York U in the news: In-person learning, honey bees and more

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

Disasters are a permanent part of the Canadian fabric. We can’t keep winging it.
York University Associate Professor Glenn McGillivray contributed to The Globe and Mail Dec. 6.

Forget the Sudokus — socializing could be the answer to keeping brains healthy as we age
York University was mentioned in Toronto Star Dec. 6.

York University’s quick switch to in-person learning next semester leaves some students behind
York University spokesperson Yanni Dagonas spoke to CBC News Dec. 5.

The long fight against sexual assault and harassment at universities
York University was mentioned in Conversation Canada Dec. 5.

New Canadian COVID-19 travel rules spark turmoil at airports and criticism from WHO
York University Associate Professor Richard Saunders was quoted in The Globe and Mail Dec. 5.

Ogun Central: Yemi Oke Seeks Mandate
York University alumnus Yemi Oke was featured in This Daily Hive Dec. 4.

How members of Toronto’s LGBTQ2S+ community are facing additional barriers finding family doctors
York University Assistant Professor Kinnon Ross MacKinnon was quoted in CityNews Dec. 4.

Western honey bees likely originated in ASIA — and not in Africa as previously thought, study reveals
York University Professor Amro Zayed was quoted in Daily Mail Dec. 4.

Where did the honey bee come from?
York University Professor Amro Zayed was quoted in Cosmos Magazine Dec. 4.

Question Corner: Where did the Western Honey Bee come from?
York University was mentioned in The Hindu Dec. 4.

Forest therapy more than a walk in the park
York University alumna Fran Mills was quoted in Barrie Today Dec. 4.

Should universities be required to provide online learning options?
York University was mentioned in CityNews Dec. 3.

Travel bans expose continued enforcement of colonialism
York University Assistant professor Rachel Silver contributed to Toronto Star Dec. 3.

Rural life helps musician find new passion for old-time songs
York University alumnus Mike Tod was featured in North Bay Nugget Dec. 3.

York University assistant professor discusses ‘Preventing transition regret’ research paper
York University Assistant Professor Kinnon Ross MacKinnon was featured in CityNews Dec. 4.

World’s most common bee originated 7 million years ago in Asia
York University PhD student Kathleen Dogantzis and Professor Amro Zayed were quoted in New Scientist Dec. 3.

‘COVID-19 did discriminate’: Labour force data sheds light on economic disparities during pandemic
York University Assistant Professor Angele Alook was quoted in Toronto Star Dec. 7.

‘There still is a formula for success’: Resilient employers find new ways to thrive through pandemic
York University Associate Professor Winny Shen was quoted in Toronto Star Dec. 7.

Dismantling anti-Black racism in our schools: Accountability measures are key
York University was mentioned in Philippine Canadian Inquirer Dec. 7.

Universities not back to full in-person classes yet, but campus activities are increasing
York University was mentioned in The Globe and Mail Dec. 6.

Toronto committee pushes to ban robots from sidewalks, bike paths
David Lepofsky, visiting professor at the Osgoode Hall Law School, was quoted in Yahoo News Dec. 6.

Northern Ontario to host development site for electric vehicle technology
York University was mentioned in Bay Today Dec. 6.

The long fight against sexual assault and harassment at universities
York University was mentioned in National Post Dec. 6.

Forget the Sudokus — socializing could be the answer to keeping brains healthy as we age
York University was mentioned in Peterborough Examiner Dec. 6.

Forest therapy more than a walk in the park
York University alumna Fran Mills was quoted in Midland Today Dec. 6.

Announcement of the retirement of the vice-provost, students

Vari Hall in the winter
Vari Hall in the winter

La version française suit la version anglaise.

Dear colleagues,

It is with decidedly mixed emotions that I announce the upcoming retirement of the Vice-Provost, Students Lucy Fromowitz.

Lucy Fromowitz
Lucy Fromowitz

Ms. Fromowitz has had a long history with York. Prior to joining the University as vice-provost, students in 2017, she had worked at York from 1978 to 2001 in several directorial positions, including as director of admissions/recruitment, before her terms as vice-president, student and community engagement at Centennial College and then as assistant vice-president, student life at University of Toronto. She is also a York alumna, holding a BA in English and LLM in alternate dispute resolution.

Throughout her career and in all her roles, Ms. Fromowitz has been completely dedicated to enhancing student life and experience. Under her leadership, York set a record response rate for the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) in 2020, developed a new Appreciative Advising model and supporting technology, and saw marked improvement in how students evaluate our advising services. In addition, SAVY – the interactive, bilingual virtual assistant for students – was named in a student competition and won the 2020 CUCCIO Innovation Award. She and her team are now extending these learnings to develop an innovative student advising model for the Markham Campus. 

Ms. Fromowitz’s dedication to learning from and responding to students has also manifested in York’s first-ever Student Equity & Diversity Census to help ensure that the University can continue to remove barriers to access and student success with inclusive services that support the full representational diversity of our student body.

She has also been deeply engaged in the work of renewing our student-facing systems through the Student System Renewal Program, advancing the University’s frameworks on anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, ensuring every new student has a peer support network, enhancing tailored welcome and support services for international students, delivering speedier access to mental health services, and expanding access to the tools of learning for all York students. She has been instrumental in moving forward the President’s Initiative on Open and Respectful Dialogue.

These initiatives, and many others, have all been undertaken in her trademark collaborative style with many others across the University, and with laser focus on improving the quality of experience and access for all who come to learn at York.

Ms. Fromowitz will remain in her role through to June 30, 2022. A search for her successor will commence shortly.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor


Annonce du départ à la retraite de la vice-rectrice aux affaires étudiantes

Chers collègues, chères collègues 

C’est avec des sentiments mitigés que je vous annonce le départ à la retraite prochain de Lucy Fromowitz, vice-rectrice aux affaires étudiantes.

Lucy Fromowitz
Lucy Fromowitz

Mme Fromowitz a un lien de longue date avec York. Avant de rejoindre l’Université en tant que vice-rectrice aux affaires étudiantes en 2017, elle a occupé plusieurs postes de direction à York entre 1978 et 2001, notamment le poste de directrice des admissions et du recrutement, avant de devenir vice-présidente de l’engagement étudiant et communautaire au collège Centennial et vice-présidente adjointe de la vie étudiante à l’Université de Toronto. Mme Fromowitz est une diplômée de York : elle détient une licence en études anglaises et une LL.M en règlement alternatif des différends.

Tout au long de sa carrière et dans toutes ses fonctions, Mme Fromowitz s’est consacrée entièrement à l’amélioration de la vie et de l’expérience étudiantes. Sous sa direction, York a obtenu en 2020 un taux de réponse sans précédent au Sondage national sur la participation des étudiants (NSSE); elle a également mis au point un nouveau modèle d’orientation appréciatif accompagné de moyens technologiques qui a permis d’améliorer nettement la façon dont les étudiants évaluent nos services de conseils. De plus, SAVY — l’assistant virtuel interactif et bilingue de la communauté étudiante — a été conçu dans le cadre d’un concours étudiant et il a remporté en 2020 le prix CUCCIO de l’innovation. Mme Fromowitz et son équipe appliquent maintenant ces apprentissages au développement d’un modèle innovant de conseils aux étudiants pour le campus Markham. 

Son dévouement pour apprendre des étudiants et pour répondre à leurs besoins s’est aussi manifesté dans le tout premier Recensement sur l’équité et la diversité de la population étudiante de York, afin que l’Université puisse continuer à éliminer les obstacles à l’accès et à la réussite étudiante grâce à des services inclusifs appuyant la diversité représentative complète de la population étudiante.

Elle s’est énormément investie dans le Programme de renouvellement des systèmes étudiants; elle a promu les programmes-cadres de l’Université sur le racisme anti-Noirs et anti-Autochtones, et elle a veillé à ce que chaque nouvelle étudiante et chaque nouvel étudiant dispose d’un réseau de soutien par les pairs; elle a amélioré les services d’accueil et de soutien personnalisé pour les étudiantes et étudiants internationaux; elle a contribué à l’amélioration de la vitesse d’accès aux services de santé mentale et a élargi l’accès aux outils d’apprentissage pour tous les étudiants de York. Par ailleurs, elle a fait progresser l’initiative de la présidente sur le dialogue ouvert et respectueux.

Ces projets et bien d’autres ont été entrepris avec le style propre à Lucy, et en collaboration avec plusieurs autres collègues de l’Université, dans le but d’améliorer la qualité de l’expérience et de l’accès pour tous ceux et celles qui viennent étudier à York.

Mme Fromowitz occupera ses fonctions jusqu’au 30 juin 2022. La recherche de la personne qui lui succédera commencera sous peu.

Sincères salutations,

Rhonda Lenton
Présidente et vice-chancelière

York invests more than $3.5M to support interdisciplinary research clusters

research graphic

York University is funding new and groundbreaking research through the Catalyzing Interdisciplinary Research Clusters (CIRC) program. Seven proposals will receive $150,000 per year over three years. An additional six other proposals will receive $75,000 for one year.

York University is funding new and groundbreaking research through the Catalyzing Interdisciplinary Research Clusters (CIRC) program, which was created to accelerate interdisciplinary research with a focus on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) around key institutional strategic initiatives, such as the Markham Campus and the proposed Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct. The program also supports areas of strategic importance, including Disaster and Risk Governance, Artificial Intelligence and Society, Digital Cultures, and Financial Technologies.

All proposals received were subjected to expert external peer review, with final decisions informed by an internal multidisciplinary review committee comprised of senior researchers and representatives from the Office of the Vice-President Research and Innovation (VPRI).

The following proposals are the inaugural recipients of the CIRC grant, valued at $150,000 per year over three years:

Robert Allison, Lassonde School of Engineering – Collaborative Technology for Healthy Living.

Giuseppina D’Agostino, Osgoode Hall Law School – AI Systems: Engineering, Governance & Society, with co-applicants James Elder, Lassonde School of Engineering, and Marin Litoiu, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS).

Patricio Dávila, School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD) – Digital Justice, with co-applicant Ganaele Langlois, (LA&PS).

Joann Jasiak, LA&PS – Digital Currencies, with co-applicant Henry Kim, Schulich School of Business.

Deborah McGregor, Osgoode Hall Law School and Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC) – Indigenous Climate Leadership and Self-Determined Futures, with co-applicant Angele Alook, LA&PS.

Kate Tilleczek, Faculty of Education – Partnership for Youth & Planetary Well-being, with co-applicants Deborah McGregor, Osgoode Hall Law School and EUC, James Orbinski, Faculty of Health, and James Stinson, Faculty of Education.

Jianhong Wu, Faculty of Science – Disaster and Health Emergency Urban Systemic Risk Transformation Cluster, with co-applicant Afshin Rezaei-Zare, Lassonde School of Engineering.

In addition, six other proposals that were highly ranked by external reviewers will each be awarded interim one-year funding of $75,000. These proposals include:

Sylvia Bawa and Mohamed Sesay, LA&PS, with Oghenowede Eyawok, Faculty of Health – Overcoming Epidemics: Transnational Black Communities Response, Recovery and Resilience.

Satinder Brar and Pouya Reza, Lassonde School of Engineering – York-Water Urban Sustainable Ecosystem Interdisciplinary Research Cluster.

Annie Bunting, LA&PS – Youth, Gender Violence, Health and Gender Justice.

Caitlin Fisher, AMPD, and Steven Hoffman, Faculty of Health and Osgoode Hall Law School – Catalyzing Collective Action at the Intersection of Global Health and the Arts.

Luann Good Gingrich, LA&PS, and Heidi Matthews, Osgoode Hall Law School – From Colonial Genocide to Just Relationships: Building Interdisciplinary Research Excellence for Indigenous Futurities.

Jonathan Weiss, Faculty of Health – New Pathways for Youth Thriving in Intersecting Contexts of Marginalization.

“York is a dynamic, research-intensive University that is committed to enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve. We work to address society’s most urgent demands by supporting research excellence, interdisciplinary knowledge translation, and collaborative partnerships that expand the influence of scientific discovery,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton. “The inaugural recipients of the Catalyzing Interdisciplinary Research Cluster grants are producing groundbreaking discoveries in a wide variety of fields, making impactful contributions towards York’s Strategic Research Plan and University Academic Plan, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and driving positive change in our local and global communities.”

“York is pleased to invest in interdisciplinary research clusters that will continue to facilitate our leadership in research that aims to have a transformative impact on society,” says Amir Asif, VPRI. “The CIRC funding is bringing together talented researchers from across disciplines to address questions of global importance, such as health and the environment, enhancing the diverse socioeconomic impacts of our research.

“We are grateful to the members of the internal multidisciplinary review committee: Professors Harvey Skinner, Walter P. Tholen and Susan Lee McGrath who supported the Office of the VPRI in the adjudication process,” adds Asif.

More about the Catalyzing Interdisciplinary Research Clusters Program

The pilot for the Catalyzing Interdisciplinary Research Clusters (CIRC) program was announced in December 2020 after receiving budget approval from the University Budget Advisory Committee (now the University Fund Committee).  

The initiative will help fund research excellence for interdisciplinary projects, crossing the mandates of at least two of the three federal granting councils, with the core team of five researchers for each project including members from at least two faculties and at least one early career researcher.

Modelled to replicate the success of interdisciplinary research clusters, the initiative empowers clusters to achieve research excellence and secure large-scale funding through highly competitive national programs, such as the Canada Excellence Research Chair, the Canada First Research Excellence Fund and the New Frontiers in Research Fund – Transformation stream. The CIRC program will scale the development of research teams and clusters to position the University as a key node in national and international networks in strategic areas of interest, while enabling impactful contributions towards the University’s Strategic Research Plan, the University Academic Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Schulich master’s students earn gold, silver at national competition

Image announcing Awards

Eight students representing York University’s Schulich School of Business finished in the top two spots at a data competition on Nov. 19.

Students in Schulich’s Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) and Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence (MMAI) programs recently took home the gold and silver awards at the Data Visualization and Datathon virtual competition hosted by the University of New Brunswick’s program for International Business and Entrepreneurship. The two teams of Schulich students competed against teams from business schools across Canada.

“We entered the competition in order to demonstrate our abilities and passions for the AI and Data Science,” says Winston Peng, a student on the MMAI team. “This was also a great opportunity to sharpen our skills and further our learnings.”

The winners include:
First-place: Team Data Spring (Master of Business Analytics Program)
Xinke (Skylar) Wang
Jiannan Zhao
Xiingkai (Joseph) Wu
Yangming (Katherine) Ye
The MBAN team from left to right: Xinke Wang, Jiannan Zhao, Xingkai Wu and Yangming Ye.


Second-place: Team Rocket (Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence Program)
Wenhui (Eva) Ma
Shengrong (Jack) Hong
Wangshu (Winston) Peng
Junyi (Adrian) Peng
MMAI team

“The MMAI program is a great combination of technical skills and business knowledge. The technical aspects – such as SQL, Python, ML – helped us generate data analysis results,” says Peng. “The business aspects prepared us for identifying the core business issues underlying the data, so we can better present our findings.”

“These results speak volumes about our MBAN and MMAI programs. On behalf of students, faculty and staff of these programs and Dean Detlev Zwick, I am extremely proud of our students winning first and second at this national competition,” says David Johnston, program director of both MBAN and MMAI.

McLaughlin College guest lecturer features Oscar-winning film

skateboard

On Dec. 8 at 3 p.m., Lesley Sparks, Hot Docs education and youth programs manager, will virtually join McLaughlin College to feature the Academy Award-winning documentary, Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re A Girl). Sparks will then lead a discussion about the success and challenges of offering human rights content in today’s classroom.

Lesley Sparks

Sparks began her career in education with the creation of a national school program for Kodak Canada. She has created and organized major teacher conferences, lectures and events to highlight the power of the image. Since 2000, she has managed the Docs For Schools program curating documentary film programs for elementary and secondary teachers to complement their curriculum.

Docs For Schools the education program of Hot Docs, showcases content related to what is happening in society, culture, and the world. The programs offer documentary content across many subjects and grade levels to inform, offer insight, and bring new perspectives to students.

This event is co-sponsored by the Office of the College Head, McLaughlin College, and Human Rights Watch (HRW). To register in advance, click here.

McLaughlin College virtual event discusses human rights and the environment

hand holding a small plant

Co-hosted by the Office of the College Head, McLaughlin College and Human Rights Watch (HRW), the “Workshop on Human Rights and the Environment,” taking place virtually on Dec. 9 at 5 p.m., will look at how human rights intersect with the environment in the context of climate change.

Guests are invited to join HRW’s Rachel LaFortune, researcher with the Environment and Human Rights Division and Stephen Northfield, digital director, to discuss their recent work documenting how climate change is already impacting human rights in Canada and how using digital advocacy helps to spread the word.

Rachel LaFortune

LaFortune’s current work focuses on human rights violations in the context of climate change and environmental health. Before joining HRW, LaFortune carried out research and advocacy on several human rights issues, including the impact of resource development on the Indigenous peoples’ rights to water, health, and culture in Canada and Papua New Guinea.

Stephen Northfield

Northfield joined HRW in 2013 and is responsible for the digital operations of the organization. He has a background in journalism, working for more than two decades as a writer and a senior editor. Most recently, he was deputy managing editor of Digital at The Globe and Mail. Previously, Northfield held the title of The Globe‘s foreign editor and worked in a variety of senior roles in national and business news.

The event moderator is Professor James C. Simeon, head of McLaughlin College and associate professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration.

To register for the event, click here.

Greg Albo

Greg Albo
Greg Albo

Associate Professor Greg Albo was interviewed on Against the Grain, a radio and web media project, to discuss the book Socialist Register 2021: Beyond Digital Capitalism: New Ways of Living he co-authored with the late Leo Panitch

York U in the news: mental health, electric vehicle chargers and more

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

130% job spike coming to Georgina. What, where will those new jobs be?
York University Associate Professor Steven Tufts was quoted in Toronto Star Dec. 2.

Global Skills Opportunity program launches across Canada
Vinitha Gengatharan, executive director of York International, was quoted in University Affairs Dec. 1.

Twelve universities launch Canadian Collegiate Esports League
York University was mentioned in Esports Insider Dec. 1.

Canadians need accessible mental-health services, not a fight over who can claim responsibility for those programs
York University Professor Pat Armstrong contributed to The Globe and Mail Dec. 1.

Law dean and firm partner join advisory group on securities and capital market investigations
Mary Condon, dean of Osgoode Hall Law School, was featured in Canadian Lawyer Dec. 1.

How to take in the Geminids meteor shower
York University Assistant Professor Jesse Rogerson speaks to CP24 Dec. 1.

As Ontario plans to build dozens of electric vehicle chargers, calls grow for ramped up infrastructure
York University Associate Professor Hany Farag speaks to CityNews Dec. 1.

CEBL’s rapid growth an example for potential women’s domestic pro leagues to follow
York University faculty member Vijay Setlur was quoted in CBC News Dec. 1.

Biomedical Engineering: The degree to make a difference in people’s lives
York University was mentioned in Study International Dec. 1.

Not just manufacturing, Vaughan mayor eyes knowledge economy as city projected to reach 6.5% GDP
York University was mentioned in Toronto Star Dec. 3.

Groundbreaking journalist Ginella Massa wins Top 25 Canadian Immigrant award
York University alumna Ginella Massa was featured in Toronto.com Dec. 3.

Use of NDAs has created ‘culture of silence and fear’ on UPEI campus, former prof says
York’s Canada Research Chair and Professor Kate Tilleczek was featured in CBC Investigates Dec. 3.

Madras HC quashes regional passport office’s order impounding passport of filmmaker Leena Manimekalai
York University was mentioned in DT Next Dec. 3.

Me Too: Madras HC orders Leena Manimekalai’s passport to be returned
Leena Manimekalai was featured in News Minute Dec. 3.

Madras High Court Directs Release Of Leena Manimekalai’s Passport In A Week
York University student Leena Manimekalai was quoted in SheThePeople Dec. 3.

Building a better community for women in STEM at York
York University students Maria Sitkovets and Ayana Siddiqui were quoted in Excalibur Dec. 2.

Omicron-variant border bans ignore the evidence, say scientists
York University Professor Steven Hoffman was quoted in Nature Dec. 2.

Jordan is new chairman at FSC
York University alumnus Oliver Jordan was featured in Barbados Today Dec. 2.

Canada: academics vote to reject IHRA definition of anti-Semitism
York University Assistant Professor Faisal Bhabha was mentioned in Middle East Monitor Dec. 2.

Northern Ontario to host development site for electric vehicle technology
York University was mentioned in Northern Ontario Businesses Dec. 2.

Sorbara Group Planning Infill Residential Along Keele near Finch
York University was mentioned in Urban Toronto Dec. 2.

York Cares United Way campaign extended to Dec. 10

York Cares United Way Campaign

Staff and faculty have raised an impressive amount for the campaign – more than $125,000 through pledge forms and by participating in the GetUP virtual physical challenge – but help is still needed to reach the fundraising goal of $150,000.

Members of the York University community can show support for our community by supporting United Way’s neighbourhood-strengthening work across the GTA. (Photo courtesy of United Way)
Members of the York University community can show support for our community by supporting United Way’s neighbourhood-strengthening work across the GTA. (Photo courtesy of United Way)

The 2021 York Cares United Way Campaign has been extended to Dec. 10.

Staff and faculty have raised an impressive amount for the campaign – more than $125,000 through pledge forms and by participating in the GetUP virtual physical challenge. However, more help is needed to reach the fundraising goal of $150,000 to support the United Way Greater Toronto in funding local organizations that make a difference in the lives of friends, families, neighbours, students and colleagues. York University is a community of changemakers committed to creating a positive change for our students, our communities and the world around us. Everyone is encouraged to participate and make every dollar count.

A personalized link to the pledge form will be sent today, and again in a final email Dec. 10. The last day to donate by payroll is Dec. 10, but credit card donations can be made towards the campaign until Dec. 31.

Your donation will: 

  • Provide flexible funding to community services so they can respond quickly to emerging needs.
  • Ensure basic needs – such as food, shelter and employment – are accessible.
  • Help vulnerable people find shelter and stay housed.
  • Help residents in their efforts to support and strengthen their neighbourhoods.
  • Get people working again, including youth.

York University is home to 7,497 staff and faculty. Below is a breakdown of the top five groups with highest dollars raised and highest participation rates so far. Note that some Faculties and groups are larger than others.

Top five groups with highest dollars raised:

  1. Office of the Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies – $20,158
  2. Office of the Dean, Faculty of Science – $17,424
  3. Office of the Dean, Faculty of Health – $12,221
  4. Office of the Dean, Schulich School of Business – $11,245
  5. Office of the Vice-Provost Students – $7,046

Top five groups with highest participation rate:

  1. Office of the President – 8.21 per cent
  2. Osgoode Hall Law School – 5.19 per cent
  3. Office of the Vice-President Advancement – 4.65 per cent
  4. Office of the Vice-President Equity, People & Culture – 4.30 per cent
  5. Faculty of Education – 3.37 per cent

For more information and to see stories of people who faced barriers and overcame them, visit https://www.yorku.ca/alumniandfriends/united-way/. Questions and inquiries can be directed to yucares@yorku.ca.