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York to host, lead graduate supervision conference

Glendon graduate students on laptops

One of the foundational relationships of the graduate student experience is the one between student and supervisor. As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, York University’s Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) is hosting an online graduate supervision conference geared specifically toward supervisors.

Held in partnership with Memorial University of Newfoundland, the conference – called Collaborative, Constructive, Considerate: Fostering Dialogue on Best Practices in Graduate Supervision in Canada – will be held virtually on Friday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The conference will bring together graduate supervisors from universities across Canada, with the aim to lead and foster dialogue about best practices in supervisory pedagogy.

Cheryl van Daalen-Smith
Cheryl van Daalen-Smith

“We need to continue talking about principles and best practices,” says Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, conference Chair and associate dean, academic of FGS

The conference is intended to fill a need for schools of graduate studies, which understand that more conversations have to happen about supervision.

“There’s an assumption that one learns to be a supervisor by being supervised themselves,” she says, “when there’s so much more to it.”

A cornerstone of the academic environment, graduate education and the graduate supervisory experience play a pivotal role in shaping students’ academic and professional journeys. This relationship has a profound effect on the quality of research produced, development of academic skills and overall academic experience.

The conference will include a keynote address delivered by Bruce Shore, author of The Graduate Advisor Handbook: A Student-Centred Approach, titled “Connections to Quagmires: Setting Up for Successful Supervision.” A second keynote speech, by Supervising Conflict author Heather McGhee Peggs, will offer practical advice to help faculty manage the most common grad school concerns.

Experts in the pragmatics of supervision, mediating conflict and the requisite principles guiding Ontario universities will participate in a panel discussion to follow, examining the Principles for Graduate Supervision at Ontario Universities, which were developed last year by the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies.

A closing discussion moderated by van Daalen-Smith will end the day, with a focus on the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies Working Group Initiative and its mission to establish a set of national graduate supervision principles.

“We need to celebrate great supervision and foster discussions that identify exactly what it is that makes this pivotal educative role in graduate studies so influential,” says van Daalen-Smith.

The conference is free to attend, and registration is now open via the online form. For more information, visit the event web page.

A message from the president

aerial-Keele-Campus-winter-banner

Dear York community,

Many of our students, faculty, instructors and staff continue to be heavily impacted by the ongoing war in the Middle East, the resulting displacement and the humanitarian crises that are unfolding. The loss of life and uncertainty about friends, family and respected colleagues is particularly painful for many of us.

Given the challenging times we are living in, it is increasingly important that we are attentive to our shared priority: Living Well Together, as outlined in the University Academic Plan (UAP) 2020-2025. Approved by University Senate, the UAP affirms that: “Making positive change requires that all members of our diverse community feel welcomed into a sense of belonging, common purpose, and shared responsibility to support and enrich each other’s work.”

York’s commitment to support and uphold academic freedom, and freedom of expression within the limits of the law, stands. While there will be some courses and seminars where dialogue on world events could be relevant, this should occur in a respectful manner that allows for the expression of diverse perspectives in an inclusive learning environment.

We must advise the community that York’s senior administration does not find the recent email communication from CUPE 3903, which provided teaching assistants (TAs) across the University with “A Toolkit on Teaching Palestine” calling for diversion of their teaching from the planned curriculum, to be in accordance with the rightful expectations of the University as an employer, the needs of the students and the legitimate claims of the community. The University’s senior administration has written directly to CUPE 3903 leadership to discuss this important matter especially in light of the rights of students to have access to their course curriculum.

Students who have concerns about their seminars should contact the course director, or the dean of the relevant Faculty. As a reminder, the University continues to provide support for TAs, faculty, instructors, students and staff – information can be found by visiting the following links:

As the CUPE 3903 communication specifically named Hillel, the University is also reaching out to them as one of our recognized student organizations supporting our diverse community.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor

Un message de la présidente

Chère communauté de York,

De nombreux membres de la population étudiante, des corps professoral et enseignant et du personnel continuent d’être profondément affectés par la guerre en cours au Moyen-Orient, ainsi que par les déplacements de population et les crises humanitaires qui en résultent. La perte de vies humaines et l’incertitude planant sur nos amis, nos proches et nos collègues estimés sont particulièrement douloureuses.

Durant cette période difficile, il est primordial de veiller à notre bien-être commun, autrement dit l’objectif Bien vivre ensemble exposé dans le Plan académique de l’Université (PAU) 2020-2025. Le PAU, qui a été approuvé par le Sénat de l’Université, énonce : « Pour apporter des changements positifs, il faut que tous les membres de notre communauté diversifiée éprouvent un sentiment d’appartenance, de but commun et de responsabilité partagée afin de soutenir et d’enrichir le travail de chaque personne ».

York maintient son engagement à soutenir et à défendre la liberté universitaire et d’expression dans les limites de la loi. Un dialogue sur les événements mondiaux peut s’avérer pertinent dans le cadre de certains cours et travaux pratiques; il doit toutefois se dérouler de manière respectueuse et permettre l’expression de diverses perspectives dans un environnement d’apprentissage inclusif.

Récemment, le SCFP 3903 a fourni par courriel aux auxiliaires d’enseignement de l’Université une boîte à outils nommée « Teaching Palestine » appelant à détourner leur enseignement du programme prévu. La haute direction de York ne considère pas cette communication conforme aux attentes fondées de l’Université en tant qu’employeur, aux besoins de la population étudiante et aux revendications légitimes de la communauté. Elle a écrit directement aux dirigeants du SCFP 3903 pour aborder avec eux cette question capitale, notamment du point de vue des droits des membres de la population étudiante à accéder à leur programme d’études.

Nous invitons les étudiants et étudiantes qui éprouvent des inquiétudes concernant leurs travaux pratiques à contacter leur directeur/directrice de cours ou le doyen/la doyenne de leur faculté. Nous vous rappelons que l’Université met des ressources de soutien à la disposition des auxiliaires d’enseignement, des membres des corps professoral et enseignant, de la population étudiante et du personnel. Pour obtenir plus d’information, veuillez visiter les liens suivants :

Comme la communication du SCFP 3903 mentionne spécifiquement l’organisation Hillel, l’Université se tourne vers elle en tant qu’organisation étudiante reconnue appuyant notre communauté diversifiée.

Veuillez agréer mes sincères salutations, 

Rhonda Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

Help shape York’s 2024-25 budget

Black student in front of Vari Hall

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

Dear colleagues, 

I am pleased to invite you to the 2024-25 York University community budget consultation. For the last seven years, we have held budget consultations to provide the community with an overview of the University’s finances, an update on the current budget and an opportunity to provide input about priority areas for investment.   

Following individual consultations with Faculties, departments/units, employee groups and student groups across our community, we are culminating the budget consultation process with a community consultation on Tuesday, Feb. 20. We are inviting all students, faculty, instructors, and staff to join President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton, Provost and Vice-President Academic Lisa Philipps, and Vice-President Finance and Administration Carol McAulay for a community-wide budget consultation before the development of annual budgets for our next fiscal year.  

Tuesday, Feb. 20 
3:15 to 4:30 p.m. 
REGISTER TODAY 

During the consultation, you will learn about York’s budget model, current financial framework, planned investments and challenges to be considered for the year ahead. You will then have the opportunity to voice your perspective about what is important to you, and how York should consider allocating investments going forward to advance our collective strategic priorities.  

On behalf of the Budgets & Asset Management department, we look forward to hosting you for an engaging and informative discussion. 

Sincerely,  

Wendy Miller, 
Interim Assistant Vice-President, Budgets and Asset Management 

Contribuez à l’élaboration du budget 2024-2025 de York

Chers collègues, chères collègues, 

J’ai le plaisir de vous inviter à la consultation communautaire sur le budget 2024-2025 de l’Université York. Au cours des sept dernières années, nous avons organisé des consultations budgétaires afin de fournir aux membres de la communauté une vue d’ensemble des finances de l’Université, une mise à jour du budget actuel et l’occasion de donner leur avis sur les domaines prioritaires d’investissement.   

À la suite de consultations individuelles avec les facultés, les départements et unités, les groupes étudiants et de membres du personnel à l’échelle de notre communauté, nous clôturerons ce processus par une consultation de la communauté le mardi 20 février. Nous invitons tous les membres de la communauté étudiante, du personnel et des corps professoral et enseignant à se joindre à la présidente et vice-chancelière Rhonda L. Lenton, à la rectrice et vice-présidente aux affaires académiques, Lisa Philipps, et à la vice-présidente des finances et de l’administration, Carol McAulay, pour une consultation communautaire avant d’élaborer les budgets annuels de notre prochain exercice financier.  

Mardi 20 février 2024 
De 15 h 15 à 16 h 30 
INSCRIVEZ-VOUS AUJOURD’HUI 

Au cours de la consultation, vous découvrirez le modèle budgétaire de York, le cadre financier actuel, les investissements prévus et les défis à envisager pour l’année à venir. Vous aurez la possibilité d’exprimer votre point de vue sur les questions qui sont importantes pour vous et sur la façon dont York devrait envisager d’allouer ses ressources à l’avenir pour faire progresser ses priorités stratégiques collectives.  

Au nom du Département des budgets et de la gestion des actifs (BAM), nous nous réjouissons de vous accueillir pour une discussion constructive et informative. 

Sincères salutations,  

Wendy Miller, 
Vice-présidente par intérim des budgets et de la gestion des actifs 

York advances projects to support Indigenous scholarship, knowledge

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Indigenous

Nine new projects dedicated to increasing Indigenous scholarship and voice within teaching and learning at York University have earned grants through the Indigeneity in Teaching in Learning Fund.

Funded by the Office of the Vice-Provost Academic, these innovative projects selected in the 2023-24 academic year create new opportunities for Indigenous students to build knowledge and increase participation in cultural activities, while expanding meaningful connections with Indigenous communities.

Marcia Annisette
Marcia Annisette

“We are pleased to see the uptake and interest in this fund. We get more applicants than we can fund and this year was no different,” says Marcia Annisette, vice-provost academic. “This speaks to the great interest across the University to bring meaning and intention to the Indigenous Framework and to the University Academic Plan. These funds are catalysts for what we hope will lead to richer teaching, learning and relationship across the University.”

Projects are estimated to engage approximately 1,000 students, faculty and staff. Susan Dion, associate vice-president, Indigenous initiatives, says these projects “contribute to embedding Indigenous voices and perspectives in courses, student learning and partnership building with Indigenous leaders, advancing York’s commitment to integrating Indigenous thought and perspectives throughout the academy.”  

In 2023, the University launched its Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, which includes a commitment to cultivating inclusive teaching and learning environments that nurture multiple and intersectional ways of knowing. The nine projects awarded with grants aim to advance this goal in concrete ways and demonstrate how the community is contributing to advancing positive change in 2023-24.

The projects, which will receive approximately $2,000 each, are:

  • Bridging Indigenous Women’s and IndigiQueer Voices from Community to Indigenous Feminisms Class, by Angele Alook;
  • Community Voices in Indigenous Spirituality in the Contemporary World, by Michael White;  
  • Creating a SAGE Nest: Collaborative Mentorship & Support for Indigenous Graduate Students, by Rebecca Beaulne-Stuebing;  
  • Regeneration: All Our Relations Speaker and Performance, by Laura Levin, Brenda Longfellow, Archer Pechawis and Emilia White;
  • Lunch and Learn: Connect, Educate, Enhance, by Sage Hartmann and Hannah Johnson, Osgoode Indigenous Student Association;
  • Making Good Tracks Moccasin Project, by Kiera Brant-Birioukov; 
  • Reclaiming Aatisokaanan: Traditional Anishinaabe Stories, by Maya Chacaby;
  • Exploring Toronto as a City of Solidarity and Alienation, by Soma Chatterjee; and  
  • Houdensosaunee Social Dance, by Jeremy Green. 

Statement from President Rhonda Lenton in response to Ontario auditor general report

Arial view of Kaneff

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

York University has received the Operations and Capital Audit that was undertaken by the auditor general of Ontario (AGO). The report was released as part of the AGO’s annual report to the Ontario Legislature and follows recent audits of other Ontario universities.

The University appreciates the work of the Office of the Auditor General and thanks them for their collaborative approach to undertaking this audit. The University agrees with the auditor general’s overall conclusion that York is financially sustainable and we accept the recommendations. 

The University had identified many of the areas highlighted in the report as part of our own planning processes including those related to international students and capital investments. We will use the recommendations in the report to further strengthen the robust plans already underway. 

Over the last six years, the University has been delivering on the vision and priorities set out in the University Academic Plan guided by a strategic framework that aligns the external context with our Integrated Resource Plans to hone a financially sustainable approach supporting the success of our students and driving positive change for the communities we serve. That approach includes plans to grow enrolment; assess program, department and Faculty sustainability; and diversify sources of revenue. The University has a strong debt repayment strategy, has no plans to take on more debt and we have already increased annual contributions to deferred maintenance. 

As we work through the recommendations from the auditor general, we will continue to deliver on our mandate to provide a diverse demographic of students access to a high-quality, research-intensive university committed to enhancing the well-being of the communities that we serve. We will do this while continuing to make sound investments in the long-term sustainability of York University. 

Déclaration de la présidente Lenton en réponse au rapport du vérificateur général de l’Ontario

L’Université York a reçu l’audit des opérations et du capital réalisé par le Bureau du vérificateur général de l’Ontario (VGO). Ce rapport a été publié dans le cadre du rapport annuel du VGO à l’Assemblée législative de l’Ontario et fait suite à des vérifications récentes d’autres universités de l’Ontario. 

L’Université est reconnaissante du travail du Bureau du vérificateur général et le remercie pour l’approche collaborative adoptée dans le cadre de cet audit. Nous sommes d’accord avec la conclusion générale du vérificateur général selon laquelle York est financièrement viable et acceptons les recommandations. 

L’Université avait recensé plusieurs domaines mis en évidence dans le rapport dans le cadre de ses propres processus de planification, notamment ceux liés aux étudiants internationaux et aux investissements en capital. Nous utiliserons les recommandations du rapport pour renforcer les plans rigoureux déjà en cours. 

Au cours des six dernières années, York a concrétisé la vision et les priorités définies dans le Plan académique de l’Université en se basant sur un cadre stratégique qui aligne le contexte externe sur nos plans de ressources intégrés afin de parfaire une approche financièrement durable appuyant la réussite de nos étudiants et suscitant des changements positifs pour les communautés que nous servons.   Cette approche comprend des plans visant à augmenter le nombre d’inscriptions, à évaluer la viabilité des programmes, des départements et des facultés, et à diversifier les sources de revenus. L’Université dispose d’une solide stratégie de remboursement de la dette, n’a pas l’intention de s’endetter davantage et a déjà augmenté ses contributions annuelles à la maintenance différée. 

Tout en travaillant sur les recommandations du vérificateur général, nous continuerons à remplir notre mandat, qui est d’offrir à une population étudiante diversifiée l’accès à une université de haute qualité, à forte intensité de recherche, qui s’engage à améliorer le bien-être des communautés qu’elle sert, tout en continuant à investir de façon judicieuse dans la viabilité à long terme de l’Université York. 

York University climbs in QS Sustainability Rankings

Aerial view of York Keele campus summer

York University continues to strengthen its momentum as a global leader in sustainability, climbing more than 100 spots in the latest QS Sustainability Rankings – which evaluate the social, environmental and governance impact of global institutions – to rank 118th out of over 1,400 universities.

In addition to its momentum in the overall rankings, York also achieved strong global placement in several significant categories, including ranking 14th in equality and 100th in governance.

“These rankings reflect York University’s steadfast commitment to creating a world that is equitable, just and sustainable,” says York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “The climate crisis is the most urgent priority we face on the planet, and failure to take action will have severe environmental, social and economic repercussions for us all. As a modern and progressive international university, York plays an important role in promoting the cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration needed to respond to global challenges through our purposeful research and teaching, our university-wide call to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and through the bold initiatives we are taking to reduce emissions on our campuses.”

York’s placement in the QS Sustainability Rankings builds on the institution’s strong showings in other prestigious rankings throughout 2023.

In July, the University strengthened its global position as a leading research-intensive university by climbing more than 100 spots to 353rd in the world in the QS World University Rankings.

In March, the 2023 QS Subject Report Rankings found 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. 

According to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings in June, the University placed among the top 40 institutions advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including ranking 21st in fighting poverty, 25th in reducing inequalities and 12th in building more sustainable cities and communities.   

York University recently committed further to becoming one of the most sustainable institutions in Canada, to develop a strategy with an aim to achieve net-zero emissions on Scope 1 and 2 emissions at York University and to significantly reduce Scope 3 emissions before 2040 – a decade sooner than its previous commitment. 

“As an internationally recognized leader in sustainability, York University has a responsibility to act on global challenges facing humanity, including ecological degradation, climate change and growing socio-economic inequality. The bold actions we are taking on our campuses, and in our local and global communities, will build on the strong foundation we have created and move us closer to our goal of becoming one of the most sustainable institutions in Canada,” Lenton said during a special announcement on Nov. 23.

Guided by a University Academic Plan and Sustainability Policy that seek to inspire and deliver positive change, York’s high-quality academic programming and research continue to position the institution as a leader in sustainability in post-secondary education in Canada and around the world.

How one professor is engaging community to shrink York’s carbon footprint

York Professor Burkard Eberlein, from the Schulich School of Business, set out to reduce the University’s carbon emissions in his 2021-23 Provostial Fellowship.

Burkard Eberlein
Burkard Eberlein

Through the program, Fellows have traditionally engaged the community to take action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Challenge – a key commitment of the University Academic Plan.

Eberlein’s project, “Advancing Carbon Neutrality at York: Reimagining Mobility,” took aim at reducing emissions from commuting and travel to studying, research and carrying out University business activities.

In 2022, Eberlein surveyed York community members about their travel and commuting routines, and this year he released a video highlighting the University’s current carbon footprint with a call to action suggesting how community members can help reduce it.

Here’s a look at the inspiration behind his work.

Q: What was the thinking behind creating this video and what did you hope to achieve?
A: I was looking for engaging and fun ways to communicate my findings to the wider community. I wanted this to be something we could all relate to and that would work as a call to action.

I worked with Alexandre Magnin, a francophone illustrator, who produced this animated video (available in English and French). Alex has a YouTube channel called “Sustainability illustrated” and he does excellent videos on sustainability that I have used before in my teaching. I provided the script and Alex produced this fantastic work to engage the community in thinking about ways they can help York achieve its net zero before 2040 target.

Q: What are some concrete ways community members can make an impact?
A: First thing, just be more mindful of the choices that you make when it comes to commuting and travel. Many of us have habits and routines that we can examine more closely. For example, if you’re driving to campus regularly, are there ways you can set up a car pool with colleagues or classmates? This would be a small but meaningful, positive change.

Bike share station on York University's Keele campus
A bike share station on York University’s Keele Campus.

Below are some concrete steps that people can take, along with advocating to get more community members involved:

  • Taking the bus or the subway can reduce emissions by around six (bus) and 30 (subway) times compared to driving alone. 
  • Walking and biking generate virtually no emissions and York is investing in bike share programs. 
  • Driving an electric car typically generates a third of the emissions compared to fossil fuel vehicles. 
  • When driving a car, the more people in it the more efficient it becomes. 
  • Make your business travel count and consider whether you can deliver a presentation remotely or think about conference travel sustainably. 

Q: What is your biggest takeaway or lesson learned from this project?
A: Change is hard and it requires both passion and perseverance. Begin with small steps and make sure to involve all of your fellow community members and partners. By coming together, we can show what is possible to right the future.

Eberlein is co-chair of the Transportation Working Group that will develop proposals in this area (e.g. York business travel policy), in the context of York’s new sustainability framework. He is also looking forward to sharing his comprehensive slide deck and report on how York can reduce carbon emissions from commuting and business travel when it is officially released.

Learn more about Eberlein’s work as a curricular champion to support the UN SDGs and his work to engage students in reducing York’s carbon footprint. 

Watch the video here:

York U health researcher tackles TB stigma through partnership in India 

Global health


By Corey Allen, senior manager, research communications

As a leading international teaching and research university, a key focus at York is global health research, particularly on pressing issues facing the Global South – developing countries in Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and parts of Asia.  

To conduct this purposeful research abroad, York faculty work with their counterparts in other countries to forge international partnerships, based on an inclusive and decolonizing approach.  

Such work aligns with York’s Global Engagement & Internationalization Strategy, launched earlier this year. The strategy reflects a commitment to Advancing Global Engagement, one of the six priorities for action in the University Academic Plan. 

One country that York has strong engagement with is India, particularly in the field of health-related research. A soon-to-be launched seed fund at York for research internationalization will prioritize many new and existing partners in the country. The University is also a member of the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, a non-profit organization that promotes academic, government and business connections between India and Canada. 

Amrita Daftary
Amrita Daftary

In India and elsewhere, York researchers draw on their expertise in health sciences, health management and health informatics, among other health-related fields, to collaborate on studies about infectious diseases, such as malaria, HIV and tuberculosis (TB), which affects many people living in the Global South. This work explores not only combatting the diseases themselves but also involves researchers working to understand their socio-economic consequences.

One such researcher is Amrita Daftary, an associate professor in the School of Global Health and the School of Health Policy & Management.   

“Global health research requires trust and good will built upon long-standing relations, which York has allowed me to sustain,” she says. “My colleagues and I have many points of connection, not transactional in nature nor tied to a single grant. Through these international collaborations, I am grateful my work can have a global impact.”  

Daftary’s research focuses on the social determinants of tuberculosis, primarily in South Africa. But Daftary grew up in India, a country with nearly 25 per cent of the world’s TB burden, where she witnessed first-hand the stigma and isolation faced by people living with TB.  

“Tuberculosis is fully preventable and curable, but it’s rampant in forgotten populations,” says Daftary, who is also the founder of the Social Science & Health Innovation for Tuberculosis Centre, a virtual network of scholars who work to address the global TB epidemic. “Bringing attention to this neglected illness has always been a focus of my work, which is why my research partnerships in India are incredibly meaningful to me.”  

Daftary has lived outside of India for more than two decades, but over the past several years, she has travelled to her home country to work in partnership with the Foundation of Medical Research (FMR), a national research organization affiliated with Mumbai University.  

It is here where Daftary has been involved with several TB studies run by FMR, acting as an adviser on qualitative research methods and providing her expertise as a social scientist to improve clinical care for TB.  

In one study, Daftary conducted a knowledge-building workshop with former patients, or TB survivors, to better understand decision-making when confronted with symptoms related to TB, such as coughing up blood, fever and weight loss, among others. The workshop helped highlight patient priorities in the clinical treatment of TB.  

Using insights from the workshop discussion, Daftary co-authored an article alongside other experts, including FMR’s current director Nerges Mistry, and TB survivors themselves. Published in the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, “Person-centred care in TB” advocates for a more holistic and human approach in health-care systems.

Amrita Daftary and Nerges Mistry in India
Amrita Daftary (third from left) and Nerges Mistry (fourth from left) in India.

Daftary’s work in India also considers structural barriers, like gender inequality, that can impact how women with TB access health care and encounter various forms of stigma. She’s done some of this work by supervising Tahiya Mahbub, a postdoctoral Fellow at York, who was based in Mumbai.  

With approval from FMR’s ethics committee, and collaborations with the Médecins sans Frontières’ Mumbai chapter, Daftary and Mahbub used photovoice – a unique research method that involves study participants photographing themselves and their experiences – to explore how women with drug-resistant TB dealt with stigma, and how photovoice helped mitigate it. 

The findings, detailed in “‘One by One, TB Took Everything Away From Me’: A Photovoice Exploration of Stigma in Women with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Mumbai,” shed light on their painful lived experiences encountering stigma, ranging from a loss of self, status and mobility to abuse and distress, and feelings of shame and hopelessness. More positively, the method was found to be useful in building a collective resiliency among the study participants.   

The study helped inform patient counselling sessions and identified the participants’ needs for their families to be included in counselling, as well as a desire for improved communications skills among nurses and doctors who monitored them long term.   

“Patients can often feel like they are robots or told they can’t leave their house or go near anyone,” says Daftary. “There’s a real demoralizing approach to care. We need to listen to people who’ve lived through it to tell us how we can do better.”  

Daftary last visited India in late 2022 for her work. She hopes to continue her ongoing collaborations with FMR and others in India as new opportunities emerge, having now established such strong relationships in the country. She’s particularly interested in pursuing student and faculty exchanges in the future.  

“My work with FMR and my collaborators in India is beyond any one project,” she says. “I hope that we can continue to collaborate on our shared goals to address TB, to engage with communities affected by the disease, and to strengthen knowledge exchange and quality research together.”  

The Foundation for Media Research’s connections to York also include their work on a research project funded by AI4PEP, a York program that supports various health-care projects in 16 countries in the Global South. Led by Jude Kong, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Science, FMR’s project is called “Wastewater-based Surveillance for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) for Early Warning and Engendering Stakeholder Response Through Artificial Intelligence.” One of FMR’s trustees, Nadir Godrej, also serves as a member on York’s India Advisory Council. For more information on this project, visit yorku.ca/science/2023/09/12/york-u-program-helps-fund-16-global-south-health-care-hubs-to-combat-infectious-diseases. 

University administration provides union groups with financial update

Arial view of Kaneff

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

In 2018, President Rhonda Lenton led the first comprehensive series of community-wide budget consultations at York University. This now annual process is an opportunity for valuable community input into the development of each year’s subsequent budget.

Community consultations for the 2024-25 budget year are set to begin next month and will present important updates about how York will continue to advance the priorities in the University Academic Plan while also managing current financial challenges. Importantly, the community budget consultation process allows the senior administration to hear new ideas and thoughtful input from community members, from many perspectives.

While York faces significant short-term budget headwinds, the University has also agreed to explore wage reopener negotiations with unions representing bargaining units with whom a “wage opener” letter of agreement (LOA) was negotiated in the most recent round of collective bargaining, irrespective of whether the LOAs have expired or are not yet engaged.  

The wage reopener negotiations are a result of Bill 124 that limited compensation increases in the broader public sector to one per cent during a three-year moderation period following its introduction in 2019. The bill was struck down by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in November 2022 and is currently being appealed by the government.

On Monday, Oct. 23, the University administration met with representatives of seven unions at York University. The purpose of the meeting was for the University to provide a detailed financial overview given that in each of the LOAs the respective union and the University agreed that any wage reopener would give regard to the financial position of the University. The University was represented by Lisa Philipps, provost and vice-president academic, and Carol McAulay, vice-president finance and administration.

This meeting was an important first step in negotiations between the University and its union partners regarding wage reopeners covering the Bill 124 “moderation period.” A copy of the presentation can be found here.

As a backdrop to the Oct. 23 meeting, many institutions in the post-secondary sector, including York, are facing tremendous economic pressures. During the two years of the pandemic, York’s budget performance was strong despite the intake of domestic and international students being below target. These two strong financial years allowed the University to strengthen the reserves that are used for improving infrastructure, pedagogical innovation, deferred maintenance and implementing strategic plans. In 2022-23, York experienced a more serious shortfall in enrolment due to the flow through of low intakes in 2020 and 2021, drops in retention of students and course load, and the third year of international student intakes falling short of the targets underpinning our budgets.

In addition to enrolment challenges, there are a number of factors increasing pressure on the University’s budget, including lack of any growth in operating grants to address inflation, a cut and subsequent freeze on domestic tuition fees leading to the lowest per capita funding per student in Canada. Apart from enrolment challenges, the University’s year-over-year costs have been increasing due to growth in faculty and staff as well as incremental wage and benefit costs, and increased spending on scholarships and bursaries.

Overshadowing all of this are the new financial sustainability metrics introduced in late 2022 by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU). York’s performance in 2022-23 was measured against these metrics and while low action is required (see presentation) as a result of that year, there is a significant risk associated with the anticipated budget deficits over the next two years, when the University may miss some of the key threshold targets. The implications of missing the ministry’s targets range from having to provide a report to MCU to having an external advisor appointed.

Given some of the financial pressures the University is currently navigating, there have been three updates shared widely in recent months. The June 2 update was a preliminary overview about the University’s plan to address the budget deficit over a three-year period; following this was the July 7 update that covered the 2023-24 budget as approved by the Board of Governors; and most recently, President Lenton provided a further update at the September Senate meeting.

Over the coming months, York will continue the discussion on the wage reopener with each of its union partners, while working to ensure that the approved budgets for 2023-24 and 2024-25 are met.

L’administration de l’Université fournit une mise à jour financière aux syndicats

En 2018, la présidente Rhonda Lenton a mené une première série complète de consultations budgétaires à l’échelle de la communauté de l’Université York. Ce processus désormais annuel est l’occasion pour la communauté de contribuer à l’élaboration du budget de l’année suivante.

Les consultations communautaires pour l’exercice budgétaire 2024-25 doivent commencer le mois prochain et présenteront des mises à jour importantes sur la façon dont York continuera à faire avancer les priorités du Plan académique de l’Université tout en gérant les défis financiers actuels. Il est important de noter que le processus de consultation budgétaire de la communauté permet à la haute direction d’entendre de nouvelles idées et d’accueillir les contributions réfléchies de la part des membres de la communauté, sous de nombreux angles.

Alors que York est confrontée à d’importantes difficultés budgétaires à court terme, l’Université a également accepté d’envisager de rouvrir les négociations salariales avec les syndicats avec lesquels une lettre d’accord (LOA) de reconsidération des clauses salariales (en anglais) a été signée lors du dernier cycle de négociations collectives, indépendamment du fait que les LOA aient expiré ou ne soient pas encore engagées. 

Les négociations sur la reconsidération des clauses salariales sont le résultat du projet de loi 124 qui a limité les augmentations de rémunération dans le secteur public à 1 % au cours d’une période de modération de trois ans après son introduction en 2019. Le projet de loi a été annulé par la Cour supérieure de justice de l’Ontario en novembre 2022 et fait l’objet d’un appel de la part du gouvernement.

Le lundi 23 octobre 2023, l’Administration de l’Université a rencontré les représentants de sept syndicats de York. L’objectif de la réunion était que l’Université fournisse un aperçu financier détaillé, étant donné que le syndicat respectif et l’Université ont convenu dans chaque LOA que toute reconsidération salariale tiendrait compte de la situation financière de l’Université. L’Université était représentée par Lisa Philipps, rectrice et vice-présidente aux affaires académiques et Carol McAulay, vice-présidente des finances et de l’administration.

Cette réunion a constitué une première étape importante dans les négociations entre l’Université et ses partenaires syndicaux concernant les reconsidérations salariales couvrant la « période de modération » du projet de loi 124. La présentation peut être consultée ici (en anglais).

En toile de fond de la réunion du 23 octobre, de nombreux établissements du secteur postsecondaire, dont York, sont confrontés à d’énormes pressions économiques. Pendant les deux années de la pandémie, le budget de York a été solide malgré le fait que le nombre d’étudiantes et étudiants nationaux et internationaux n’ait pas atteint les objectifs fixés. Ces deux solides exercices financiers ont permis à l’Université de renforcer les réserves utilisées pour améliorer les infrastructures, l’innovation pédagogique, la maintenance différée et la mise en œuvre des plans stratégiques. En 2022-23, York a connu un déficit d’inscription plus important en raison de la répercussion des faibles arrivées de 2020 et 2021, de la baisse de la rétention étudiante et de la charge de cours, et d’une troisième année où les arrivées d’étudiants internationaux n’ont pas atteint les objectifs sur lesquels reposent nos budgets.

Outre les difficultés liées aux inscriptions, un certain nombre de facteurs augmentent la pression sur le budget de l’Université, notamment l’absence d’augmentation des subventions gouvernementales de fonctionnement pour faire face à l’inflation, et la réduction puis le gel des droits de scolarité sur le plan national, ce qui fait que le financement par étudiant est le plus faible au Canada. Outre les problèmes d’inscription, les coûts annuels de l’Université ont augmenté en raison de la croissance du corps professoral et du personnel, de l’augmentation des coûts salariaux et des avantages sociaux, et de l’augmentation des dépenses liées aux bourses d’études.

Les nouveaux paramètres de viabilité financière introduits fin 2022 par le ministère des Collèges et Universités (MCU) viennent supplanter ces facteurs. La performance de York en 2022-23 a été mesurée par rapport à ces paramètres et bien qu’une faible action soit nécessaire à la suite de cette année, il existe un risque important associé aux déficits budgétaires prévus au cours des deux prochaines années, qui feraient en sorte que l’Université ne rencontre pas certains des objectifs clés. Les conséquences du non-respect des objectifs du ministère vont de l’obligation de lui fournir un rapport à la nomination d’un conseiller externe.

Compte tenu des pressions financières que subit actuellement l’Université, trois mises à jour ont été diffusées au cours des derniers mois. La mise à jour du 2 juin était un aperçu préliminaire du plan de l’Université visant à combler le déficit budgétaire sur une période de trois ans; elle a été suivie par la mise à jour du 7 juillet, qui couvrait le budget 2023-24 tel qu’approuvé par le Conseil d’administration; et plus récemment, la présidente Lenton a fourni une nouvelle mise à jour lors de la réunion du Sénat de septembre.

Au cours des prochains mois, York poursuivra les discussions sur la reconsidération des clauses salariales avec chacun de ses partenaires syndicaux, tout en veillant à ce que les budgets approuvés pour 2023-24 et 2024-25 soient respectés.

President’s 2023 Annual Report reinforces York’s commitment to driving positive change for a better future

2023 President's Annual Report

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

Dear York community,

York University has always been an innovator bringing together our commitment to access, meaningful connection, excellence and driving positive change. This past year has been no exception. Despite the challenges facing the higher education sector and a rapidly changing global environment, our community has continued to work collaboratively to magnify our positive impact through bold programs, research, and creative activities and strategic initiatives dedicated to sustainability, equity and global engagement.

Recognized by Times Higher Education as one of the top 40 universities in the world for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we continue to amplify our impact on the goals at the heart of our University Academic Plan 2020-2025: Building a Better Future. Some of the many achievements we have made in these areas are captured in the 2023 President’s Annual Report, from pedagogical innovation and expanded program offerings, including experiential education, micro-credentials and globally networked learning; groundbreaking interdisciplinary research projects across diverse fields, including a first-of-its-kind $318-million initiative about socially responsible technologies; and new initiatives that break down barriers to academic and professional success; to transformative collaborations with partners that span the York Region to Guyana and the Philippines, and involve international organizations such as UNITAR.

Beyond celebrating the collective spirit and drive for excellence that defines our university, this report is a reminder that together, we have the power to right the future. As we look ahead, there is much to be excited about, including the official opening of the Markham Campus in Spring 2024, a transformative revisioning initiative for our Glendon Campus, progress on our School of Medicine proposal, the ongoing development of our Keele Campus and so much more.

Thank you for your continued dedication to York University and to our shared vision. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that this decade has thus far been rife in crises, from global conflict to systemic inequality, racism and discrimination, health pandemics and climate change. Universities have never been more important for producing the leadership, the research and the globally connected partnerships needed for a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow.

Read the President’s Annual Report.

Kind regards,

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor

Le Rapport annuel 2023 de la présidente renforce la détermination de York à susciter des changements positifs pour un avenir meilleur

Chers membres de la communauté de York,

L’Université York a toujours fait preuve d’innovation en associant sa volonté de favoriser l’accès, des liens précieux, l’excellence et de susciter des changements positifs. L’année qui vient de s’écouler ne fait pas exception à la règle. Malgré les défis auxquels le secteur de l’enseignement supérieur est confronté et l’évolution rapide de l’environnement mondial, notre communauté a continué à collaborer pour amplifier son incidence positive grâce à des initiatives et des programmes audacieux, des activités de recherche et de création et des initiatives stratégiques consacrées au développement durable, à l’équité et à l’engagement planétaire.

Reconnue par Times Higher Education comme étant l’une des 40 meilleures universités au monde pour la promotion des objectifs de développement durable (ODD) des Nations Unies, York ne cesse d’amplifier sa contribution aux objectifs sur lesquels son Plan académique universitaire 2020-2025 (PAU) : Bâtir un avenir meilleur est axé. Le Rapport annuel 2023 de la présidente met en vedette quelques-unes des réalisations accomplies dans ces domaines : innovations pédagogiques et offres de programmes élargies comprenant l’éducation expérientielle, des microcrédits et l’apprentissage en réseau international; projets de recherche interdisciplinaire révolutionnaires, dont une initiative sans précédent de 318 M$ dans le domaine des technologies socialement responsables; nouvelles initiatives éliminant les obstacles à la réussite académique et professionnelle; et enfin, collaborations transformatrices avec des partenaires allant de la région de York au Guyana et aux Philippines, qui impliquent des organisations internationales comme l’UNITAR.

Au-delà de la célébration de l’esprit collectif et de la volonté d’excellence qui caractérisent notre université, ce rapport rappelle que nous avons tous et toutes le pouvoir d’être présents pour l’avenir. Cet avenir s’annonce prometteur avec l’ouverture officielle du campus Markham au printemps 2024, un repositionnement transformateur du campus Glendon, la progression de notre proposition d’école de médecine, la mise en valeur continue du campus Keele, et bien plus encore.

Je vous remercie pour votre dévouement constant envers l’Université York et notre vision commune. Je m’en voudrais de ne pas reconnaître que cette décennie a été marquée jusqu’à présent par des crises allant des conflits mondiaux à des inégalités systémiques, sans oublier le racisme et la discrimination, les pandémies sanitaires et les changements climatiques. Les universités sont plus importantes que jamais pour former les leaders, les chercheurs et chercheuses et les partenaires internationaux qui sont indispensables à des lendemains meilleurs, plus inclusifs et durables.

Lisez le Rapport annuel de la présidente.

Cordialement,

Rhonda Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière