An interim report on York's Faculties of the Future project has been released, synthesizing extensive community consultation and proposing a pathway for the University's academic evolution.
The report, authored by Lisa Philipps, senior policy advisor to the president, reflects input from more than 1,100 community members who have engaged with the project since September 2024.
"The interim report highlights a widely shared view that academic reorganization is not an end in itself, but rather an enabling step that could provide the key in some areas to unlock our potential for curriculum innovation, enhanced student experience and building our scholarly excellence," said Philipps. "The participation from colleagues across the University has been tremendously valuable, bringing forward thoughtful perspectives on both the exciting opportunities and some challenges that restructuring proposals will need to overcome."
Faculties of the Future is one of 17 projects currently underway as part of the York U Forward Action Plan, a critical University-wide strategy that is enabling the University to advance the University Academic Plan (UAP) while ensuring financial sustainability in light of unexpected policy directions at the provincial and federal levels affecting the higher education sector.
Faculties of the Future (Project 2) examines how York's academic unit structures might evolve to better advance the University's vision, priorities and values in a changing landscape for higher education. Extensive consultations thus far have included meetings with almost all Faculty councils; Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee of Senate (APPRC); departmental discussions in several Faculties; engagement with student senators and student organization leaders; and helpful input from the Faculties of the Future Working Group comprising faculty, staff and students from across the University.
Five main themes emerged from the discussions: changes should be driven primarily by a forward-looking academic vision that honours University values; meeting student learning needs for the future is the most urgent priority; any potential unit reorganization should include a plan for curricular renewal; the need for internal cross-subsidization is acknowledged but must be balanced with ensuring the highest demand programs can also invest in innovation; and, a tailored, selective approach to organizational change is needed to respect local circumstances and context.
"The York U Forward Action Plan, and in particular Faculties of the Future, is fundamentally about ensuring the University continues to contribute to positive change in the communities we serve," said David Peters, interim provost and vice-president academic. "By thoughtfully examining how we organize ourselves, we can enhance our ability to provide transformative learning experiences and impactful research while maintaining our commitment to access, social justice and excellence."
The Faculties of the Future Interim Report emphasizes that local context matters, suggesting units should self-identify as candidates for reorganization in discussion with their deans. It poses questions that academic units might consider, such as whether consolidation could enhance curriculum coordination, improve student experience or provide a more secure base for vulnerable program areas.
"Faculties of the Future represents a critical opportunity to reimagine our academic structures in ways that strengthen York as a leading university," said Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor. "I want to express my gratitude to Lisa Philipps for her thoughtful leadership on this project and to the many community members who have contributed their insights. This collaborative approach exemplifies York's commitment to collegial governance and demonstrates how, even in challenging times, we can adapt while staying true to our core values of student success, research excellence and community engagement."
Next steps include continued engagement, with more than 10 additional consultation sessions planned at Markham Campus, with the Student Representative Roundtable, and with departments at the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) and the Lassonde School of Engineering. Individual units are encouraged to explore reorganization options that could benefit students and advance York's academic mission.
Individual faculty members considering the opportunity for joining another unit are encouraged to approach their dean. The project team is also exploring how York U might create a more dynamic platform to support experimental programming across different parts of the University.
Final recommendations are expected by spring with implementation anticipated in the 2025-26 academic year.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to review the interim report and share ideas by contacting fof@yorku.ca or reaching out to a working group representative from their Faculty or constituency group. Information about working group membership and details about the consultations are available to faculty and staff on the Faculties of the Future project page on the York U Action Plan website.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
