Deadline approaching for nominations for 2021 Honorific Professorships
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The Senate Committee on Awards is now accepting nominations for University Professorships.
Please note that a Distinguished Research Professorship competition will not be held during the 2020-21 year as there currently are 25 active Distinguished Research Professors which is the maximum allowed by the Senate Policy on Honorific Professorships.
University Professorships are conferred upon long-serving tenured faculty members who have demonstrated a commitment to participation in University life and/or contribution to the University as a community, as well as appropriate levels of scholarship and teaching success.
Nominations for the University Professorships may be made by all tenured faculty members, who shall provide a complete nomination file, including the nominee’s c.v., a detailed letter of nomination explaining how the candidate’s achievements conform to the general criteria, along with three (3) letters of support from those in a position to comment on the nominee’s achievements and contributions.
York strongly values diversity and equity within its research community and encourages nominations of those who are under-represented in recent competitions.
President Lenton provides an update on June 2021 convocation
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The following is an important message to the community from York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton.
La version française suit la version anglaise.
Dear York Community,
After careful consideration of the ongoing public health concerns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we have once again made the difficult decision to hold our June 2021 convocation ceremonies virtually, as opposed to in-person.
We know that many of this year’s graduates, as well as many of those who graduated in 2020, will be disappointed by this news. We are too. However, we need to continue to ensure that the health and safety of our graduates and their family and friends, as well as the many students, staff, faculty, instructors and alumni members who support our convocation ceremonies, remains our highest priority.
When it is once again safe and permitted to do so, we look forward to inviting all of the graduates who have celebrated at virtual ceremonies to join us at in-person ceremonies. In the meantime, the University is working to create a memorable virtual graduation celebration for the summer, enhanced with the delivery of special graduation packages that will include diplomas and other celebratory items. If it is safe to do so, and within public health guidelines, we may be able to further enhance our celebration event with some limited in-person activities. We will have more details to share about these plans later in the Winter term.
For students graduating in February, diplomas will be sent out in early March, and celebration packages will arrive prior to the virtual event in the summer.
While the celebrations will not be the same as in years past, the hard work and success of our graduates is not diminished in any way. Indeed, graduating amidst a global pandemic is a testament to the perseverance and determination of our students, and we are all incredibly proud of them.
Sincerely,
Rhonda L. Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor
Mise à jour au sujet de la remise des diplômes de juin 2021
Chère communauté de York,
Après mûre réflexion et compte tenu des préoccupations actuelles de santé publique dues à la pandémie de la COVID-19, nous avons encore une fois pris la décision difficile d’avoir une remise des diplômes virtuelle en juin 2021 au lieu d’un événement en personne.
Nous savons que de nombreux diplômés de cette année, ainsi que ceux qui ont obtenu leur diplôme en 2020, seront déçus par cette nouvelle. Nous le sommes aussi. Toutefois, notre priorité absolue demeure la santé et la sécurité de nos diplômés et leurs familles et amis, des nombreux étudiants, membres du personnel et du corps enseignant et des diplômés qui participent à nos cérémonies de remise des diplômes.
Quand cela sera à nouveau sécuritaire et permis, nous célébrerons en personne tous les diplômés ayant eu une cérémonie de remise des diplômes virtuelle. Entre-temps, l’Université prépare une célébration virtuelle mémorable pour la remise des diplômes d’été et la livraison de colis spéciaux comprenant les diplômes et d’autres articles festifs. Nous organiserons peut-être quelques activités en personne limitées, si cela peut se faire en toute sécurité et en respectant les lignes directrices en matière de santé publique. Nous vous communiquerons plus de détails à ce sujet durant le trimestre d’hiver.
Dans le cas des étudiants et étudiantes obtenant un diplôme en février, il sera envoyé début mars et les colis arriveront avant l’événement virtuel d’été.
Même si les célébrations seront différentes des années précédentes, le travail acharné et la réussite de nos diplômés n’en sont nullement diminués. En vérité, l’obtention d’un diplôme dans un contexte de pandémie mondiale témoigne de la persévérance et de la détermination des étudiants et étudiantes de l’Université York et nous sommes très fiers d’eux et d’elles.
Veuillez agréer mes sincères salutations,
Rhonda L. Lenton Présidente et vice-chancelière
Call for nominations for the President’s University-Wide Teaching Awards
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The President’s University-Wide Teaching Awards honour those who, through innovation and commitment, have significantly enhanced the quality of learning by York students. Four awards are offered each year in the following categories:
Full-Time tenured faculty with 10 or more years of full-time teaching experience
Full-Time faculty (tenured/tenure-stream/CLA) with less than 10 years of teaching experience
Contract and adjunct faculty
Teaching assistants
The purpose of these awards is to provide significant recognition for excellence in teaching, to encourage its pursuit, to publicize such excellence when achieved across the University and in the wider community, and to promote informed discussion of teaching and its improvement. The awards demonstrate the value York University attaches to teaching. Recipients of the awards, selected by the Senate Committee on Awards, receive $3,000 less applicable deductions, have their names engraved on the University-Wide Teaching Award plaques in Vari Hall and are recognized at convocation ceremonies.
Nominators are encouraged to approach the Teaching Commons to explore ways to best highlight the teaching strengths and accomplishments of the nominee. Nominators may schedule a consultation – by phone or Zoom – with an educational developer at the Teaching Commons to discuss the preparation of a nomination package by sending a request to teaching@yorku.ca.
Only online nominations for the 2021 Teaching Awards, submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2021, will be accepted.
The Teaching Awards criteria and nomination form are available on the Senate Committee on Awards webpage.
Register by Dec. 1 for free Event Planners Network virtual conference, Dec. 8 and 9
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Vari Hall
Do you plan events, conferences or meetings on for students, faculty or staff? Are you responsible for sending out invitations for meetings and events? Are you interested in learning more about planning events, especially as we pivot to holding more of them online? The Event Planners Network (EPN) began in 2019 and includes event coordinators, meeting conveners, invitation creators and conference planners along with others who want to learn more about planning events.
The EPN meets regularly and is open to all York University staff, whether event planning is officially part of your role or you’re just interested in learning more. We are excited to announce the second annual EPN Conference will take place online on Dec. 8 and 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day. This free, two-day conference will include keynote presentations on the future of events and building resiliency and feature presentations from colleagues across campus who have delivered events in new and unique ways this year.
It will also offer attendees the opportunity to network with other event planners as well as colleagues from across campus who provide event-related services. To RSVP, visit go.yorku.ca/epnconference2020 by Dec. 1.
To learn more, contact Liz McMahan, manager, convocation & special projects in University Events & Ceremonies by email at lmcmahan@yorku.ca.
Congratulations to York’s newest graduates and their supporters
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The following is a message to graduating students and the York University community from President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton:
Graduates, it is my pleasure to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, and to welcome you to the York alumni family. You have each demonstrated considerable ability and perseverance in getting here today, and I am confident that you have developed the skills necessary for success in our 21st-century global knowledge economy.
I would like to acknowledge the family, friends, staff, faculty and other supporters who have helped you reach this important milestone. From challenging and mentoring our students, to providing carefully chosen words of encouragement, you have been there for our graduates throughout their academic journeys.
It goes without saying that the pandemic has created a unique set of circumstances this year, so I want to thank you for the additional support and motivation you have provided. The success of our students would not be possible without your contributions.
I am also inspired by the resilience that each of our graduates has shown in adapting to remote learning and new ways of working. You have continued to demonstrate a commitment to driving positive change in the world, whether it is addressing inequality, systemic racism, climate change or another global challenge. I am excited to see what you will do next to enrich our communities. I know that you will find a way to make a difference.
You are now part of a global network of changemakers, and I hope you will stay in touch with us and continue to draw on York University for inspiration and strength. Congratulations once again. I wish you all the best for continued success.
Sincerely,
Rhonda L. Lenton President & Vice-Chancellor
York University’s newest alumni invited to an online graduation celebration, Oct. 28
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The graduation celebration box that was sent to the class of 2020
York University students who have completed their degree requirements will take part in a “Graduation Celebration” on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. EST.
Graduates, their family and friends and York University community members can tune in online for the celebration, which will be aired on the Convocation website. No registration is required. The celebration pre-show will begin at 4:45 p.m. and the event will run about 25 minutes.
In a message to students on Aug. 17, York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton informed the community that due to the ongoing public health concerns resulting from COVID-19 and the restrictions on public gatherings, York University, Ryerson University, Seneca College and the University of Toronto, have made the difficult decision not to hold in-person fall convocation ceremonies. Once it is again safe to do so, graduates from the class of 2020 will be honoured at an in-person convocation celebration.
Some Faculties are hosting faculty-specific online events immediately following the Oct. 28 Graduation Celebration. Details and links to RSVP for the various events can be found at https://www.yorku.ca/convocation/fall-2020-faculty-celebrations/. The faculty celebrations are open to graduates and their guests.
The graduation celebration box that was mailed Oct. 23 to the class of 2020
Convocation packages are on their way to students’ homes. Each package was packed with care by York University staff and contains the students’ diploma, cap and tassel, a convocation program and some other special items to help them celebrate.
To learn more, visit the York University Convocation website.
President’s University-Wide Teaching Award recipients exemplify excellence
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Four exceptional York University faculty members who have demonstrated enthusiasm and innovative approaches to teaching have been named the recipients of the President’s University-Wide Teaching Awards (PUWTA).
This year’s recipients are: Professor Paula Wilson in the Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science; Michael Boni, an assistant professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science in the Faculty of Health; Lee Frew, a contract faculty member in the Department of English at Glendon College; and Roger Carrick, a teaching assistant in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Lassonde School of Engineering.
York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton
“As we moved to online and remote formats in the face of the pandemic, York’s instructors have remained innovative and resilient. They have continued to provide high-impact and transformative learning experiences, connected to the future needs of the workforce and focused on finding solutions to the urgent challenges facing our society,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton. “On behalf of all of us at the University, I want to congratulate this year’s recipients of the University-Wide Teaching Awards and thank them for their unwavering commitment to student success.”
The awards are adjudicated by the Senate Committee on Awards with the goal of providing recognition for excellence in teaching, encouraging its pursuit, publicizing such excellence and promoting informed discussion of teaching and its improvement. The awards demonstrate the value York University attaches to teaching.
Recipients of the awards receive $3,000, have their names engraved on the University-Wide Teaching Award plaques in Vari Hall and are recognized at convocation ceremonies.
President’s University-Wide Teaching Award recipients
Paula Wilson
Professor Paula Wilson of the Faculty of Science is the recipient in the full-time tenured faculty with 10 or more years of full-time teaching experience category. Wilson is a member of the molecular and cellular biology (MCB) group at York University. The group is comprised of researchers utilizing forefront biochemical and molecular techniques to probe the structure and function of various biomolecules and cell biological processes. Topics as diverse as plant and human viruses, cancer, circadian rhythms, structure of signaling molecules and cellular differentiation are studied by group members.
Wilson’s nominators highlighted her dedication and deep commitment to engaging biology students in the classroom by way of clear learning outcomes and active learning strategies. Wilson was also praised by her nominators for her support of teaching and learning broadly in the Department of Biology and the Faculty of Science. Her contributions to curricular innovation, including the creation of a biomedical science stream and the development of resources to assist first-year students with the transition to university.
Michael Boni
Faculty of Heath assistant professor Michael Boni received the award in the full-time faculty with less than 10 years teaching experience category. Boni is a highly experienced certified athletic therapist and physiotherapist with a passion for guiding people towards success. He graduated from York University with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and health science and a certificate in athletic therapy and a completed his post-professional doctor of science degree in the field of physical therapy. His clinical treatment expertise is in the field of manual therapy focusing on neck, shoulder and back pain. Most of his time is focused on educating and mentoring athletic therapists, physiotherapists and kinesiology students. He is an examiner and chief instructor within the post-graduate diploma program of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. His research explores the effect of soft tissue mobilization (non-painful friction massage) on muscle function. Boni has also been collaborating on various pedagogical research projects.
Boni’s nominators praised his work to create a rich learning environment for students using various technologies and hands-on learning opportunities. In addition, they lauded his contributions to curricular innovation particularly through Boni’s leadership on the restructuring of the certificate in athletic therapy has strengthened student learning and the development of critical thinking skills.
Lee Frew
As the recipient of the PUWTA in the contract faculty category, Lee Frew, a faculty member in the Department of English at Glendon College, specializes in Canadian literature, postcolonial literatures and ecocriticism. Frew earned his doctorate from York University in 2011.
His nominators praised his proficiency in creating an academically rigorous learning environment that is also a safe and inclusive space for students to express and hear a wide range of perspectives. In addition, they spoke highly of his contributions to the Department of English, through the design of new courses. His nominators commended Frew for his role in benefiting the Glendon Campus community through his role as Chair of committee charged with investigating the introduction of a common first-year curriculum across the Faculty, and his work to improve the student experience at York and promote excellence in teaching and learning.
Roger Carrick
Roger Carrick, a teaching assistant in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Lassonde School of Engineering, is the recipient of the PUWTA in the Teaching Assistant category. The award honours teaching assistants who have significantly enhanced the quality of learning for York students. Carrick’s nominators spoke of his leadership as a teaching assistant through his contributions to the development of course material, such as lab manuals, tutorials and assignments and his delivery of several lectures independently. They spoke with high regard of his continued and focused support of students and his deep commitment to curricular development that enhances the student experience at the Lassonde School of Engineering.
Carrick is the designer-in-residence in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the Lassonde School of Engineering. He holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Waterloo. Carrick has spent the last three years focusing on enhancing the training of engineers through student-centered learning, mentorship and outreach programs. He is active in the engineering education community, working primarily on enhancing pedagogical theory and promoting design thinking.
York University offers a wide variety of Orientation programming, all online in 2020, for all new and incoming students. It is a great way to meet new people, discover campus resources, and learn all about your degree while supporting a smooth transition into university.
Classes begin Sept. 9, and with the official start of the fall term at York University there’s plenty for new and returning students to do, think about and remember.
The Centre for Student Community & Leadership Development (SCLD) is available to help students get the most out of their university experience. SCLD offers everything from first-year orientation programming to community building through student clubs and leadership development.
Here’s an overview of what resources students need to know about for the beginning of the Fall 2020 term:
‘Welcome to York’ packages
Close to 7000 Welcome to York packages were sent to students all over the world
Inspired by the success of York’s Convocation Box, SCLD and the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) coordinated a new initiative with various other faculties and departments to send a “Welcome to York” package to all incoming first-year undergraduate students.
The packages varied depending on the faculties that participated and contained items, including York University branded masks, webcam covers, T-shirts, water bottles, headphones, a message to students from President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton, as well as a resource for family supports.
The execution of this project was successful in large part due to collaboration with the York University Bookstore, which packaged and sent close to 7,000 packages to students all over the world. Students living in residence will find the package waiting for them when they open the doors to their room for the first time.
YU START
YU START is York’s award-winning, online New Student Transition Program and is designed to support students as they make their way through their first year of university. Through this program, students can enrol in courses, connect with fellow classmates, student leaders and student services staff and become more familiar with campus life, supports and available resources.
YU START can be customized to each student’s individual program of study and is available to all incoming students throughout the academic year. There are content guides and activities for new students for way finding, well-being, student finances, key dates, computing at York, resources that are available in the York University Libraries (outside of the in-person or virtual classroom opportunities) and more.
York University offers a wide variety of Orientation programming, all online in 2020, for all new and incoming students. It is a great way to meet new people, discover campus resources, and learn all about your degree while supporting a smooth transition into university.
Virtual Service Fair
Taking place on Sept. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m., a number of ancillary and student services will be connecting with incoming and returning students using the EasyVirtualFair platform: https://yuevents.easyvirtualfair.com/.
The Division of Students has also collaborated with faculty and college partners on a number of pan-University initiatives.
NAVIGATE FALL 2020 website
Whether joining online from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, within Canada or around the world, the University is keenly aware of the uncertainty caused by the pandemic and that online/remote learning is not how many students expected to start or return to university. To assist students with navigating this uncertainty and to help students feel connected and supported, York has created the NAVIGATE FALL 2020 website.
A full range of programs and services to support academic and professional success, well-being, personal development and building a community at York University are available for students on the NAVIGATE FALL 2020 website.
One of the key resources includes information on Peer Mentors for first-year students who will be matched to a trained upper-year student to assist in making a successful transition to university life. The mentors are from each student’s program and can help answer questions, give advice and recommend services, supports and ways to get involved. This year more than ever, with most courses and services running remotely, the support of a peer mentor is invaluable. For more information contact mypeermentor@yorku.ca.
Learning Skills Services
LSS is located on the second floor of Scott Library in the Learning Commons
Learning Skills Services (LSS) website is an excellent resource for students looking for help with managing their time, studying and learning more effectively, keeping up with readings and course work and achieving their academic goals. LSS connects students with workshops, peer academic coaching, the Learning Commons, COVID-19 well-being resources, the SPARK – Student Papers & Academic Research Kit and more.
Student Guide to Remote Learning
Learning Skills has also created the Student Guide to Remote Learning to help students find resources and supports to help become a successful remote learner. The guide contains tips for a successful transition to remote learning as well as for studying, completing coursework and writing exams remotely. Students can also find information on accessing campus academic and career resources, supports for well-being and how to get involved.
Osgoode Professor Janet Walker receives title of Distinguished Research Professor
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Professor Janet Walker of York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School has been selected to receive the title of Distinguished Research Professor.
The title is given to active members of the academy in recognition of their scholarly achievements in research, is awarded for life and evolves into a Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus on retirement.
The major criterion for the honour is sustained and outstanding scholarly, professional or artistic achievement where a significant portion of the candidate’s work has been accomplished at York University. The award is inclusive of all full-time faculty in all disciplinary areas.
Janet Walker
Walker is a full professor and past associate dean, and currently teaches private international law, international commercial arbitration and complex litigation in the JD and the professional LLM programs and is director of the Professional LLM in Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution. She has also taught civil procedure, professional responsibility and international business transactions and has served as convener of the Litigation, Dispute Resolution and the Administration of Justice Stream, and director of the Mooting Program.
She is the author of Castel and Walker: Canadian Conflict of Laws, and the Halsbury’s Laws of Canada volume on the Conflict of Laws; she is the general editor of The Civil Litigation Process, and of Class Actions in Canada, and co-editor of Common Law, Civil Law and the Future of Categories. She is also a co-author of Irwin Essentials: Civil Procedure, Private International Law in Common Law Canada, and A Practical Guide to Mooting.
Walker has lectured and taught internationally, and held various visiting professorships around the world. As well, she has served as an international advisor to the American Law Institute in its project with Unidroit to develop Principles and Rules of Transnational Civil Procedure; and as a member of the Uniform Law Conference of Canada Committee on National Class Actions, of the IBA Task Force on Guidelines on Recognition and Enforcement of Collective Redress Judgments, of the ILA Committee on International Civil Litigation, the ABA Canada/US Class Working Group on Protocols for Parallel Class Actions and the Uniform Law Conference of Canada’s Project on Uniform International Arbitration Legislation.
She has served as President of the Canadian Branch of the International Law Association, Chair of the Toronto Chapter of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and she is Secretary General of the International Association of Procedural Law. Walker was the Law Commission of Ontario’s first scholar in residence, she has been the common law advisor to the Federal Courts Rules Committee since 2006 and she is currently serving as academic advisor to the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
She is a member of the American Law Institute and a senior Fellow of Massey College. She is a member of the University Club of Toronto, as well as the Athenaeum Club in London. Walker has also served as an ICC and ICDR arbitrator in various matters, as well as a consultant.
“Your nominators have highlighted your international leadership in the fields of private international law, procedural law, comparative law and international commercial arbitration,” said York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton in a letter to Walker. “Your commitment to excellence is evidenced by your strong publication record, particularly your authorship of the main text on private international law in Canada, Canadian Conflict Laws, which is the most-cited private law work in Canadian courts. As an academic and an eminent practitioner, you have had a significant and positive impact on the University community as well as the legal profession.”
The title of Distinguished Research Professor has in the past been announced and celebrated during York’s convocation; however, a date is pending given the current COVID-19 circumstances.
Conversations with Canada’s modern-day explorer. Click here for more York U in the news
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York University Postdoctoral Fellow Mark Terry was featured in a Toronto Sun story on Aug. 14. Read full story.
