Welcome to the last issue of Innovatus for the 2016-17 academic year.
This issue explores a diverse array of innovative stories devoted to teaching and learning at York University.
We begin with the announcement of the recipients of the President's University-Wide Teaching Awards, the recipients are outstanding teachers and exemplify York University's deep and enduring commitment to teaching, learning and the student experience. My congratulations to all of the recipients.
Will Gage
Continuing on, I have to admit that I am a bit envious of the professors and students who are taking part in the first Summer Abroad program at York University's new EcoCampus located in the cloud rainforest in Costa Rica. Faculty of Environmental Studies Professor Ravi da Costa offers some insight into what they can expect from this adventure in learning.
York University takes great pride in its promotion of undergraduate student research. Innovatus speaks to one student about her experience and how it has changed her life.
Student creativity takes centre stage in a story about an Academic Innovation Fund project. York University has a deep commitment to academic innovation and this project is representative of the tremendous depth and diversity of the 2017-18 projects announced in April.
As part of the University's deep commitment to teaching and learning, Innovatus presents a recap of the annual Teaching in Focus Conference. As part of the conference, I had the opportunity to host an inspiring panel on teaching and learning.
We have an interesting story on a very special experiential learning course affiliated with the Walls to Bridges program led by Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies Professor Andrea Daley.
To round out our issue, there is a wonderful story on an effort by Faculty of Health Professor Eva Peisachovich, who is shaking up the traditional classroom with a human "simulation" exercise.
Since we launched this special issue of YFile devoted to teaching and learning, your comments and support continue to come into my office. I am very grateful for the story suggestions and your enthusiasm. We will be taking a break over the summer months and will return in the fall with a new lineup of stories devoted to the many innovations underway in the classroom and across York University.
Innovatus publishes once a month during the academic year. Innovatus is produced by the Office of the Associate Vice-President Teaching & Learning in partnership with Communications & Public Affairs.
As always, we are looking for unique story ideas. Share your experience with us through the Innovatus story form, which is available at http://tl.apps01.yorku.ca/machform/view.php?id=16573/.
Sincerely,
Will Gage
Associate Vice-President Teaching & Learning