Tag: Equity Diversity Inclusion (EDI)

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Nouveau formation obligatoire pour l’ensemble des membres du personnel et des corps professoral et enseignant

An American road sign with a sky background and word Training, Training this way

L’Université York est heureuse d’annoncer un nouveau module de formation en ligne sur la prévention des glissades, des faux pas et des chutes, disponible le 10 juin dans YU Learn. 

Les glissades, les faux pas et les chutes sont parmi les causes les plus courantes de blessures signalées à l’Université. Cette formation vise à prévenir les accidents du travail à l’aide d’une série de leçons et de contrôles des connaissances afin d’apprendre à définir et éliminer les dangers, à signaler et corriger les conditions dangereuses et à réagir en cas de glissade, de faux pas ou de chute. 

Ce module concis à faire à votre rythme sera proposé en ligne dans YU Learn et constitue une formation obligatoire pour l’ensemble du personnel et des corps professoral et enseignant de l’Université York.   

Tout le monde doit l’avoir suivie avant le 1er octobre.  

Pour accéder au module de formation, veuillez vous inscrire à l’aide de vos identifiants Passport York à : yulearn.yorku.ca/local/yulearn/learning_opportunity.php?id=1110. 

Sélectionnez Register, puis cliquez sur le bouton Access course. Le cours restera sur votre tableau de bord YU Learn jusqu’à son achèvement. Une fois terminé, le cours sera répertorié avec la date d’achèvement dans la section Required Courses de votre onglet My Learning History (accessible sur votre tableau de bord YU Learn). 

Si vous rencontrez des difficultés pour accéder à la formation ou si vous avez des questions, n’hésitez pas à contacter votre gestionnaire, votre gestionnaire des affaires académiques, ou hslearn@yorku.ca. 

Nous nous réjouissons de vous offrir cette nouvelle occasion d’apprentissage et vous remercions par avance de votre participation.

Ceremony celebrates Pride Month with York University community

York Pride 2024 Ceremony

A ceremony to celebrate Pride Month on June 4 at York University’s Vari Hall Rotunda was attended by staff, faculty, students and other University community members who took part in the day’s events organized by the Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion in collaboration with the Office of Institutional Events.

Beginning with opening remarks, the event featured a flag unfurling ceremony and booths to share information about 2SLGBTQIA+ resources and services available at York U. Attendees were also invited to enjoy free treats provided by the Office of the Vice-Provost Students and snap a selfie with mascot Yeo.

See a photo gallery of the event below. Visit York University’s Pride Month website to learn more.

Pride Event 2024-48

National Indigenous History Month celebrates history, cultural traditions

Indigenous CISS YFile TopStory_HON

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Dear York community,

June is a time for the York community to celebrate the rich history, cultural diversity and ongoing presence of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

For Indigenous community members, this is often a time to celebrate with family and community through participating in cultural traditions and practices.

National Indigenous History Month asks us to contemplate how to integrate Indigenous knowledges and perspectives into the fabric of the University. York has taken steps toward this by funding Indigenous Research Seed Grants, affirming Indigenous cultural practices such as the smudging program launched by the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges & Languages, and supporting our colleagues in providing global leadership on Indigenous issues, like the Indigenous research team that attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference, led by Professor Angele Alook.

There are many opportunities for York community members to learn from and engage with Indigenous ways of knowing and being, such as:

We invite you to visit the Indigenous History Month website to learn about and participate in various events around York University’s campuses. 

Together, we offer our best wishes to Indigenous community members and the wider York community in celebrating National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous People’s Day on June 21.

Thank you. Merci. Miigwech. Anushiik.

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor

Laina Bay-Cheng
Interim Vice-President Equity, People and Culture

Susan D. Dion
Associate Vice-President Indigenous Initiatives

Le Mois national de l’histoire autochtone célèbre l’histoire et les traditions culturelles

Indigenous CISS YFile TopStory_HON

Chère communauté de York,

Le mois de juin est l’occasion pour la communauté de York de célébrer la riche histoire, la diversité culturelle et la présence permanente des Premières Nations, des Inuits et des Métis.

Pour les membres des communautés autochtones, c’est souvent l’occasion de célébrer avec la famille et la communauté en participant aux cérémonies et pratiques culturelles.

Le Mois national de l’histoire autochtone nous invite à réfléchir à la manière d’intégrer les savoirs et les perspectives autochtones dans tous les aspects de l’Université. York a pris des mesures dans ce sens en finançant des subventions de démarrage pour la recherche autochtone, en affirmant les pratiques culturelles autochtones comme le programme de purification lancé par le Centre des savoirs et langues autochtones, et en soutenant nos collègues qui exercent un leadership mondial sur les questions autochtones, comme l’équipe de recherche autochtone qui a participé à la conférence des Nations Unies sur le changement climatique, sous la direction de la professeure Angele Alook.

Les membres de la communauté de York ont accès à de nombreuses occasions d’apprentissage et d’engagement dans les modes de connaissance et d’existence autochtones, notamment :

Nous vous invitons à visiter le site Web du Mois de l’histoire autochtone pour en savoir plus et pour participer aux divers événements organisés sur les campus. 

Ensemble, nous présentons nos meilleurs vœux aux membres de la communauté autochtone et à l’ensemble de la communauté de York pour la célébration du Mois national de l’histoire autochtone et de la Journée nationale des peuples autochtones le 21 juin.

Merci. Thank you. Miigwech. Anushiik.

Rhonda Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

Laina Bay-Cheng
Vice-présidente intérimaire de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture

Susan D. Dion
Vice-présidente associée aux initiatives autochtones

York University celebrates Pride

Pride Month banner 2023

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Dear York community,

Since its founding, Pride has been more than a celebration of sexual and gender diversity and of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. It is a call to advocacy and action to counteract interlocked forms of social injustice, the effects of stigma on physical and mental health, and the imposition of rigid norms on individuals’ identities and self-expression.

York answers this call by:

  • enacting equity workplace policies and practices, this year earning recognition as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers;
  • supporting the learning of York students, faculty and staff, 700 of whom have received training regarding sex and gender discrimination by York’s Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion;
  • generating research and resources regarding the complexity of gender and sexuality, such as Professor You-Ta Chuang’s research study to further understand the prevalence of workplace discrimination against LGBTQ2S+ employees in Canada and how they cope, and the 2SLGBTQ+ Poverty Project led by professor Nick Mulé;
  • encouraging our community to take action by implementing the principles of York’s Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Strategy and by accessing the DEDI Toolkit; and
  • collaborating with external community organizations on projects such as the Art Gallery of York University’s BeadsAgainstFascism, a fundraiser for Maggie’s Toronto, a QT/BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ led sex worker organization.

We invite you to visit the Pride website to learn more about how you can play a part in affirming 2SLGBTQIA+ rights at York and beyond. There, you will find the events calendar and opportunities to join us for events throughout Pride Month, including the flag unfurling on Tuesday, June 4 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Vari Hall Rotunda.

Thank you. Merci. Miigwech.

Rhonda L. Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor      

Laina Y. Bay-Cheng
Interim Vice-President, Equity, People & Culture

Graduands to cross stage for 2024 Spring Convocation in June

convocation

Between June 7 and 21, more than 7,000 graduating students will put on their finest regalia and participate in the time-honoured tradition of celebrating years of academic hard work when York University’s 2024 Spring Convocation gets underway.

This year’s Spring Convocation will feature 13 ceremonies at both the Keele and Glendon campuses and see thousands of students take a big step forward into their futures. Once again, York alumna Kathleen Taylor – who was installed as the University’s first woman chancellor in 2023 – will confer degrees on new graduands as part of her third convocation season.

An emphasis on community will remain a touchstone of the events. Each ceremony will be accompanied by student performers providing music during the academic procession, as well as before and after the events begin. Furthermore, alumni speakers will also take the stage during each ceremony to deliver a welcome message to graduands and their guests. This year’s eight honorary degree recipients will be welcomed into the York fold, sharing their stories and advice with graduands as they embark on new journeys. 

The ceremonies throughout June will embody the principles of decolonizing, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as respect for Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and the institutional value of sustainability. These elements were recommended by a working group assembled in 2022 by York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton to ensure convocations are welcoming to all within the University’s community.

Beyond the ceremonies, community will be fostered through celebrations (launched last year) for 2SLGBTQIA+ and Black graduands – in addition to the existing Indigenous grad event organized by the Centre for Indigenous Student Services – which celebrate and recognize the achievements of the Class of 2024 and those who have supported their journey.

Graduands and their guests can expect a shorter ceremony than in past years, after feedback from the community. In addition, this year diplomas will be mailed to graduates rather than picked up on site.

All convocation ceremonies will be webcast live and a link to the feed, as well as a schedule of ceremonies, will be available on the Convocation website. That way, even those who can’t attend can feel they are a part of the occasion.

L’Université York célèbre la Fierté

Pride Month banner 2023

Chère communauté de York,

Depuis sa création, la Fierté est plus qu’une célébration de la diversité sexuelle et de genre et des communautés 2ELGBTQIA+. Il s’agit d’un appel à la sensibilisation et à l’action pour contrer les formes imbriquées d’injustice sociale, les effets de la stigmatisation sur la santé physique et mentale, et l’imposition de normes rigides sur les identités et l’expression des individus.

York répond à cet appel en :

  • mettant en œuvre des politiques et des pratiques d’équité sur le lieu de travail, ce qui lui a valu cette année d’être reconnue comme l’un des meilleurs employeurs canadiens en matière de diversité;
  • soutenant l’apprentissage des membres de la communauté étudiante, du corps professoral et du personnel de York, dont 700 ont reçu une formation sur la discrimination sexuelle et de genre par le Centre pour les droits de la personne, de l’équité et de l’inclusion de York;
  • générant des recherches et des ressources sur la complexité du genre et de la sexualité, comme l’étude du professeur You-Ta Chuang visant à mieux comprendre la prévalence de la discrimination sur le lieu de travail à l’encontre des employés 2ELGBTQ+ au Canada et la manière dont ils y font face, ainsi que le projet 2SLGBTQ+ Poverty in Canada project dirigé par le professeur Nick Mulé;
  • encourageant notre communauté à agir en mettant en œuvre les principes de la stratégie de décolonisation, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (DEDI) de York et en accédant à la boîte à outils DEDI;
  • collaborant avec des organisations communautaires externes sur des projets tels que BeadsAgainstFascism de la GAUY, une collecte de fonds pour Maggie’s Toronto, une organisation de travailleuses et travailleurs du sexe dirigée par des membres QT/PANDC 2ELGBTQIA+.

Nous vous invitons à visiter le site Web de la Fierté pour en savoir plus sur la manière dont vous pouvez jouer un rôle dans l’affirmation des droits des personnes 2ELGBTQIA+ à York et ailleurs. Vous y trouverez le calendrier des événements et les possibilités de vous joindre à nous pour les événements du Mois de la Fierté, y compris le déploiement du drapeau le mardi 4 juin de 13 h à 14 h 30 dans la rotonde du Pavillon Vari.

Merci. Thank you. Miigwech.

Rhonda L. Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière      

Laina Y. Bay-Cheng
Vice-présidente intérimaire de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture

York makes progress on Security Services Review recommendations 

York students walking in Accolade Building on Keele Campus

In the year since the release of the Security Services Review report in April 2023, a suite of committees has been actively working to scope, plan for and implement recommendations across the University to make it a safer space for all. 

The review of York’s Security Services, conducted by an internal expert panel, outlined a set of recommendations to transition York to a community-centric model for safety services that is equitable, bias-free, transparent, collaborative, representative and organizationally aligned.  

One foundational recommendation brought forward in the report was a formal acknowledgement of racism in law enforcement. This month, the Community Safety Department released its formal acknowledgement – marking a clear and serious commitment to dismantle systemic racism. 

The formal acknowledgement was established after York’s leadership met with over 120 members of the Black community – including students, faculty and staff – and learned that many had negative experiences related to safety on campus, including lack of personal and emotional safety, daily experiences of racial harassment, exclusion, discrimination, lack of representation, lack of respect, and barriers to academic and career advancement. Going forward, York will foster continuous dialogue and activities aimed at addressing systemic racism within its safety services and security practices. 

Already, action has been taken to address the recommendation to review current call centre procedures and programming. The Call Taker and Dispatch job descriptions have been completed, and all relevant standard operating procedures have been amended, along with the addition of a DEDI statement to each. 

Another recommendation made in the report was to develop alternative approaches to address the presence of individuals experiencing homelessness on York University campuses. York is currently developing comprehensive security protocols to ensure the safety of all members of our community, including those experiencing homelessness. In addition, a working group has been established and a comprehensive draft plan has been created that includes both short- and long-term objectives.  

As mentioned in the plan, a short-term objective York has prioritized is collaborating with external partners who offer comprehensive support services. For example, the University is actively partnering with organizations like the Agincourt Services Association and the City of Toronto to provide tailored assistance and housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness within its community. Individuals experiencing homelessness who need immediate assistance are now provided with emergency kits and essential items, and have access to medical and mental health services through partnerships facilitated by the University.  

Looking forward, York’s long-term plan encompasses mental health and well-being initiatives, as well as implementation and evaluation strategies. The University is committed to collaborating with relevant departments and external agencies to identify long-term solutions and address the root causes of homelessness on University campuses. One of the recommendations from this working group is to explore the possibility of establishing a temporary shelter in collaboration with the City of Toronto to offer support during extreme weather conditions.  

To address the recommendation to align service structures, culture and employment with a community-centric safety model, York has been actively engaging equity-deserving groups and the broader York community to continue the conversation on what makes a “safe” campus. Last November, an advisory group was created, comprised of York University academics, staff and students with expertise in anti-Black racism. This past January, a town hall was held for the York community to receive updates about the implementation of the Security Services Review recommendations and share feedback and questions. During Community Safety Week in March, a panel discussion was held with community leaders and experts to learn more about adopting a community-centric approach to safety. In addition, an engagement plan has been developed to ensure services are responsive and reflective of community needs; for example, by hosting networking opportunities, focus groups, additional roundtable discussions and more.    

“Opportunities for collaboration and honest discourse are vital for the path ahead,” says Orville Wallace, executive director of community safety. “By prioritizing both immediate support and future planning, we’re dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for all members of our campus community.” 

To learn more about the Security Services Review, including other recommendations to be implemented, visit the Community Safety website. 

Osgoode event celebrates a decade of supporting internationally trained lawyers

Lawyers working with Lady Justice looking on

For its 10th anniversary, Osgoode’s Internationally Trained Lawyers Day (OITLD), organized by York University’s Osgoode Professional Development (OsgoodePD), is growing into a two-day event. The expansion is a reflection of the rising success and contributions of internationally trained lawyers (ITLs) across Canada, eager to share their journeys with attendees.

When the event first launched in 2015, its mission was to bring together legal employers, lawyers and law graduates from around the world to learn, share, celebrate and advance internationally trained talent across Canada.

Since its inception, the event has been an extension of OsgoodePD’s year-round dedication to supporting internationally trained lawyers as they navigate the unique challenges of practising law in Canada – be it cultural nuances, unfamiliar legal systems or regulatory requirements.

Initially, the event focused primarily on Canadian legal professionals offering guidance to ITLs and National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) candidates who represented a growing cohort of aspiring lawyers from Osgoode. However, as OITLD approaches its 10th year, it has evolved.

Over the past decade, numerous international legal candidates have acquired the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the Canadian legal landscape. Many have advanced to senior and decision-making roles, significantly contributing to the Canadian legal community. These individuals are now becoming mentors, sharing their insights and experiences with incoming ITLs who are in the same shoes they once were.

With the increased number of alumni and ITLs willing to share their stories, Osgoode’s event has, for the first time, expanded to a two-day event. This extension allows for more panels and sessions, highlighting the wealth of experience and success stories within the community.

The event will feature nine panels, including specialized sessions from current OsgoodePD students and alumni as well as organizations such as the Black Female Lawyers Network, the Canadian Hispanic Bar Association, the NCA and the Law Practice Program.

New session highlights for in-person attendees will include a speed mentoring session, which offers attendees the chance to build valuable connections and engage in quick, impactful interactions with an assortment of Internationally Trained Lawyer mentors providing first-hand experience in accreditation, licensing, job recruitment and professional development.

Additionally, a workshop will offer assistance on the art of the cover letter and CV, tailored specifically for ITLs. The session will provide practical tips and insights on crafting compelling cover letters and CVs that stand out in the competitive legal job market and showcase international experience and legal skills to potential employers. The event will be hosted by Danielle Laflamme, a respected senior manager of professional recruiting and student programs at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in Ottawa.

There will also be panels featuring current students and alumni. One – titled “ITL Stories: NCA Process, Job Recruitment, and Licensing” – will provide first-hand accounts from those who have successfully navigated the NCA process, secured employment and obtained their legal licences in Canada. Its goal is to offer invaluable insights and inspiration for those who have already been through the process.

The event will draw too on the community by featuring an academic conference, presented by current students and alumni of Osgoode who are ITLs, that will highlight research, case studies and papers that reflect their perspectives and contributions to the legal field – and celebrate their academic achievements and intellectual contributions to the community.

A special highlight of the two-day celebration will be a keynote address from Justice Lorne Sossin, a former professor and dean of Osgoode Hall Law School, now appointed to the Court of Appeal for Ontario. Sossin will share insights and reflections on the evolving landscape of law and the significant role of ITLs in shaping it.

For more information about the event and to register (before May 27), visit the OITLD event’s website.

York University Professor receives community research award

Diverse-group-of-people-in-a-circle-holding-hands

York University Assistant Professor Marsha Rampersaud, who teaches law and society in the Department of Social Science in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, has received a prestigious award from Community-Based Research Canada (CBRCanada) in recognition of her work with marginalized youth.

The Emerging Community-Based Researcher Award is among the top honours given out by CBRCanada, recognizing excellence in community-based research. The organization selected Rampersaud as its winner this year among a list of 18 other high-calibre nominations from across Canada.

Marsha Rampersaud

Rampersaud received the award as a recognition of her research engagement with marginalized youth and their communities, working toward societal change in the criminal justice system. In particular, she combines insights from the critical race, punishment, and abolition theories to examine issues of racial and social justice, the purpose of punishment and the impacts of societal structures on differently situated groups.

Rampersaud’s approach as a socio-legal researcher, whose approach is firmly rooted in practice, collaborates closely with the communities that inform her research to cultivate projects from the ground up.

Her community-driven research approach has led to impactful work, like a report she co-authored, titled “Half the Time I Felt Nobody Loved Me,” which has been praised for its examination of youth “aging out” of state guardianship in Ontario and the tangible and intangible costs associated with inadequate support. The report offers policy suggestions to enhance outcomes for youth and society.

Her extensive work in the field has also helped shape programming at StepStones for Youth, an organization she is involved with that supports youth in and from the foster care and group home care systems.

During a virtual awards gala, CBRCanada presented Rampersaud with a $1,000 cash prize to support her future community-based research projects. “This generous funding from CBRCanada will help support a Social Work Symposium this fall, hosted by StepStones for Youth, that will bring together international experts to tackle current issues in child protection,” she says.