A unique and exciting new partnership between Ryerson University and York University will see Ryerson graduate students enrolled in courses at York’s Osgoode Hall Law School and Osgoode students taking graduate school courses at Ryerson.
Representatives from the two universities signed an agreement to launch the Reciprocal 
Interdisciplinary Studies Opportunity this fall.
Left: Osgoode Hall Law School Dean Lorne Sossin (right) with Yeates School of Graduate Studies Interim Dean Debora Foster
“This is a major initiative by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies at Ryerson and York’s Osgoode Hall Law School that will promote interdisciplinary studies and enhance the curriculum of the respective schools,” said Patrick Monahan, vice-president academic and provost of York.
Ryerson and York are “academic leaders with complementary strengths,” said Alan Shepard, Ryerson’s provost and vice president academic. “This partnership capitalizes on each institution’s specific expertise and broadens the academic experience for students.”
A limited number of students each semester will be allowed to enrol in courses at the host university, but will pay their usual tuition to their home university. A student will be allowed to register for up to one full year or two half-year courses, selected from a list of courses provided by each institution for this agreement. Students will obtain credits for courses if they attain the pass level required.
Osgoode Dean Lorne Sossin said the law school’s tradition of excellence in legal education and scholarship and in experiential learning, combined with Ryerson’s record of applied education and strength in areas such as media studies and journalism, bodes well for the partnership.
“We have the kind of depth in the study of law that is a good complement to those areas where Ryerson has developed expertise,” Sossin said. “Students will be enriched by having the chance to take the courses we’re going to designate each year as available to the other.”
Debora Foster, interim dean of the Yeates School of Graduate Studies during the creation and launch of the partnership, said the agreement means additional options for students to explore their interests and take advantage of the strengths at the partner institution. “This is a wonderful example of universities working together to develop education that is relevant for the 21st century.”
A total of 14 Ryerson courses will be available to Osgoode students ranging from Diversity and Equity in the Public Service to Innovation and Growth in Media Industries and International Trade in Goods and Services. Osgoode courses for Ryerson graduate students will include Freedom of Expression and the Press, International Human Rights Law, Sexuality and the Law, and 12 more courses.