![Principle 4: Foster innovation in teaching and curriculum development](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2021/09/Principle-3-1536x430-1.jpg)
Principle 4: Foster innovation in teaching and curriculum development
LA&PS is leading in pedagogical innovation, with many new achievements including the approval of ground-breaking new undergraduate programs developed to meet diverse academic interests at the Keele and Markham Campuses. We are also investing in innovative teaching and learning spaces to encourage hi-flex, dynamic education.
By the Numbers
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New Undergrad Programs at York's New Markham Campus
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New Grad Programs at York's New Markham Campus
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Programs Ranked in the Top 5 in Canada
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Programs Ranked in the top 100 in the World
2023-2024 Highlights
Programs Fair
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In January 2024, we held the first LA&PS Programs Fair, an opportunity for existing students to speak with LA&PS program representatives and academic advisors to learn about program combinations including double majors, minors and certificates as a way to diversify their academic experience and enhance their career prospects.
Markham Campus
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The Markham Campus Student Reception, held in April 2024, welcomed prospective students to the campus and connected professors with the Inagural Markham class of 2028.
2023-2024 Achievements
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In 2023-24, the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies successfully developed, delivered and implemented a new framework for non-degree courses to bolster our program offerings and provide new pathways for students with gaps in their skill set. The online 12-week 12U math waiver pilot successfully addressed the numeracy shortfall experienced by many incoming students and will be offered again in Summer 2024.
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This year, York University prepared for the launch of its new Markham Campus, which will feature four new undergraduate programs developed by LA&PS, expanding the range of diverse academic interests, inclusive curriculum and hands-on experiences. The programs include, communication, social media & public relations (BA), entrepreneurship & innovation (BCom), financial technologies (BSc) and sport management (BSM).
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
This year, the University approved the proposal for a new Black Studies undergraduate honours degree program, the first hybrid LA&PS program, set to launch in September 2025.
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This year, we successfully transitioned the existing Internship Workshop sessions into a 12-week comprehensive asynchronous Co-op Prep Module designed to equip students with career readiness competencies in preparation for co-op. The curriculum covers a range of topics including relevant software skills, networking skills, refined job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, on-the-job success, professional communication, mental health and stress management and more.
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The Work Integrated Learning team received $50,000 from the Ministries of Colleges and Universities through the Ontario Micro-Credential Challenge Fund to scale the development of the Co-op Prep Module into an "Upskilling for Co-op: Preparing for the Workplace Micro-Credential," which will continue to support LA&PS students before entering the workforce. Informed by industry and employer partners, the curriculum addresses existing gaps in the labour market and will prepare students for success starting in September 2024.
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The Faculty is proud to introduce iClass (innovative, Collaborative Learning and Student Space), a new eLearning hub that will become operational during the 2024-25 academic year in 117 South Ross, thanks to funding from the Ontario government's Training Equipment and Renewal Fund, intended to help modernize post-secondary facilities. iClass will include three separate types of teaching and learning spaces and two tech-enhanced classrooms for instructors to experiment with pedagogical innovations and deliver pilots or special online courses.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
This year, we implemented an active learning classroom pilot with expanded whiteboard capacity and flexible room layouts in 105H Central Square, in addition to, the rollout of dry-erase marker whiteboards in all LA&PS classrooms to further support innovation in teaching and learning.
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We onboarded and trained 85% of our academic units onto our new efficient Curriculum Management System (CMS), Kuali, an innovative digitalization of an earlier paper formatted process, which will be used by units for all course and degree proposal submissions, repository system and academic calendar publication.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
We developed a new automated and innovative tracking system for Cyclical Program Reviews (CPR) to improve and support the calibre of all academic programs in LA&PS.
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Success Stories
We are thrilled to introduce [iClass] - this innovative hub that is set to transform the learning landscape at the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. This project is a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of our community.
![J.J. McMurtry profile photo](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2023/03/J.J.-McMurtry-538x538-1.png)
— J.J. McMurtry
Dean, LA&PS
By refreshing existing spaces and equipping them with flexible furniture, iClass enables students to engage in collaborative and active learning... Because these spaces can transform teaching and learning experiences, they can have a profound impact on how instructors and students engage in 21st-century learning.
![Anita Lam profile photo](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Anita-Lam.png)
— Anita Lam
Associate Professor, Dept. of Humanities
Exciting news! The 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject are out, and LA&PS programs have achieved top rankings both in Canada and globally.
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Come to the LA&PS Programs Fair next week, where you will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from LA&PS Schools and Departments!
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We chatted with some LA&PS students on Academic Orientation Day to learn about their majors. Are you prepared for the start of school? Tell us the major you’re pursuing! 🔍📚
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