Dear York community,
York University has always been an innovator bringing together our commitment to access, meaningful connection, excellence and driving positive change. This past year has been no exception. Despite the challenges facing the higher education sector and a rapidly changing global environment, our community has continued to work collaboratively to magnify our positive impact through bold programs, research, and creative activities and strategic initiatives dedicated to sustainability, equity and global engagement.
Recognized by Times Higher Education as one of the top 40 universities in the world for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we continue to amplify our impact on the goals at the heart of our University Academic Plan 2020-2025: Building a Better Future. Some of the many achievements we have made in these areas are captured in the 2023 President's Annual Report, from pedagogical innovation and expanded program offerings, including experiential education, micro-credentials and globally networked learning; groundbreaking interdisciplinary research projects across diverse fields, including a first-of-its-kind $318-million initiative about socially responsible technologies; and new initiatives that break down barriers to academic and professional success; to transformative collaborations with partners that span the York Region to Guyana and the Philippines, and involve international organizations such as UNITAR.
Beyond celebrating the collective spirit and drive for excellence that defines our university, this report is a reminder that together, we have the power to right the future. As we look ahead, there is much to be excited about, including the official opening of the Markham Campus in Spring 2024, a transformative revisioning initiative for our Glendon Campus, progress on our School of Medicine proposal, the ongoing development of our Keele Campus and so much more.
Thank you for your continued dedication to York University and to our shared vision. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that this decade has thus far been rife in crises, from global conflict to systemic inequality, racism and discrimination, health pandemics and climate change. Universities have never been more important for producing the leadership, the research and the globally connected partnerships needed for a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow.
Read the President's Annual Report.
Kind regards,
Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
