Tour highlights Markham Campus construction updates
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On Sept. 12, a hard hat tour provided an opportunity for York University and Markham community leaders to interact with the spaces within the Markham Campus building and begin to envision the many ways in which students, faculty, community members and industry partners will be able to use them.
President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton, and Markham Campus Interim Deputy Provost Dan Palermo were joined by Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, members of the local council and senior city staff for a hard hat tour of the Markham Campus to explore the latest updates to the site.
With several of the floors nearing completion, and the 10-storey building now fully enclosed, the campus site continues to be a hive of activity. Work is taking place outside to prepare the site for all of the hard- and soft-surface landscaping, while inside the building construction crews continue to make progress to ensure the building is ready to open to the inaugural cohort of students in September 2024.
“This building is a fitting representation of the new programs York University is excited to launch here in Fall 2024,” says Palermo. “It’s incredible to see the progress being made, and to share that with the council and Mayor Scarpitti – key enablers to this campus’ inception – made it a truly memorable experience. I believe our students, in particular, will be thrilled with the building and happy to call it their new home, which is truly designed with them in mind.”
Lenton and Palermo provided a sneak peek inside the building for Markham community leaders as it nears its completion, in recognition of how Markham City Council, under the leadership of Scarpitti, have been core supporters of the campus. The campus would not have been possible without their generous donation of land on which the building is situated.
Here is a photo gallery of the latest updates highlighted by the tour.
Announcing the winners of the 2022 President’s Staff Recognition Awards
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Every year, the York University Staff Recognition Awards are an occasion for the University to come together with President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton and honour community members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the school’s success and actively advanced our vision, mission and core values.
Rhonda Lenton
“At York University, our community is our greatest asset,” said Lenton. “These awards acknowledge staff, many of whom work behind the scenes advancing our vision to provide a broad sociodemographic of students with access to a high-quality, research-intensive education, elevating our performance and enhancing our reputation. Whether supporting the development of new programs, our students and their learning experience, our research activities or campus operations to create a safe, inclusive, connected and welcoming environment, each and every one of you exemplify the spirit of excellence and engagement that defines our institution.
“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the exceptional individuals and teams who have won or been nominated for these prestigious awards, which this year includes the inaugural Excellence in Decolonization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Award,” she continued.
“Your professionalism, innovation, and dedication have made a tangible mark on York University and will continue to shape a brighter future for us all, and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to celebrate all your remarkable contributions.”
The winners of this year’s Staff Recognition Awards will be honoured at an event at a later date.
This year’s recipients and nominees are:
Deborah Hobson York Citizenship Award
This award recognizes employees who have demonstrated a high level of service to students and who promote York’s spirit in terms of creativity, innovation and redefining the possible in service to the University community.
Rosanna Chowdhury (top row, far left); nominators/colleagues; and Priyanka Debnath, chief of staff, Office of the President
The other staff members nominated for this award are:
Jillian Oinonen, coordinator of system development
Kayla Lascasas, manager, Student Engagement and Recruitment
Decolonization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Award
This annual award recognizes the passion, dedication and campus engagement by a team or individual staff member to decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion at York. The award acknowledges ongoing work or outstanding accomplishments in practice, events, policy, programs, or other activities that foster equitable, sustainable and measurable change on campus, with an intersectional social justice lens, especially for equity-deserving groups (e.g. women, visible/racialized minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQIA+).
Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion (CHREI) Education Team: Christine Sinclair (top row, far left), Carolina Ruiz (top row, centre), Lisa Brown (absent, on leave); nominators/colleagues; and Priyanka Debnath, chief of staff, Office of the President
Winner: Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion (CHREI) Education Team
Lisa Brown, strategy and engagement specialist – Black Inclusion (on leave)
Carolina Ruiz, senior advisor, DEDI, Education and Communications
Christine Sinclair, senior advisor, DEDI, Education and Communications
The other staff members and teams nominated for this award are:
Diane Hector, director, Finance and Budgets Partnerships
Michelle Hughes, recruitment and communications coordinator (deceased)
Orlene Ellis, graduate program assistant
Library Accessibility Services
Gary Brewer Award
This award is presented annually to a non-academic employee of York University who has shown tremendous promise for assuming a leadership role at the University, is known for their innovative and meaningful contributions to the effectiveness of their unit and has significantly contributed to the University’s commitment to excellence. The award recognizes and encourages early-career professionals who have demonstrated significant promise of leadership in their career.
Tom Osborne (top row, centre); nominators/colleagues; and Priyanka Debnath, chief of staff, Office of the President
Winner: Tom Osborne, assistant director, Academic Scheduling
The other staff members nominated for this award are:
René Saint-André, senior security official, Campus Relations
Nicholas Punsammy, training coordinator and administrative floater
Phyllis Clark Campus Service Award
This award is presented annually to a non-academic employee of York University who has made exemplary contributions to the operations of either of York’s campuses in terms of efficiency, cleanliness, safety, security and/or other campus or plant services.
Violet Cosby (front row, right); nominators/colleagues; and Priyanka Debnath, chief of staff, Office of the President
Winner: Violet Cosby, custodian
The other staff members nominated for this award are:
Diane O’Grady, security official
The President’s Leadership Award
The President’s Leadership Award recognizes contributions that go beyond the published requirements of a position and performance levels that foster a high level of professionalism and usually extend beyond an individual department into the University community at large.
Jodi Tavares (top row, centre); nominators/colleagues; and Priyanka Debnath, chief of staff, Office of the President
Winner: Jodi Tavares, executive director, Strategy and Administration
The other staff members nominated for this award are:
Prashanna Kantharasa, security supervisor
Debbi Collett, academic resource coordinator
Amy Gaukel, senior executive officer, Vice-President Equity, People and Culture
The other staff members nominated for this award are:
Diana Caradonna, corporate relations specialist
Khanh Le, administrative coordinator
Harriet Lewis Team Award for Service Excellence
This award recognizes a team’s excellence in service and support to students, faculty, course directors, staff, and/or other service users and its promotion of the York spirit in terms of imagination, creativity, innovation and redefining the possible in service to York’s community (internal or external).
Knowledge Mobilization Unit: Michael Johnny (top row, far left), David Phipps (top row, left), Connie Tang (absent), Krista Jensen (absent); nominators/colleagues; and Priyanka Debnath, chief of staff, Office of the President
Winner: The Knowledge Mobilization Unit
David Phipps, assistant vice-president, Research Strategy and Impact
Michael Johnny, manager, Knowledge Mobilization
Krista Jensen, senior knowledge mobilization specialist
Connie Tang, director, strategy and business development, Research Impact Canada
The other teams nominated for this award are:
Administrative team for the Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics
University Information Technology eReports Replacement Implementation team
The University Information Technology (UIT) administration team
Economics Student Support and Success team
The Office of Research Ethics (ORE)
President’s Voice of York Award
The Voice of York Award is given to an individual who is a first line-of-contact person at York University. The most important voice of York is the one who makes the first contact with a visitor or a community member. Compassion and professionalism, particularly in handling difficult or sensitive situations, is essential to our work at York University.
Jlenya Sarra-De Meo (top row, left, centre); nominators/colleagues; and Priyanka Debnath, chief of staff, Office of the President
Winner: Jlenya Sarra-DeMeo, graduate program administrator
The other staff members nominated for this award are:
Irina Mikhailyuk, graduate funding and finance analyst
Annonce des lauréats et lauréates des Prix de reconnaissance du personnel de soutien 2022 de la présidente
Rhonda Lenton
Chaque année, les prix annuels de reconnaissance du personnel de l’Université York sont l’occasion de nous joindre à la présidente et vice-chancelière Rhonda Lenton pour honorer les membres de la communauté qui ont fait preuve d’un engagement exceptionnel en faveur de la réussite de l’Université et qui ont activement fait progresser notre vision, notre mission et nos valeurs fondamentales.
« La communauté de l’Université York est son plus grand atout, a déclaré Mme Lenton. Ces prix récompensent le personnel, dont plusieurs travaillent dans l’ombre pour faire progresser notre vision, qui est d’offrir à un large éventail d’étudiantes et étudiants l’accès à un enseignement de haute qualité axé sur la recherche, d’élever nos performances et d’améliorer notre réputation. Qu’il s’agisse de soutenir le développement de nouveaux programmes, notre communauté étudiante et son expérience d’apprentissage, nos activités de recherche ou les opérations du campus pour créer un environnement sécuritaire, inclusif, connecté et accueillant, chacun et chacune d’entre vous illustre l’esprit d’excellence et d’engagement qui définit notre institution.
Je tiens à féliciter chaleureusement toutes les personnes et équipes exceptionnelles qui ont remporté ou ont été nommées pour ces prix prestigieux, qui comprennent cette année le premier Prix d’excellence en matière de décolonisation, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (DEDI).
Votre professionnalisme, votre sens de l’innovation et votre dévouement ont laissé une marque tangible sur l’Université York et continueront à façonner un avenir meilleur pour nous tous. Je suis ravie d’avoir l’occasion de souligner vos remarquables contributions. »
Les lauréats et lauréates des prix de reconnaissance du personnel de cette année seront honorés lors d’un événement qui aura lieu à une date ultérieure.
Lauréats et lauréates et personnes mises en nomination pour les Prix de reconnaissance du personnel de cette année :
Prix Deborah Hobson du civisme de York
Ce prix honore les employés qui ont fourni à la population étudiante un service d’excellence, qui promeuvent l’esprit de York sur le plan de la créativité, de l’innovation et qui redéfinissent ce qui est possible en ce qui a trait au service à la communauté universitaire.
Lauréate : Rosanna Chowdhury, coordonnatrice du programme d’éducation expérientielle
Autres membres du personnel mis en nomination pour ce prix :
Jillian Oinonen, coordonnatrice du développement des systèmes
Kayla Lascasas, responsable de l’engagement et du recrutement des étudiants
Prix d’excellence en matière de décolonisation, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (DEDI)
Ce prix annuel récompense la passion, le dévouement et l’engagement sur le campus d’une équipe ou d’un membre du personnel en faveur de la décolonisation, de l’équité, de la diversité et de l’inclusion à York. Ce prix récompense les réalisations exceptionnelles dans le cadre de pratiques, d’événements, de politiques, de programmes ou d’autres activités qui favorisent un changement équitable, durable et mesurable sur le campus, dans une optique de justice sociale intersectionnelle, en particulier pour les groupes en quête d’équité tels que les femmes, les minorités visibles/racialisées, les peuples autochtones, les personnes en situation de handicap et les personnes 2ELGBTQIA+.
Lauréate : L’équipe éducative du CHREI
Lisa Brown, spécialiste de la stratégie et de l’engagement, inclusion des personnes noires (en congé)
Carolina Ruiz, conseillère principale, DEDI, éducation et communication
Christine Sinclair, conseillère principale, DEDI, éducation et communication
Autres membres du personnel mis en nomination pour ce prix :
Diane Hector, directrice des partenariats financiers et budgétaires
Michelle Hughes, coordonnatrice du recrutement et de la communication (décédée)
Orlene Ellis, assistante du programme d’études supérieures
Services en accessibilité des bibliothèques
Prix Gary Brewer
Ce prix est décerné chaque année à un employé ou une employée non académique de l’Université York qui a fait preuve d’un grand potentiel de leadership à l’Université, qui a contribué de façon innovante et positive à l’efficacité de son unité et qui a collaboré de manière importante à l’engagement de l’Université en matière d’excellence. Le prix honore et encourage des professionnels aux débuts de carrière prometteurs sur le plan du leadership.
Lauréat : Tom Osborne,directeur adjoint, planification académique
Autres membres du personnel mis en nomination pour ce prix :
René Saint-André, responsable principal de la sécurité, relations avec les campus
Nicholas Punsammy, coordonnateur de la formation et agent administratif suppléant
Prix Phyllis Clark du service sur les campus
Ce prix est décerné chaque année à un(e) employé(e) non académique de l’Université York qui a contribué de façon exemplaire au fonctionnement de l’un ou l’autre des campus de York sur le plan de l’efficience, de la propreté, de la sécurité, ou d’autres services relatifs aux campus ou aux installations.
Lauréate : Violet Cosby, concierge
Autres membres du personnel mis en nomination pour ce prix :
Diane O’Grady, responsable de la sécurité
Le prix du leadership de la Présidente
Le Prix du leadership de la Présidente récompense les contributions excédant les exigences officielles d’un poste et les niveaux de performance favorisant un niveau élevé de professionnalisme et rayonnant en général, au-delà d’un département donné, sur l’ensemble de la communauté universitaire.
Lauréate : Jodi Tavares, directrice générale, stratégie et administration
Autres membres du personnel mis en nomination pour ce prix :
Prashanna Kantharasa, superviseur de la sécurité
Debbi Collett, coordonnatrice des ressources académiques
Amy Gaukel, directrice générale, VP-EPC
Liz McMahan, directrice, Congrès 2023
Paul A. Elo, directeur, technologie de l’information
Catherine Salole, directrice générale, services aux étudiants de Markham
Janet Newton, gestionnaire des accords de recherche
Médaille Ronald Kent
Cette médaille récompense les contributions des employés qui promeuvent et renforcent la collégialité, les valeurs et les objectifs de l’Université York.
Autres membres du personnel mis en nomination pour ce prix :
Diana Caradonna, spécialiste des relations avec les entreprises
Khanh Le, coordinateur administratif
Prix de l’équipe Harriet Lewis pour l’excellence du service
Ce prix honore l’excellence d’une équipe en matière de service et de soutien à la communauté étudiante, au corps enseignant, aux directeurs de cours, au personnel et à tous les utilisateurs de services, et la promotion de l’esprit de York sur le plan de l’imagination, de la créativité, de l’innovation et d’une redéfinition des possibles sur le plan des services déployés pour la communauté de York (internes ou externes).
Lauréate : L’unité de mobilisation des connaissances
David Phipps, VPA, Stratégie et impact de la recherche
Michael Johnny, gestionnaire, KM
Krista Jensen, spécialiste principale de la mobilisation des connaissances
Connie Tang, directrice de la stratégie et du développement commercial, Réseau Impact Recherche Canada
Autres équipes mises en nomination pour ce prix :
Équipe administrative du département des langues, des littératures et de la linguistique
Équipe de mise en œuvre du remplacement des rapports électroniques, technologies de l’information de l’Université
L’équipe d’administration, technologies de l’information de l’université (TIU)
Équipe chargée du soutien et de la réussite des étudiants en économie
Bureau d’éthique de la recherche (ORE)
Prix Voix de York de la Présidente
Le Prix Voix de York est attribué à une personne-ressource de première ligne à l’Université York. La voix la plus importante à York est en effet celle qui établit le premier contact avec un visiteur ou un membre de la communauté. La compassion et le professionnalisme, particulièrement dans la gestion de situations difficiles ou délicates, sont essentiels pour notre travail.
Lauréate : Jlenya Sarra-DeMeo, administratrice du programme d’études supérieures
Autres membres du personnel mis en nomination pour ce prix :
Irina Mikhailyuk, analyste, financement des études supérieures et finances
President’s message to the community: welcome to York U
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Dear York community,
To all students, staff and faculty members, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the start of the 2023-24 academic year at York. Whether returning or new to the University, I hope that everyone had an opportunity to take a break over the summer and feel invigorated for an incredible year ahead.
The start of the fall academic term marks an exciting time for many. This week, thousands of new students will begin their academic studies here at York, joining those who are resuming their programs, making important new connections with one another and the instructors and staff supporting them.
We are pleased to welcome exceptional students from more than 172 countries around the world. No matter how far you have come, I am confident our diverse, safe and inclusive community will provide you with opportunities to make lifelong friends and explore your future career aspirations. Start Strong YUhas many helpful resources that will benefit both new and returning students – including student support services and advice for navigating your way around our campuses.
Our community has come together in remarkable ways with the goal of driving positive change. The climate crisis, for example, remains one of the biggest challenges that humanity will face. Our community is embracing sustainable principles across our campus operations, research, curriculum and community activities with the aim of living sustainably and achieving net zero by 2049 or sooner. York’s international leadership in sustainability has been recognized in the world’s top 40 for our impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by the Times Higher Education.
This term, I encourage each of you – students, staff, faculty and course instructors – to make the most of all York has to offer through your academic programs; research and innovation; taking up the work outlined in our new Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Strategy; getting involved in campus life through events, clubs, or athletics and recreation; taking advantage of experiential education and work-integrated learning opportunities; or by making a personal commitment to sustainability by taking the Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living.
In addition, I would like to invite you all to show your #YorkUSpirit and pride on Spirit Day – taking place on Oct. 4 at both Glendon and Keele campuses. You can stay connected to the community through YFile, York’s journal of record for the past 20 years, and by following the many YU channels on social media for the latest news, information and events. I look forward to meeting community members at the many events and activities taking place in the year ahead.
Thank you for everything you do to create an inclusive, equitable community. I wish you all a healthy, happy and productive term.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Lenton President and Vice-Chancellor
Message de la présidente à la communauté : bienvenue à l’Université York!
Chers membres de la communauté de York,
J’ai le plaisir de souhaiter la bienvenue à tous les membres de la population étudiante, du personnel et du corps professoral en ce début d’année universitaire 2023-2024 à York. Que vous soyez de retour ou à l’université pour la première fois, j’espère que vous avez eu l’occasion de faire une pause pendant l’été et de vous ressourcer en vue de cette année qui s’annonce passionnante.
La rentrée universitaire d’automne est un moment fort pour de nombreuses personnes. Cette semaine, des milliers de nouveaux étudiants et étudiantes commenceront à York, rejoignant ceux et celles qui poursuivent leurs programmes, tissant des liens précieux avec leurs camarades ainsi qu’avec les professeurs et le personnel qui les soutiennent.
Nous avons le plaisir d’accueillir des personnes venant de plus de 172 pays du monde entier. Quelle que soit la distance parcourue, je suis convaincue que notre communauté diversifiée, sécuritaire et inclusive vous donnera l’occasion de vous faire des amis pour la vie et d’explorer vos aspirations professionnelles. Le programme Partez du bon pied à York fournit de nombreuses ressources utiles aux personnes nouvelles et à celles qui continuent leurs études, notamment des services d’aide et des conseils pour s’y retrouver sur nos campus.
Notre communauté a uni ses efforts avec brio pour susciter des changements positifs. La crise climatique, par exemple, reste l’un des plus grands défis auxquels l’humanité sera confrontée. Notre communauté adopte des principes de développement durable dans l’ensemble des activités du campus – du point de vue de la recherche, des programmes d’études et des activités communautaires – afin d’avoir un mode de vie durable et d’atteindre la neutralité carbone d’ici 2049 ou avant. Le leadership international de York en matière de développement durable a été reconnu par de grandes organisations internationales et nous figurons parmi les 40 premiers rangs du palmarès Times Higher Education pour notre contribution aux objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies.
Ce trimestre, j’encourage chacun et chacune d’entre vous – membres de la population étudiante, du personnel, des corps professoral et enseignant – à tirer le meilleur parti de tout ce que York a à offrir. Vous pouvez le faire dans le cadre de vos programmes universitaires et de la recherche et de l’innovation, ou encore en mettant en œuvre les suggestions de notre nouvelle stratégie de décolonisation, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (DEDI), en vous impliquant dans la vie du campus par le biais d’événements, de clubs ou d’activités sportives et récréatives, en profitant des possibilités d’éducation expérientielle et d’apprentissage intégré au travail, ou en vous engageant personnellement en faveur de la durabilité grâce au visionnement de notre série de microconférences sur le mode de vie durable.
Par ailleurs, je vous invite à afficher votre fierté lors de la Journée des couleurs de York qui aura lieu le 4 octobre sur les campus Glendon et Keele. Vous pourrez rester au courant de tout ce qui se passe dans la communauté grâce à YFile, le bulletin officiel de York depuis 20 ans, et en suivant les nombreux canaux de l’Université York sur les réseaux sociaux pour obtenir les dernières nouvelles. J’ai hâte de rencontrer les membres de la communauté lors des innombrables événements et activités qui se dérouleront au cours de l’année à venir.
Merci pour tout ce que vous faites pour créer une communauté inclusive et équitable. Je vous souhaite un trimestre heureux, productif et en santé.
Sincères salutations,
Rhonda Lenton Présidente et vice-chancelière
Trevor Farrow appointed dean of Osgoode Hall Law School
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Dear colleagues,
I am pleased to inform the York community that, following a national and international search and consultation process with staff, faculty and students at Osgoode Hall Law School, Professor Trevor Farrow has accepted our invitation to become dean of Osgoode Hall Law School, commencing Sept. 1. On July 24, the Board of Governors concurred with this recommendation and approved his appointment.
Trevor Farrow
Dr. Farrow is a full professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, where he is currently an associate dean of research and institutional relations. He has served several times as associate dean for the law school and is a full member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Dr. Farrow is also the founding academic director of the Winkler Institute for Dispute Resolution at Osgoode, Chair of the Canadian Forum on Civil Justice and former director of the York Centre for Public Policy and Law. He has served as Chair of Osgoode’s Faculty Council and has extensive experience with Osgoode and University-wide academic, administrative and deliberative processes.
Dr. Farrow holds a PhD from the University of Alberta and has degrees from Princeton, Oxford, Harvard and Dalhousie universities. Formerly a practising lawyer, his areas of research include access to justice, legal process and advocacy, professional ethics, legal education and political theory. A prolific researcher and scholar, Dr. Farrow is the recipient of numerous research grants. His scholarship is widely published in Canada and around the world, and he has been ranked many times in the top 10 per cent of authors on the Social Science Research Network. His most recent book, The Justice Crisis: The Cost and Value of Accessing Law, co-authored with Lesley A. Jacobs, was published in 2020.
Dr. Farrow has significantly contributed to the legal profession, research and policy communities in Canada and globally by serving on many advisory boards and initiatives, including as a member of the Action Committee on Access to Justice in Civil and Family Matters (founded by the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin); academic advisor to the Rules Committee of the Federal Court of Canada; as a research policy expert for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; and expert advisor to various foreign governments and many others.
Dr. Farrow is a highly respected educator. He has been a visiting professor at various universities in Canada and around the world and has received teaching awards from Harvard University and Osgoode Hall Law School.
I look forward to working with Dr. Farrow as he continues to bring leadership to this important role. I hope that all members of the York University community will join us in congratulating him.
I would like to thank the members of the search committee for their contributions to the appointment process. And I would like to thank Mary Condon, as she completes her term as dean, for her leadership and commitment to Osgoode. I look forward to recognizing Mary at a future occasion.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Lenton President & Vice-Chancellor
Trevor Farrow, Ph. D., est nommé doyen de l’École de droit Osgoode Hall
Chers collègues, chères collègues,
J’ai le plaisir d’informer la communauté de York qu’à l’issue d’une recherche nationale et internationale et d’un processus de consultation avec le personnel, le corps professoral et la population étudiante de l’École de droit Osgoode Hall, le professeur Trevor Farrow a accepté notre invitation à assumer le rôle de doyen de l’École de droit Osgoode Hall, à compter du 1er septembre 2023. Le 24 juin, le conseil d’administration a entériné cette recommandation et approuvé la nomination.
Trevor Farrow
M. Farrow est professeur titulaire de l’École de droit Osgoode Hall où il occupe actuellement le poste de doyen associé de la recherche et des relations institutionnelles. Il a été à plusieurs reprises doyen associé de l’École de droit et est membre à part entière de la Faculté des études supérieures. M. Farrow est également le directeur académique fondateur du Winkler Institute for Dispute Resolution de l’École Osgoode, président du Forum canadien sur la justice civile et un ancien directeur du York Centre for Public Policy and Law. Il a été président du Conseil de la faculté de l’École Osgoode et il possède une vaste expérience des processus académiques, administratifs et délibératifs de l’École Osgoode et de l’Université.
M. Farrow détient un doctorat de l’Université de l’Alberta et des diplômes des Universités de Princeton, d’Oxford, Harvard et Dalhousie. Ancien juriste, ses recherches portent notamment sur l’accès à la justice, la procédure juridique et la défense des intérêts, l’éthique professionnelle, la formation juridique et la théorie politique. Chercheur et universitaire prolifique, M. Farrow a reçu de nombreuses bourses de recherche. Ses travaux sont largement publiés au Canada et dans le monde entier et il a figuré plusieurs fois parmi les 10 % d’auteurs les plus réputés du Social Science Research Network (SSRN). Son ouvrage le plus récent, The Justice Crisis : The Cost and Value of Accessing Law, coécrit avec Lesley A. Jacobs, a été publié en 2020.
M. Farrow a largement contribué à la profession juridique, à la recherche et aux communautés politiques au Canada et dans le monde en siégeant à plusieurs conseils consultatifs et initiatives, notamment en tant que membre du Comité d’action sur l’accès à la justice en matière civile et familiale (fondé par la très honorable Beverley McLachlin), conseiller académique auprès du Comité des règles de la Cour fédérale du Canada, expert en politique de recherche pour l’Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques (OCDE), et conseiller expert auprès de divers gouvernements étrangers.
M. Farrow est un éducateur hautement respecté. Il a été invité dans diverses universités au Canada et dans le monde entier à titre de professeur et a reçu des prix d’enseignement de l’Université Harvard et de l’École de droit Osgoode Hall.
Je me réjouis de travailler avec M. Farrow qui continue à jouer un rôle de premier plan dans cette fonction importante. J’espère que tous les membres de la communauté universitaire de York se joindront à moi pour le féliciter.
Je tiens à remercier les membres du comité de recrutement pour leur contribution à ce processus de nomination. Je souhaite également remercier Mary Condon, qui achève son mandat de doyenne d’Osgoode, pour son leadership et son engagement. J’ai hâte de reconnaître sa contribution dans un avenir proche.
Sincères salutations,
Rhonda Lenton Présidente et vice-chancelière
York to host virtual event on water sustainability crises at UN HLPF
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Associate Professor and York University Research Chair in Global Change Biology, Sapna Sharma, will moderate a 90-minute virtual panel on July 14 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. entitled “Humanitarian responses to emerging water crises as a result of extreme climatic events” at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).
The panel – which will be proceeded by opening marks from President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton and the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Nikhil Seth – is a virtual event hosted by the University in preparation for the UN Global Water Academy at the UN HLPF, which runs until July 19.
The event also marks the inauguration of the UN Global Water Academy, announced at the UN Water Conference in March 2023 in New York City as a multi-stakeholder collaboration between the United Nations, academic institutions, and private sector partners, with York University as academic lead. The UN Global Water Academy will tackle diverse aspects of the water sustainability crisis: training, research, and knowledge mobilization, ultimately used to inform decision-making and public policy. The preparations to launch the UN Water Academy are well on its way.
The Global Water Academy will aspire to foster training and capacity development, empower community-based networks, weave traditional knowledge, and inspire innovation to co-create sustainable water solutions and ensure equitable access to water for all. By doing so, the Global Water Academy will empower policy and decision-makers, government officials, industry and the communities most affected by water insecurity, with the knowledge, expertise and capacity to ameliorate the water crisis.
Sapna Sharma
The panel led by Sharma will consider how extreme climatic events, including heatwaves, droughts and storms, are increasing in frequency and intensity over the past few decades, with consequences for freshwater. For example, extreme climatic events have been associated with changes in freshwater availability and degradation of water quality, including elevated concentrations of nutrients, contaminants of emerging concern and potential for algal blooms, some of which may be toxic. As humans and wildlife rely on freshwater for life, alterations in the freshwater supply in response to extreme climatic events can have catastrophic impacts, particularly during humanitarian crises. Women and marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by freshwater insecurity.
This panel aims to raise the voices of communities affected by water insecurity, including Indigenous communities in Canada, women and girls in Africa, and families living in refugee camps. They will explore the humanitarian responses, challenges and solutions to alleviating the freshwater crisis, particularly in the face of global environmental degradation and extreme climatic events.
Those interested in registering for the event can do so here.
York’s three-year budget plan approved
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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.
York makes substantial leap forward in latest QS World University Rankings
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York University continues to strengthen its global position as a leading research-intensive university as highlighted in the 20th edition of the QS World University Rankings. This year, York climbed more than 100 spots, moving up to 353rd out of 1,500 universities – a 25 per cent improvement in the University’s standing over the past eight years.
“With an unparalleled commitment to creating positive change, York has once again been recognized by the QS World University Rankings for academic and research excellence along with highly valued student outcomes,” said Rhonda Lenton, York University president and vice-chancellor.
According to the QS World University Rankings, this year’s results saw the largest-ever methodological enhancement, introducing three new metrics: Sustainability, Employment Outcomes and International Research Network. The changes were intended to align with evolving student and societal priorities.
This latest ranking news also comes on the heels of York’s impressive results in the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Ranking and QS’ Subject Report Rankings, both results that were revealed earlier in the year.
Released in March, the 2023 QS Subject Report Rankings evaluated more than 15,000 programs from 1,594 institutions and York ranked among the top 100 in the world in three subject areas: English language and literature, philosophy, and for the first time, performing arts.
“These latest QS World University Rankings build on York’s positive global momentum. The impressive results are a testament to the high quality, interdisciplinary research, teaching and learning that take place at York,” said Lenton.
Guided by a University Academic Plan that strives to both inspire and deliver positive change, York’s high-quality academic programming continues to position the institution as a leader in post-secondary education in Canada and around the world.
President congratulates Spring Convocation’s Class of 2023
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The following is a message from York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton to the Class of 2023:
To the Class of 2023, my warmest congratulations! It is my privilege and absolute pleasure to congratulate you in marking this major milestone in your life.
Reaching this important stage in your life is no small feat. But I am confident that no matter what path you pursue from here, you have cultivated skills over the last number of years that will contribute to your success.
President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton
It is common for people to talk about the significant global problems facing the world now – climate change, geopolitical tensions, health crises and systemic inequity. These and other disruptors such as automation and artificial intelligence are contributing to the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) of the world today.
York has been responding to these changing conditions to ensure that our students graduate with the knowledge and broad essential skills that they need through, for example, expanded international and Experiential Education (EE) opportunities. Our C4 course, the Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom, provides students with the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams to solve real world challenges with social impact, and our Globally Networked Learning courses bring students from different countries together on Zoom.
At the same time, we are seeking new solutions to address those emerging problems through innovative research and creative works. Most recently, we launched a $318.4-million research project including more than $100 million from the federal government, Connected Minds, with diverse partners to study how AI can benefit society in ways that are socially responsible particularly for vulnerable populations.
Our students have similarly cultivated their own vision of purpose throughout their studies demonstrating ingenuity, determination and resiliency, perfectly positioning them to help reimagine our world into a place that is more equitable, inclusive and sustainable – values that are core to this University.
These values are exemplified by our honorary doctorates, award recipients and the Faculties we are celebrating.
So to our newest grads, you have now joined a network of more than 360,000 York alumni who are making a meaningful difference across diverse spheres of life. I want to encourage each of you to think about what matters to you – whether it is the fight against climate change or social justice or something else – and what contribution you want to make … the world really needs your fresh ideas.
In closing, let us join together to recognize all those who have supported your higher education journey: the community of professors, teaching assistants, administrative staff, classmates, family, partners and friends who have championed you and helped you achieve this transformative accomplishment.
Thank you for choosing York. We look forward to seeing what you will do next!
Congratulations. Bonne chance. Miigwech.
President’s University-Wide Teaching Award recipients honoured
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Five York University faculty members will be recognized during the 2023 Spring Convocation ceremonies with a President’s University-Wide Teaching Award for enhancing the quality of learning and demonstrating innovation in teaching.
The President’s University-Wide Teaching Awards are chosen from four categories: full-time faculty with 10 or more years of teaching experience, full-time faculty with less than 10 years of experience, contract and adjunct faculty, and teaching assistants. They are selected by the Senate Committee on Awards. The goal of the awards is to provide significant recognition for excellence in teaching, to encourage its pursuit, to publicize such excellence when achieved across the University and in the wider community, and to promote informed discussion of teaching and its improvement.
This year, the recipients of the awards are: Professor Kathy Bischoping of the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS); Professor Steve Gennaro of LA&PS; Professor Andrea Kalmin of LA&PS; Daphene Solis of the Lassonde School of Engineering; and Farwa Sajadi of the Faculty of Science. The recipients were chosen from numerous nominations, and each winner will have their name engraved on the University-Wide Teaching Awards plaques displayed in Vari Hall. They will each be recognized during a convocation ceremony this spring.
This year’s recipients are:
Full-time tenured faculty with 10 or more years full-time teaching experience
Kathy Bischoping
Professor Kathy Bischoping is the recipient of this award for her impact on student learning in the Department of Sociology as well as the graduate program in sociology. Bischoping is known for her dedication to mentoring and scholarship of teaching and learning, in addition to curriculum and program development. Nominator Professor Lesley Wood, former Chair of the department, credits Bischoping with inspiring passion and relevance in her teaching and the design of her courses, and her critical analysis of pedagogy.
“One such notable project has been her research into how vicarious traumatization affects instructors, specifically in genocide studies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Bischoping played a leading role in mentoring faculty in her department in the transition to online teaching,” reads the notice from the Senate Committee on Awards.
Bischoping has earned a number of honours and awards, including the Parents’ Association University-Wide Teaching Award and the John O’Neill Award for Teaching Excellence.
Contract and adjunct faculty
This award will recognize two faculty members for 2023: Professor Steve Gennaro, Department of Communication Studies/Humanities (LA&PS) and Professor Andrea Kalmin, Department of Social Science (LA&PS).
Steve Gennaro
Gennaro received two separate nominations for this award in recognition of his contributions to teaching, and for his demonstration of a consistent drive to improve his teaching practice throughout his long-term employment at York. He is noted for regularly speaking and writing about pedagogical innovation, with a specific focus on the areas of online and digital learning. Both nominators – Professor Alison Halsall and Professor Rob Heynen – speak to the “immeasurable and long-lasting impact Professor Gennaro had on the University’s transition to remote teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic,” reads the announcement from the Senate Committee on Awards. Gennaro has been nominated for multiple teaching awards in the past, including the Minister of Colleges and Universities’ Awards of Excellence and the LA&PS Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award.
Andrea Kalmin
Kalmin will receive the award for her role as a core member of the C4 (Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom) leadership team, where she was involved in all decision-making processes and led initiatives to support the success of C4. She is a classroom coordinator, and the “primary architect of the structures that undergird C4, including standardizing collective lesson planning processes and syllabi and assignment templates,” reads the announcement from the Senate Committee on Awards. She was nominated by Professor Danielle Robinson, who noted Kalmin’s involvement in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research team for C4, which sets the research agenda, oversees the interpretation of data and steers publication. Her contributions have been recognized previously with awards including the 2021 LA&PS Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and the John O’Neill Award for Teaching Excellence.
Teaching assistants
Two teaching assistants have been selected to receive this award for 2023: Daphene Solis in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering and Farwa Sajadi in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science.
Daphene Solis
Nominated by Professor Aleksander Czekanski, Solis has earned this award for her passion for teaching both in and out of the classroom. She is noted to have a remarkable grasp of technical subjects, as well as being resourceful, and seeks out leadership roles as a TA. “She takes the initiative while being recognized for her empathy and ability to deal with conflict,” reads the announcement from the Senate Committee on Awards. She has participated as a graduate student representation at the Technology-Enhanced, Experiential and Active Learning (TEAL) Committee, and has completed numerous training programs in teaching. In 2022, Solis was the recipient of the Best TA Award from the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Farwa Sajadi
Sajadi will be recognized for being a TA who fosters an academically enriched environment for learning, advancing student critical thinking and implementing creative approaches to promote student scholarship and engagement. According to her nominator, Professor Jean-Paul Paluzzi, she has excelled in her roles as lab demonstrator, lab coordinator and course director in biology for undergraduate students. “She is also highly innovative and collaborative in her teaching practices, as is demonstrated by her work during the COVID-19 pandemic to plan for labs being delivered in a hybrid format with limited in-person occupancy and students spread across three different rooms,” the Senate Committee on Awards says in the announcement. She is further known to take initiative to help students and is a leader in volunteerism. In 2022, she earned the Richard Jarrell Excellence in Teaching Award.
York University to address budget deficit over next three fiscal years
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La version française suit la version anglaise.
The following is a communication from York University:
York University, like many post-secondary institutions across Canada, is facing short-term financial pressures related to a variety of internal and external factors. Fortunately, the University maintains healthy reserves to help mitigate enrolment fluctuations, support strategic opportunities and priorities that will continue to advance our vision and reduce our exposure to future risks.
The key drivers of the revenue shortfall include provincial operating funds that have been outpaced by inflation, a decline in international student enrolment exacerbated by slow visa processing times and a concurrent three-year tuition freeze. York has a clear plan to respond to the challenges we face. A number of immediate measures are being taken to reduce the expected gap in revenue compared to expenditures that will see the budget balanced by 2025-26. The aim is to strengthen our enrolment, diversify revenue, and to minimize the impact on the high-quality education we provide where reductions in expenditures are necessary.
Consequently, to bridge the gap, administrative units will face an average of 2.5 to 4 per cent reduction in expenditures, with the Faculties and School of Continuing Studies absorbing up to a 2 per cent expenditure reduction. Budget reductions include a temporary pause or reduction in employee professional development, limiting the hiring of tenure stream faculty and staff to only urgently needed appointments, and a reduction in advertising that is not directly related to strategic enrolment management. It will also include the deferral of minor renovations and some equipment renewals.
Strategies to drive new revenue will also be enhanced including program innovation, expanding capacity in high-demand programs, advancing 21st century learning such as microcredentials, launching our Markham Campus, student success and retention initiatives, strengthening our global engagement and internationalization strategy, implementing our Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Strategy, building our profile and reputation, increasing our success in research and commercialization, intensifying University Advancement, and progress on our Campus Vision and Strategy. While each of these will contribute to our future financial sustainability, it will take time to realize the full benefit of our efforts.
“York University has seen tremendous success and growth over the past few years, and I am confident we can maintain our momentum while navigating this short-term challenge. Our leadership in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and our commitment to decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion has helped propel York as the first-choice university for domestic students. These successes are a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our community and their commitment to driving positive change,” says Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor. “It will be important for us not to lose sight of our long-term goals and delivering on our vision to provide students with access to a high-quality, research-intensive learning environment committed to the public good.”
Based on current university application data, York is in a strong position for the 2023-24 academic year with domestic first choice applications up 11.2 per cent. Converting these applications to enrolled students will have a positive budget impact.
“Mitigating current financial pressures require all Faculties, divisions and units to do their part,” says Lisa Philipps, provost and vice-president academic. “We will work with units and Faculties to ensure their individual goals, plans and initiatives are supported through a temporary pause of some activities. We have faced these challenges in the past with success and have identified a strategic way forward that allows us to continue to advance the priorities set out in the University Academic Plan.”
L’Université York va gérer son déficit budgétaire au cours des trois prochaines années fiscales
L’Université York, tout comme de nombreux autres établissements d’enseignement supérieur au Canada, fait face à des pressions financières à court terme liées à divers facteurs internes et externes. Fort heureusement, l’Université conserve des réserves saines pour atténuer les fluctuations des inscriptions, appuyer des possibilités stratégiques et les priorités qui continueront à faire progresser sa vision et à réduire son exposition aux risques futurs.
Les principaux facteurs à l’origine de ce manque à gagner sont les fonds de fonctionnement provinciaux qui ont été insuffisants pour faire face à l’inflation, la baisse des inscriptions d’étudiants internationaux exacerbée par la lenteur du traitement des demandes de visa et le blocage parallèle des frais de scolarité pendant trois ans. York a un plan d’action clair pour répondre aux défis auxquels elle est confrontée. Plusieurs mesures immédiates sont actuellement mises en place pour réduire l’écart attendu entre les recettes et les dépenses, et cela permettra d’équilibrer le budget d’ici 2025-2026. Même si des réductions de dépenses sont nécessaires, l’objectif demeure de renforcer nos effectifs, de diversifier nos revenus et de minimiser l’impact sur l’enseignement de qualité que nous offrons.
Par conséquent, pour combler ce déficit, les unités administratives devront réduire leurs dépenses de 2,5 à 4 % en moyenne, tandis que les facultés et l’École de formation continue devront absorber une réduction des dépenses allant jusqu’à 2 %. Les réductions budgétaires prévoient une suspension temporaire ou une réduction du développement professionnel des employés, l’embauche de professeurs et d’employés permanents restreinte à des nominations indispensables, et la réduction de toute publicité n’ayant pas de lien direct avec la gestion stratégique des inscriptions. Elles comprennent également le report de rénovations mineures et du renouvellement de certains équipements.
Les stratégies visant à générer de nouveaux revenus seront également consolidées, notamment : l’innovation en matière de programmes; l’augmentation de la capacité de programmes très recherchés; la promotion de l’apprentissage au 21e siècle (comme les microcrédits); le lancement de notre campus Markham; les initiatives de réussite et de rétention étudiante; le renforcement de notre engagement mondial et de notre stratégie d’internationalisation; la mise en œuvre de notre stratégie de décolonisation, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (DEDI); l’amélioration de notre profil et de notre réputation; l’augmentation de nos succès en matière de recherche et de commercialisation; l’intensification des activités d’avancement de l’Université; et la progression de notre Vision et stratégie du campus. Chacun de ces éléments contribuera à notre future viabilité financière, mais il faudra un certain temps pour que nos efforts portent leurs fruits.
« L’Université York a connu un succès et une croissance extraordinaires au cours des dernières années. Je suis convaincue que nous continuerons sur notre lancée tout en relevant ce défi à court terme. Notre leadership dans la promotion des objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies et notre engagement envers la décolonisation, l’équité, la diversité et l’inclusion ont contribué à faire de York un choix privilégié pour les étudiantes et étudiants nationaux. Ces succès témoignent du dévouement et de la persévérance de notre communauté et de son engagement à susciter des changements positifs, déclare Rhonda Lenton, présidente et vice-chancelière. Il est important de ne pas perdre de vue nos objectifs à long terme et de concrétiser notre vision, à savoir donner à la communauté étudiante l’accès à un environnement d’apprentissage de haute qualité, axé sur la recherche et engagé en faveur du bien public. »
Sur la base des données actuelles sur les demandes d’inscription, l’Université York est en bonne posture pour l’année universitaire 2023-2024 avec des demandes nationales de premier choix en hausse de 11,2 pour cent. La conversion de ces demandes en inscriptions aura des incidences budgétaires positives.
« Pour atténuer les pressions financières actuelles, toutes les facultés, divisions et unités doivent faire leur part, déclare Lisa Philipps, rectrice et vice-présidente aux affaires académiques. Nous travaillerons avec les unités et les facultés pour nous assurer que leurs objectifs, plans et initiatives individuels sont appuyés par une suspension temporaire de certaines activités. Dans le passé, nous avons relevé ces défis avec succès et nous avons tracé une voie stratégique nous permettant de continuer à faire avancer les priorités définies dans le Plan académique de l’Université. »
