We are your vibrant and diverse neighbourhood within the bustling city that is York University. Guided by our motto — Self, Culture and Society — Founders College supports your academic success while creating opportunities to connect, participate, lead and grow as a well-rounded individual.
At Founders, you will find welcoming places to study and socialize, opportunities to attend academic, cultural and social events, and many ways to become actively involved in college life. Our students are not simply members of the Founders community — they help shape it.
Get involved. Find your community. Help shape Founders.
The Founders College Student Council (FCSC) is a student-run organization representing and serving Founders students. Through events, advocacy, community-building and opportunities for student leadership, FCSC plays an important role in creating a strong sense of belonging and making the Founders experience memorable.
Whether you want to attend an event, join a student organization, meet new people, contribute your ideas or take on a leadership role, there is a place for you at Founders College.
What We Offer
Advancing YU
Designed specifically for third- and fourth- year women and/or Black-identifying students, Advancing YU is a mentorship program that pairs students with York alumni who have found success in their chosen fields.
BIPOC Programs & Events
Founders College is proud to support BIPOC and international students through events and initiatives like Decolonization Seminar Series, the Global Cities Initiative and more.
Coming soon...
History & Affiliated Programs
Since our founding in 1965 as the first college at York, Founders College, its academic leaders, Fellows and students have participated actively in the development of the university.
College Head: Akolisa Ufodike
Associate Professor, School of Administrative Studies
Akolisa Ufodike is an award-winning scholar, finance executive and public servant whose expertise spans accountability, public sector finance, governance and leadership. A former CFO with 25 years of experience across multiple industries, he held senior roles at Bell Canada, Molson Coors and wireless telecommunications firms. In 2022, he became Alberta’s first Black Deputy Minister. A Cornell MBA, PhD graduate, and founder of the John Ware Institute, he is a passionate advocate for board diversity and public service.
