President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri has issued this message to the York community:
With our winter term concluding in a few short weeks, I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you an update on the progress we are making on implementing the METRAC (Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children) Safety Audit report.
I would first like to thank Professor Pat Bradshaw for her role as inaugural chair of the Community Safety Council (CSC). As chair, she was responsible for bringing together multiple stakeholders to look at the safety trends and issues emerging in the communities. Unfortunately for York, she has accepted a post as dean at the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University effective June 1. Pat is an incredible leader and I wish her well in her future endeavours.
I am very pleased that Professor John Amanatides has accepted the position as chair of the CSC. John is an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, and he is also master of Bethune College. I hope you will all join me in welcoming Professor Amanatides in his new role.
Some other safety-related highlights:
• In February, we announced the appointment of Aldo Altomare to the newly created position of Manager, Security Training and Standards. Mr. Altomare comes to York with 32 years of experience in the Toronto Police Service. In his new role, he is responsible for revising our standard operating procedures to reflect the new service delivery model and in developing and delivering our new training curriculum.
• The Lights Out initiative, which refers to regularly replacing any exterior lights that are burnt out across our campuses, has resulted in less than 1 per cent of lights being out at a time, the lowest rate in 10 years.
• York Security Services renewed its patrol car fleet. The cars’ arrival follows the expiry of the University’s lease on its existing vehicles and was paid for with existing funds in the University’s security budget.
York University is committed to creating a space where people feel valued and safe. We will continue to work collaboratively with the entire York community to enhance the quality of life for those who study and work here. For more information on York University’s detailed action plan regarding the METRAC recommendations, or to view a more comprehensive list of initiatives that have been implemented, please visit the Safety Audit website. For additional information on our safety services, I encourage you to visit the Safety Awareness website.