At the September meeting of the Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee (APPRC), members made a strategic decision that speaks to York University's adaptive approach to academic planning. They agreed to extend the University Academic Plan (UAP) by one year, pushing the timeline for renewal to June 2026.
The APPRC is responsible for consultations and recommendations to senate on academic plans and policies as well as other major academic initiatives. Careful consideration of the current landscape informed the committee’s decision to extend the UAP. The decision reflects a thoughtful pause – an opportunity to take stock of the institution's progress and conscientiously chart its next steps.
“The extension will allow APPRC to conduct a comprehensive retrospective progress report that will inform the development of the next UAP,” said APPRC Chair Monique Hebert. The decision was subsequently shared with Senate in the October meeting.
The University Academic Plan guides York's strategic direction, enabling significant advancements across multiple academic and institutional priorities. Throughout the UAP 2020-25 cycle, the University has made progress in areas aligned with its vision and values, including enhancing student experience, advancing research excellence, and promoting decolonizing, equity, diversity and inclusion.
Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic David Peters sees the extension as a critical opportunity for reflection. “York is at a significant point along its path to realizing the goals at the heart of our University Academic Plan 2020-2025: Building a Better Future.” He added that “we are navigating a complex higher education landscape, and although we have made strong progress in advancing the academic plan, with the challenges and unexpected shifts in our operating environment – including declining enrolments, the ongoing provincial tuition freeze and the federal cap on international student enrolment – it makes sense to allow more time for a comprehensive review before we develop the new plan."