President Lenton addresses challenges and priorities for York in 2023-24
Share
York University President & Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton addressed the September 28 Senate meeting to share York’s priorities for the 2023-24 year ahead, addressing the budgetary and enrolment challenges within the current, volatile post-secondary education sector. Read President Lenton’s full address here.
Auditor General’s Report
In Fall 2022, York University was selected among others by the Office of the Auditor General Ontario for a value-for-money audit of York’s 2022-23 operations to examine and ensure York’s fiscal sustainability. The president indicated that a draft report with recommendations will be shared by the Auditor General’s office expected in late October. The next phase of the audit involves tabling the report to the Ontario Legislature in late November or early December.
Fall Convocation
The president announced the honorary doctorate recipients who will have their degrees conferred at the 2023 Fall Convocation. Learn more about the recipients.
The University Academic Plan and Looking Ahead to 2023-24
At Senate, the president reviewed the University’s recent enrolment and budget performance, the factors that have accumulated to create additional pressures in the current three-year rolling budget, and the impact of anticipated deficits on the University’s performance against financial metrics set by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
“We are one of the fastest rising universities in Canada and we have accomplished a great deal,” said President Lenton. “Our goals are not for the benefit of any one faculty or campus. York is a multi-campus university and our success hinges on our ability to continue to work together to provide our students with the very best.”
Lenton identified the projects and initiatives for the year ahead that will play an important role in advancing the University’s academic plan and meeting York’s vision to provide a broad demographic of students with access to a high-quality education at a research-intensive university committed to the well-being of the communities we serve.
Senate Awards Committee announces 2023-24 award deadlines
Share
The Senate Awards Committee has announced upcoming deadlines for the five prizes it will award throughout the 2023-24 academic year, including the President’s Research Awards, the President’s University-Wide Teaching Awards, as well as Honorific Professorships.
Nominations for the five awards are driven by nominations from the York community, and previous nominators should note that this academic year’s deadlines have been scheduled earlier than previous years.
Separate calls for nomination for each individual award, including links to the criteria and nomination forms, will be issued throughout the year.
The awards and deadlines are:
President’s Research Awards
Deadline: Wednesday, Nov. 15
The awards in question include the President’s Emerging Research Award, the President’s Research Excellence Award and the President’s Research Impact Award.
President’s University-Wide Teaching Awards
Deadline: Friday, Jan. 19, 2024
Four awards are offered and are given to one of the following: 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; and teaching assistants.
Honorific Professorships
Deadline: Friday, March 1, 2024
Nominations go towards recognizing a Distinguished Research Professor, a member of the faculty who has made outstanding contributions to the University through research; as well as University Professor, a member of the faculty whom the University recognizes for their participation in University life and/or contribution to the University as a community, as well as appropriate levels of scholarship and teaching success.
Questions about any aspect of the nomination process may be addressed to Amanda Wassermuhl, secretary of the Senate Awards Committee, by email at awasser@yorku.ca.
York grad leaves legacy of positive change
Share
By Elaine Smith
Recent York University graduate Issa Abdi Jamaa is eager to apply the valuable lessons he has learned both inside and outside the classroom to the professional world.
Jamaa arrived in Canada as a teenager for secondary school before attending university. After exploring various Canadian universities, he says he selected York for its academic excellence and vibrant multicultural and diverse community.
“As a Black international student, I felt that York exhibited real diversity and an authentic sense of belonging,” Jamaa said.
He enrolled in economics, where he excelled, earning an honours BA and graduating summa cum laude in Spring 2023. Jamaa was also a member of the Dean’s circle of student scholars in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS).
Issa Jamaa delivering his speech at the Chancellor’s installation
Beyond academics, Jamaa cultivated a diverse skill set by seeking out challenging campus employment and extracurricular activities. As soon as he arrived at the Keele Campus, Jamaa jumped into governance activities, starting with the Economic Students’ Association. During his first semester at York, he was elected to the student government of Vanier College Council (VCC) as director of finance, then vice-president, academic and external affairs. A year later, he was elected as VCC’s president and orientation Chair.
For more than four consecutive academic years, Jamaa served as a designated student representative on the LA&PS Faculty Council. In that role, he advocated passionately and consistently for students, focusing on the needs of racialized, first-generation and international students.
There, he challenged the tendency to treat international students as “income generators on one hand, and social and cultural challenges on the other,” arguing that both positions are problematic. He encouraged faculty, staff and the dean’s offices to recognize the humanity of all students.
“In his tireless dedication to student issues, he challenged everyone he encountered to think differently and reconsider the needs of racialized, first-generation and international students,” said LA&PS Dean J.J. McMurtry. “Issa exhibits all the qualities we hope to see in our graduates: passion, perseverance and a commitment to social justice and advocacy. Whatever he chooses to do next, I know he will change the future for the better.”
Jamaa further extended his student advocacy as a volunteer on a number of Faculty committees, including the Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Success, and the Committee on Curriculum, Curricular Policy and Standards, where he combined his support for students with an interest in inclusive pedagogy.
In 2019, Jamaa was elected as a senator for the York University Senate, the University’s highest academic governing body, where he also chaired the Senate’s student caucus. Through the caucus, he supported initiatives that included the University’s Anti-Black Racism Framework. His work in the Faculty Council and Senate opened the door to other opportunities, such as serving as a member of three University search committees: dean for the Faculty of LA&PS; vice-provost, students; and chancellor. His efforts came full circle when was a speaker at the induction ceremony for York University’s 14th chancellor, Kathleen Taylor, in May 2023.
He also participated as a student representative to the advisory committee that created the Division of Students’ most recent five-year strategic plan and was one of President Rhonda Lenton’s ambassadors for three years.
“It is exciting to see students building their leadership skills here at York and bringing the commitments of our University Academic Plan to life. Issa has helped students access opportunities to realize their full potential and his work will have a lasting impact as they in turn create positive change in communities around the world,” said Lisa Philipps, provost and vice-president academic.
“Through all of these opportunities, I learned about how the institution worked, with its complex systems and governance structure,” Jamaa said. “I also found things that needed improvement from a student-centric perspective by taking every opportunity I got to voice the concerns of students.”
For example, Jamaa successfully advocated to make work-study positions accessible and equitable to all international, as well as domestic, students, collaborating with University partners such as York International, and senior University officials.
Throughout his undergraduate career, Jamaa held various professional jobs on campus, such as lead ambassador and senior special projects assistant at the Dean’s Office (LA&PS), as well as a special projects assistant at the Office of the University Registrar. Additionally, he assumed the role of a CCTV operator on campus, joining the team in 2018 and earning a promotion to team lead in 2020. Currently, Jamaa continues working with the community safety department’s CCTV team while focusing on his future endeavors.
“I’d like to gain more work experience for a few years before I return to my academic journey in earning either an MBA, or a law degree, or even a combination of both,” Jamaa said.
In recognition of Jamaa’s leadership, dedication to student advocacy and service to the University community, he earned several University-wide awards, including the eighth Annual Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award, the Robert Everett Exceptional Leadership Award in Student Governance, the Outstanding Student Leadership Award, Faculty of LA&PS (twice), the Marilyn Lambert-Drache Award for Initiative in Governance, and the Alumni Golden GRADitude Award.
“Issa Jamaa exemplifies the core values of York University, showcasing the transformative potential of higher education and the immense impact of actively engaging in various aspects of university life,” said Vinitha Gengatharan, assistant vice-president, global engagement and partnerships. “His relentless commitment to effecting positive change and breaking down barriers, particularly for international students, serves as an inspiration to his peers and the wider community. With his unwavering determination and excellent skills, Issa is poised to make significant contributions in his future endeavors, while leaving a lasting legacy at York University.”
Dan Palermo appointed interim deputy provost, Markham Campus
Share
Le français suit la version anglaise.
Dear colleagues,
I am pleased to inform the York community that Professor Dan Palermo has accepted our invitation to assume the role of Interim Deputy Provost, Markham for a term commencing on July 1, 2023.
Dan Palermo
Professor Palermo previously served as Vice Dean at the Lassonde School of Engineering, where he oversaw all academic matters for the school. He is also a Professor of Structural Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering and serves as an Associate Editor for the Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering (CJCE).
In 2018, Dr. Palermo received the York University President’s University-Wide Teaching Award and the distinction of Fellow from the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering. This same year, he was recognized as one of the 2018 Outstanding Associate Editors for the Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering – an accolade that recognizes the efforts and commitment of exceptional members of the journal’s editorial board.
Prior to joining York University, Dan was a faculty member at the University of Ottawa between 2005 and 2013 and at the University of Calgary in 2004. His research interests include seismic repair and retrofit of concrete structures, seismic applications of shape memory alloys and tsunami-induced loading of structures, among other key areas in the field of civil engineering.
I look forward to working with Professor Palermo as he brings new leadership to this important role at the University. I hope that all members of the York University community will join us in congratulating him.
Please share this announcement with your colleagues as appropriate.
Sincerely,
Lisa Philipps Provost & Vice-President Academic
Dan Palermo nommé recteur adjoint par intérim du campus Markham
Chers collègues, Chères collègues,
J’ai le plaisir d’informer la communauté de York que le professeur Dan Palermo a accepté notre invitation à assumer le rôle de recteur adjoint par intérim du campus Markham à partir du 1er juillet 2023.
Dan Palermo
Le professeur Palermo est l’ancien vice-doyen de l’École de génie Lassonde, où il supervisait toutes les affaires académiques. Il est également professeur d’ingénierie des structures au Département de génie civil et rédacteur en chef adjoint de la revue Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering (CJCE).
En 2018, M. Palermo a reçu le Prix d’enseignement de la présidente de l’Université York et est devenu membre de la Société canadienne de génie civil. La même année, il a été reconnu comme l’un des corédacteurs exceptionnels de CJCE – une distinction qui reconnaît les efforts et l’engagement de membres exceptionnels du comité éditorial de la revue.
Auparavant, M. Palermo a été professeur à l’Université de Calgary en 2004 et à l’Université d’Ottawa de 2005 à 2013. Ses recherches portent notamment sur la réparation et la modernisation sismiques des structures en béton, les applications sismiques des alliages à mémoire de forme et la charge des structures induite par les tsunamis, parmi d’autres domaines clés du génie civil.
J’ai hâte de travailler avec le professeur Palermo qui saura donner une nouvelle impulsion à cette fonction importante de l’Université. J’espère que tous les membres de la communauté universitaire de York se joindront à moi pour le féliciter.
Veuillez diffuser cette annonce auprès de vos collègues s’il y a lieu.
Sincères salutations,
Lisa Philipps Rectrice et vice-présidente aux affaires académiques
York’s three-year budget plan approved
Share
La version française suit la version anglaise.
York University’s three-year budget plan has been approved, taking a thoughtful and prudent approach to secure long-term success.
The budget plan ensures that an in-year balance can be achieved in 2025-26 while continuing to advance the strategic priorities outlined in the University Academic Plan 2020-2025 for the long-term success of the University. York’s financial reserves will help mitigate the near-term impact of revenue shortfalls.
“York’s strong vision continues to shape the academic programs, research, creative activities and innovation that are elevating our reputation, attracting high-quality students, faculty and staff, and enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor.
Provost and vice-president academic Lisa Philipps added, “York has made extraordinary progress over the past few years, with teaching and research advances, improved global and domestic rankings, innovative curricula, more experiential learning opportunities, and a new campus in Markham actively preparing to welcome students next year. All these initiatives are designed to meet the needs of our current and future learners, and further strengthen York’s commitment to driving positive change.
“Providing new and returning students with high-quality experiences and supports is key to our success and remains a top priority for the University,” said Philipps.
Steps are now being implemented across the University to help achieve the planned recovery, including both short-term cost reductions and initiatives that will drive growth, innovation and enrolment.
Le plan budgétaire triennal de York a été approuvé, adoptant une approche réfléchie et prudente pour assurer le succès à long terme.
Le plan budgétaire garantit l’atteinte d’un équilibre durant l’exercice 2025-2026 tout en continuant à faire progresser les priorités stratégiques définies dans le Plan académique de l’Université 2020-2025 afin d’assurer le succès à long terme de l’Université. Les réserves financières de York permettront d’atténuer l’impact à court terme du manque à gagner.
« La vision forte de York continue de façonner les programmes académiques, la recherche, les activités créatives et l’innovation qui renforcent notre réputation, attirent des étudiants, des professeurs et du personnel de qualité et améliorent le bien-être des communautés que nous servons », a déclaré Rhonda Lenton, présidente et vice-chancelière de l’Université.
Lisa Philipps, rectrice et vice-présidente aux affaires académiques, a ajouté : « York a réalisé des progrès extraordinaires au cours des dernières années, notamment des avancées en matière d’enseignement et de recherche, une amélioration des classements mondiaux et nationaux, l’offre de programmes d’études innovants et de possibilités additionnelles d’éducation expérientielle ainsi qu’un nouveau campus à Markham qui se prépare activement à accueillir des étudiants l’année prochaine. Toutes ces initiatives sont conçues pour répondre aux besoins de nos apprenants actuels et futurs et consolident l’engagement de York envers la création de changements positifs.
« Offrir des expériences et un soutien de grande qualité aux nouveaux membres de la population étudiante et à ceux et celles qui poursuivent leurs études est la clé de notre succès et reste une priorité absolue pour l’Université », a-t-elle précisé.
Des mesures sont actuellement mises en œuvre à l’échelle de l’Université pour contribuer au redressement prévu, y compris des réductions de coûts à court terme et des initiatives qui stimuleront la croissance, l’innovation et les inscriptions.
Synopsis of most recent meeting of Senate
Share
The synopsis of the 697th meeting of the Senate of York University, held on June 29, is now available.
Announcement of appointment of new vice-provost and dean, Graduate Studies
Share
Le français suit la version anglaise.
Dear colleagues,
I am pleased to inform the York community that we have successfully concluded the search for the next vice-provost and dean, Graduate Studies.
The search committee, chaired by Provost and Vice-President Academic Lisa Philipps and comprised of graduate-affiliated faculty, staff and students from across the University, undertook a thorough internal search process which attracted excellent candidates. On June 27, the Board of Governors concurred with my recommendation that Alice MacLachlan be appointed to the position of vice-provost and dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies for an initial period of five years, commencing on July 1, 2023.
Alice MacLachlan
Dr. MacLachlan is associate professor in the Department of Philosophy, in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, where she has been a faculty member since 2007. An experienced graduate supervisor with an established scholarly record and an active interdisciplinary research agenda, Dr. MacLachlan has served two terms as graduate program director for philosophy and is a full member of the graduate faculty at York. She has also taken on academic and administrative leadership roles beyond the department of philosophy, including serving for two years as Chair of SexGen York, a member of the President’s Advisory Council on Human Rights, and two terms as Chair of the LA&PS Petitions Committee.
Dr. MacLachlan’s research considers apologies and moral repair; civility and injustice; and family ethics, focusing especially on LGBTQ+ families, also looking at the broader politics of sexuality. She is co-editor of Feminist Philosophy Quarterly, has published widely in the top journals in her field and, alongside her scholarly research, has contributed extensively to public conversations about philosophical research on television, radio, newspapers and other media. Her current SSHRC-funded research project is entitled “Civility and Solidarity.”
With extensive administrative service experience in the department of philosophy, at York University and in her profession, Dr. MacLachlan was honoured in 2017 with the York LA&PS Award for Distinction in Research, Emerging Researcher category, and was awarded a York-Massey Fellowship in 2013 and the President’s University-Wide Teaching Award in 2011. She is committed to the scholarly and professional mentorship of graduate students and has developed extensive resources and offered many programs to foster their success inside and beyond the academy.
I would like to thank the members of the search committee for their contributions to this important process. I am deeply grateful to Thomas Loebel, who has ably served the role of dean and AVP, Faculty of Graduate Studies for the past five years.
I look forward to working with Dr. MacLachlan as she brings her energy and expertise to this important role. I hope that all members of the York University community will join me in congratulating and welcoming her as a core member of the University’s academic leadership team as the Faculty of Graduate Studies continues to lead in the advocacy for and training of graduate and postdoctoral students and studies in Canada and internationally.
Please share this announcement with your colleagues as appropriate.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Lenton President & Vice-Chancellor
Annonce de la nomination de la nouvelle vice-rectrice et doyenne, études supérieures
Chers collègues, chères collègues,
J’ai le plaisir d’informer la communauté de York que la recherche de la prochaine vice-rectrice et doyenne, Études supérieures a été couronnée de succès.
Le comité de recherche, présidé par Lisa Philipps, rectrice et vice-présidente aux affaires académiques, et composé de membres du corps professoral, du personnel et de la communauté étudiante à l’échelle de l’Université, a entrepris un processus de recherche interne approfondi qui a permis d’attirer d’excellentes candidatures. Le 27 juin, le conseil d’administration a approuvé ma recommandation de nommer Mme Alice MacLachlan au poste de vice-rectrice et doyenne, Études supérieures, pour une période initiale de cinq ans, à compter du 1er juillet 2023.
Alice MacLachlan
Mme MacLachlan est professeure agrégée au Département de philosophie de la Faculté d’arts libéraux et d’études professionnelles où elle enseigne depuis 2007. Superviseure expérimentée de diplômés, avec un dossier académique bien établi et un programme de recherche interdisciplinaire actif, Mme MacLachlan a assuré deux mandats en tant que responsable pédagogique du programme d’études supérieures en philosophie et est membre à part entière de la Faculté d’études supérieures de l’Université York. Elle a également assumé des rôles de leadership académique et administratif en dehors du Département de philosophie, notamment en tant que présidente de SexGen York pendant deux ans, a fait partie du Conseil consultatif de la présidente sur les droits de la personne, et a présidé le Comité des pétitions de LA&PS pendant deux mandats.
Les recherches de Mme MacLachlan portent sur les excuses et la réparation morale, la civilité et l’injustice, ainsi que sur l’éthique familiale, avec une concentration sur les familles LGBTQ+, mais aussi sur les politiques plus larges de la sexualité. Elle est corédactrice de Feminist Philosophy Quarterly, a publié de nombreux articles dans les meilleures revues de son domaine et, parallèlement à ses recherches universitaires, a largement contribué aux conversations publiques sur la recherche philosophique à la télévision, à la radio, dans les journaux et dans d’autres médias. Son projet de recherche actuel, financé par le CRSH, s’intitule Civility and Solidarity.
Forte d’une longue expérience administrative au Département de philosophie, à l’Université York et dans sa profession, Mme MacLachlan a reçu en 2017 le York LA&PS Award for Distinction in Research, dans la catégorie de chercheuse émergente, ainsi qu’une bourse York-Massey en 2013 et le Prix d’enseignement de la présidente de l’Université en 2011. Elle se consacre au mentorat universitaire et professionnel des diplômés, a développé de vastes ressources et a offert de nombreux programmes pour favoriser leur réussite dans le monde académique et au-delà.
Je tiens à remercier les membres du comité de recrutement pour leur contribution à cet important processus. Je suis profondément reconnaissante à M. Thomas Loebel, qui a assuré avec compétence le rôle de doyen et VPA de la Faculté des études supérieures au cours des cinq dernières années.
Je me réjouis de travailler avec Mme MacLachlan qui mettra son énergie et son expertise au service de ce rôle important. J’espère que tous les membres de la communauté de l’Université York se joindront à moi pour la féliciter et l’accueillir en tant que membre clé de l’équipe de leadership pédagogique de l’Université, tandis que la Faculté des études supérieures continue de jouer un rôle de premier plan dans la représentation et la formation des diplômés et postdoctorants et des études supérieures au Canada et à l’étranger.
Veuillez diffuser cette annonce auprès de vos collègues s’il y a lieu.
Sincères salutations,
Rhonda Lenton Présidente et vice-chancelière
Synopsis of Board of Governor’s meeting is available
Share
The 480th meeting of the Board of Governors of York University took place on June 27.
