NEWSWIRE

York introduces a new
Student Code of Conduct

Following an extensive consultation with students, faculty and staff, York University has released its new Student Code of Conduct, which aims to provide a fair, transparent and easily understood system to deal with inappropriate student behaviour. Among the most tangible improvements in the code is that students will now have a say in the process, including allowing students to be judged by students. "When comparing the way we opened the process up to the entire York community with what other universities are offering, I strongly believe we now have the best code in Canada," said Cynthia Summers, York's director of student conduct and dispute resolution. You can read more on the code and how it was created, inside.

York's astronaut takes his first walk in space
Alumnus Steve MacLean successfully completed his first-ever spacewalk on Wednesday, and later told Prime Minister Steven Harper, "The view I had was fantastic." The 51-year-old astronaut became only the second Canadian, after Chris Hadfield in 2001, to walk in space.

Design students sweep awards again
Winning awards has become an annual rite of passage for students in the York/Sheridan Joint Program in Design. For the fifth consecutive year, they swept the awards in the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario's student competition. They took 23 of the 40 prizes awarded, placing first in 10 of the 15 top categories.

Law student to receive Governor General's Youth Award
Third-year Osgoode LLB student Seema Shah, 24, has been chosen to receive a Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case for her leadership, excellence and helping to advance the cause of equality of girls and women in Canada.

Africa, here she comes
Three months in Zanzibar have changed Melissa Peneycad’s life. The 28-year-old former management consultant, who used to advise government and corporate clients how to improve their bottom lines, has abandoned the rich to help the poor start small businesses.

Film students and grads make their mark
at Toronto International Film Festival
Independent filmmakers often say it's a tough job getting noticed, but York filmmakers are making their mark all over the film scene both at home and abroad. This week, a couple of Yorkies rubbed shoulders with international movie stars from Hollywood to Bollywood at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Annual Cricket Challenge moves onto new pitch
Cricket at York is growing again this year as the annual York is U Cricket Challenge begins Monday for a week-long competition outdoors on a new ground.

Faculty of Arts holds open house for new students
The Faculty of Arts is enhancing the new-student experience with its first annual Faculty of Arts Open House to be held on Wednesday, from 10am to 3pm. The event will give students the opportunity to meet the professors and staff in all the departments and build awareness for the academic affiliated clubs and associations available to them.

Former OSC Chair to teach at Osgoode Hall Law School
Edward Waitzer, former Chair of the Ontario Securities Commission who is completing a term as Chair of the law firm, Stikeman Elliott LLP, has been appointed Falconbridge Professor of Commercial Law for the 2006-2007 academic year at York’s Osgoode Hall Law School.

York geographer earns high distinction
Professor Glen Norcliffe of York's Faculty of Arts was awarded a doctor of science degree by the University of Bristol, UK, on July 14. Norcliffe was one of just two recipients of the honour at the July convocation ceremony in Bristol and this is the first time in recent memory that a York professor has earned this higher doctorate.

Chief Tabobondung helped design the Assembly of First Nations
Chief Florence Tabobondung, a York University honorary doctorate recipient (1988), died on Sept. 10 at a long-term care facility in Parry Sound, Ont., following a long illness. She was 85. Tabobondung oversaw the eviction of CN Rail from the illegal occupation of the community of Depot Harbour and was an architect of the Assembly of First Nations.

Late York English professor was popular with students
Janet Lucas, a professor of English in York’s Faculty of Arts, died suddenly in Toronto on July 26. Lucas was a York alumna and earned a master's in English in 1997 and a PhD in social & political thought in 2003. She was 43.

York responds to Supreme Court decision
York University issued a statement Sept. 14 on the Supreme Court of Canada decision not to hear an appeal from York of a preliminary decision on the matter of whether a university president is a public officer.