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York celebrates International Women’s Day

group of diverse women smiling

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

A statement from President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton and Vice-President Equity, People & Culture Sheila Cote-Meek on International Women’s Day:

Dear York community,

Today marks International Women’s Day, a day that celebrates and honours the many acts of courage and determination that women, girls, Two-Spirit, gender-diverse, non-binary and transgender people have made globally and within their own communities to advance gender equity.

We recognize women leaders who have faced violence and, in some instances, have been killed for taking a political stance.

We also acknowledge the lived experiences of women with intersectional identities, including gender, ability, age, identity, race, gender diversity and Indigeneity, who experience multiple forms of oppression in addition to living within patriarchal systems. Often, violence is disproportionately directed at Indigenous, Black, women of colour, disabled, Two-Spirit and trans women.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2023, #EmbraceEquity, reinforces intersections of identity and lived experiences. This year’s theme aims to “make equity a part of every society’s DNA.” To accomplish this, we all must take action to embrace equity, understand the differences between equity and equality and recognize that “equal opportunities are no longer enough.”

York University embraces diverse points of view and strives to create equitable communities and to foster a sense of connection and inclusion for all. The upcoming release of York’s Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Strategy affirms our commitment to DEDI and social justice. This commitment is also evident in the 2020–2025 Academic Plan: Building a Better Future, which includes a community-wide challenge to elevate York’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). UN SDG 5: Gender Equality is particularly important to remember on this day. It aims to end all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls and achieve gender equity through equitable access to education, advancing gender-equity in research, teaching and learning, and nurturing communities where women thrive.  

At York, we are working to elevate UN SDG 5 through initiatives like YSpace ELLA, Ontario’s first women business accelerator, events like Athletics and Recreation’s Women and Girls Leadership and Sport Conference, and SEXGEN, a University-wide committee that advises and advocates for sexual and gender diversity, to name just a few. We encourage you to celebrate International Women’s Day by registering for today’s Inclusion Week keynote “Reclaiming the Transformative Roots of DEDI/EDI,” by equity thought leader Kike Ojo-Thompson.

We wish the York community a happy International Women’s Day as we celebrate women who move gender equity forward.

Together, we can #EmbraceEquity.

Thank you. Merci. Miigwech.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor

Sheila Cote-Meek
Vice-President, Equity, People & Culture

L’Université York célèbre la Journée internationale des femmes

Déclaration de la présidente et vice-chancelière, Rhonda Lenton, et de la vice-présidente de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture, Sheila Cote-Meek, à l’occasion de la Journée internationale des femmes:

Chère communauté de York,

La Journée internationale des femmes célèbre et honore les nombreux actes de courage et de détermination des femmes, filles, personnes bispirituelles, diversifiées sur le plan du genre, non binaires et transgenres dans le monde et au sein de leur communauté pour faire progresser l’équité des genres.

Nous reconnaissons les leaders qui ont été confrontées à la violence et qui, dans certains cas, ont perdu la vie à cause de leur position politique.

Nous reconnaissons également les expériences vécues par les femmes ayant des identités intersectionnelles — notamment liées au genre, aux capacités, à l’âge, à l’identité, à la race, à la diversité de genre et à l’appartenance autochtone — qui subissent de multiples formes d’oppression en plus de vivre dans des systèmes patriarcaux. Souvent, la violence est dirigée de manière disproportionnée contre les femmes autochtones, noires, de couleur, en situation de handicap, bispirituelles et transgenres.

Le thème de la Journée internationale des femmes 2023 – Célébrons l’équité – renforce les intersections de l’identité et des expériences vécues. Ce thème vise à « inscrire l’équité dans l’ADN de chaque société ». Pour y parvenir, nous devons tous et toutes prendre des mesures pour adopter l’équité, comprendre les différences entre équité et égalité et reconnaître que l’égalité des chances ne suffit plus.

L’Université York adopte divers points de vue et s’efforce de créer des communautés équitables et de favoriser un sentiment d’appartenance et d’inclusion pour tout le monde. La Stratégie de décolonisation, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (DEDI) de York, qui sera publiée prochainement, affirme notre engagement envers la DEDI et la justice sociale. Cette volonté est également manifeste dans le Plan académique 2020-2025 : Bâtir un avenir meilleur qui comprend un défi à l’échelle communautaire pour renforcer l’engagement de York envers les Objectifs de développement durable (ODD) des Nations Unies. L’ODD 5 : Égalité entre les sexes est particulièrement important en cette journée. Cet objectif vise à mettre fin à toutes les formes de discrimination et de violence envers les femmes et les filles et à parvenir à l’égalité des genres grâce à un accès équitable à l’éducation, en faisant progresser l’égalité des genres dans la recherche, l’enseignement et l’apprentissage, et en favorisant les communautés où les femmes s’épanouissent.  

À York, nous nous efforçons de renforcer l’ODD 5 grâce aux initiatives suivantes : YSpace ELLA, le premier accélérateur d’entreprises pour les femmes en Ontario, des événements comme la Women & Girls Leadership and Sport Conference organisée par le Département d’athlétisme et des loisirs de York, et SEXGEN, un comité panuniversitaire qui donne des conseils et milite pour la diversité sexuelle et de genre. Aujourd’hui, nous vous encourageons à célébrer la Journée internationale des femmes en écoutant le discours d’ouverture de la Semaine d’inclusion, intitulé « Reclaiming the Transformative Roots of DEDI/EDI », prononcé par Kike Ojo-Thompson, experte en équité.

Nous vous souhaitons une bonne Journée internationale des femmes tandis que nous célébrons les femmes qui font avancer l’égalité des genres.

Célébrons ensemble l’équité. #EmbraceEquity

Merci. Thank you. Miigwech.

Sincères salutations,

Rhonda Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

Sheila Cote-Meek
Vice-présidente de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture

Announcement of interim vice-president equity, people and culture

A drone image of Vari Hall on the Keele campus

York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton issues the following announcement to the community: 

La version française suit la version anglaise.

Dear York community,

Please join me in congratulating Alice Pitt on her appointment as the interim vice-president equity, people and culture for a term beginning April 1 to Dec. 31, 2023.

Alice Pitt
Alice Pitt

A long-serving and dedicated member of the York community, Alice joined York as an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education in 1995, where she demonstrated outstanding leadership and advocacy for accessible post-secondary education in various capacities including as associate dean (2002-07) and dean (2008-12) of the Faculty of Education.

In her role as vice-provost academic, which she held from 2012 to 2020, she paved the way for the creation of innovative and accessible student programs. She was integral in facilitating the development of the University’s Indigenous Framework, which identifies 10 core principles for action in advancing reconciliation, and to this day, continues to inform and shape the University’s ongoing commitment to advancing decolonization and Indigenous teaching, research and scholarship.

Alice has also played a prominent role in supporting the development of Markham Campus through her work as the senior advisor of the Markham Academic Strategic Planning Committee, where she led the creation of inclusive and accessible spaces and programming for students.

And, as a researcher, she has contributed significantly to feminist education particularly in regard to teacher education, classroom dynamics and curriculum. I am delighted to welcome Alice to this role where she will continue to provide exemplary leadership in advancing and advocating for equity, diversity and inclusion while enhancing the culture of York University.

We will have an opportunity to properly acknowledge Sheila Cote-Meek and wish her well as she transitions to Brock University but for now, let me take this opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude to her for the outstanding contributions she has made to York as our inaugural vice-president equity, people and culture. 

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton
President & Vice Chancellor

Annonce de nomination : Vice-présidente intérimaire de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture

Chère communauté de York,

Veuillez vous joindre à moi pour féliciter Alice Pitt pour sa nomination au poste de vice-présidente intérimaire de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture pour un mandat allant du 1er avril au 31 décembre 2023.

Membre dévouée et de longue date de la communauté de York, Mme Pitt est entrée en 1995 à la Faculté d’éducation en tant que professeure adjointe. Dans le cadre de ses fonctions, elle a fait preuve d’un leadership exceptionnel et a défendu l’accessibilité de l’éducation postsecondaire d’abord à titre de doyenne associée (de 2002 à 2007) puis de doyenne (de 2008 à 2012).

Elle a ensuite occupé le poste de vice-rectrice aux affaires académiques de 2012 à 2020 et a ouvert la voie à la création de programmes étudiants innovants et accessibles. Mme Pitt a joué un rôle essentiel dans l’élaboration du Cadre stratégique autochtone pour l’Université, qui définit 10 principes de base pour l’action envers la réconciliation. Ce cadre continue d’orienter et de façonner l’engagement de l’Université en faveur de la décolonisation et de l’enseignement, de la recherche et de l’érudition autochtones.

Elle a également joué un rôle déterminant dans le développement du campus Markham en tant que conseillère principale du comité de planification stratégique de Markham au sein duquel elle a dirigé la création d’espaces et de programmes inclusifs et accessibles pour la population étudiante.

Par ailleurs, elle a contribué de façon notable aux recherches sur l’éducation féministe, notamment en ce qui concerne la formation des enseignants, les dynamiques en salle de classe et le programme d’études. Je suis ravie de l’accueillir dans ce rôle où elle continuera à fournir un leadership exemplaire pour faire avancer et revendiquer l’équité, la diversité et l’inclusion tout en renforçant la culture de l’Université York.

Nous aurons bientôt l’occasion de rendre hommage à Sheila Cote-Meek et de lui souhaiter bonne chance lors de sa transition vers l’Université Brock. Pour l’instant, permettez-moi de saisir cette occasion pour lui exprimer mon appréciation et ma gratitude pour ses contributions exceptionnelles à York en tant que toute première vice-présidente de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture. 

Veuillez agréer mes sincères salutations,

Rhonda Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

Join Glendon Community Conversation, March 14

Glendon Rosegarden in winter

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

Dear York community,

I am pleased to invite you to join me for the York University Community Conversation: Glendon Campus on Tuesday, March 14.

The event is the first of a two-part series of conversations that will be held at Glendon and Keele campuses. Students, staff and faculty are welcome to join me in a conversation about how we can work together to drive positive change in areas such as:

Registration for the in-person event is limited to facilitate a meaningful dialogue. Please register early to avoid disappointment, indicating any questions, accessibility needs, notes or comments using this form.

The York University Community Conversation: Glendon Campus will also be livestreamed via YouTube. A separate viewing room will be set up in Lecture Hall YH A100 and light refreshments will be provided at both physical locations. Masks are not mandatory but are strongly recommended.

You can also find preliminary details for the forthcoming Community Conversation: Keele Campus below.

Glendon Campus
Live Location: BMO Skyroom, Room A300, Centre of Excellence
Viewing Room: Lecture Hall YH A100, Centre of Excellence
Date: Tuesday, March 14
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Link to Livestream: ⁠https://www.yorku.ca/go/communityconversationglendon2023livestream
RSVP by Tuesday, March 7: https://www.yorku.ca/go/communityconversationglendon2023

____________

Keele Campus
Location: Congregation Space, Second Student Centre, Fourth Floor
Date: Tuesday, April 4
Time: 2:30 to 4 p.m. 
Link to Livestream: https://www.yorku.ca/go/communityconversationkeele2023livestream
RSVP by March 28: Yorku.ca/go/communityconversationkeele2023

Please use the email conversations@yorku.ca to submit your questions during the event.

Additional information:

  • Access the Community Conversations YouTube livestream link on the Community Conversations website or by clicking the link above.
  • The latest community updates, resources and answers to frequently asked questions can always be found on our newly updated Better Together website.      

I look forward to meeting with members of our community and learning more about how we can work together to drive positive change.  

Sincerely,
Rhonda L. Lenton 
President & Vice-Chancellor  

Joignez-vous à moi le 14 mars pour une conversation au sujet du campus Glendon et de l’Université York

Chère communauté de York,

J’ai le plaisir de vous inviter à vous joindre à moi pour la Conversation communautaire de l’Université York : campus Glendon le mardi 14 mars.

Cet événement est le premier volet de deux conversations qui se tiendront sur les campus Glendon et Keele. J’invite les membres de la communauté étudiante, du personnel et du corps professoral à se joindre à moi pour discuter de la manière dont nous pouvons travailler ensemble pour apporter des changements positifs dans des domaines comme :

L’inscription à l’événement en personne est limitée afin de faciliter un dialogue constructif. Veuillez vous inscrire rapidement pour éviter toute déception, en indiquant vos questions, besoins d’accessibilité, notes ou commentaires à l’aide de ce formulaire.

Conversation communautaire de l’Université York : campus Glendon sera également transmise en direct sur YouTube. Une salle de visionnement sera installée dans l’amphithéâtre YH A100. Des rafraîchissements seront offerts aux deux emplacements. Le port du masque est recommandé, mais n’est pas obligatoire. Veuillez trouver ci-dessous les détails préliminaires pour la prochaine Conversation communautaire sur le campus Keele. 

Campus Glendon
Lieu de la conversation en personne : Salon de la verrière BMO, A300, Centre d’excellence
Salle de visionnement : Amphithéâtre YH A100, Centre d’excellence
Date : Mardi 14 mars
Heure : 13 h à 14 h 30
Lien de la diffusion en direct : ⁠https://www.yorku.ca/go/communityconversationglendon2023livestream
RSVP avant le mardi 7 mars : https://www.yorku.ca/go/communityconversationglendon2023

____________

Campus Keele
Lieu : Salle Congregation, Student Centre #2, 4e étage 
Date : Mardi 4 avril
Heure : 14 h 30 à 16 h 
Link to Livestream : ⁠https://www.yorku.ca/go/communityconversationkeele2023livestream
RSVP avant le 28 mars : Yorku.ca/go/communityconversationkeele2023

Si vous désirez soumettre une question pendant la webémission, veuillez envoyer votre question dans un courriel à conversations@yorku.ca.

Autres renseignements :

  • Accédez à la diffusion de la conversation communautaire sur YouTube sur le site des Conversations communautaires ou en cliquant sur le lien ci-dessus.
  • Vous trouverez les dernières mises à jour, ressources et réponses aux questions fréquemment posées sur notre site Web Mieux ensemble.      

J’ai hâte de rencontrer les membres de notre communauté et d’en apprendre davantage sur la façon dont nous pouvons travailler ensemble pour apporter des changements positifs.

Sincères salutations,
Rhonda L. Lenton 
Présidente et vice-chancelière  

York co-sponsors transformational multi-sector conversation on Canada’s Asia-Pacific engagement

people sitting in a lecture hall

By Elaine Smith

York University President Rhonda Lenton this week attended the inaugural Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC) in Singapore, where she moderated a panel on higher education co-operation in the Asia-Pacific, engaged distinguished York alumni and met with senior government officials, university leaders and industry representatives from Canada and the region.

The first-ever CIAC was organized by the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada and Universities Canada. York University was an academic sponsor of the conference, attracting hundreds of industry captains, distinguished Canadian-university alumni, senior government officials from Canada and the region, as well as presidents of Canadian and regional universities and other Asia-Pacific thought leaders.

(left to right): Julie Lafford (Assistant Vice President, Alumni Engagement), Rhonda Lenton (President and Vice-Chancellor), Sarah Bay-Cheng (Dean of AMPD) and Vinitha Gengatharan (Assistant Vice-President, Global Engagement & Partnerships)
(Left to right): Julie Lafford (assistant vice-president, Alumni Engagement), Rhonda Lenton (president and vice-chancellor), Sarah Bay-Cheng (dean of AMPD) and Vinitha Gengatharan (assistant vice-president, Global Engagement & Partnerships)

The conference brought together Canadian stakeholders and their network of alumni and partners to strategize about Canadian efforts to build stronger ties in a region that has over 65 per cent of the world’s population.  

It took place against the backdrop of the Canadian government’s commitment to invest billions of dollars towards growing Canada’s Asia-Pacific Engagement via ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Nations) and other regional partners.  

Conversations at the conference focused on geo-political trends, trade and investment, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), higher education co-operation, talent flow and technology.  

“We are excited by our prime minister’s announcement that Canada is making a ‘generational-shift’ in investing in Asia, and how this enables conversations like the ones held at this conference. We are already seeing this pledge yield tangible results within months of his announcement through the inaugural Canada-in-Asia Conference and the Asia-Pacific Foundation’s plans for a regional office,” said Lenton. “The Canada-in-Asia Conference provides an unprecedented opportunity for us to work smarter and more effectively in the Asia-Pacific region by bringing Canadians and Canada’s friends in the region under one roof. Universities such as York University bring tremendous value to these conversations.”

Sharing the vision of York’s Global Engagement Strategy

On the sidelines of the conference, Lenton met with senior government officials, university leaders and industry representatives from Canada and the region. She also visited the National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University to meet with their presidents to discuss research, entrepreneurship, experiential learning and sustainability. During these conversations, Lenton shared York’s inaugural Global Engagement Strategy priorities and exchanged ideas about working together in the region.    

“As a York alumnus and Singapore’s representative in Canada, I am proud to see York’s new Global Engagement Strategy position the University in important national and multilateral conversations like the Canada-in-Asia Conference 2023,” said Chia-yi Chua, Singapore’s honorary consul-general in Toronto and York alumnus (Osgoode Hall Law, 1993). “I am confident it would serve York’s objectives to better engage the region, improve its visibility in the region, strengthen alumni relations and increase strategic partnerships.”

Connecting with alumni

Engaging alumni to strengthen Canada’s reach in the region was an integral part of CIAC.

Lenton hosted an “alumni and friends” reception during her visit, including a speech from Sara Wilshaw, Canada’s chief trade commissioner and alumna. High school counsellors, admitted degree-seeking students, York students in Singapore and Singaporean university students planning to travel to York were also invited to attend the reception.

Lenton and Sarah Bay-Cheng, dean of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, connected with many distinguished York alumni during their visit at CIAC and other engagements, including: Hian Siang Chan and Paulina Lau, who supported the Paulina Lau Scholars Program; Venka Purushothaman, deputy president, La Salle College of the Arts; Cameron Mackay, high commissioner of Canada in India; and Navdeep Bains, CIBC vice-chair of Global Investment Banking and former minister of innovation, science, and economic Development.

Promoting Canada as a compelling partner in the Asia-Pacific

During the conference and surrounding events, Lenton discussed Canada’s value as a compelling partner, noting Canada’s ability to work across many cultures and peoples domestically and abroad, and its willingness to have difficult conversations on decolonization to redress historical wrongs.

Lenton also noted that Canadian universities are considered leaders in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) according to Times Higher Education (THE). The ranking closely evaluates universities on how they advance UN SDGs in collaboration with local and global partners. York University was named in the world’s top 35 in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022 for strengthening its impact on the UN SDGs.

President Rhonda Lenton leads delegation to Mexico

hands holding a globe

By Elaine Smith

York University President Rhonda Lenton recently participated in a keynote fireside chat on the importance of virtual internationalization, at the ninth International Conference on Educational Innovation (CIIE) in Mexico.

Lenton led the delegation that attended the conference, which was hosted by York’s partner, Tecnológico de Monterrey (TEC), in January. The delegation provided the opportunity to connect with alumni and strengthen York’s partnerships in the region.

“Sharing the Vision for Online Internationalization”

During the fireside chat, titled “Sharing the Vision for Online Internationalization,” facilitated by José Escamilla, associate director of the Institute for the Future of Education at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Lenton shared lessons York has learned about the future of higher education during these past few years. She discussed examples of pedagogical innovation including globally networked learning (GNL), online internationalization and new technologies that have been further spurred by the pandemic.

Rhonda Lenton
Rhonda Lenton

“York’s vision as a high-quality, internationally recognized research university has been part of the University’s identity since it was founded in 1959. Ensuring that our students graduate with the knowledge and skills they need for success and strengthening our impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by working across sectors with local and global partnerships are central tenets of our academic plan,” Lenton said.

“Online internationalization has been crucial in enhancing access and lowering barriers to global learning initiatives throughout the pandemic and beyond as more students are able to engage with peers at home and around the world. It facilitates the exchange of ideas and knowledge, incorporates new perspectives, widens access to global competencies and co-creates sustainable and inclusive solutions.”

The delegation’s visit came on the heels of the Three Amigos summit in Mexico between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, American President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and offered a perfect opportunity to strengthen the University’s ties with Mexico and partners in Latin America.

Globally networked learning

York has been a strong proponent of online educational innovation initiatives such as GNL, an approach to teaching, learning and research that enables students, faculty and non-academic researchers from different locations around the world to participate in, and collaborate on, knowledge-making processes and concrete research projects. 

To date, York faculty have implemented 25 projects between York and partners and engaged over 40 faculty members and more than 900 students from 15 countries.

James Simeon, an associate professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), has been one of the most enthusiastic GNL adopters at York, and TEC has been a regular collaborator in his seven GNL projects, based on his courses International Refugee Protection Regime I and II.

“The GNL relationship between our colleagues at TEC and myself will strengthen and deepen since actually meeting for the very first time in person and presenting together on a panel at CIIE 2023,” said Simeon.

Connecting with alumni and building partnerships

The trip to Mexico also featured York’s first alumni gathering in Mexico City.

“Getting to reflect on how York U shaped my future and career with Dr. Lenton and other alumni was very special, especially given that it is thanks to a York International internship that I now live in Mexico City and work for the Howard G. Buffett Foundation,” said alumna Ana Vianei, who assists the organization’s goals to improve quality of life for marginalized populations across the world.

During the trip, York was able to deepen its relationships with its two Mexican partners, TEC and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). York delegates participated in the Hemispheric Universities Consortium (HUC) meeting that followed the conference; York was the only Canadian university to be a member.

“The visit has not only strengthened our partnerships with universities in Mexico, but reinforced York University’s commitment to advancing global engagement and to our cutting-edge work in GNL,” said Vinitha Gengatharan, assistant vice-president, global engagement and partnerships. “The conference itself has highlighted to us the world’s common interest in the future of education. It was not only high quality, but also accessible, flexible and underscored the importance of strengthening ties and sharing insights with our outstanding partners in Mexico and elsewhere.”

Celebrating Black History Month at York

Black History Month at York University

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

February is Black History Month, an important time for us to celebrate the accomplishments, contributions and history of Black faculty, instructors, staff and students, and to acknowledge the positive impact that the Black community has had on York University and society as a whole.

The ongoing implementation of York University’s Framework and Action Plan on Black Inclusion recognizes Black History Month and is a reflection of our collective commitment to address anti-Black racism and to facilitate the engagement of the Black community at York by creating inclusive and equitable spaces for Black scholars and community members to flourish. Annual goals regarding the implementation of the Action Plan are established and will be reported on each academic year. Some recent highlights to support the plan include:

  • hiring a strategist and engagement specialist, Black inclusion, to support and document progress on initiatives in the Black Inclusion Framework and Action Plan;
  • creating the Black Inclusion Advisory Council in February 2022; and
  • establishing a training workshop hosted by York University Libraries called “Description and Access for Anti-Black Archival Materials” to address anti-Black racism in archival records.

The broader community is also taking up the Framework in developing local plans. Two examples include:

There is still much work to do requiring the collective efforts of the entire University if we are to dismantle the systems of oppression that shape our society. Achieving a world that is equitable and inclusive requires meaningful action, not just this month, but every day of the year.

We invite you to visit the Black History Month events website to learn about and participate in the various events that will be taking place at York, including the Jean Augustine Chair event – Word, Sound, Power – on Wednesday, Feb. 8. We encourage you to show your support by attending events that highlight Black excellence.

We are grateful for the opportunity to reflect on Black heritage, culture, history and contributions and take action in meaningful ways by upholding York’s commitment to address anti-Black racism.

Thank you. Merci. Miigwech.

Rhonda L. Lenton 
President & Vice-Chancellor                      

Sheila Cote-Meek
Vice President, Equity, People & Culture

Célébration du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs à York

Février est le Mois de l’histoire des Noirs, un moment important pour célébrer les réalisations, les contributions et l’histoire des membres noirs des corps professoral et enseignant, du personnel et de la communauté étudiante, et pour reconnaître l’incidence positive que la communauté noire a eu sur l’Université York et la société dans son ensemble.

La mise en œuvre continue du cadre et du Plan d’action de l’Université York sur l’inclusion des personnes noires reconnaît le Mois de l’histoire des Noirs et reflète notre engagement collectif à lutter contre le racisme anti-Noirs et à faciliter l’engagement de la communauté noire à York en créant des espaces inclusifs et équitables pour que tous les membres de la communauté puissent s’épanouir. Des objectifs annuels concernant la mise en œuvre du Plan d’action sont établis et feront l’objet d’un rapport chaque année universitaire. Parmi les faits marquants récents à l’appui du plan, citons :

  • embauche d’un stratège et spécialiste de l’engagement pour l’inclusion des personnes noires, afin de soutenir et de documenter les progrès des initiatives du cadre et du plan d’action sur l’inclusion des personnes noires;
  • création du Conseil consultatif pour l’inclusion des Noirs en février 2022; et
  • mise en place d’un atelier de formation organisé par les bibliothèques de l’Université York, intitulé « Description et accès aux documents d’archives anti-Noirs », afin de traiter du racisme dans les documents d’archives.

La communauté au sens large s’approprie également du cadre pour élaborer des plans locaux. En voici quelques exemples :

Il reste encore beaucoup à faire, ce qui nécessite les efforts collectifs de toute l’Université si nous voulons démanteler les systèmes d’oppression qui façonnent notre société. Pour instaurer un monde équitable et inclusif, il faut prendre des mesures concrètes, pas seulement ce mois-ci, mais tous les jours de l’année.

Nous vous invitons à visiter le site Web des événements du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs pour vous renseigner sur les différents événements qui auront lieu à York et y participer, notamment celui de la Chaire Jean Augustine – Word, Sound, Power le mercredi 8 février 2023. Nous vous encourageons à manifester votre soutien en assistant à des événements qui mettent en avant l’excellence des Noirs.

Nous sommes reconnaissantes de l’occasion qui nous est donnée de réfléchir au patrimoine, à la culture, à l’histoire et aux contributions des personnes noires et d’agir de manière significative en respectant l’engagement pris par York de lutter contre le racisme anti-Noirs.

Merci. Thank you. Miigwech.

Rhonda L. Lenton 
Présidente et vice-chancelière                      

Sheila Cote-Meek
Vice-présidente de l’équité, des personnes et de la culture

International students studying at the Lassonde School of Engineering reconnect far from home

Featured image for YFile shows Lassonde_Ugandan Students_Ngasha-Reuel copy

By Elaine Smith

It’s a happy coincidence that Andrea Ngasha Tayebwa and Adren Reuel Singh, who graduated together from high school in Kampala, Uganda, find themselves at York University this year. Both are studying at the Lassonde School of Engineering.

Singh applied to York’s computer engineering program and planned to arrive for the fall 2021 semester, but York was still in pandemic lockdown and classes were online, so he did a semester remotely. When classes resumed in person during the winter of 2022, he encountered visa problems, so he didn’t arrive until fall 2022. Meanwhile, Tayebwa took a gap year after high school, applying to York for a President’s International Scholarship of Excellence. She received the scholarship and also arrived at the University in time for the fall 2022 semester.

Andrea Ngasha Tayebwa (left) with Adren Reuel Singh
Andrea Ngasha Tayebwa (left) with Adren Reuel Singh

“We had lost touch after graduation, so I expected Andrea to go to Montreal to study, since she has family there,” Singh said. “I texted her before I came to Canada and found out she was at York. She took me shopping and helped me settle in and we explored campus together. Now, we keep in touch and hang out when we have time.”

Tayebwa knew Singh was heading to York, but she hadn’t originally planned to come here, too.

“I read the Lassonde School of Engineering information and I was drawn to it,” she said. “I applied and got in. I came a week earlier than Reuel, and we helped each other settle in. It has been nice to have someone from close to home here.”

Both students were deliberate in their choice of Canada as the place to pursue a post-secondary education.

“I had come to Canada once and liked how different it was from back home,” Tayebwa said. “A lot of universities come to Kampala for university fairs and I was drawn to Canada. It is more diverse and more welcoming to international students than many countries, and it’s a safe place.

Singh said, “I found York on a list of the Top 10 universities in Canada. I was accepted at three of them and had to make a decision. I chose York because of Lassonde’s up-to-date curriculum. They are mindful of morals and ethics and I like that they feel the responsibility to train engineers the right way.”

Choosing computer engineering to pursue made sense to Singh, who has been programming since the age of 10 and is already a full stack developer who creates apps, websites and software. While in high school, he created an online voting system for school elections, PolliFy, which is still being used five years later. He has also created an app called Seizafe that analyzes YouTube videos to determine whether or not they might trigger an epileptic seizure and creates a warning for users. He was inspired to design the app, which is endorsed by the British Epilepsy Society, after a high school classmate suffered a fatal seizure during a debate team trip.

“I get emails thanking me, which is heartwarming,” Singh said. “I want people to benefit. I have a yearning to leave a mark in the world.”

For Tayebwa, the decision to become a civil engineer grew out of her interest in math and physics and her determination to do something for her country.

“Our infrastructure isn’t as developed as it is here,” she said. “It’s an area of study that I thought would be useful back home. Eventually, I want to return and help out.

“In the context of my course, I love how the engineering classes [at York] are up to date as current world issues are incorporated into the course and I love the emphasis on collaboration as well as experiential learning. I believe I’m picking up skills such as problem solving, leadership and creativity that will serve me well as I pursue civil engineering.” 

The students are taking classes together during the winter term, since all of the first-year engineering students take basic courses together. Singh took electives last semester in order to be in synch with the other engineers in his cohort.

“Lassonde is attracting talent from all over the world and currently has students from over 130 different countries,” said Jane Goodyer, dean of the Lassonde School of Engineering, after meeting the pair at the President’s International Student Reception, an event organized by York International. “But it’s a small world! We were talking and, when I discovered they were both from Uganda, I didn’t do the obvious and ask if they knew each other. Then, they told me they were from the same high school and the same graduating class, but didn’t realize they were both coming to York. What are the odds of coming all those thousands of kilometres and having someone from home there?”

The reception was also an opportunity for the university to celebrate international scholarship winners, like Tayebwa.

Woo Kim, director of international student and scholar services for York International, said, “Events like the President’s International Student Reception, gives York an opportunity to welcome international students and celebrate the richness and diversity they have to offer our University community.”

The scholarship is an honour that makes Tayebwa proud. “I knew I would hear in late March or early April,” she said. “Even though I felt qualified, I knew it was about luck to some extent, so I just prayed.”

The email informing her that she’d won a President’s International Scholarship arrived on April 1 and Tayebwa didn’t believe it.

“I thought it was probably some April Fool’s joke, but it said to check my online York account, and there was the letter, originally dated March 23. I called my mom and we celebrated.”

Now that they are in Toronto, Tayebwa and Singh are enjoying the campus, getting involved in extracurricular activities and making new friends. However, they plan to keep in close touch.

“Seeing Andrea feels like a piece of home,” Singh said.

Welcome to the Winter 2023 term

Vari Hall Winter scene showing the Harry Arthurs Common

Dear York community,

For those of you who may be arriving at York for the first time and those of you who are returning, I wish you all a warm welcome to the start of the 2023 winter term. I hope you had an opportunity to connect with family and friends over the holiday season and feel reinvigorated for an exciting year ahead.

Many of you will have heard me talk about York’s vision as a modern and progressive international teaching and research university committed to driving positive change for our local and global communities. This year is already shaping up to be a critical time in our institution’s history.

On Jan. 1, York welcomed its 14th chancellor, Kathleen Taylor. A York alumna, Kathleen was the first woman to serve on the board for a major bank in Canada and she remains a strong advocate for diverse representation across organizations and boards. I am excited to see her continue to right the future in her new role, where she will be a valued ambassador for students at York and a champion for higher education.

We are also embarking on an important journey that will support the University’s commitment to the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice. The draft Decolonization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (DEDI) 2022-2027 aims to drive transformational change by embedding DEDI principles, practices and actions at an institutional level. The DEDI Strategy, which was created in consultation with a number of groups, including the President’s Advisory Council on EDI, will strengthen our institution, support more equitable, diverse and inclusive communities, and create a place where everyone feels they belong.

The Markham Campus is progressing well. York will mark the completion of the campus structure with a Topping Off ceremony in the weeks ahead as we move closer to our official opening in spring 2024. We are excited to welcome our first cohort of students for select programs this fall – to be delivered at our state-of-the-art Learning Space in the world-class IBM Canada headquarters until they can be transitioned into the new building.

York continues to respond to the urgent needs of the future through our partnership with the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct. The centre is a significant opportunity for York to expand urgently needed health programs including our proposal for a new School of Medicine.  Designed to increase the number of family doctors and other primary care physicians, our unique population health curriculum combines data analytics and digital-health solutions with a team-based and patient-centred care model that will improve health equity for diverse and underserved communities.

These projects and many others continue to advance our University Academic Plan 2020-2025: Building a Better Future. I am excited to continue our work together as we strengthen our impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals towards building an inclusive, resilient and sustainable world.

Let me also take this opportunity to invite you to join me on Feb. 11 for York’s community skating event hosted with the City of Markham. All students, staff, faculty, course instructors, volunteers and partners are invited to attend whether you have skated before or not. More information will be shared with our community over the coming weeks.

I wish you all a happy, healthy and productive 2023.

Rhonda L. Lenton
President and Vice Chancellor

Bienvenue au trimestre d’hiver 2023

Chère communauté de York,

Je souhaite une chaleureuse bienvenue à toutes les personnes qui arrivent peut-être à York pour la première fois et à toutes celles qui sont de retour pour la rentrée du trimestre d’hiver 2023. J’espère que vous avez eu l’occasion de vous retrouver en famille et entre amis pendant la saison des fêtes et que vous avez rechargé vos batteries pour l’année à venir.

Beaucoup d’entre vous ont dû m’entendre parler de la vision de York en tant qu’université internationale d’enseignement et de recherche moderne et progressiste qui vise à promouvoir des changements positifs pour nos communautés locales et mondiales. Cette année s’annonce déjà comme un moment crucial de notre histoire.

Le 1er janvier, l’Université York a accueilli sa 14e chancelière : Kathleen Taylor. Diplômée de York, Kathleen a été la première femme à siéger au conseil d’administration d’une grande banque au Canada et elle défend ardemment la représentation diversifiée dans les organisations et les conseils d’administration. Dans son nouveau rôle, elle sera une ambassadrice précieuse pour la communauté étudiante de York et une championne de l’enseignement supérieur et je m’en réjouis.

Nous nous engageons aussi dans un projet important qui appuiera l’engagement de l’Université envers les valeurs d’équité, de diversité, d’inclusion et de justice sociale. Notre ébauche de stratégie de décolonisation, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (DEDI) 2022-2027 vise à favoriser des changements transformationnels en intégrant les principes, pratiques et actions DEDI au niveau institutionnel. La stratégie DEDI a été créée en consultation avec plusieurs groupes, dont le Conseil consultatif de la présidente sur l’EDI. Elle consolidera l’Université, favorisera des communautés plus équitables, diverses et inclusives, et créera un espace où chaque personne éprouve un sentiment d’appartenance.

Le campus Markham progresse bien. Dans les prochaines semaines, York marquera l’achèvement de la structure du campus par une cérémonie de clôture du chantier, alors que nous nous rapprochons de l’ouverture officielle au printemps 2024. Nous nous réjouissons d’accueillir la toute première cohorte étudiante de certains programmes cet automne. Les cours seront donnés dans notre espace d’apprentissage ultramoderne au sein du siège social prestigieux d’IBM Canada jusqu’à leur transfert dans le nouveau bâtiment.

York continue de répondre aux besoins pressants de demain grâce à son partenariat avec l’espace de soins de santé de Vaughan. Il constitue une occasion exceptionnelle de développer des programmes de santé urgemment attendus, comme notre proposition d’ouvrir une nouvelle école de médecine. Unique en son genre et conçu pour accroître le nombre de médecins de famille et d’autres médecins de soins primaires, notre programme d’études sur la santé de la population associe l’analyse des données et des solutions de santé numérique à un modèle de soins axé sur l’équipe et les malades qui améliorera l’équité en matière de santé pour les communautés diverses et mal desservies.

Ces projets et bien d’autres continuent de faire progresser le Plan académique 2020-2025 de l’Université York : Bâtir un avenir meilleur. J’ai hâte de poursuivre notre collaboration tandis que nous renforçons notre contribution aux objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies afin de bâtir un monde inclusif, résilient et durable.

J’en profite aussi pour vous inviter à vous joindre à moi le 11 février pour un événement de patinage communautaire de York organisé avec la Ville de Markham. Tous les membres de la communauté étudiante, du personnel, des corps professoral et enseignant, les bénévoles et autres partenaires sont invités à y participer, peu importe leur niveau d’expérience. Plus de détails seront communiqués à notre communauté dans les prochaines semaines.

Je vous souhaite une année 2023 heureuse, productive et en bonne santé.

Rhonda L. Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

Happy holidays from York’s president

Holiday Social Featured image cropped to YFile banner specifications

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

Dear York community,

In looking back on 2022, I am deeply grateful and humbled by our community’s incredible achievements, resilience and dedication to building a better future for each other, our students and the broader communities we serve. Together, we have accomplished a great deal.

2022-23 will always be remembered as the year we returned to in-person learning and saw our campuses fully active once again. Faculty, staff and students alike pivoted to yet another set of pandemic realities requiring a blend of learning and work formats to accommodate diverse needs, while we simultaneously seized new opportunities and advanced our University Academic Plan 2020-2025, driving 21st century learning, advancing knowledge mobilization and supporting student success. 

We also continued to take up the challenge of building a better and more sustainable future for all as reflected in York’s consistent performance in the Times Higher Education World Rankings of a university’s impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). York now ranks 33rd. And in October 2022, we doubled down on our commitment to sustainability by announcing an expanded new Office of Sustainability to be led by a Chief Sustainability Officer and $1 million to fund sustainability initiatives. We are excited by what our community will do to help York reach our goal of achieving carbon neutrality before 2049.

The momentum that has been created continues to advance York’s vision as a modern, progressive University committed to inclusive excellence and leading the way in higher education. I wish you all a warm and bright holiday season. I hope you will take some time during this break to rest and enjoy time with family and friends.

I look forward to seeing you back on campus in January 2023!

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor

La présidente Lenton vous souhaite de joyeuses fêtes

Chère communauté de York,

En cette fin d’année 2022, je suis profondément reconnaissante et honorée des incroyables réalisations de notre communauté, de sa résilience et de sa détermination à bâtir un meilleur avenir pour chacun et chacune d’entre nous, pour notre population étudiante et pour les autres communautés que nous servons. Ensemble, nous avons accompli bien des choses.

L’année 2022-2023 restera dans les annales de l’Université comme étant celle durant laquelle nous avons repris l’apprentissage en personne et véritablement réintégré nos campus. Les membres du corps professoral, du personnel et de la population étudiante ont dû s’adapter à de nouvelles réalités liées à la pandémie. Il a fallu mettre en place une combinaison de formats d’apprentissage et de travail pour répondre à des besoins diversifiés. Parallèlement, nous avons saisi de nouvelles occasions et fait progresser notre Plan académique universitaire 2020-2025 en favorisant l’apprentissage pour le 21e siècle, en faisant progresser la mobilisation des connaissances et en appuyant la réussite étudiante. 

Nous avons également continué à relever le défi de bâtir un avenir meilleur et plus durable comme en témoignent les progrès constants de l’Université York au classement mondial Times Higher Education Impact relativement aux objectifs de développement durable (ODD) des Nations Unies. York occupe maintenant le 33e rang de ce palmarès. En octobre 2022, nous avons réitéré notre engagement en faveur de la durabilité en annonçant la création d’un nouveau bureau de la durabilité dirigé par un chef du développement durable ainsi que l’octroi d’un million de dollars pour financer des initiatives de durabilité. Nous avons hâte de voir tout ce que notre communauté entreprendra pour aider York à atteindre son objectif de neutralité carbone d’ici 2049.

La dynamique ainsi créée continue de promouvoir la vision de York en tant qu’université moderne et progressiste engagée dans l’excellence inclusive et chef de file de l’enseignement supérieur. Je vous souhaite une saison des fêtes chaleureuse et lumineuse. J’espère que vous profiterez de ces vacances pour vous reposer et pour passer du temps avec votre famille et vos amis.

J’ai hâte de vous revoir sur les campus en janvier.

Rhonda L. Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

It’s Not Just: National campaign to raise youth awareness about gender-based violence launches

President Lenton and Minister Ien at the memorial mural Featured image for YFile story

On Thursday, Dec. 1 at York University, the federal Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, launched “It’s Not Just,” a national campaign to raise youth awareness about gender-based violence. As part of the launch, the minister visited York University and met with the president and students.

It’s not just locker room talk. It’s not just a bad day. It’s not just flirting. Gender-based violence is a serious issue that affects everyone in Canada, especially young women, girls, and transgender and gender diverse people. When someone faces violence because of their gender, gender expression, or perceived gender identity, it is a violation of their human rights.

“Young Canadians are at a higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence, even more so if they are young women or girls (under 25); black or racialized women; newcomer women to Canada; women with disabilities; LGB+ people and people of other sexual orientations than heterosexual; transgender or gender diverse people; women living in Northern, rural or remote communities; Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people,” said Ien. “’It’s Not Just’ empowers youth to dismantle violent systems and support survivors of this violence. By recognizing and refusing to dismiss gender-based violence, we will work together to end gender-based violence and make Canada safer for everyone.”

Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien

“It’s Not Just” highlights how some forms of gender-based violence are diminished. The campaign seeks to help youth understand that gender-based violence is more than just physical and sexual violence: Emotional, financial, and cyber violence are forms of gender-based violence that can be just as harmful and have lasting psychological impacts. The campaign also highlights how some groups, including Black and racialized women, women with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ people, and newcomer women to Canada, are at higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence. “It’s Not Just” aims to increase awareness of gender-based violence, build knowledge, and ultimately shift beliefs and actions to disrupt the cycle of violence too many Canadians experience daily.

Ien was joined by York President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton and several students for a private meeting to discuss how gender-based violence is impacting youth in Canada.

”We are pleased to join the Honourable Minister Ien at York University to announce the  ‘It’s Not Just’ youth campaign. Gender-based and sexual violence continue to be prevalent in our society, and campaigns like ‘It’s Not Just’ play an important educative role aimed at prevention,” said Lenton. ”Advancing social justice and equity is embedded in the fabric of our institution and is demonstrated through our commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.  At York, we are committed to ending gender-based violence 365 days a year, through our advocacy, teaching and learning, research and support services.” 

York President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton and Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien engage in a private discussion with students
York President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton and Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien engage in a private discussion with students

The minister’s visit to York preceded the University’s annual memorial ceremony on Dec. 6 to honour the 14 women who were murdered on the same date 33 years ago at École Polytechnique in Montreal. The day, which is known as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and the larger international campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, offer opportunities to reflect on the impact of gender-based violence. York University’s events coincide with the theme of Ending Femicide, which includes certain groups of women who are more vulnerable – women and girls who are racialized, have a disability, are immigrants and refugees, queer, trans and/or low income. The “It’s Not Just” campaign, the Dec. 6 memorial and events provide opportunities for the University community to reflect on how violence against women and girls continues to plague society and what individual actions can be taken to end gender-based violence.

The “It’s Not Just” campaign is a collaboration with partner organizations, front-line service providers, experts, academics, advocates and youth from various backgrounds. Women and Gender Equality Canada is partnering with YWCA Canada, Wisdom2Action, DAWN Canada, FOXY/SMASH, Platform, White Ribbon Canada, The Centre for Sexuality, GRIS Montreal, Interval House of Hamilton, the Circle Education, and Queer Yukon Society to reach and capture the insights of youth, specifically those from marginalized and underrepresented communities.

To learn more, visit https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/gender-based-violence-knowledge-centre/gender-based-violence-its-not-just.html.