Year: 2015

Call for applications for the 2016 Undergraduate Research Fair

Undergraduate Research Fair Featured image for YFile

Applications for participation in the 2016 Undergraduate Research Fair are now open. Faculty who are currently grading final assignments are asked to watch for particularly strong research or creative art projects and to encourage the students responsible to apply to York University’s fourth annual Undergraduate Research Fair, being held on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, from 11am to 1:30pm in the Scott Library Collaboratory.

Jointly sponsored by York University Libraries and the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, the multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Fair honours undergraduate student researchers and provides students with the opportunity to share their work by designing a poster and presenting the results of their research to the York community in a friendly, cross-curricular environment. Fair applications are due by Jan. 21, 2016, but students are encouraged to apply now. Students wishing to present a poster can apply by submitting a graded, research-based project or honours thesis that was prepared between January and December 2015, along with a 250-word abstract. A workshop on designing and presenting a poster will be offered to participating students, and the University Libraries will arrange to print the posters at no cost to the participants.

It was standing room only at the 2015 Undergraduate Research Fair
It was standing room only at the 2015 Undergraduate Research Fair

New this year, undergraduate students who have created a piece of artwork for a 2015 York credit course may apply to have their work displayed in an Art Walk in Scott Library during the fair. One artwork submission will be chosen to grace the cover of York’s newest e-journal, Revue YOUR Review (York Online Undergraduate Research), associated with the Undergraduate Research Fair.

Monetary prizes of $200, $500 and $600 will be awarded to poster session presenters deemed to have the best lower-year project, best upper-year project, best honours thesis and best poster presentation. In addition, the University Libraries offer an Information Literacy Award of $600 to the researcher who develops and explains his or her information research strategies best. In addition, fair attendees will select a People’s Choice winner. All student presenters will receive an invitation to submit an article on their project, to be considered for publication in Revue YOUR Review.

Last year’s Undergraduate Research Fair drew a large audience of students, faculty and administrators from across the York community, as well as friends and family of student presenters. The 2016 fair welcomes applicants from all York Faculties, including Glendon College.

The fair offers an opportunity for undergraduate students to participate in several components of the cycle of knowledge production and dissemination.

For more information about the Undergraduate Research Fair, participant eligibility and how to apply to present a poster or display artwork, visit the Undergraduate Research Fair website.

York U vice-presidents announce the membership of the IIRP Working Groups

Vari Hall as seen during the early evening

Vice-President Academic and Provost Rhonda Lenton and Vice-President Finance and Administration Gary Brewer are pleased to announce the membership of the Institutional Integrated Resource Plan (IIRP) Working Groups (see the YFile call for participation for more information).

We are very grateful to the many members of our community who submitted expressions of interest in working together with us to help move forward important initiatives in relation to teaching and learning, program quality, enhancing the student experience, the role of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the quality of services supporting academic priorities. Together with the chairs of the Senate Committee on Academic Policy, Planning & Research and the Committee on Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy, we reviewed all of the submissions to develop the proposed membership for each working group. The memberships include faculty, staff and students from across the University. These recommendations have now been endorsed by the president.

Unfortunately, given the large number of applications and our desire to include a wide range of stakeholders from across the University in each working group, we were not able to accommodate all of those who responded to the call for participation. We encourage those who were not selected for membership to participate in other ways, for example through related initiatives in Faculties or units, or through sub-groups which may be established by the working groups to explore particular aspects of their mandates.

The working group memberships can be found on the IIRP website.

Next steps:

The working groups are expected to begin their work immediately. They will be charged with developing implementation recommendations to help achieve institutional goals and priorities. Their work is not intended to replace normal planning processes, but to complement those processes. They will therefore be informed by and support the University Academic Plan, and refine and give shape to the Integrated Resource Plan framework.

Over the coming months, the working groups will:

  • confirm their terms of reference and timelines, and determine resource needs and whether sub-groups are needed;
  • engage in ongoing consultation with the executive sponsors who will in turn provide updates to the community;
  • meet periodically with the executive sponsors as a steering committee to ensure coordination and integration among the groups and to explore opportunities for synergies;
  • provide summary reports, including principles, recommendations and accountability mechanisms, which will be shared with the community; and
  • provide recommendations for action, which will be referred to the appropriate bodies (e.g. Senate and its committees, Faculties, administrative units) for follow-up.

There will be additional opportunities for community involvement in the IIRP implementation process, as well as in the development of the next University Academic Plan. See the IIRP website for further information.

York University embarks on the search for its next president

students in vari hall

The process to select a new president for York University is underway and members of the search committee have now been confirmed.

Mamdouh Shoukri, who has served as president and vice-chancellor of York University since 2007, will complete his term on June 30, 2017.

The search for a president at York is the responsibility of the Board of Governors, in consultation with the University Senate. In accordance with established guidelines, the Presidential Search Committee is made up of 14 full voting members, drawn from York’s community of students, faculty, staff, governors and alumni. Seven committee members are selected by the Board of Governors and seven by the University Senate. Members of the Presidential Search Committee will seek a president whose leadership skills, interests and background meet the needs of York and serve the University well into the future.

The members of the Presidential Search Committee, confirmed Tuesday by the Board of Governors, are as follows:

Rick Waugh (governor and alumnus), chair of the Search Committee, was appointed to the Board of Governors in 2014 and became chair in 2015. He holds a bachelor of commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba, an MBA from York and honorary doctor of laws degrees from several universities. Waugh was appointed an officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to strengthening the financial services industry in Canada and abroad.

Susan Black (governor and alumna) was appointed to the board in 2009. She serves as a vice-chair of the board, chair of the Governance & Human Resources Committee and member of the Executive Committee. A graduate of Yale University (BA) and the Harvard Business School (MBA), Black also holds a PhD in organizational studies from the Schulich School of Business at York University.

Ozench Ibrahim (governor) was appointed to the board on July 1, 2009, and serves as chair of the Finance & Audit Committee and as a member of the Executive Committee. Ibrahim is a partner in KPMG’s Banking, Financial Institutions Practice. She has extensive experience in the financial institutions industry, auditing and advising Canadian banks.

Ray Jayawardhana is the Dean of the Faculty of Science, a position he has held since 2014. He is a professor of physics and astronomy, and also a popular science writer. He came to York from the University of Toronto, where he held the Canada Research Chair in Observational Astrophysics.

Michael Kenny is a second-year PhD student in the Faculty of Education. He was a member of the last decanal search committee in the Faculty of Environmental Studies and has served on several boards of agencies ,including the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy and Regenesis at York University.

David Leyton-Brown (Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies) is the Master of McLaughlin College, a professor of political science and the former dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. He is also currently serving as a faculty member representative on the Board of Governors and he participates on the Academic Resources Committee.

David McFadden (governor and alumnus) was appointed to the Board of Governors in 2013 and serves as chair of the Marketing, Communications & Community Affairs Committee, and as a member of the Executive Committee. He is counsel at Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP and is the chair of the Board of Directors of 407 International Inc.

Kim Michasiw is an associate professor of English and writing, and is just completing a lengthy term as associate dean in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. He is also a former chair of the Department of English. Michasiw served on the last Presidential Search Committee.

Roxanne Mykitiuk (Osgoode Hall Law School) is an associate professor of law. She is the former chair of the Senate and has served on numerous Senate and Faculty Committees, as well as on the Chancellor Search Committee and many pan-University groups.

Dalubuhle Ndlovu is a third-year student in the undergraduate Human Rights & Equity Studies program. He is a senator, the executive treasurer of the Student Council of the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and a member of the LA&PS Faculty Council and its Executive Committee.

Roopa Trilokekar is an associate professor in the Faculty of Education. Trilokekar’s scholarship is focused on international education, and areas of her current research interests include government policy in international education and a critical understanding of the study abroad student experience.

Paul Tsaparis (governor and alumnus) was appointed to the Board of Governors in October 2010. He serves as chair of the Land & Property Committee and as a member of the Executive Committee, the Governance & Human Resources Committee and the York University Development Corporation Board of Directors. Tsaparis holds an MBA from York and an undergraduate degree in science and economics from the University of Toronto.

Amanda Wassermuhl (non-academic staff member and alumna) is the executive assistant to the dean of Osgoode Hall Law School. She is also the secretary of the Osgoode Faculty Council. Wassermuhl serves as the non-academic staff member on the Board of Governors, appointed in July 2015, and participates on its Academic Resources Committee.

Henry Wu (governor) was appointed to the Board of Governors in December 2010. He serves as chair of the Academic Resources Committee and is a member of the Executive and Finance and Audit Committees, as well as a board member of Senate. Wu is the president of Metropolitan Hotels. He holds both MSc and BSc degrees in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT.

Heather L. Main Scholarship awarded to two Schulich MBA students

Schulich School of Business

Two Schulich School of Business MBA students have been named recipients of the Women in Capital Markets (WCM) Heather L. Main Memorial Scholarship.

Schulich School of Business
Schulich School of Business

Sakshi Kanda (MBA candidate, 2017) and Dajena Collaku (MBA/JD candidate, 2017) are among this year’s winners.

Established in 1998, this scholarship has given qualified women – participating a full-time, two-year MBA or joint MBA/LLB program – the opportunity to pursue careers in the Canadian capital markets. It was designed to promote the industry and to encourage women to pursue careers in capital markets.

The scholarship includes: $17,500 and a paid summer internship in the capital markets at a major financial institution; mentoring during the internship and final year of studies; a one-year complimentary membership with WCM; and a women’s leadership training program prior to the internship.

Kanda and Collaku were selected based on their interest in capital markets, in addition to their academic excellence, community involvement and leadership capabilities.

Women-in-Capital-Markets-300x300The Heather L. Main Memorial Scholarship honours the memory of an inspiring woman in Canadian capital markets. Main was one of a small group of women in corporate finance on Bay Street in the 1980s. After obtaining a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and being called to the bar in Ontario, she entered the corporate finance department of one of Bay Street’s premier investment banks where she helped lead a wave of innovative financings in the mid ’80s. Main also conducted a tour of duty with the Corporate Finance Branch of the Ontario Securities Commission.

In May 1989, Main was killed in a car accident with her husband and mother. She is remembered by those who knew and worked with her for her intelligence and dedication, her generosity of spirit and her support of those who worked with her. She served as a role model and mentor for many of the women who worked with her.

A president Donald Trump would be a ‘tsunami’ for Canada: Prof

York University political science Professor Stephen Newman was quoted in Metro Dec. 8. Read full story.

Warnings about glacial melt being ignored?
Lassonde School of Engineering Professor William Colgan was quoted on AsianPacificPost.com Dec. 8. Read full story.

Brock-based water governance network awards research funds
York University environmental studies Professor Martin Bunch was mentioned in Erie Media Dec. 8. Read full story.

Belief in success key to decision to seek financial advice
Professors Jodi Letkiewicz, Chris Robinson and Dale Domian of York University’s School of Administrative Studies were mentioned on insurance-journal.ca Dec. 8. Read full story.

Refugee crisis: professors create Room for More to sponsor Syrian family
York University was mentioned in U of T News Dec. 8. Read full story.

Young Israelis fight stereotypes with one-on-one dialogue
York University was mentioned in the Canadian Jewish News Dec. 8. Read full story.

Changes likely to keep more accident victims in hospital
York University was mentioned on AdvocateDaily.com Dec. 9. Read full story.

Is this man the next Usain Bolt?
York University was mentioned in Yahoo Sports Dec. 9. Read full story.

Law Library Assistant Michele Francis receives Louella Sturdy Leadership Award

Michele Francis
Michele Francis

Michele Francis of the Osgoode Hall Law School Library was presented with the 2015 Louella Sturdy Leadership Award at the school’s annual holiday luncheon for faculty and staff on Dec. 4.

The award is given annually to an Osgoode staff member who has made an outstanding contribution through his or her leadership and teamwork with members of the Osgoode community.

In addition, Professors Joan Gilmour and Liora Salter were recognized for 25 years of service at Osgoode, and a total of 106 faculty and staff who have reached the milestones of five, 10, 15 and 20 years of continuous service to York University received service recognition pins.

Francis, who is the library assistant, Orders & Accounts, joined the Law Library team in the fall of 2012.

“Along with Michele’s considerable administrative and organizational skills, she brought with her a positive ‘can-do’ attitude, always ready to step up and help out in any situation,” said her nominators.

Nominators also said the acquisitions department has “never run more smoothly” and “through her own attitude and approach to work, Michele fosters a collaborative and cooperative team sensibility, which has positively influenced staff within the Technical Services group and the library as a whole.”

The Louella Sturdy Leadership Award is named in honour of Louella Sturdy who joined Osgoode as general secretary to the full-time faculty in 1948. She was appointed registrar of the law school in 1957 and continued in that role until her retirement in 1991. During her 43 years of service, she faithfully and selflessly dedicated herself to Osgoode Hall Law School.

SchulichPalooza embodies the York Cares United Way Campaign spirit

Professors Joe

The Schulich School of Business community has always taken pride in the world-class facilities in the Seymour Schulich Building and the school’s renowned faculty, but as Dean Dezsö J. Horváth explained at SchulichPalooza, there is much more. “Many know we have some of the brightest students and award-winning faculty, but not many know we also have outstanding performers,” he said while addressing the crowd at the charity talent show SchulichPalooza.

SchulichPalooza tickets were a hot item
SchulichPalooza tickets were a hot item

Some of the best Schulich had to offer showcased their talent in the McEwan Auditorium on Nov. 25 for the first ever SchulichPalooza in partnership with the York Cares United Way Campaign. All proceeds from the event went directly to United Way Toronto and York Region, which supports social services and provides community members the opportunities they need to improve their lives and build for a better future.

SchulichPalooza served as the wrap-up event for the active part of the York Cares Campaign.  President and Vice-Chancellor, Mamdouh Shoukri spoke to the importance of community and the long-standing partnership between York University and the United Way.

schulich1
Above, from left: Professors Steven Friedman and Joe Fayt

“As civic institutions, we recognize the importance of working together to improve the lives of community members,” he said. “The York Cares Campaign is one example of how the York community steps up on behalf of the United Way.”

York Cares Leadership Chairs Osgoode Hall Law School Dean Lorne Sossin and VP Advancement Jeff O’Hagan were also present to share in the celebration. Sossin provided an overview of the three-week campaign and reported that York has raised $130,000 so far on behalf of the United Way. He encouraged all present to consider making a pledge donation to help us reach our goal of raising $220,000 to support the more than 200 organizations and initiatives that United Way makes possible.

The lunch event highlighted talent of faculty, staff and students. Professors Joe Fayt and Steven Freidman played three tunes, student group 196 Express performed One Love by Bob Marley and Happy by Pharrell Williams. Schulich’s Database and Information Assistant Tom Elmer performed with his five-piece Celtic band ScIrish. MBA Michael Martyn played two original songs from his albums.

196 Express
196 Express

Another big hit on the day was the raffle draw. More than $2,000 in prizes – such as a photography gift card, limo service, hotel accommodation and ski lift pass and restaurant certificates were awarded. The big winner of the day was York Laboratory Technologist Nick Balaskas. He won both the photography certificate and limo voucher. In the true spirit of the United Way, he plans to give back by taking his students on a field trip while videotaping the experience.

This year’s event generated a promise to continue building the inaugural United Way event for years to come. “It was an opportunity to bring together faculty, staff and students,” SchulichPalooza Co-host Susan Kimberley said, while “showcasing exceptional talent in recognition of a great cause.”

It is not too late to get your online pledge donation in. For more information on the York Cares United Way Campaign, visit http://alumniandfriends.yorku.ca/2015-united-way-campaign/ or email yucares@yorku.ca.

2015 President’s Staff Recognition Awards: call for nominations

Recognition is important. Do you know someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty, who demonstrates excellence in action? Would you like to acknowledge a deserving colleague or manager?

Today, President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri announces the call for nominations for the 2015 President’s Staff Recognition Awards.

Now is your chance to nominate a fellow York employee for one of these awards:

  • the Ronald Kent Medal;
  • the President’s Leadership Award;
  • the Voice of York Award;
  • the Deborah Hobson York Citizenship Award;
  • the Phyllis Clark Campus Service Award; or
  • the Harriet Lewis Team Award for Service Excellence.

The President’s Staff Recognition Awards provide the York University community an opportunity to recognize colleagues and staff members for their commitment and service to the University.

If you know of a deserving York employee, visit the President’s Staff Recognition Awards website for additional information about each award and links to online nomination forms.

Questions can be forwarded via email to president@yorku.ca. The deadline for all nominations is Friday, Jan 22, 2016, by 4:30pm.

Vice-President Research & Innovation to host PIER open forum Dec.9

Robert Hache

York’s Vice-President Research & Innovation Robert Haché will host an open forum discussion about the Plan for the Intensification and Enhancement of Research (PIER) on Dec. 9, from 10am to 12pm, in the Senate Chamber, N940 Ross Building.

The purpose of the Open Forum is to provide feedback to the York community regarding the community consultations and discussions over the past few months, with respect to the development of PIER.

“The community consultations have been extremely valuable for gaining feedback about the goals, values and objectives that will help shape the continued progress of York towards becoming recognized as a comprehensive, research-intensive institution and we greatly appreciate the feedback we have received from the York community,” said Haché.  “The development of York’s Plan for the Intensification & Enhancement of Research will help achieve the university’s vision in further advancing excellence in research and scholarship.”

The Open Forum will also provide an opportunity for members of the York community to ask questions and provide additional feedback on the development of the PIER and the ongoing consultations. All York University students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend.

Community members interested in attending the PIER Open Forum are asked to RSVP.

For more information about the community consultations, visit the PIER website.

York University establishes The Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health

Victor Phillip Dahdaleh
Victor Phillip Dahdaleh
Victor Phillip Dahdaleh
Victor Phillip Dahdaleh

York University has announced the establishment of The Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health to address some of the most pressing issues of our time. The announcement was made on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

The institute will be a leader and a catalyst in addressing global health issues. It will provide a robust context for students involved in York’s Global Health program, as well as for academics and researchers working in the field at the University and around the world.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Dahdaleh shares our vision to build on York’s strength in global health,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor of York University. “The Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health will serve as a focal point for international dialogue and collaboration in health innovation research and teaching that will have global impact and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, now and in the future.”

The Dahdaleh Institute will reflect the multidisciplinary nature of global health with involvement from Faculties across the University, initially focused within the Faculty of Health. This initiative has been made possible by a transformational donation from Victor Phillip Dahdaleh, a U.K.-based Canadian business leader. Announced recently, Dahdaleh, who graduated from the University almost four decades ago, made a donation of $20 million, the largest gift ever given by a York graduate.

“I am excited and honoured to contribute to York University as it addresses global health and equity challenges through research, social innovation, international collaboration and leadership development, and prepares the next generation of global health leaders,” said Dahdaleh.

The institute’s work will lead to a reframing of the ways in which high- and low-income countries collaborate in the co-creation of solutions to global health challenges. A strategic advantage is York University’s focus on equity and its extensive range of global partners and networks linked to the culturally diverse Greater Toronto Area. These global-local links provide unparalleled opportunities for collaborative research and knowledge mobilization that address pressing health and social concerns.

Dahdaleh’s donation will provide both immediate and permanent funding to establish new Faculty positions, research initiatives and projects, scholarships and travel grants for domestic and international students.

In honour of this transformational gift, the University is officially naming the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building on its Keele campus.