nos chercheurs et chercheuses ont poursuivi leurs travaux innovateurs, y compris avec des partenaires de l’industrie, du gouvernement et du secteur à but non lucratif afin de trouver des solutions efficaces à des problèmes sociaux, économiques, culturels, environnementaux et sanitaires complexes, y compris ceux liés au virus et à ses effets.
Le personnel de soutien a transféré ses services en ligne, appuyant toutes les facettes de l’enseignement, de la recherche, des services aux étudiants et de l’administration et, le cas échéant, a continué à soutenir les opérations essentielles sur nos campus afin de préserver la santé et le bien-être de l’ensemble de notre communauté.
Je tiens également à reconnaître et à remercier l’équipe de direction qui, avec le Comité des opérations d’urgence de York, a travaillé en étroite collaboration avec le gouvernement provincial, les organismes de santé publique et d’autres établissements académiques pour nous aider à façonner notre réponse à l’impact changeant de la pandémie, tout en tenant compte des possibilités de reprise.
Nos diplômés, nos partenaires communautaires et les membres du Conseil d’administration et du Sénat ont appuyé ces efforts en partageant leur savoir et leur expertise de multiples façons et en offrant leur soutien et leur assistance tout au long de la pandémie.
Ces réalisations sont d’autant plus impressionnantes quand on pense aux façons imprévues dont nous avons dû jongler pour concilier nos priorités professionnelles et nos responsabilités personnelles et familiales cette année. Notre engagement envers les autres et nos proches est demeuré immuable. Nous avons également soutenu le monde environnant en faisant don d’équipement de protection individuelle aux hôpitaux et aux établissements de soins de longue durée; en offrant notre appui aux entreprises locales; en œuvrant pour trouver des solutions à des problèmes mondiaux urgents comme la résistance aux antimicrobiens et l’accès à l’eau potable; et en luttant contre le racisme et la discrimination systémiques dans notre pays et à l’étranger. Nous avons été internationalement reconnus pour ces efforts, la distinction la plus prestigieuse étant sans doute notre classement au 33e rang sur 767 du palmarès Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
Nous avons également commencé à réfléchir à l’avenir à plus long terme de l’enseignement supérieur dans le monde post-pandémique et aux façons de maintenir notre statut de leader mondial dans ce secteur. À ces fins, nous avons lancé notre nouveau Plan académique de l’Université 2020-2025 : Bâtir un avenir meilleur qui trace la voie d’un changement positif par rapport aux six priorités fondamentales de l’Université York. Ce plan a été spécialement conçu pour renforcer notre impact sur les 17 objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies. Nous avons approuvé notre nouvelle Faculté de changements environnementaux et urbains. Finalement, nous avons inauguré le début des travaux de notre nouveau campus Markham Centre qui contribuera à nos priorités, appuiera les étudiants qui souhaitent étudier non loin de chez eux et nous aidera à répondre aux besoins futurs en matière de marché du travail et de leadership.
Plus je pense aux perspectives qui s’ouvrent à nous en 2021, plus j’ai bon espoir. En effet, je suis certaine que – grâce au célèbre esprit de coopération de York – nous nous rassemblerons de manières nouvelles et inspirantes pour surmonter les défis auxquels nous sommes confrontés, pour trouver des possibilités d’innovation et pour continuer d’apporter des changements positifs à l’échelle locale et internationale.
Je me réjouis de continuer à mettre à profit les progrès réalisés cette année. En attendant, je vous encourage à mettre votre travail professionnel de côté durant la saison des fêtes et à donner la priorité à votre santé, votre bien-être et votre bonheur. Les campus seront fermés du jeudi 24 décembre 2020 au mercredi 6 janvier 2021, mais je tiens à remercier tout particulièrement les employés dont les rôles requièrent de travailler ou d’enseigner durant la période des fêtes.
Je souhaite à chacun d’entre vous un congé reposant, et je vous adresse mes meilleurs vœux pour les fêtes et la nouvelle année.
Veuillez agréer mes sincères salutations,
Rhonda L. Lenton Présidente et vice-chancelière
York University gains two new and three renewed Canada Research Chairs
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Two newCanada Research Chairs have been appointed at York University and three existing CRCs have been renewed. These commitments by the Government of Canada will support research on topics ranging from the many uses of artificial intelligence to what a self-determined climate future would look like for Indigenous communities.
The awards were announced Dec. 16 by Navdeep Bains, minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and are among 259 new or renewed CRCs across the country to support innovation and research excellence.
“We are grateful to the Canada Research Chairs program for investing in the innovative and impactful work being done by York’s researchers, who are enriching our imaginations and contributing to the building of more equitable and sustainable communities,” said York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “These talented individuals are leaders in their fields and undertake the type of groundbreaking work needed to drive positive change across Canada and around the globe.”
“We congratulate the Government of Canada on the 20th year of the CRC program, foundational to a national strategy to make our country one of the world’s top in research,” said Vice-President Research & Innovation Amir Asif. “The range of Faculties represented in York’s new CRCs speaks to the tremendous diversity at York University and provides recognition and resources to our star researchers to maintain research excellence.”
The new Canada Research Chairs
Pirathayini Srikantha
Pirathayini Srikantha, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Lassonde School of Engineering, has been awarded a Tier 2 CRC in Reliable and Secure Power Grid Systems for research that has important national security implications for Canada’s critical power grid infrastructure. Srikantha will build on her foundational contributions to smart distribution systems by using the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and transactive technologies. To enhance reliability in the increasingly volatile and vulnerable electricity grid, her research will address two specific challenges: giving devices that are controlled by the electric power utility the ability to automatically infer, predict and respond to power disturbances, and secondly, designing trustworthy energy markets that incentivize power producers and consumers to provide grid support during congestion or fault conditions.
Jennifer Pybus, who will join York in January 2021 as an assistant professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, has been awarded a Tier 2 CRC in Data, Democracy and AI. Her globally recognized, interdisciplinary research intersects digital and algorithmic cultures and explores the capture and processing of personal data. Her work focuses on the political economy of social media platforms, display ad economies, and the rise of third parties embedded in the mobile ecosystem which are facilitating algorithmic profiling, monetization, polarization and bias. Her research contributes to an emerging field, mapping out datafication, a process that is rendering our social, cultural and political lives into productive data for machine learning and algorithmic decision-making. Pybus has cultivated strong European links with public organizations and will use her chair to engage Canadians with innovative tools, resources and pedagogy for increasing critical data literacy and democratic debate about artificial intelligence.
The renewed Canada Research Chairs
Deborah McGregor
Deborah McGregor, cross-appointed with Osgoode Hall Law School and the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, has received a renewal of her CRC in Indigenous Environmental Justice. What does it mean to live well with the Earth in the face of climate/ecological crisis? What does a self-determined climate future look like for Indigenous communities and peoples? McGregor’s research recognizes Indigenous-derived solutions must be generated based on knowledge and legal systems that have fostered Indigenous survival despite centuries of environmental upheaval affected by colonization. Her research program will capture desired Indigenous climate change futures, described by Elders and other knowledge holders, and shared through peer-reviewed journal articles, workshops, podcasts, videos, presentations and a project website. She will also produce a documentary with a curriculum guide and an edited volume on Indigenous climate justice.
Douglas Van Nort
Douglas Van Nort, an associate professor cross-appointed between the Departments of Computational Arts and Music in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, has been renewed as CRC in Digital Performance. In his first term, Van Nort and his team examined new forms of performance that integrate improvisation, artificial intelligence and networked environments and created projects focused on collective co-creation in digitally-mediated performance contexts. In this next phase of his work he will deeply engage with methods from artificial intelligence, virtual acoustics and biophysical sensing to introduce new modes of sociality, improvised play and distributed creativity in performance, for both professional performers and the general public.
Graham Wakefield
Graham Wakefield, an associate professor in the Department of Computational Arts, School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, has been renewed as CRC in Computational Worldmaking. Wakefield’s program of interdisciplinary research-creation applies a deep commitment to the open-endedness of computation − as an art material − toward technologies of artificial intelligence within immersive mixed reality. The research and training program will result in new software for artists to co-create immersive worlds as art installations. As collaborative improvisations enacted with the whole body, this will radically change how we sculpt complex forms and behaviours. Moreover, these worlds will be more responsive, playful and curious. Disseminated in public venues, they will share a different conception of the cohabitation of human and artificial beings.
Three of York’s CRCs will receive funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF), which is investing $14 million for research equipment and infrastructure for 58 CRCs across Canada. Srikantha will receive $100,000, Van Nort will receive $59,000, and Wakefield will receive almost $115,000 in JELF funding.
