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Dear colleagues,
Many of you will have read about the launch of the York U Forward Action Plan in this morning’s YFile – a crucial multi-year initiative that will help to ensure our University’s continued success as a leading teaching and research university committed to enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve.
Along with many other institutions in Ontario, we are facing significant challenges due to a range of external factors including a tuition freeze, international student visa caps, inflation and the lingering effects of the pandemic. At the same time, the needs, interests and expectations of students are changing. This action plan provides a path forward for financial sustainability in ways that will continue to respond to those changes and maintain the momentum that we have achieved towards realizing York’s bold vision for the future.
Our success hinges on the collective engagement of our entire community. We must act thoughtfully and without delay. This initiative requires us to think together, differently and creatively, to redefine what our University can achieve.
The path ahead may not always be easy, but it is necessary. Transparency around the challenges we face will help us reach consensus and move forward with the changes that are required if we are to continue to meet the needs of our students and of society. By embracing this plan, we are ensuring that our University remains relevant and impactful.
I encourage every member of our community to read the information in YFile and engage with the York U Forward Action Plan. Your commitment is crucial as we navigate this transformative process together. Our fresh ideas, openness to change and collaborative efforts will lead us to a stronger, more resilient York University.
Thank you for your dedication and unwavering support.
Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor