Dear York community,
Welcome to the 2024-25 academic year!
Whether you are a new or returning student, faculty member, course instructor or staff member, I am thrilled that you are here at York – a dynamic, vibrant university community that spans from our local campuses in Keele, Glendon, and Markham to our global campuses in India and Costa Rica.
York is a diverse and welcoming university, attracting community members from different countries, cultures and sectors. We are internationally recognized as a research-intensive and comprehensive institution committed to a sustainable future for the planet and those who inhabit it. Our efforts have been acknowledged by Times Higher Education, ranking York in the world’s top 35 universities for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
We are also known for our innovative and interdisciplinary programs and research, integrating strengths across the arts and liberal arts, professional programs, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). We were among the very first universities to offer degrees in environmental studies, disaster and emergency management, space engineering, global health and digital media, to name just a few. We cultivate leaders in all walks of life who leverage the knowledge, skills and connections they acquire at York to drive positive change.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge that these are volatile and uncertain times. The post-secondary education sector as a whole is having to address declining revenue as a result of frozen tuition and caps on both domestic and international enrolment. Geopolitical conflicts have a profound impact on members of our community, and broad global issues such as climate change and inequality can be daunting. Connecting with each other has never been more important, and York is committed to creating the conditions where all members of our community feel respected and able to contribute to the solutions that are so urgently needed to solve these challenges and to advance both our University Academic Plan and the newest York U Forward Action Plan.
I hope you will seek out opportunities to advance both your own success and the success of others, including through:
- taking advantage of our ever-expanding roster of work-integrated and experiential education offerings;
- catalyzing research and innovation as a graduate or undergraduate student through research practicum and capstone project courses, paid or volunteer positions;
- exploring new ways of effecting change through our 31 Organized Research Units; and
- participating in athletics and recreation programs or joining some of the 300+ clubs at York.
If you are ever in need of personalized assistance, I encourage you to utilize the resources featured on our well-being website, which include academic advising, counselling, health and well-being, and community resources.
I look forward to meeting you all at the many upcoming York events and activities, and wish you the very best this academic year.
Sincerely,
Rhonda L. Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor