Tag: VP Finance and Administration

Internal YFile sub-tag

York releases final security services review report 

People walk through Vari Hall, which is located on York U's Keele campus

Following a one-year review period, the internal expert panel tasked with reviewing York University’s security services and identifying opportunities to improve equity, diversity and inclusion within the University’s security model has released its final report.  

A summary and the full report, along with a statement of receipt from co-sponsors Vice-President Finance and Administration Carol McAulay and Interim Vice-President Equity, People and Culture Alice Pitt is available on the security services review website. 

The security services review emerged in response to a long history of concerns from equity-deserving groups about security activity at the University, including feelings of racial discrimination and harassment, shared experiences of racial profiling and surveillance on campus and general lack of support. In response, the University released its Action Plan on Black inclusion: A Living Document for Action in December 2021 and identified a thorough review of York’s security services as a commitment and action. 

The final report contains several recommendations informed by comprehensive research, written submissions from the University community and a variety of education sessions, town halls, meetings and focus groups with equity-deserving groups and the broader community. The overarching recommendation from the panel is for the University to transition away from the current law enforcement model that guides its security activities and implement a community-centric model. The panel identifies seven core elements of a community centric approach to safety – it is bias-free, transparent and accountable, diverse and specialized, community-focused and collaborative, representative, provides equity training and is organizationally aligned.  

“The research and consultation conducted for this review leads to an undeniable conclusion,” said Carl James, a professor in the Faculty of Education, senior advisor on equity and representation to the University in the Division of Equity, People and Culture and member of the security services review expert panel. “To serve the University’s highly diverse community, York must ensure its commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization is embedded within its security model. This includes initial transition work and continuous reinforcement to ensure daily security activities are aligned with the principles of a community-centric approach to safety.” 

The review of York’s security services aims to build on the University’s commitment to strengthen decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion (DEDI) efforts on campus and take action in response to community consultations. This includes recommendations related to community safety operating procedures from Justice Thomas A. Cromwell’s Independent External Review and the President’s Initiative on Open & Respectful Dialogue. As part of this initiative, the Community Safety Department engaged in a full review of its operating procedures, revised them to strengthen safety and event risk responsibility and implemented training for all staff. Many recommendations in the security services review call for further review of operating procedures and policies with the lens of decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion.  

Over the next several weeks, the University will form a security services review (SSR) task force to review the recommendations and determine the path toward implementation. The task force will be co-chaired by McAulay and Pitt and supported by the executive director of community safety and an advisory committee comprised of the current SSR review team and internal expert panel. Over the spring and summer, the committee will hold several consultation sessions with individuals, groups and the broader community to gather feedback and inform implementation. Throughout the process, the review’s co-sponsors will keep the community apprised of progress and key milestones, including the composition of the working group and upcoming engagement opportunities.  

“The release of the final report is an important milestone, but it is not the end of the journey,” said McAulay. “We are grateful to the many individuals who volunteered their time to share stories, opinions, suggestions and recommendations based on their lived experience and knowledge. Community consultation will remain a cornerstone as we endeavour toward implementation.”

Have your say in York’s 2023-24 budget

Vari hall

La version française suit la version anglaise.

Dear colleagues,

I am pleased to invite you to the 2023-24 York University community budget consultation. Budget consultations have been in practice at York for the last six years as an opportunity to provide the community with an overview of the University’s finances, an update on the current budget and a mechanism to obtain input from the community about priority areas for investment. These consultations have become a cornerstone of the budget development process and enhance York’s ability to invest in strategic priorities to advance our University Academic Plan.

This year, York has held several consultations and obtained input from Faculties, departments/units, employee groups and student groups across our community. On Wednesday, Feb. 15, 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.

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023
3 to 4 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.

By joining and participating in this consultation, you are playing an active role in supporting the UAP priorities that are of greatest significance to our community and helping York achieve its full ambition.

On behalf of the Budgets & Asset Management (BAM) department, we look forward to hosting you for an hour of learning and informative discussion.

Sincerely,

Ran Lewin,
Assistant Vice-President, Budgets and Asset Management

Donnez votre avis sur le budget 2023-2024 de York

Chers collègues, chères collègues,

J’ai le plaisir de vous inviter à la consultation communautaire sur le budget 2023-2024 de l’Université York. Les consultations budgétaires ont lieu à York depuis six ans. Elles donnent à la communauté un aperçu des finances de l’Université et une mise à jour du budget actuel. Elles sont aussi un moyen d’obtenir des commentaires de la communauté sur les domaines prioritaires d’investissement. Ces consultations sont devenues une pierre angulaire du processus d’élaboration du budget et améliorent la capacité de York à investir dans les priorités stratégiques pour faire avancer le Plan académique de l’Université (PAU).

Cette année, York a organisé plusieurs consultations communautaires et a recueilli les commentaires des facultés, des départements/unités, des membres du personnel et des groupes étudiants. Le mercredi 15 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 sur le budget avant d’élaborer les budgets annuels de notre prochain exercice.

Mercredi 15 février 2023
De 15 h à 16 h
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 alors l’occasion d’exprimer votre point de vue sur ce qui est important pour vous et sur la manière dont York devrait envisager d’allouer ses investissements à l’avenir pour faire avancer nos priorités stratégiques collectives.

En rejoignant et en participant à cette consultation, vous jouez un rôle actif pour appuyer les priorités du PAU qui sont les plus importantes pour notre communauté et vous aidez York à réaliser pleinement ses ambitions.

Au nom du Département des budgets et de la gestion des actifs (BAM), nous nous réjouissons de vous accueillir pour une heure d’apprentissage et de discussion instructive. 

Sincères salutations,

Ran Lewin,
Vice-président adjoint des budgets et de la gestion des actifs

Increase in campus safety measures

Vari Hall Winter scene showing the Harry Arthurs Common

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

Dear colleagues,

I am writing to update you on York’s response to several recent incidents of violence on the Keele Campus. By now, most of you will have seen Saturday’s bulletin regarding the events of Friday Jan. 20, when a York student was injured on campus.

My thoughts and the thoughts of the entire York community are with the student as they recover from their injuries. We continue to do everything possible to support them.

I also recognize and understand the significant concerns these incidents have on feelings of safety while studying, learning and working at York. These incidents are unacceptable and York is responding strongly to protect the community. We remain in close contact with Toronto Police Services (TPS) and will continue to support their investigations as needed.

For the immediate future, York is significantly expanding the presence of security personnel, particularly during the evening and night hours. York will:

  1. increase the presence of York Security Services patrols in the evening hours;
  2. temporarily contract third party security services to patrol campus;
  3. temporarily contract TPS paid duty officers to patrol campus;
  4. request Toronto Police neighbourhood officer(s) patrol campus during the night hours;
  5. redeploy Security Watch personnel to prioritize evening hour patrols; and
  6. expand active real-time monitoring of CCTV cameras and increase scrutiny of potential risk areas.

I urge our community to continue to take precautions, especially in the evening hours. I encourage you to take full advantage of the support services and resources offered by the University:

  • The goSAFE service escorts York community members to and from any location on-campus in evenings and at night.
  • Emergency Blue Lights and Safety Phones are located throughout York’s campuses, and provide a direct line to Security Services and goSAFE.
  • The Why Work Alone program operated by Security Services, provides check-ins with community members who are working alone on campus on evenings, weekends or holidays.
  • For faculty and staff in need of support, please get in touch with the Employee and Family Assistance Program toll-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week for immediate, confidential help at 1-800-268-5211; TTY service is available at 1-800-363-6270.
  • Student Counselling, Health & Well-being offers personal counseling services to all York students. They can be reached by calling 416-736-5297, or at their website. Students also have access to 24/7 support through keep.meSAFE.
  • Services are also available through the Office of Student Community Relations (OSCR). Visit their website, or call 416-736-5231 or visit W128 Bennett Centre for Student Services.

Security Services will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. If you have any information, please contact police at 416-808-3100.

I want to thank York Security Services for their ongoing efforts and encourage all of us to work together and take the necessary precautions to keep one another safe.

Sincerely,

Carol McAulay
Vice President, Finance and Administration

Augmentation des mesures de sécurité

Chers collègues, chères collègues,

Je vous écris pour vous informer des mesures prises par York à la suite de plusieurs incidents violents survenus récemment sur le campus Keele. Beaucoup d’entre vous ont déjà dû voir le Bulletin de samedi concernant les événements du vendredi 20 janvier, lorsqu’un membre de la communauté étudiante de York a été blessé sur le campus.

Mes pensées et celles de la communauté de York toute entière vont à la personne qui se remet de ses blessures. Nous continuons à faire notre possible pour l’appuyer.

Je suis consciente des préoccupations importantes que ces incidents ont sur le sentiment de sécurité pendant les études, l’apprentissage et le travail à York. Ces incidents sont inacceptables, et la réponse de York est très ferme afin de protéger la communauté. Nous restons en contact étroit avec les Services de police de Toronto (TPS) et nous continuerons à les appuyer dans leurs enquêtes au besoin.

Dans l’immédiat, York renforce considérablement la présence du personnel de sécurité, tout particulièrement en soirée et durant la nuit. L’Université York va :

  1. augmenter la présence des patrouilles des Services de sécurité de York en soirée;
  2. engager temporairement des services de sécurité tiers pour patrouiller sur le campus;
  3. engager temporairement des agents de permanence payés par le TPS pour patrouiller sur le campus;
  4. demander aux agents de la police de voisinage de Toronto de patrouiller sur le campus pendant la nuit;
  5. redéployer le personnel du service de surveillance de la sécurité afin de donner la priorité aux patrouilles en soirée; et
  6. étendre la surveillance active en temps réel des caméras de vidéosurveillance et renforcer la surveillance des zones à risque potentiel.

J’exhorte tous les membres de notre communauté de continuer à prendre des précautions, surtout en soirée. Par ailleurs, je vous encourage à profiter pleinement des ressources et des services de soutien offerts par l’Université :

  • Le service goSAFE escorte les membres de la communauté de York à destination et en provenance de n’importe quel endroit du campus le soir et la nuit.
  • Des lumières bleues d’urgence et des téléphones de sécurité sont placés sur tous les campus de York et fournissent une ligne directe aux services de sécurité et à goSAFE.
  • Le programme Pourquoi travailler en solo, géré par les Services de sécurité, offre des prises de contact régulières aux membres de la communauté qui travaillent seuls sur le campus le soir, les fins de semaine ou les jours fériés.
  • Les membres du corps professoral et du personnel qui ont besoin de soutien peuvent accéder au Programme d’aide aux employés et à la famille en composant le 1-800-268-5211, 7 jours sur 7 et 24 heures sur 24 pour obtenir immédiatement une assistance confidentielle. Service ATS : 1-800-363-6270.
  • Le Service de counseling, santé et bien-être étudiant offre des services de counseling à toute la population étudiante de York. Vous pouvez le joindre en appelant le 416-736-5297, ou en consultant son site Web. La communauté étudiante a accès à une assistance en tout temps avec keep.meSAFE.
  • Des services sont également offerts par le Bureau des relations avec la communauté étudiante (OSCR). Visitez son site Web, composez le 416-736-523, ou rendez-vous au bureau W128 du Bennett Centre for Student Services.

Les Services de sécurité continueront à fournir des mises à jour au fur et à mesure que des informations seront disponibles. Si vous avez des informations, veuillez contacter la police au 416-808-3100.

Je tiens à remercier les Services de sécurité de York pour leurs efforts constants et je vous encourage à collaborer et à prendre les précautions nécessaires pour assurer la sécurité de tout le monde.

Sincères salutations,

Carol McAulay
Vice-présidente des finances et de l’administration

Holiday closure information for the community

York University in the Winter. Keele campus scene shows a building and pine boughs.

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

Dear York community,

As the holiday season approaches, I want to remind you of the extended University holiday closure period. York’s campuses will be closed as of Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, through to Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, and will re-open on Wednesday Jan. 4, 2023.  Please note that there are a few exceptions to the re-opening date for some Faculties and units, which can be found here.

We would also like to take this opportunity to extend our sincerest gratitude to all of our colleagues who are required to work or provide instruction over the holiday period.

Staff who require building access during the closure period should notify their respective managers, deans, ADRs, AVPs, SEOs, EOs or designates. For those who require holiday access and who currently do not have electronic or key access to their building please make individual building access arrangements through your managers, deans, ADRs, AVPs, SEOs, EOs or designates.

How to obtain keys and access cards

  • As most of the buildings at the University have been converted to YU card access, please make every effort to obtain a current YU card prior to the holidays. Please provide the information on the YU card (name, York ID # and card number) to your managers, deans, ADRs, AVPs, SEOs, EOs or designates.
  • Keys or access cards can be signed out through the Security Control Centre located at the northeast corner of the William Small Building on Keele Campus or from the Security Office located in the Greenhouse Building on Glendon Campus.
  • It is important to note that key or access cards provided by the Security Control Centre during this time are used for building access only; you must also have your office key or office access card with you to gain full access to your area.
  • All persons signing out keys or access cards will be required to submit an access request by Friday, Dec. 16, to your deans, ADRs, AVPs, SEOs, EOs or designates, who will then send requests to doorcard@yorku.ca.
  • You must show photo identification when collecting keys or access cards.

If you are coming on campus over the holiday closure period, please adhere to all current health and safety protocols that can be found at Better Together (yorku.ca). These measures are important to our ongoing commitment to the heath and safety of our community.

If you are working alone during the holiday closure, please be aware of the Why Work Alone Program provided by the Community Safety Department. You can request that Security Services check in on you periodically while you are on campus.

Thank you for your continued support and we wish you all a safe and happy holiday.

Sincerely,

Carol McAulay
Vice-President, Finance and Administration

Information au sujet de la fermeture pour les fêtes

Chers membres de la communauté de York,

À l’approche de la saison des fêtes, je tiens à vous rappeler la fermeture prolongée de l’Université. Les campus de York seront fermés du vendredi 23 décembre 2022 au mardi 3 janvier 2023 inclus; ils rouvriront le mercredi 4 janvier 2023.  Veuillez noter qu’il y a quelques exceptions à la date de réouverture de certaines facultés et unités, que vous pouvez consulter ici.

Nous profitons également de cette occasion pour exprimer notre plus sincère gratitude à tous nos collègues qui doivent travailler ou donner des cours pendant la période des fêtes.

Les membres du personnel qui ont besoin d’accéder aux bâtiments pendant la période de fermeture doivent en informer leurs gestionnaires, doyens/doyennes, doyens associés/doyennes associées de la recherche (ADR), VPA, agents/agentes de la haute direction (SEO), directrices générales/directeurs généraux (EO) ou personnes désignées. Les personnes qui ont besoin d’un accès pendant les vacances et qui ne disposent pas actuellement d’un accès électronique ou d’un accès par clé à leur bâtiment doivent prendre des dispositions pour un accès individuel au bâtiment par l’intermédiaire de leurs gestionnaires, doyens/doyennes, ADR, VPA, SEO, EO ou personnes désignées.

Comment obtenir les clés et les cartes d’accès

  • Comme la plupart des bâtiments de l’Université ont été convertis à l’accès par carte YU, veuillez faire tout votre possible pour obtenir une carte YU valide avant les fêtes. Veuillez fournir les informations figurant sur la carte YU (nom, numéro d’identification York et numéro de carte) à vos gestionnaires, doyens et doyennes, ADR, AVP, SEO, EO ou personnes désignées.
  • Vous pouvez récupérer les clés ou les cartes d’accès au Centre de contrôle de la sécurité situé à l’angle nord-est du bâtiment William Small sur le campus Keele ou au Bureau des Services de sécurité situé dans la Serre sur le campus Glendon.
  • Il est important de noter que les clés ou les cartes d’accès fournies par le Centre de contrôle de la sécurité pendant cette période doivent être utilisées pour l’accès au bâtiment uniquement; vous devez aussi avoir la clé ou la carte d’accès de votre bureau pour accéder à votre zone.
  • Toutes les personnes récupérant des clés ou des cartes d’accès devront soumettre une demande d’accès d’ici le vendredi 16 décembre à leurs gestionnaires, doyens/doyennes, ADR, AVP, SEO, EO ou personnes désignées qui enverront ensuite les demandes à doorcard@yorku.ca.
  • Vous devrez présenter une pièce d’identité avec photo lorsque vous prendrez possession des clés ou des cartes d’accès.

Si vous venez sur le campus pendant la période de fermeture des fêtes, veuillez respecter tous les protocoles de santé et de sécurité en vigueur affichés sur le site Mieux ensemble (yorku.ca). Ces mesures font partie intégrante de notre engagement envers la santé et la sécurité des membres de notre communauté.

Si vous travaillez solo pendant la fermeture des fêtes, veuillez prendre connaissance du programme Pourquoi travailler seul? offert par le Département de la sécurité communautaire. Vous pouvez demander aux Services de sécurité de prendre périodiquement de vos nouvelles pendant que vous êtes sur les campus.

Je vous remercie pour votre soutien continu et je vous souhaite de bonnes fêtes en toute sécurité.

Sincères salutations,

Carol McAulay
Vice-présidente des finances et de l’administration

York University hosting two community safety days, Oct. 18 and 20

Students stand outside of Vari Hall on York's Keele Campus

York University will be hosting Community Safety Days on Oct. 18 and 20. The events are an important part of the University’s ongoing safety awareness programming.

Community Safety Days highlight all the resources and groups that contribute to building a safer community at York University, which has a wide array of safety-related services.

To learn more about safety and the many resources available at York University, community members are invited to drop by Vari Hall at the Keele Campus between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 18, or the Centre for Excellence at the Glendon Campus between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 20.

Presented by the Community Safety Department, these events are part of the department’s mission is to ensure that York University continues to be a safe and welcoming place to study, work and live. The Community Safety Department approaches campus safety through a community-centric, holistic and intersectional lens, where everyone plays a role in safety and where individual contributions and initiatives play a vital role in promoting safety. Community engagement is a cornerstone of safety.

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to download the York Safety App, which offers immediate access to all the University’s safety resources.

Student Systems Renewal Program to engage York community through new website, blog

Students involved in group work

York University’s Student Systems Renewal Program (SSRP) has launched an updated website and a new blog.

The bilingual website will be a hub for students, faculty and staff to learn more about SSRP projects and timelines. The site includes resources including an FAQ section and a glossary to help the York community better understand the impacts of this transformative program.

The SSRP blog offers the latest information on the program and its progress. The goal is to ensure technological information is presented in a way that is meaningful and clear. This fall, the blog will offer a short series on the systems launching in 2023 that highlights how these new systems and processes create positive change across York.

The SSRP is a multi-year program to transform technology and its related processes so students, faculty and staff can efficiently complete their administrative and academic work.

“Specialized business and technology platforms have inspired innovative potential in the world of higher education,” says Carol McAulay, SSRP executive sponsor and vice-president of finance and administration. “At York, we are using advanced cloud-based platforms and leading-edge processes to facilitate transformational change through the SSRP and blazing a trail in the Canadian higher education sector.

“We are engaging and working closely with our community members to enable this systems renaissance, and we will continue to communicate with our community to ensure sustained awareness of the program’s progress. We encourage community members to share feedback at any time.”

The SSRP is made up of seven projects, each offering comprehensive solutions that position York positively for the future:

  • Constituent Relationship Management: an engagement tool that will manage the recruitment, application and admission of future students and connect current students to advising supports. The recruitment and application aspects of the solution are targeted to launch in summer 2023.
  • Next Generation Student Information System: an integrated solution that will transform the student and staff experience by providing an easy way to manage everything required from enrollment through to graduation and continuous learning. The project will launch in phases, starting with Financial Aid, Awards and Scholarships in summer 2023.
  • Data Management & Analytics: this project will set a data governance framework, enabling data to be configured and migrated to new platforms.
  • Enterprise Integration Platform: this project isa cloud-based platform that will streamline integrated access to key systems.
  • Government Reporting: a project on investments in York’s data management and analytics capabilities that will enable existing government and institutional reporting as well as elevate York University’s ability to leverage key information to make informed decisions.
  • Identity & Access Management: high security solutions that will give users appropriate access to the information they need and enhance York’s overall security.
  • Mobile & Portal: a single starting point for students to interact with York systems on their mobile devices.

New processes and systems will contribute to many of the priorities set out in York’s University Academic Plan, which include providing global learning and research opportunities for students, supporting innovative curriculum delivery and developing connections to experiential learning opportunities.

Explore the SSRP website for more detailed information on its project suite and the intended benefits, and reach out to the team with any questions at ssrp@yorku.ca.

A leader in sustainability: York celebrates 10 years as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers

Bike share station on York University's Keele campus

From managing a unique Eco-Campus in Costa Rica to adopting a ZeroWaste program to divert 70 per cent of waste from the landfill, York University is creating positive, healthy change rooted in sustainability on its campuses and beyond.

Canada's Greenest Employers 2022 logo

Recognized as a leader in developing and fostering environmental practices in its teaching, research and community partnerships, York University has been selected for the 10th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers.

This year’s list of organizations published as Canada’s Greenest Employers for 2022 was announced on April 20 by Mediacorp Canada Inc., the organizers of the annual Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. The editorial competition, now in its 15th year, is designed to highlight employers in Canada that are leaders in creating a “culture of environmental awareness” through “exceptional sustainability initiatives.”

“York continues to be a leader in sustainability and being recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the 10th consecutive year speaks to the University’s commitment to address and take action on the environmental crisis facing us, both locally and globally,” said Carol McAulay, vice-president finance and administration. “Through York’s innovative approaches to address the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in its teaching, research and institutional goals, I am confident the University will continue to make transformative and positive change in sustainability efforts.”

UAP Graphic
The University Academic Plan 2020-2025 identifies six academic priorities

York University’s commitment to deepen its collective contributions to the 17 UN SDGs in everything it does – from research to civic action, from education to innovation – is outlined as a priority in the University Academic Plan 2020–2025: Building a Better Future. It is an example of how the University upholds sustainability, both environmental and societal, as a compass for its decisions.

For three consecutive years, York University has placed in the top six per cent in the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Impact Ranking, which classifies universities on their work towards the SDGs.

York has also made a commitment to social and environmental responsibility through the Living Well Together: Keele Campus Vision and Strategy, which emphasizes projects that help the University achieve the goals set out in the academic plan, work toward its commitment to be carbon neutral by or before 2049 and continue to create a community-centre campus.

“York’s longstanding commitment to social justice contributes to making the University a leader in sustainability and upholds our commitment to foster a sense of belonging that is strengthened through diversity and inclusivity,” says Sheila Cote-Meek, vice-president, equity, people & culture. “I am proud that our work to build a stronger, more equitable and healthier workplace at York has been recognized as we continue to provide accessible and inviting spaces on our campuses that are ecologically healthy and promote the well-being of all members of our community.”

Some of the notable initiatives York University was recognized for in its designation as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 2022 include:

  • As a leader in sustainability, York is committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 and to becoming carbon neutral on or before 2049. This University-wide challenge will create positive change, locally and globally, for our students, the communities we serve, and the world around us.
  • York University manages a formal “ZeroWaste” program that captures household recyclables, batteries, e-waste, appliances, ink cartridges and more, diverting 70 per cent of waste from the landfill – through this program, the University introduced a formal Green Cleaning program back in 2009 that has become a recognized benchmark for institutional cleaning.
  • York University manages a unique Eco-Campus in Costa Rica (established in 2016) that operates as a local, national and international school dedicated to education and research on neotropical conservation, eco-health, community well-being and sustainable livelihoods for neighbouring communities – the campus is located next to the 400-acre Las Nubes Forest Reserve that is part of one of the largest rainforest ecosystems in Central America.
  • York University has adopted a range of environmental principles that encourage design efficiency, broader use of daylighting, water efficiency, energy conservation and performance, reduction in emissions, materials and resources, green construction practices, indoor environmental quality and site re-naturalization.

York University was also commended for its work in: green initiatives, such as the Maloca Community Garden; academic initiatives, with more than 500 courses across its campuses related to sustainability and the environment; building and facility initiatives, including using solar panels, rainwater collection and electric vehicle charging stations on campus; commuter initiatives, such as dedicated parking for carpoolers and its green fleet program; and community partnership initiatives like its innovative Sustainable Office Program that sees sustainability champions working to engage students and employees in sustainability programs.

Learn more about what makes York University one of Canada’s Greenest Employers.

York University launches its Social Procurement Vendor Portal

Vari Hall New Featured image

La version française suit la version anglaise.

Dear colleagues,

I am excited to announce the launch of York University’s Social Procurement Vendor Portal.

York University has prioritized vendor diversity through its Social Procurement Policy and now its Social Procurement Vendor Portal. By actively identifying and contracting with diverse-owned businesses and social enterprises, the University is helping to advance economic growth for diverse-owned businesses and social enterprises by reducing barriers to commerce.

Diverse-owned businesses and social enterprises can choose one of two paths to register on York’s Social Procurement Vendor Portal based on eligibility:

  1. Recognized third-party certified diverse-owned businesses and /or social enterprises are eligible to register. They must include the name of their certification body and the expiry date of their certification on the registration form. Organizations can learn more about third-party certification here.
  2. Non-certified diverse-owned businesses and/or social enterprises can register on the portal by identifying the equity-deserving group under which their organization falls. As part of the assessment process, they must also submit their proof of business ownership as part of the required documentation.

A diverse-owned business is one that is more than 51 pert cent owned by people belonging to equity-deserving groups including Indigenous Peoples, Black people, people of colour, women, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

A social enterprise: A business that sells goods and/or services; it embeds a social, cultural, or environmental purpose into the business, and reinvests most of its profits into a social mission. 

By providing different registration pathways for diverse-owned businesses and/or social enterprises, York is helping to advance economic growth and level the playing field by providing diverse-owned businesses and/or social enterprises access to a wide base of potential customers in pursuit of economic opportunities with the University and its partners.

York is the first University in Ontario and one of the first in Canada to open its procurement process to non-third-party certified diverse vendors and social enterprises.

The Social Procurement Policy and the Social Procurement Vendor Portal are tangible ways in which the University is advancing’s its equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy and creating positive change for our communities. 

To learn more about the Social Procurement Policy and the Social Procurement Vendor Portal, please visit the website.

Carol McAulay
Vice-President, Finance and Administration

Chers collègues, chères collègues,

J’ai le grand plaisir d’annoncer le lancement du portail des fournisseurs en approvisionnement social de l’Université York.

L’Université York a privilégié la diversité des fournisseurs, tout d’abord avec sa politique d’approvisionnement social et maintenant, avec son portail des fournisseurs en approvisionnement social. En recherchant activement les entreprises de la diversité et les entreprises à vocation sociale et en passant des contrats avec elles, l’Université contribue à la croissance économique de ces entreprises grâce à la réduction des entraves au commerce.

Les entreprises de la diversité et les entreprises à vocation sociale ont deux options pour s’inscrire sur le portail des fournisseurs en approvisionnement social de York en fonction de leurs critères d’admissibilité :

  1. Les entreprises de la diversité et/ou les entreprises à vocation sociale reconnues et certifiées par une tierce partie peuvent s’inscrire. Elles doivent indiquer le nom de leur organisme de certification et la date d’expiration de leur certification sur le formulaire d’enregistrement. Consultez ce site pour en savoir plus sur la certification par une tierce partie (en anglais seulement).
  2. Les entreprises de la diversité non certifiées et/ou les entreprises à vocation sociale peuvent s’inscrire sur le portail en indiquant le groupe en quête d’équité auquel leur organisation appartient. Conformément au processus d’évaluation, elles doivent soumettre leur preuve de la propriété d’entreprise dans le cadre de la documentation requise.

Une entreprise de la diversité est une entreprise détenue à plus de 51 % par des personnes appartenant à des groupes en quête d’équité, notamment les peuples autochtones, les personnes noires, les personnes de couleur, les femmes et les membres de la communauté 2ELGBTQ+.

Une entreprise sociale est une entreprise qui vend des biens et/ou des services; elle intègre un objectif social, culturel ou environnemental dans ses activités et réinvestit la plupart de ses bénéfices dans une mission sociale. 

En proposant différentes possibilités d’enregistrement aux entreprises de la diversité et/ou aux entreprises à vocation sociale, York contribue à la croissance économique et à l’égalité des chances et permet aux entreprises de la diversité et/ou aux entreprises à vocation sociale d’accéder à une vaste base de clients potentiels qui sont à la recherche de possibilités d’affaires avec l’Université et ses partenaires.

York est la première université en Ontario et l’une des premières au Canada à ouvrir son processus d’approvisionnement à des fournisseurs de la diversité et à des entreprises à vocation sociale non certifiées par une tierce partie.

La politique d’approvisionnement social et le portail des fournisseurs en approvisionnement social sont des moyens tangibles grâce auxquels l’Université fait progresser sa stratégie d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (EDI) et crée des changements positifs pour les communautés. 

Pour en savoir plus sur la politique d’approvisionnement social et le portail des fournisseurs en approvisionnement social, veuillez consulter ce site Web.

Carol McAulay
Vice-présidente des finances et de l’administration

York launches survey to examine services that support teaching and research

image shows a class in the Curtis Lecture hall

The University will be conducting part one of the Service Effectiveness Survey in the coming weeks and the data collected will help York understand the services and activities that support teaching and research in alignment with its academic mission.

All full-time faculty and CPM staff at the University will be invited to participate, and while this is usually a two-part survey, only part one will be conducted between March 21 and April 1.

The survey will take 20 minutes to complete and staff and faculty will be asked questions related to 10 core service areas that touch on 65 individual services. The Service Effectiveness Survey-Part 1 will provide a closer look at the satisfaction levels of both service providers and end-users to help make informed decisions on improvements. Results will be used in collaboration with information from data collected over the past year that has informed process re-design and continuous improvement efforts.

To ensure confidentiality, the survey is being conducted and administered by a third party. Those invited to participate, will receive an email directly from the executive sponsors.

If you have any questions about Project Benchmark or the survey, please contact Richard Silva, program director, by email at benchmark@yorku.ca.

For more information about the survey or about Project Benchmark, please visit the yu link site.

Security Services Review: information about community consultations

People walk through Vari Hall, which is located on York U's Keele campus

La version française suit la version anglaise.

Dear colleagues,

Recently the Vice-President Finance and Administration (VPFA) shared that York University is undertaking a review of its security services to develop an alternative delivery model to create a safe community for all. This is a forward-looking, community driven review will utilize consultations with the York community to develop concrete actions for change. We have been appointed by the VPFA to help lead this process. Our team is made up of York students, faculty and staff who have diverse expertise and lived experiences to bring to this review. In addition, an external consultant, Shaheen Azmi, has been hired to support this review. The VPFA’s announcement, which includes a full description of our team, can be found here.

We are writing to invite you to participate and to help us in advancing this critical work. 

This review will take an anti-racist, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) lens. The Security Services Review is a commitment within the University’s Action Plan on Black Inclusion and reflects similar work across the country, as described in the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education.   

To enable engagement and participation from the York community, a multi-faceted engagement and consultation process will take place over Winter-Spring 2022. The process will include written submissions, focus groups, town halls and small group meetings.  You can learn more about the security services review by visiting our website.

To support you in the consultation process, a consultation brief has been prepared. The brief provides background information and context for the review, it also includes guided questions to aid you in providing concrete recommendations.

Below are the various channels through which consultations will take place. If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to reach out at securityreview@yorku.ca.

Written submissions

You can send your feedback directly to the secure email securityreview@yorku.ca. Any personal information shared will be kept confidential; feedback will be aggregated in the final report (see privacy statement). If you wish, you can write directly to Shaheen Azmi in confidence at securityreview@yorku.ca. Please include Azmi’s name in the subject line of your email and your submission will be sent directly to him.

Submissions will be accepted up until 11.59 p.m. on April 15.

Town halls and education sessions

You are invited to register for one of two online community consultation town halls, scheduled for March 22, from noon to 1:30 p.m., and March 29, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

We have scheduled two town halls so that you can participate at a time most convenient to you; you also have the option of attending all engagement sessions.

In addition, an education session has been scheduled for March 18, from noon to 1:30 p.m. This session will engage participants in a dialogue on the future of campus safety from an anti-racist, justice and EDI lens.

Additional education sessions will take place in Fall 2022 to report on the findings of the review and to engage the community on the findings.

To learn more and to register, please visit our website.

Focus groups and small meetings

We will conduct focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders from a broad cross-section of the University, including equity deserving groups, groups impacted by anti-Indigenous racism; anti-Black racism (as noted above); anti-Asian racism; antisemitism; Islamophobia; homophobia and transphobia; discrimination due to ableism and mental health; gender inequity and violence; immigration status (non-status and international status); and language barriers. In addition, consultations will take place with the President’s Community Safety Council, Glendon Campus groups and diverse University groups representing students, faculty and staff.

Confidentiality and privacy 

If you would like information on how your input will be used, please see our privacy statement.

All personal information provided by you will be kept confidential to the internal expert panel and the external consultant. Results will be reported in aggregate and anonymized. Comments will be accepted up until 11.59 p.m. on April 15.

If you have administrative questions or require alternate formats of the consultation brief, please contact us at securityreview@yorku.ca. 

Support

We appreciate that these are indeed challenging times. The pandemic has impacted us in many ways, including our mental health. We also understand that honest and difficult conversations about race and racism can be triggering, resulting in a myriad of feelings. If during or after the consultations you experience feelings of distress, please reach out to Student Counselling, Health and Well-being or visit Well-being at York.

We recognize the needs of our community are very diverse; for your convenience we have added links below, to resources to provide you with support, if you should need it.  You have agency over what works for you.

We look forward to engaging with you so that together we can develop an alternative security services model to help maintain and nurture a respectful and inclusive environment to study, live and work.

For more information about the Security Services Review and ongoing updates, visit our website.

Sincerely,

Security Services Review Panel

Sharon Henry
PhD Student

Shaheen Azmi
External Consultant

Annette Boodram
Senior Project Lead
Anti-Racism Security Services Review

Carl James
Senior Advisor, Equity & Representation
Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora
Professor, Faculty of Education

Lorne Foster
Director, Institute for Social Research
York Research Chair in Black Canadian Studies & Human Rights
Professor, School of Public Policy and Administration

Danielle Robinson
Director of the Centre for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean (CERLAC)
Associate Professor, School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design

Celia Haig Brown
Professor, Faculty of Education

Samina Sami
Executive Lead, Anti-Racism Security Services Review

Évaluation des Services de sécurité :Consultations avec la communauté de York

Chers collègues, chères collègues,

Récemment, la vice-présidente des finances et de l’administration (VPFA) a annoncé que l’Université York entreprenait une évaluation de ses services de sécurité afin de développer un modèle de prestation alternatif pour créer une communauté sécuritaire pour tous. Il s’agit d’une étude prospective, axée sur la communauté, qui s’appuiera sur des consultations avec la communauté de York pour élaborer des actions concrètes de changement. Nous avons été désignés par la VPFA pour diriger ce processus. Notre équipe est composée de membres de la communauté étudiante, du corps professoral et du personnel de l’Université York qui apportent une expertise et une expérience diverses à cet examen. En outre, un consultant externe, M. Shaheen Azmi, Ph. D., a été engagé pour appuyer cette évaluation. L’annonce de la VPFA, qui comprend une description complète de notre équipe, peut être consultée ici. 

Nous vous invitons à nous aider à faire progresser ce travail essentiel.  

Cette évaluation se fera dans une optique antiraciste, de justice, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion. L’évaluation des Services de sécurité est un engagement du Plan d’action sur l’inclusion des personnes Noires de l’Université et reflète des travaux similaires dans tout le pays, comme le décrit la Charte de Scarborough contre le racisme anti-Noirs et pour l’inclusion des Noirs dans l’enseignement supérieur au Canada (en anglais seulement).    

Pour permettre l’engagement et la participation de la communauté de York, un processus de consultation à multiples facettes se déroulera pendant l’hiver et le printemps 2022; ce processus comprendra des soumissions écrites, des groupes de discussion, des assemblées publiques et des réunions en petits groupes. Vous pouvez en apprendre plus sur l’évaluation des Services de sécurité en visitant notre site Web (en anglais seulement).

Pour vous aider dans le processus de consultation, un dossier de consultation a été préparé. Ce dossier fournit des informations générales et un contexte; il comprend également des questions guidées pour vous aider à fournir des recommandations concrètes.

Vous trouverez ci-dessous les différents canaux qui seront utilisés pour les consultations. Si vous avez des questions sur ce processus, n’hésitez pas à nous contacter à l’adresse securityreview@yorku.ca.

Soumissions écrites

Vous pouvez envoyer vos commentaires directement à l’adresse courriel sécurisée securityreview@yorku.ca. Toute information personnelle transmise sera gardée confidentielle; les commentaires seront agrégés dans le rapport final (voir la déclaration de confidentialité – en anglais seulement). Si vous le souhaitez, vous pouvez écrire directement à M.  Shaheen Azmi à titre confidentiel à securityreview@yorku.ca. Veuillez inclure son nom dans la ligne d’objet de votre courriel et votre soumission lui sera transmise directement. Les soumissions seront acceptées jusqu’à 23 h 59, le 15 avril 2022. 

Assemblées publiques et séances d’information

Nous vous invitons à vous inscrire pour participer à l’une des deux consultations communautaires en ligne prévues le 22 mars, de 12 h à 13 h 30, et le 29 mars, de 17 h à 18 h 30.

Deux conversations communautaires ont été prévues pour vous permettre de participer au moment qui vous convient le mieux; vous avez également la possibilité d’assister à toutes les séances.

De plus, une séance de formation aura lieu le 18 mars, de midi à 13 h 30. Cette séance engagera les participants dans un dialogue sur l’avenir de la sécurité sur les campus dans une optique antiraciste, de justice, d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion (EDI).

D’autres séances de formation auront lieu à l’automne 2022 afin de rendre compte des conclusions de l’évaluation et de faire participer la communauté aux conclusions.

Pour en savoir plus et vous inscrire, veuillez consulter notre site Web.

Groupes de discussion et petites réunions

Nous organiserons des groupes de discussion et des entretiens avec des intervenants clés provenant d’un large échantillon de l’Université, y compris des groupes dignes d’équité touchés par le racisme anti-Autochtones, le racisme anti-Noirs (comme indiqué ci-dessus), le racisme anti-Asiatiques, l’antisémitisme, l’islamophobie, l’homophobie et la transphobie, la discrimination fondée sur la capacité physique ou la santé mentale, l’inégalité des genres et la violence sexiste, le statut d’immigration (sans statut et à statut international) et les barrières linguistiques. Par ailleurs, des consultations auront lieu avec le Conseil de sécurité communautaire de la présidente, les groupes du campus Glendon et divers groupes de l’Université représentant la communauté étudiante, le corps professoral et le personnel.

Confidentialité et vie privée  

Si vous souhaitez obtenir de plus amples informations sur la manière dont vos données seront utilisées, veuillez consulter notre déclaration de confidentialité (en anglais seulement).

Toutes les informations personnelles que vous fournissez resteront confidentielles pour le panel d’experts interne et le consultant externe. Les résultats seront présentés sous forme agrégée et anonyme. Nous vous invitons à nous faire part de vos commentaires jusqu’à 23 h 59, le 15 avril 2022.

Si vous avez des questions d’ordre administratif ou si vous avez besoin de formats alternatifs du dossier de consultation, veuillez nous contacter à securityreview@yorku.ca.  

Soutien

Nous reconnaissons que nous traversons une période difficile. La pandémie a eu un impact à bien des égards, y compris sur notre santé mentale. Nous comprenons également que les conversations honnêtes et difficiles sur la race et le racisme peuvent déclencher une foule de sentiments. Si, pendant ou après les consultations, vous éprouvez de la détresse, veuillez contacter les Services de santé, de counseling et de bien-être étudiant (en anglais seulement) ou visitez le site Santé et bien-être à York.

Nous reconnaissons aussi que les besoins de notre communauté sont très diversifiés. Pour vous faciliter la tâche, nous avons ajouté ci-dessous des liens vers des ressources de soutien, si vous en avez besoin. C’est à vous de décider ce qui vous convient le mieux.

Le Programme d’aide aux employés et aux familles (PAEF) offre des ressources pour vous aider, vous et vos personnes à charge : composez le 1-844-880-9143 (français), 1-844-880-9142 (anglais) et 1-877-338-0275 (ATS).  

La Clinique de psychologie de l’Université York (dépendamment de votre couverture individuelle, vous pouvez utiliser vos avantages sociaux pour obtenir les services nécessaires).   

Visitez la page Santé, sécurité et bien-être des employés de York pour trouver d’autres ressources qui vous aideront à promouvoir votre bien-être. 

Nous avons hâte de développer ensemble un modèle alternatif de services de sécurité afin de préserver et d’encourager un environnement respectueux et inclusif pour étudier, vivre et travailler.

Pour plus d’informations sur l’évaluation des Services de sécurité et les mises à jour en cours, visitez notre site Web (en anglais seulement).

Sincèrement, 

Security Services Review Panel 

Sharon Henry 
Doctorante

Shaheen Azmi
PhD Consultant externe

Annette Boodram
Chef principale de projet, évaluation des Services de sécurité dans une optique antiraciste

Carl James
Conseiller principal pour l’équité et la représentation
Chaire Jean Augustine sur l’éducation, la communauté et la diaspora
Professeur, Faculté d’éducation

Lorne Foster
Directeur, Institut de recherche sociale
Chaire de recherche York en études canadiennes noires et droits de la personne
Professeur, École de politique et d’administration publiques

Danielle Robinson
Directrice du CERLAC (Centre de recherche sur l’Amérique latine et les Caraïbes)
Professeure agrégée, École des arts, des médias, de l’animation et du design

Celia Haig Brown
Professeur, Faculté d’éducation

Samina Sami
Directrice de l’évaluation des Services de sécurité dans une optique antiraciste