The following is a message to the community from York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton. This message was issued on April 7 to mark World Health Day:
Dear Colleagues,
Since our founding in 1959, two things have defined York University: our commitment to creating positive change for our students, the communities we serve and the world around us; and the strength of our caring community of staff, faculty, students, alumni and supporters.
Over the past few weeks, these values have been tested as never before by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our community has continued to demonstrate its leadership in the way we have responded to this global challenge. Our faculty members have shown remarkable dedication as they move their courses to online and remote learning formats. Our staff have maintained University operations and provided essential services on campus and online. Our students have persevered as exemplary role models for our institution. Each of you reminds me every day of the truly extraordinary nature of our community, including the many partners, friends and donors who support us. Our community members are also on the frontlines of the fight against the pandemic, as part of our Emergency Operations Committees, through research, community work and in our healthcare system. I am grateful to all of you for your service.
On this World Health Day, I am writing to announce two new important initiatives – a York University COVID-19 Student Relief Fund and $250,000 in funding for COVID-19 related research.
York University launches the COVID-19 Student Relief Fund
We all know that COVID-19 and its rippling social and economic effects will have severe consequences for many students. Students and their families may face financial hardships. Students have had their studies interrupted. Others will struggle to meet unexpected technology requirements, childcare and health-related costs. These individuals and their families need our help.
Today, we are launching the York University COVID-19 Student Relief Fund, an initiative that will raise money to support York University Emergency Bursaries. We started these bursaries immediately after the virus began affecting York’s students to help them cover unexpected housing, rent, food, travel and other costs due to the pandemic.
The needs of our students are nevertheless beyond our current capacity, and longer-term support will be needed. Many community members have expressed a desire to contribute, and we have therefore established this new fund. If you are interested in contributing to the York University COVID-19 Student Relief Fund, please use this link to donate.
We know this is a difficult time, and you too may have been adversely affected. But if you can make even a small donation, the potential benefit to students in need is enormous. This morning, I made a personal donation to the fund, and I hope you will consider making one as well.
An additional way you can support our students is by sending a message of encouragement whether you have a story to tell or optimistic thoughts to offer. You can speak directly to our students here: https://alumniandfriends.yorku.ca/alumniwordsofwisdom.
$250,000 Internal Research Fund
Many York researchers have been awarded significant external funding for their COVID-19 related research. Recognizing there are many other colleagues who can also play a vital role in combating this pandemic, I am delighted to share with you that we are issuing a call for time-sensitive special research proposals with a COVID-19 focus with funding provided by York.
We are seeking innovative and original projects that provide a made-in-York solution to some aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic in which we find ourselves.
You can find more information at: https://research.info.yorku.ca/2020/04/call-for-proposals-vpri-is-offering-up-to-250000-for-covid-19-research-proposals/.
Our collective efforts to combat COVID-19
I am heartened by the stories of community members going above and beyond in the fight against COVID-19. These contributions range from securing 1,500 laptops for students, faculty and staff to learn, teach or work remotely; donating thousands of personal protective equipment items to help protect frontline healthcare workers; and developing a COVID-19 predictive dashboard, which will help public health authorities and citizens coordinate their response to the pandemic.
These are just a few of the many initiatives and stories, and I invite you to visit www.yorku.ca/bettertogether where you can view the collective efforts of our community. As we continue to share how we are contributing to flattening the curve, we will aggregate efforts around a common hashtag #YUBetterTogether, and I would encourage you to do the same.
While we do not know what the weeks and months ahead will hold, based on what I have seen thus far, I am confident that together we will come through this challenging time stronger than before. Thank you for everything you have done, and will continue to do, as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sincerely,
Rhonda L. Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor