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Vandalism at Skennen’kó:wa Gamig

Side view of Gamig

La version française suit la version anglaise.

Dear York Community Members,

I am writing to share the unsettling news of an act of vandalism that occurred on our Keele Campus last weekend, in which deliberate damage was caused to Skennen’kó:wa Gamig.

Toronto Police Services have been informed of the damage, and they are currently treating the incident as an “act of mischief.” CCTV footage is being reviewed, and York’s Community Safety team has moved quickly to clean up and secure the area.

We recognize that this news will be distressing to many of our community members, and in particular to members of Indigenous communities. Skennen’kó:wa Gamig — the House of Great Peace — is a safe and supportive space for Indigenous students, faculty and staff to come together to celebrate; to share knowledge and teachings; and to lead the conversation on reconciliation. Acts of violence – against persons or property — are an affront to the very spirit that Skennen’kó:wa Gamig represents. They disrupt the roots of reconciliation. The University denounces this act of vandalism and commits to working with the Indigenous communities at York to repair the damage done.

We are currently consulting with members of the Indigenous Council to determine an appropriate path forward.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor

Vandalisme à Skennen’kó:wa Gamig

Chers membres de la communauté de York,

Je vous écris pour vous faire part de la nouvelle troublante d’un acte de vandalisme qui s’est produit sur le campus Keele le week-end dernier, au cours duquel des dommages délibérés ont été causés à Skennen’kó:wa Gamig.

Les services de police de Toronto ont été informés des dommages et ils traitent actuellement l’incident comme un « méfait ». Les images de vidéosurveillance sont en cours d’examen et l’équipe de sécurité communautaire de York a agi rapidement pour nettoyer et pour sécuriser la zone.

Nous sommes conscients que cette nouvelle sera bouleversante pour de nombreux membres de notre communauté, et en particulier pour les membres des communautés autochtones. Skennen’kó:wa Gamig, la maison de la grande paix, est un espace sécuritaire et accueillant pour les membres autochtones de la communauté étudiante, du corps professoral et du personnel qui se réunissent pour célébrer, pour partager des connaissances et des enseignements et pour parler de réconciliation. Les actes de violence, que ce soit contre des personnes ou des biens, sont un affront à ce que représente Skennen’kó:wa Gamig. Ils perturbent les racines de la réconciliation. L’Université dénonce cet acte de vandalisme et s’engage à travailler avec les communautés autochtones de York pour réparer les dommages causés.

Nous consultons actuellement les membres du Conseil autochtone afin de déterminer la meilleure voie à suivre.

Veuillez agréer mes sincères salutations,

Rhonda Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière


York University launches report on progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals

THE Banner for Sustainable YU

York University is marking the United Nations International Day of Education theme of “Changing Course” with the release of a dynamic new report and website documenting its progress toward the United Nations (UN) 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UN Sustainable Development Goal Report is York University’s first annual progress report on the SDGs. Both the report and its accompanying website share stories of progress and facts about York University’s leadership, commitment and progress toward the 17 goals through inspirational stories, facts and figures, and forward-looking action.

“It is inspiring to see how our faculty, course directors, staff and students are taking action to embed the UN Sustainable Development Goals in their work as we further our commitment to contributing to positive change on a local and global level,” said Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor.

Graphic shows the 17 UN SDGs
The United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals

In 2020, York University formally declared its commitment to the SDGs, which align with its values, mission and core strengths. The University pledged to become an agent of positive change through global leadership and action on the goals and the converging challenges of a pandemic, rapidly accelerating climate change, racism and xenophobia, increasing global poverty and inequality. In June 2020, the University took a further step in its commitment to the goals when it launched its blueprint for action, Building a Better Future: York University Academic Plan 2020-2025, and issued a pan-University challenge to its community to collaborate and act.

The report and website offer an overview of a fraction of the many actions, innovations and research by faculty, staff and students at York University. Both have been created with view that each will continue to evolve as new actions and innovations emerge in the University’s journey toward contributing to the SDGs. Community members can share their work that relates to the SDGs through a story submission button on the website. As part of the launch of the report and the website, York University will be sharing stories the SDGs on social media at #YorkUSDGs.

First launched in 2015 and adopted by 193 member states of the UN, the 17 SDGs offer a framework for the global community to take concrete, measurable action in areas considered essential to mitigating humanity’s harmful impacts on the planet and to ensuring global peace and prosperity.

To learn more about York University’s demonstrated progress toward the UN SDGs, visit www.yorku.ca/unsdgs, or follow #YorkUSDGs.

University community asked to provide feedback on Congress 2023 theme

Andrea Davis

The proposed theme for Congress 2023, which will take place at York University, is “Reckonings and Re-imaginings.” York Professor Andrea Davis, who is academic convenor for Congress 2023, is seeking feedback from the University community on the theme.

As announced to the community in November 2021, York University will host the 2023 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences with Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies Professor Andrea Davis serving as academic convenor. As part of the planning process, Davis is looking to York community members for input and engagement on developing the theme for Congress 2023.

“The development of the Congress theme is jointly undertaken by the host institution – York University – and the Federation of the Humanities and Social Sciences,” said Davis. “Our memorandum of understanding states that the partner university and federation will work together on the development of a theme and vision for Congress 2023, which will then be approved by the federation in March 2022.”

University community members are invited to provide feedback on the proposed theme by Tuesday, Feb.15 by completing the feedback form or by email to Davis at CongressAC@yorku.ca.

Why “Reckonings and Re-imaginings?“

The third decade of the 21st century has brought humanity into unprecedented times. An unrelenting global pandemic, protests for racial justice and escalating climate disasters have heightened our collective awareness that a world in which racial inequities, financial disparities, cultural intolerance, and material overconsumption were the norm is no longer sustainable. The important lessons from Black Lives Matter, Idle No More, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, have been joined by new reckonings about what is needed to live in non-hierarchical relationships that can truly honour human differences, while protecting the planet. 

“Reckonings and Re-imaginings” accepts that the project of creating a better future is ongoing and iterative, rather than final and conclusive. By centering interdisciplinary scholarship and research, Congress 2023 seeks to create space for dynamic and rigorous conversations that provide critical, relevant and responsive analysis of the multiple crises of our times from local and global perspectives. New models of world-making must reckon with non-inclusive forms of knowledge production that minimize the voices and perspectives of Indigenous, racialized and other marginalized scholars, and we must work to make visible decolonial, anti-racism, critical disability and queer perspectives.

In Congress 2023, the first in-person event of the new decade, York University as the host institution strengthens its “foundational commitment to the arts, humanities, and social sciences not only as fields of inquiry but as modes of apprehending human existence at this critical juncture” (University Academic Plan). Combining its strengths in the liberal arts with a long-standing commitment to social justice, York University invites us to consider the lessons we have learned over the past three years and to harness those lessons toward imagining a radically different world based on mutual respect and reciprocity.

The proposed theme aligns with the top priorities identified in the University Academic Plan, including creating knowledge for the future, advancing global engagement, working in partnership, and living well together. The theme aligns with the University’s commitment to deepen its collective contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, by bringing its “unique capacities to bear on some of the most urgent issues facing the planet, from climate change to inequality to truth and reconciliation to forced migration, among others” ( University Academic Plan).

More about Congress 2023

Lisa Philipps, provost and vice-president academic, and Professor Rebecca Pillai Riddell, associate vice-president research, attended a meeting with the federation in 2021 to discuss the development of a theme for Congress 2023. As part of the discussions, the federation made a commitment to a future conference theme that prominently features dialogue on social/racial justice issues, and on the experiences and knowledge of Black and Indigenous communities. In March 2021, the federation released a report on equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization that includes 41 recommendations for the federation and its membership. This report provides a framework for ongoing discussion with the academic community and lays out some priorities for federation activities of the coming years.

It is anticipated that the theme will be finalized with the federation in early March.

York’s return to campus begins Jan. 31

Students entering Vari, featured image for Yfile

The University’s return to campus that was temporarily postponed earlier this year due to COVID-19 will resume through a phased return between Jan. 31 and Feb. 14.

Dear York community members,

Throughout the pandemic, York University has continued to work closely with public health authorities and the government to ensure that our plans prioritized the health and safety of our community and were consistent with provincial guidelines.

Based on that advice, universities implemented a range of measures to ensure the well-being of community members. In addition to our Vaccination Mandate, York’s multi-layered approach to health and safety continues to enjoy the support of Toronto Public Health.

We have been advised that we are now able to safely proceed with the University’s phased return to campus that was temporarily postponed earlier this year. I am pleased to confirm York’s plans for welcoming our community back to in-person learning and teaching.

In order to allow time for everyone to adjust to the rigorous health and safety screening and protocols in place after a prolonged period away from many in-person activities, the University will be implementing a phased return between Jan. 31 and Feb. 14. Courses that are scheduled to be delivered in person in the Winter 2022 term will begin meeting on campus on the following timeline, with some local exceptions: 

  • Starting Monday, Jan. 31: All courses in the School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD), unless an earlier date for return to campus has been approved by the Dean’s office. Other Faculties will communicate directly by Monday, Jan. 24 about select courses that will start in-person learning on Jan. 31 based on urgent needs to commence experiential and hands-on activities. 
  • Starting Monday, Feb. 7: All first year (1000 level) courses, as well as all graduate courses and combined graduate/4000 level courses, and all courses at Osgoode Hall Law School. 
  • Starting Monday, Feb. 14: All remaining courses. 

Instructions for in-person, on campus research will be updated on an as needed basis.

Reading week is set for Feb. 19 to 25 and remains unchanged.

Staff presence on campus will also increase gradually as needed starting the week of Jan. 31 to support in-person learning and research activities, and managers will be in touch directly with staff to confirm arrangements. I want to thank all those staff who have continued to work on campus throughout the pandemic to maintain required operations. 

If you have not done so already, all students, faculty, instructors and staff should make plans now to be in the Toronto area and be available to attend on campus when scheduled to do so. We recognize some international students have been unable to travel to Canada for reasons beyond your control, and you will be supported wherever possible to move into courses that will remain available online. More detailed information will be shared directly with specific groups to support return to campus planning. 

All community members and visitors coming to York’s campuses must follow the health and safety protocols in place, including compliance with York’s Vaccination Mandate policy, wearing a mask while on our campuses, and completing a check-in on YU Screen prior to coming to campus. Most importantly, anyone feeling unwell must not come to campus.

We know that so many people have been negatively affected by the toll that this pandemic has taken on mental health and well-being, and that there will be a range of emotions and reactions to this announcement. Returning to in-person learning, interaction and engagement on our campuses is in the best interest of our community, and our empathy and support for one another is more critical than ever as we move forward. A reminder that resources and support are available, and additional supports can be accessed through York’s Employee and Family Assistance Program.

Be assured that the University has maintained and continues to strengthen its health and safety measures on our campuses. In the coming days, more reminders and information will be shared on resources that are available and protocols that must be observed by all while on our campuses. Coming back in-person means that the health and safety resources and tools we have in place, together with the support and consideration of all community members, will be of the utmost importance.

With a vaccination rate of over 96 per cent, I am grateful that we have a community of people who share a commitment to one another’s health and safety. As always, please visit the YU Better Together website for the most current information.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor

Le retour sur les campus de York commencera le 31 janvier

Chers membres de la communauté de York,

Tout au long de la pandémie, l’Université York a continué à travailler en étroite collaboration avec les autorités de santé publique et le gouvernement pour s’assurer que ses plans donnaient la priorité à la santé et à la sécurité de sa communauté et étaient conformes aux directives provinciales.

Sur la base de ces conseils, les universités ont mis en œuvre une série de mesures pour assurer le bien-être des membres de leur communauté. En plus de notre Politique de vaccination obligatoire, l’approche en plusieurs étapes de York en matière de santé et de sécurité continue de bénéficier du soutien du Bureau de santé publique de Toronto (TPH).

Nous avons été informés que nous pouvons maintenant procéder en toute sécurité au retour progressif de l’Université sur les campus qui avait été reporté temporairement en début d’année. J’ai le plaisir de confirmer les plans de York pour accueillir à nouveau notre communauté pour l’apprentissage et l’enseignement en personne.

Les activités en personne reprendront progressivement entre le 31 janvier et le 14 février afin de donner le temps à chacun de s’adapter aux contrôles et protocoles rigoureux de santé et de sécurité en place après une période prolongée d’inactivité en personne. Les cours prévus en présentiel au trimestre d’hiver 2022 commenceront à avoir lieu sur les campus selon le calendrier suivant, à quelques exceptions près : 

  • À partir du lundi 31 janvier : reprise de tous les cours de l’École des arts, des médias, de l’animation et du design (AMPD), à moins que le Bureau de la doyenne n’approuve une date de retour plus rapprochée. Les autres facultés enverront directement des communications d’ici le lundi 24 janvier au sujet des quelques cours qui commenceront l’apprentissage en personne le 31 janvier en raison du besoin urgent de reprendre certaines activités expérientielles et pratiques. 
  • À compter du lundi 7 février : tous les cours de première année (niveau 1000), ainsi que tous les cours du cycle supérieur et les cours combinés du cycle supérieur/du niveau 4000, et tous les cours de l’École de droit Osgoode Hall. 
  • À partir du 14 février : tous les autres cours. 

Les instructions pour les recherches en personne sur les campus seront mises à jour en fonction des besoins.

La semaine de lecture qui était prévue du 19 au 25 février demeure inchangée.

La présence du personnel sur les campus augmentera progressivement, selon les besoins, à compter du 31 janvier, afin de soutenir les activités d’apprentissage et de recherche en personne. Les gestionnaires contacteront directement les membres du personnel pour confirmer les arrangements. Je tiens à remercier les personnes qui ont continué à travailler sur les campus tout au long de la pandémie afin d’assurer le maintien des opérations essentielles. 

Si cela n’est pas déjà le cas, tous les membres de la communauté étudiante, du corps professoral, du corps enseignant et du personnel doivent prévoir être dans la région de Toronto et prêts à venir sur les campus aux dates prévues. Nous comprenons que certaines étudiantes et certains étudiants internationaux n’ont pas pu se rendre au Canada pour des raisons indépendantes de leur volonté. Nous les aiderons dans toute la mesure du possible à suivre les cours qui continueront à être offerts en ligne. Des informations plus détaillées seront partagées directement avec certains groupes afin d’appuyer la planification du retour sur les campus. 

Tous les membres de la communauté et les visiteurs qui se rendent sur les campus de York doivent respecter les protocoles de santé et de sécurité en place, y compris la Politique de vaccination de York et le port d’un masque lorsqu’ils fréquentent nos campus; de plus, ils doivent effectuer une autoévaluation avec l’outil YU Dépistage avant leur arrivée sur les campus. Surtout, ne venez jamais sur les campus si vous ne vous sentez pas bien.

Nous savons que la pandémie a eu des répercussions sérieuses sur la santé mentale et le bien-être de nombreuses personnes et que cette annonce suscitera sans doute diverses émotions et réactions chez les membres de la communauté.   Le retour à l’apprentissage en personne, à l’interaction et à l’engagement sur nos campus est dans l’intérêt de tous. Notre bienveillance et notre soutien mutuel sont plus essentiels que jamais pour aller de l’avant. Nous vous rappelons que des ressources et du soutien sont à votre disposition, et que d’autres ressources sont accessibles grâce au Programme d’aide aux employés et aux familles de York.

Soyez assurés que l’Université a maintenu et continue de renforcer ses mesures de santé et de sécurité sur ses campus. Dans les jours à venir, nous partagerons d’autres rappels et informations au sujet des ressources disponibles et des protocoles que tout le monde doit observer sur nos campus. Le retour en personne signifie que les ressources et les outils de santé et de sécurité que nous avons mis en place, ainsi que le soutien et la considération de tous les membres de la communauté, seront plus importants que jamais.

Avec un taux de vaccination supérieur à 96 %, je suis reconnaissante que les membres de notre communauté de personnes partagent notre engagement envers la santé et la sécurité de chacun. Comme toujours, veuillez consulter le site Mieux ensemble de l’Université York pour obtenir les informations les plus récentes.

Veuillez agréer mes sincères salutations.

Rhonda Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

Nomination deadline approaching for President’s University-Wide Teaching Awards

image shows a class in the Curtis Lecture hall

The President’s University-Wide Teaching Awards honour those who, through innovation and commitment, have significantly enhanced the quality of learning for York students. The nomination deadline is Jan. 28.

Four awards are offered each year in the following categories:

  • Full-time tenured faculty with 10 or more years of full-time teaching experience
  • Full-time faculty (tenured/tenure-stream/CLA) with less than 10 years of teaching experience
  • Contract and adjunct faculty
  • Teaching assistants

The purpose of these awards is to provide significant recognition for excellence in teaching, to encourage its pursuit, to publicize such excellence when achieved across the University and in the wider community, and to promote informed discussion of teaching and its improvement. The awards demonstrate the value York University attaches to teaching. Recipients of the awards, selected by the Senate Committee on Awards, receive $3,000 less applicable deductions, have their names engraved on the University-Wide Teaching Award plaques in Vari Hall and are recognized at convocation ceremonies.

Nominators are encouraged to approach the Teaching Commons to explore ways to best highlight the teaching strengths and accomplishments of the nominee. Nominators may schedule a consultation – by phone or Zoom – with an educational developer at the Teaching Commons to discuss the preparation of a nomination package by sending a request to teaching@yorku.ca.   

Only online nominations for the 2022 Teaching Awards, submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 28, will be accepted.

The President’s University-Wide Teaching Awards criteria and nomination form are available on the Senate Committee on Awards webpage.

Passings: Dave Ogden, Facilities Services

A field of flowers at sunset

David Ogden, a shift engineer in Energy Management, Facilities Services, has died. Mr. Ogden had been bravely battling cancer for several years and succumbed to the illness on Jan. 16.

Mr. Ogden started at York University in 2000 and worked primarily in Central Utilities Building, starting on the Maintenance Relief squad and after six years he transitioned to Operations as a shift engineer. He is described by his colleagues as a diligent worker and someone always eager to train new staff and pass on his work knowledge and experience to junior team members. 

Known for his addictive smile, expansive sense of humour, Mr. Ogden was larger than life. Many enjoyed his loud, boisterous, good-natured laugh. He would often declare that his work at York University was the best job he ever had. A celebration of life will be held in the Spring.

Mr. Ogden proudly shared stories about his family; his wife Brenda, his two daughters, and his grandchildren as they were his world and he was 100 per cent committed to their happiness and well-being.

To learn more about Mr. Ogden, see his memorial tribute at: https://www.arbormemorial.ca/penetanguishene/obituaries/david-ogden/77346.

York U in the news: Canucks, luxury stationery and more

An image of a woman with a laptop that shows the YFile website

Has Omicron peaked in Toronto? City’s top doctor says there is reason for ‘cautious optimism’
York University was mentioned in CTV Toronto Jan. 20.

Canucks hire Rachel Doerrie to front office role in analytics
York University master’s student Rachel Doerrie was featured in Daily Hive Jan. 20.

COVID-19: What you need to know for January 20
York University was mentioned in TVO.org Jan. 20.

Today’s coronavirus news: Ontario reports 4,061 people hospitalized; Niagara health leader’s introduction of stronger measures in schools draws ire of Ford government
York University was mentioned in Toronto Star and on YorkRegion.com Jan. 20.

2022 CPL-U SPORTS Draft Analysis: How each team fared with their picks
York University was mentioned in Canadian Premier League Jan. 20.

New hire: Canucks add Rachel Doerrie as analyst
York University master’s student Rachel Doerrie was featured in Vancouver Sun Jan. 20.

Canucks: Boudreau frustrated by Canada’s COVID-19 border rules as two key players test positive
York University master’s student Rachel Doerrie was mentioned in The Province Jan. 20.

Canucks hire Rachel Doerrie in front office analytics role
York University master’s student Rachel Doerrie was featured in The Canuck Way Jan. 20.

Investors demand more corporations conduct ‘racial audits’
Professor Richard Leblanc was quoted in Corporate Knights Jan. 20.

Canucks add former Sudbury Wolves analyst 
York University master’s student Rachel Doerrie was featured in The Daily Press Jan. 21.

Canadian team researches add-on armour
York University was mentioned in Shephard Media Jan. 20.

New York Giants work out Riders’ DL Jonathan Woodard, Ticats’ TE Nikola Kalinic
York University alumnus Nikola Kalinic was featured in 3 Down Nation Jan. 19.

Is the ‘4% rule’ still the magic key to making money last in old age?
Professor Moshe Milevsky was quoted in Saskatoon StarPhoenix Jan. 13.

Emma Teitel: The loved ones we lost in long-term care get artistic tribute in this new exhibition
Professor Megan Davies was quoted in InsideHalton.com Jan. 14.

At Ferris Wheel Press, Deborah Lau-Yu brings Chinese tradition and Canadian influences to luxury stationery
York University alumna Deborah Lau-Yu was featured in Toronto Star Jan. 9.

Vinitha Gengatharan

Vinitha_Gingatharan
Vinitha Gingatharan

Executive Director, York International, Vinitha Gengatharan has been appointed to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Board of Directors.

Isik Bicer

Isik Bicer
Isik Bicer

Schulich Assistant Professor Isik Bicer has co-authored an article in the Harvard Business Review that sheds light on the new concept of “uncertainty modelling” – a sophisticated statistical approach to data analytics.

York U in the news: vaccine mandates, Blue Jays and more

An image of a woman with a laptop that shows the YFile website

NP Aerospace backs Canadian armour development programme
York University was mentioned in Insider Jan. 20.

Carrots, sermons, sticks: Vaccine mandates face opposition around the globe
Professor Thomas Klassen contributed to National Post Jan. 19.

Lumibird Canada and partners complete lidar rail safety prototype
Associate Professor Gunho Sohn was quoted in Optics.org Jan. 19.

The future is bright for the PHF in Montréal
York University was mentioned in The Ice Garden Jan. 19.

Has Canada reached its vaccine ceiling?
Assistant Professor Eric B. Kennedy contributed to TVO Jan. 19.

Following the search for a new president
York University was mentioned in The Strand Jan. 19.

‘It has to be built’: Teck CEO calls for industrial policy to support carbon transition
Professor Mark Winfield was quoted in SaltWire Jan. 19.

Microsoft Agrees to Buy Activision Blizzard, Despite Sexual Harassment Complaints
Associate Professor Ming Dong was mentioned in Morning Star Jan. 19.

Trump needs to be removed from the political landscape, says Toronto reader
Professor Emeritus Tom McElroy contributed to The Hill Times Jan. 18.

Daily Media Digest January 18, 2022
York University was mentioned in HRI Portal Jan. 18.

Toronto Is Opening Up Almost 25,000 Vaccine Appointments Today & Here Are The Details
York University was mentioned in Narcity Jan. 18.

OSC announces new Commissioner appointments
Contract Faculty member Hari Panday was mentioned in Ontario Securities Commission Jan. 19.

OSC announces new Commissioner appointments
Contract Faculty member Hari Panday was mentioned in Mondo Visione Jan. 19.

Still hope for return of amateur sports
York University alumna Jaime Vieira was mentioned in The Review.ca Jan. 20.

New Blue Jays hire Vieira living a dream as club’s first female coach
York University alumna Jaime Vieira was featured in Sports Net Jan. 19.

The neighbourhoods where booster shots just aren’t making it into arms
York University was mentioned in Toronto.com Jan. 19.

Emma Teitel: The loved ones we lost in long-term care get artistic tribute in this new exhibition
Professor Megan Davies was quoted in Caledon Enterprise Jan. 14.