While the post-secondary sector faces complex and rapidly evolving challenges, York University continues to transcend disciplines, institutions, sectors and borders to maximize the positive impact of our teaching, learning and research for the well-being of the communities we serve. Together, we are tackling issues such as systemic inequality, the changing nature of work, climate change, political polarization and global health.
Guided by our six priorities for action as outlined in the University Academic Plan 2020-2025: Building a Better Future (UAP) and our commitment to elevating our contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), York University has made incredible progress in the past year.
To deliver on our mandate to provide the next generation of global leaders with a high-quality education at a research-intensive university, we have enhanced teaching and learning activities through the creation of new online and blended courses and programs; we have increased experiential education opportunities including in-person and virtual training both on and off our campuses; and, we have expanded technologically-enhanced learning to give students hands-on training in critical industries including healthcare.
In support of our commitment to accessibility, we have worked diligently to dismantle systemic barriers to education by launching dynamic programs and initiatives to enhance the success of our diverse student body. Our entire community has worked to advance equity, diversity and inclusion across the institution, making an ongoing commitment to reconciliation and decolonization.
Our research is fortifying our position as stewards of knowledge-translation and innovation, addressing a broad range of social, economic, environmental and cultural issues impacting us locally and globally. From the housing crisis and inequality to smart solutions for sustainable cities and the responsible and equitable application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR), York’s research and scholarship are informing policy and generating new ideas that will right our future.
In these efforts, York community members have been actively engaged in developing and expanding our capacity as an agent of change through transformative partnerships. With the support of global, local and community partners in projects such as Innovation York and YSpace, the establishment of a Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct and a proposal for a new School of Medicine, and the Markham Campus set to open in Spring 2024, we have ambitious plans for growth that will revitalize and support the long-term prosperity of Ontario and beyond.
We have made remarkable strides in progressing as a major international university, as you will see throughout this Report, none of which would have been possible without our diverse and resilient community of students, staff, course instructors, faculty members, alumni, volunteers, community partners, and supporters.
I look forward to continuing to work together to transform challenges into opportunities that drive positive change, link purpose with impact, and create a brighter and more sustainable future for us all.
Rhonda Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor
Learn more about our priorities: