York University, Mackenzie Health launch innovative health collaboration in York Region
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On Wednesday, Jan. 20, York University joined forces with Mackenzie Health in an innovative new community-focused health collaboration that will aim to enhance health services, training of highly qualified personnel, research and innovation and healthier outcomes for York Region residents, and beyond.
During a virtual signing event on Wednesday, York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton was joined by the President and CEO of Mackenzie Health, Altaf Stationwala, the Mayor of Vaughan, Maurizio Bevilacqua, and the Mayor of Richmond Hill, David Barrow, to celebrate this important milestone and discuss their shared vision and opportunities that lie ahead.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a two-year agreement that sets out the strategic areas of focus for engagement and cooperation: 1.) Education, Professional, and Community Development, and 2.) Health Research and Innovation. The MOU identifies specific areas of mutual interest that will be explored, including health related research, epidemiology and data sharing, clinical placements and training, professional development education for health sector workers, digital health solutions, and more.
“As we find ourselves amid the second wave of a global pandemic, the questions we are asking about the future of local and global healthcare have very real and timely implications,” said Lenton. “This Memorandum of Understanding will strengthen the partnership between York University and Mackenzie Health, and allow us to contribute toward advancements in research, management, and policy that create healthier communities in York Region and drive positive change both locally and globally.”
Recently, York U has strengthened ties within the York Region health community, including through a 2019 agreement with the City of Vaughan to collaborate on a new Healthcare Centre Precinct.
“Mackenzie Health has enjoyed a long-standing collaborative partnership with York University and the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is yet another way to formalize this partnership,” said Stationwala. “We look forward to finding new ways to work together with the ultimate goal of improving the way we deliver care to residents across western York Region.”
Mackenzie Health is a dynamic regional health care provider, which includes the existing Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and the future Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, as well as a comprehensive network of community-based services.
Conference will focus on international higher education that is sustainable and inclusive
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Scholars, educators and policymakers from around the world will join a global conference hosted by York University, to reimagine international learning opportunities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conference on Sustainable and Inclusive Internationalization is expected to attract more than 600 participants from 65 countries
The three-day international conference, from Jan. 20 to 22, will be co-hosted by York International and the UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education Towards Sustainability at York University, in collaboration with the International Association of Universities, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, and Okayama University, Japan.
“It is crucial that today’s leaders and those in the future understand global contexts and working in transdisciplinary and intercultural teams towards the common goal of a sustainable future,” said York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton. “York University is very pleased to host this important conversation among colleagues and partners, as we all look forward to a better and safer 2021 and beyond.”
“Higher education has long been a force for cross-cultural exchange, and advancing global cooperation for education and research, but there are barriers to creating equitable access for all to these opportunities,” said Vinitha Gengatharan, executive director, York International. “The global pandemic has led to an unprecedented pause in international student and faculty travel that warrants universities to examine their policies and practices.”
The Sustainable and Inclusive Internationalization conference will be an open forum that will allow participants to tackle these vital questions and related concerns and find workable solutions. It will bring together scholars, international mobility professionals and practitioners, policymakers, sustainability experts and other stakeholders to discuss the evolving status of international mobility in higher education in Canada and globally.
“Issues such as global geopolitical tensions, economic strains, climate change concerns and systemic racism and exclusion continue to limit the participants in these initiatives,” says Charles Hopkins, UNESCO Chair at York University. “Further, the growing concern around the ecological footprint of higher education mobility and the exclusiveness of opportunities has already caused fundamental discussions on the future of international student mobility.”
York University has a new COVID-19 planning and response team
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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 Colleagues,
As we begin a new year at York University, supporting our community through the pandemic remains our top priority. As public health guidance continues to evolve alongside the rollout of vaccines, we have made some adjustments to the organization of our institutional response.
I am pleased to announce that Parissa Safai has been appointed as Special Advisor to the President for Academic Continuity Planning and COVID-19 Response. Safai is associate professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences and a former associate dean (Interim), Teaching, Learning and Student Affairs in the Faculty of Health. She will lead a small, dedicated team of staff members who will be focused on managing the University’s response to COVID in 2021. I am grateful that the following individuals will be joining this team:
Peter Aylan-Parker will be stepping away from his role as associate director, University Events & Ceremonies, to serve as Project Manager, COVID-19 Planning & Response.
Octavio Colantonio, coordinator CCTV & Access Control Technologies in Community Safety, will be seconded into the role of Campus Access Planning Advisor.
Jennifer Lee, associate director of Communications, Office of the Provost & Vice-President Academic, will serve as Communications Advisor to the team.
The President and Vice-Presidents group will continue to provide overall policy guidance to keep our community safe, while ensuring academic and research continuity. Planning will be informed by priorities identified at the Academic Continuity Table led by the Provost & Vice-President Academic, and the Research Continuity Table led by the Vice-President Research & Innovation.
I want to extend special thanks to Samina Sami, executive director, Community Safety for her leadership at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), and the many other staff from across the University who have volunteered their time and worked tirelessly as members of the Emergency Management Team and EOC to support COVID-19 response planning since January 2020. Many of these staff members will remain involved in supporting the work of the COVID Planning and Response Group, while also recovering some time to devote to their regular roles. The University owes a great deal of its success in managing the pandemic to the dedication, personal commitment, and outstanding teamwork demonstrated by our professional staff colleagues, our administrative staff and on-the-ground workers.
We continue to actively monitor the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to inform planning for the Summer and Fall 2021 terms. As announcements on vaccine availability continue to be made, the team will update the community regularly. For the latest developments and the University’s approach to supporting our community, please continue to monitor YU Better Together.
We welcome these changes to support smooth operational planning at York University this year and appreciate the ongoing patience of our students, faculty and staff. With many supports in place to facilitate remote learning, we know that we will make both the current and upcoming term a success.
Sincerely,
Rhonda L Lenton President and Vice Chancellor
Nouvelle équipe de l’Université York pour la planification et la réponse à la COVID-19
Chers collègues,
Alors qu’une nouvelle année commence à l’Université York, le soutien de notre communauté durant la pandémie demeure notre priorité absolue. Comme les directives en matière de santé publique continuent d’évoluer parallèlement au déploiement des vaccins, nous avons modifié la structure de notre réponse institutionnelle.
J’ai le plaisir d’annoncer que Dre Parissa Safai a été nommée conseillère spéciale de la présidente pour la planification de la continuité académique et la réponse à la COVID-19. Dre Safai est professeure agrégée de l’École de kinésiologie et des sciences de la santé et ancienne doyenne associée (par intérim) de l’enseignement, de l’apprentissage et des affaires étudiantes de la Faculté de la santé. Elle dirigera une petite équipe de membres du personnel qui se concentreront sur la gestion de la réponse de l’Université à la COVID en 2021. Je me réjouis que les personnes suivantes se joignent à cette équipe :
Peter Aylan-Parker quittera son poste de directeur adjoint des événements et cérémonies de l’Université pour le poste de gestionnaire de projet, planification et réponse à la COVID-19.
Octavio Colantonio, coordonnateur des systèmes CCTV et des technologies de contrôle d’accès du Service de sécurité communautaire, sera détaché à titre de conseiller en planification de l’accès au campus.
Jennifer Lee, directrice adjointe des communications au bureau de la rectrice et de la vice-présidente aux affaires académiques, sera la conseillère en communications de l’équipe.
Le groupe composé de la présidente et des vice-présidents et vice-présidentes continuera à fournir des orientations stratégiques générales pour assurer la sécurité de notre communauté, tout en garantissant la continuité des activités académiques et de la recherche. La planification sera basée sur les priorités définies par la Table de continuité académique dirigée par la rectrice et vice-présidente aux affaires académiques et la Table de continuité de la recherche dirigée par le vice-président de la recherche et de l’innovation.
Je tiens tout particulièrement à remercier Samina Sami, directrice principale de la sécurité communautaire, pour son leadership au Centre des opérations d’urgence (EOC) ainsi que plusieurs autres membres du personnel de l’Université, qui ont consacré leur temps et leurs efforts pour appuyer la planification de la réponse à la COVID-19 depuis janvier 2020, en tant que membres de l’équipe de gestion des situations d’urgence et du EOC. Bon nombre de ces membres du personnel continueront à apporter leur soutien au travail du groupe de planification et de réponse à la COVID tout en retrouvant une certaine disponibilité pour leurs rôles habituels. Le succès de l’Université dans la gestion de la pandémie résulte en grande partie du dévouement, de l’engagement personnel et du travail d’équipe exceptionnel dont les membres du personnel professionnel et administratif et nos travailleurs sur le terrain ont fait preuve.
Nous continuons à surveiller activement la réponse de la santé publique à la pandémie de la COVID-19 afin d’orienter la planification des trimestres d’été et d’automne 2021. Au fur et à mesure des annonces sur la disponibilité des vaccins, l’équipe informera régulièrement la communauté. Pour connaître les derniers développements et l’approche de l’université en matière de soutien à notre communauté, veuillez consulter le site YU Better Together.
Nous sommes heureux de ces changements qui permettront une planification opérationnelle harmonieuse à l’Université York cette année et nous remercions les membres du corps étudiant, du corps professoral et du personnel pour leur patience. Grâce aux nombreuses ressources mises en place pour appuyer l’apprentissage à distance, nous sommes convaincus de pouvoir assurer le succès du trimestre en cours et de celui à venir.
Veuillez agréer mes sincères salutations,
Rhonda L. Lenton Présidente et vice-chancelière
Welcome to the January 2021 issue of ‘Brainstorm’
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‘Brainstorm,’ a special edition of YFile publishing on the first Friday of every month, showcases research and innovation at York University. It offers compelling and accessible feature-length stories about the world-leading and policy-relevant work of York’s academics and researchers across all disciplines and Faculties and encompasses both pure and applied research.
In the January 2021 issue
The post-Trump world: A new dawn takes shape On the eve of vaccination, three York University thought leaders consider the effects of the Trump-plus-COVID double whammy, the erosion of trust and the mending of international relations. In discussion with ‘Brainstorm’ guest contributor Paul Fraumeni, these change makers offer their expertise on how 2021 needs to unfold.
Paper on post-pandemic gender inequity offers evidence-based manual for change – Bonus video Researchers have raised alarm bells on inequity during the pandemic, suggesting that women are shouldering a heavier burden and this inequity may continue post-pandemic. One law professor adds vital evidence to this claim and, most importantly, offers policy-applicable suggestions for improvement.
Researchers underscore predicting chemoresistance would better tailor cancer treatment A trailblazing chemist digs deep on resistance to chemotherapy. What he and his team discover may prevent needless chemo treatments, open different treatment pathways and have application to other cancer biomarkers – a gamechanger for oncology, the healthcare system and, most of all, patients.
Drinking to cope: A penetrating look at alcohol problems during the pandemic Two psychology profs investigate coping mechanisms during the pandemic, and discover that people are consuming more alcohol, particularly if they’ve lost income; they’re drinking alone and feeling isolated; and those with children are using alcohol to cope with stress. Knowing this could help healthcare practitioners create better, more tailored and evidence-based interventions.
Librarian/sound artist captures the unnerving silences of COVID-19 York University librarian William Denton has a double life. He’s also a sound artist who has been busy capturing the noises (or lack thereof) during the pandemic, providing a unique and valuable contribution to our understanding of this unparalleled situation.
Enhanced public education on flood risk could strengthen disaster resilience A professor in the Disaster & Emergency Management Program who studies flood risk management, identifies a gap between public beliefs and data-informed reality. She proposes a community-based solution to bolster disaster resilience – a timely example of how research can create positive change for communities and the world.
Launched in January 2017, ‘Brainstorm’ is produced out of the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation in partnership with Communications & Public Affairs; overseen by Megan Mueller, senior manager, research communications; and edited by Jenny Pitt-Clark, YFile editor and Ashley Goodfellow Craig, YFile deputy editor.
Experts to share vision for sustainable, inclusive internationalization
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York International is hosting a conference to reimagine approaches to higher education in an age of uncertainty. The conference will take place Jan. 20 to 22 and is free to attend
Engaging, informed international education experts to kickstart each day – that’s what attendees to the upcoming Sustainable & Inclusive Internationalization Virtual Conference can expect from Jan. 20 to 22.
The conference is an effort to “reimagine approaches in higher education in an era of uncertainty.” It is a joint endeavour between York International (YI) and the York UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education Towards Sustainability in collaboration with International Association of Universities (IAU), the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) and Okayama University, Japan and funded by the Academic Innovation Fund at York University. It is free of charge for attendees.
“This conference aims to look at internationalization and in particular, student mobility in a world where we are also focused on ensuring that programs are inclusive and sustainable,” Vinitha Gengatharan, YI’s executive director and co-chair of the conference, told YFile last month.
“We will be exploring whether this marks the end of post-secondary internationalization and the related mobility programs or if it marks the beginning of a new era based on new models of interaction and exchange.”
Three sets of experts will be leading these explorations at the conference’s daily plenary sessions. The opening plenary session on Wednesday, Jan. 20, focuses on Mobility in Higher Education: A New Vision, Pressures and Opportunities for Enhanced Programs. It will feature Professor Emeritus Hans De Wit, distinguished fellow, Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College; Lorna Jean Edmonds, former vice-provost of Global Affairs, Ohio University; and Francisco Marmalejo, education advisor, Qatar Foundation and former global lead of tertiary education, World Bank.
De Wit was the director of the Lynch School, a leading global research center on higher education in the global environment, from 2015-20. While at the school, he developed the MA program in International Higher Education, as well as a dual degree version of this master’s program with the Universidad de Guadalajara in Mexico.
Edmonds is an active and engaged executive, educator and scholar invested in the globalization of higher education and their role in leadership development for sustainability. She is a co-creator of the Global Strategic Framework (GSF) for the internationalization of higher education.
During his eight years at the World Bank, Marmalejo served as the global higher education lead, based in Washington, D.C., and more recently as lead higher education specialist for India and South Asia, based in Delhi. From 1995 to 2012, he served as founding executive director of the Consortium for North American Higher Education Collaboration, a network of more than 160 universities.
The second day of the virtual conference on Thursday, Jan. 21 will open with a plenary session exploring Student and International Mobility in 2030 and Beyond. The session’s chair is Liette Vasseur, president, Canadian Commission for UNESCO and UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability: From Local to Global at Brock University, while the featured speakers are Sjur Bergan, head of the Education Department, Council of Europe, and Ethel Valenzuela, director, Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Secretariat and Fabio Nascimbeni, senior expert, Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED).
Bergan leads the current Council of Europe projects on Competences for Democratic Culture and the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees. He has represented the Council of Europe in the Bologna Follow-Up Group and Board since 2000. Bergan is also series editor of the Council of Europe Higher Education Series and the author of Qualifications: Introduction to a Concept and Not by Bread Alone as well as of numerous book chapters and articles on education and higher education policy.
Valenzuela is the first female director since SEAMEO was organized in 1965. She previously served as the first female deputy director for Programme and Development of SEAMEO Secretariat and led the Educational Research and Innovation Office of SEAMEO INNOTECH. Prior to joining SEAMEO, she was director IV of the Office of Student Services and director III at the International Affairs Services in the Commission on Higher Education Philippines (1995-2006) and was responsible for foreign and local scholarship programs, academic mobility and transnational education.
Nascimbeni’s main research interests are e-learning innovation, open education and digital literacy. In addition to his work at UNIMED, he is a senior fellow of the European Distance and E-Learning Network; a Fellow with the NEXA Center for Internet and Society; an expert evaluator of proposals for the European Commission; and co-chair of ELINET’s working group on digital literacy.
Friday, Jan. 22, day three of the conference, starts off with a plenary session addressing The Futures of Education, chaired by Hilligje Van’t Land, secretary-general, International Association of Universities. The featured speakers are Dzulkifli bin Abdul Razak, rector and past president of the International Association of Universities, International Islamic University Malaysia; Larissa Bezo, president and chief executive officer, Canadian Bureau for International Education CBIE; and Noah Sobe, senior project officer, UNESCO.
Abdul Razak previously served as the vice-chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) from 2000-11. He is the immediate past president of the International Association of Universities (IAU), a UNESCO-affiliated organization, based in Paris. He was the convenor of the Regional Centre for Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development based in USM beginning 2005.
Bezo has served in senior leadership positions in both the public and not-for-profit sectors, including as deputy clerk and deputy cabinet secretary in the government of Saskatchewan, senior advisor to a Federal Royal Commission, and most recently, as interim president and chief executive officer for the Canadian Bureau for International Education.
At UNESCO, Sobe helps to lead the Futures of Education: Learning to Become initiative. Past president of the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES), he is on leave from a faculty position as professor of Cultural and Educational Policy Studies at Loyola University Chicago.
“The conference will offer us a window into the future and give us ideas about how to pursue a sustainable internationalization agenda,” said Helen Balderama, associate director, International Partnerships & Programs, YI. “Together with our strategic partners, we have assembled a program with participants who have many years of experience in international education and a global view of the field that can only serve to inform and inspire us in our thinking as we move forward.”
By Elaine Smith, special contributing writer, York International
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
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
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.
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
Order of Canada appoints 15 individuals with York University connections
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Fifteen individuals with an affiliation to York University have been appointed to the Order of Canada, as announced on Nov. 27.
The individuals from the York University community are among 114 new appointees to the Order of Canada and includes two invested as officers (O.C.) and 13 invested as members (C.M.).
Officers of the Order of Canada
William C. Graham was appointed for his sustained contributions to politics and academia, and for his philanthropic endeavours. Graham is a York University donor. This appointment is a promotion within the Order.
Sheldon Levy was appointed for his exceptional leadership as an education administrator and for promoting student entrepreneur incubators on university campuses across the country. Levy is a York University alumnus, honourary alumnus and former vice-president of institutional affairs.
Members of the Order of Canada
Daniel R. Bereskin was appointed for his leadership in the field of intellectual property law and trademark law in Canada and abroad. Bereskin is a York University donor.
B. Denham Jolly was appointed for his contributions to the promotion of equity and opportunity within the Greater Toronto Area’s Black community. Jolly is a York University donor.
James M. Drake was appointed for his leadership in the field of pediatric neurosurgery and for his contributions to the treatment of complex childhood disorders. Drake is a York University donor.
Philip Michael Epstein was appointed for his leadership in Canadian family law and for pioneering programs in dispute resolution now emulated across the country. Epstein is a York University donor.
Anthony Olmsted Hendrie was appointed for his volunteerism and philanthropy in support of a wide range of causes over the past 60 years. Hendrie is an alumnus and York University donor.
William Macdonald was appointed for his distinguished career as a law practitioner and for his expert counsel on national public policy issues. Macdonald is an alumnus and York University donor.
Judy Matthews was appointed for her groundbreaking contributions to Toronto’s cultural and urban landscapes, as an urban planner and philanthropist. Matthews is an alumna and York University donor.
Sarah Milroy was appointed for promoting Canadian art and artists through her roles as editor, publisher, critic and curator. Milroy is a York University donor.
Peggy Nash was appointed for her contributions to women’s employment equity, human rights and gender representation in all levels of public office. Nash is an alumna.
Glenn O’Farrell was appointed for his vision for education and for his leadership in communications, having positioned a media outlet as a global symbol of French language and culture. O’Farrell holds a certificate from the Schulich Executive Education Centre.
Christina Petrowska Quilico was appointed for her celebrated career as a classical and contemporary pianist, and for championing Canadian music. Petrowska Quilico is a faculty member.
Allan Michael Rock was appointed for his contributions to the advancement of human rights and global humanitarian issues, and to the fields of law, politics and education. Rock is a College Fellow (McLaughlin College) and a York University donor.
Stefan Glenn Sigurdson was appointed for his dexterous relationship-building skills and for his contributions to alternative dispute resolution across Canada and beyond. Sigurdson is an alumnus and York University donor.
‘Brainstorm,’ a special edition of YFile publishing on the first Friday of every month, showcases research and innovation at York University. It offers compelling and accessible feature-length stories about the world-leading and policy-relevant work of York’s academics and researchers across all disciplines and Faculties and encompasses both pure and applied research.
Fifteen individuals with an affiliation to York University have been appointed to the Order of Canada, as announced on Nov. 27.