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Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS)

Principle 5: Recognize, value and support diversity

Posted on 13 May 2026
Principle 5: Recognize, value and support diversity
Home » Year in Review » Principle 5: Recognize, value and support diversity

Principle 5: Recognize, value and support diversity

All members of LA&PS will feel recognized and included in the academic work, priorities, and vision of the Faculty, and will see their communities reflected in curricular offerings, among the student body and across the teaching spectrum.

By the Numbers

$50K

Secured for the Tom Janes Award for Black Scholars

0+

Women and Black-Identifying Students Supported through Advancing YU

$0K+

Disbursed Through Advancing YU

2025-26 Highlights

Tom Janes Award for Black Scholars

A group of award recipients stand beside a sign reading “Tom Janes Award Recipient Luncheon Welcome!” and pose for a photo before the event.
Attendees seated around round tables take part in discussions during the Tom Janes Award Recipient Luncheon, with several participants standing and speaking to the group.
Award recipients, guests, and organizers gather around a welcome sign for a group photo at the Tom Janes Award Recipient Luncheon.

In 2025, the recipients of the Tom Janes Award for Black Scholars were honoured at a special celebration event that recognized their achievements and provided space to share their lived experiences as Black students within LA&PS.

Advancing YU

Five event participants stand together holding certificates and posing for a photo during an Advancing YU Celebration awards event.
A group of attendees wearing event badges pose for a group photo around a sign reading “Welcome!” during an Advancing YU celebration event.
Certificate recipients stand with an event organizer while holding certificates of completion during the Advancing YU Celebration.

Advancing YU hosted their 2026-26 celebration event for women and/or Black-identifying students in March. The event provided a platform for program participants to share their experiences, network with alumni mentors and collect their completion certificates.

Indigenous Lecture Series

A speaker stands in front of a presentation slide reading “Indigenous Lecture Series Welcome” while addressing attendees in a classroom setting.
Attendees seated around tables listen to a presentation during an Indigenous Lecture Series event, with presentation slides projected on a screen at the front of the room.
A presenter stands at the front of a classroom reading from a book beside a projected presentation during an Indigenous Lecture Series event.

In November 2025, Jennifer Brant, PhD, delivered Rematriating Justice: Honouring the Lives of Our Indigenous Sisters as part of the Indigenous Lecture Series. She explored how colonial policies have controlled and erased Indigenous womanhood, shaping harmful maternal health experiences and perpetuating violence. Brant presented Matriarchal Worlding as an Indigenous feminist approach to restoring justice and honouring Indigenous women and girls.

Politics/Poetics of Migration: At the Intersection of Anti‑Blackness & Migration Policies

A speaker stands at a lectern delivering remarks during a panel event, with a presentation poster for “Politics/Poetics of Migration” displayed on a screen behind the speaker.
Panelists seated in armchairs participate in a discussion during a public event, with a presentation slide displayed on a screen behind them.
A speaker stands at a lectern addressing attendees during a public lecture, with a “Politics/Poetics of Migration” event poster projected on a screen in the background.

The Harriet Tubman Institute presented Politics/Poetics of Migration: At the Intersection of Anti‑Blackness & Migration Policies in February. The roundtable brought together migrant activists, scholars, and lawyers to examine the impacts, challenges and potential solutions surrounding migration and anti‑Blackness in Canada and globally.

 

Tea Time Talks

Two presenters wearing matching orange shirts sit at a table during a discussion session, with an Indigenous Students Association logo projected on a screen behind them.
A presenter stands at a lectern delivering a presentation while a slide displaying maps and historical information is shown on a screen behind them. Audience members are seated in the foreground.
Participants gather around a table with craft materials and supplies while listening to a presenter during an interactive workshop session.

This year, we hosted Tea Time Talks, a student-led initiative aimed at fostering intercultural understanding and a sense of belonging at York University through inclusive and meaningful dialogue. Featured sessions included Tea Time Talk on Indigenous Voices: Honouring Truth & Reconciliation and Tea Time Talk: Chuseok, a Korean Harvest Celebration, which provided opportunities for students to learn about diverse cultures, share experiences and build connections across communities.

Bridging Program for Women Mixer

Event participants seated around a table listen as two speakers address the group during a networking and discussion session in a library setting.
Two participants sit together in a library and review information on a mobile phone while talking over refreshments during a networking event.
A speaker stands and addresses attendees seated around tables during a Women's Bridging Program Mixer, with bookshelves and display materials visible in the background.

On April 16, students, alumni and faculty gathered for an evening of networking, inspiring conversations and community building. The event highlighted the vibrant spirit of connection, mentorship and peer support that defines York's Bridging Program for Women.

International Orientation & Transition

Students seated in a lecture hall listen to an orientation presentation, with attendees facing the front of the room and taking notes.
A staff member stands beside a York International information display table featuring brochures, QR codes, and program information during an orientation event.
A group of participants pose for a photo in a campus atrium during an orientation event, with a Founders College sign visible in the background.

Before the Fall 2025 term, international students new to LA&PS were invited to YU Landing, a pre-orientation program designed to help students transition into their first year at York University academically, socially and personally.

Internationally Educated Professionals Celebrate Success Ceremony

A large group of program participants, guests, and organizers pose together for a group photo during the IEP Success Ceremony in a campus atrium.
Event participants stand in front of a York University backdrop and pose for a photo during the IEP Success Ceremony.
Representatives from organizations and professional associations speak with attendees at information booths during the IEP Success Ceremony networking fair.

This year, the Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) Program recognized participant achievements by hosting the Celebrate Success Ceremony, honouring students and alumni — including those in the Bridging Program—who have completed the IEP certificate or reached significant career milestones.

Gospel Choir

Members of a gospel choir dressed in black stand together on stage preparing to perform, with microphones positioned at the front of the stage.
Audience members seated at round tables listen to a performance or presentation in a large campus event space.
A gospel choir stands on stage during a performance rehearsal while a keyboard player sits at an instrument in the foreground. A Founders College sign is visible in the background.

Students, faculty and staff were invited to an evening of gospel music and meaningful discussions to understand the impact of gospel music on the Black diaspora.

Pitch Yourself Workshop

Attendees seated at round tables listen to a panel discussion during an Advancing YU workshop, while presentation slides are displayed on a screen at the front of the room.
A group of workshop participants and organizers pose for a photo beneath a Founders College anniversary banner during an Advancing YU event.
Participants seated in a classroom listen while a speaker stands at the front of the room leading a discussion during the Advancing YU “Pitch Yourself” workshop.

In October 2025, students in Advancing YU attended the "Pitch Yourself" workshop and participated in critical discussions exploring topics such as the most effective ways to present themselves professionally when they have little or no experience in their desired field.

York's Annual Chinese Culture Day 2026

A presenter stands at a lectern delivering a lecture while presentation slides featuring historical documents and text are displayed on a large screen behind them.
Event speakers and organizers pose for a group photo in front of a presentation screen displaying information about York University’s Annual Chinese Culture Day.
An audience member stands at a microphone asking a question during a cultural event, while other attendees remain seated in the lecture hall.

York proudly celebrates the vibrant cultural heritage, accomplishments and resilience of the Chinese community. To mark the Chinese Lunar New Year, we hosted a special event showcasing Chinese excellence and traditions through engaging keynote lectures and captivating Tai-Chi performances.

Conference of the Association for Spanish and Portuguese Historical Studies

Conference attendees wearing name badges stand in small groups and converse during a networking session in a reception area.
A speaker holds a microphone and addresses conference attendees while standing in front of a presentation screen during a conference session.
Four conference attendees wearing name badges pose together for a photo during a networking reception

The Association for Spanish and Portuguese Historical Studies (ASPHS) Conference was hosted at York University in April, bringing together international scholars to share research on Iberian history. The event featured academic panels, keynote speeches and collaborative networking sessions.

2025-26 Achievements

In an effort to make LA&PS a more inclusive destination for equity-seeking students, the Faculty secured $540,000 in new funding for the Tom Janes Award for Black Scholars, a $5,000 renewable, four-year scholarship for students.

Founders College, whose mission is to deliver programming that supports Black, Indigenous and racialized (BIPOC), international and other equity-seeking students, disbursed more than $100,000 through the Advancing YU program. This funding provided $1,000 awards to more than 100 third and fourth-year LA&PS Black and women-identifying students during the academic year. Funding for the program was secured by the Faculty's Advancement team through program sponsor Canada Life.

This year, Founders College delivered a range of programming and events to recognize and support York's diverse community members including Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation, the Haudenosaucee Social Dance, Colloquium on Arab Diaries, International Student Coffee Chats and in collaboration with cultural-specific student clubs, Tea Time Talks.

In support of International Transgender Day of Visibility, Vanier College Productions (VCP) delivered a special presentation of Key Change: A Trans Journey from Divo to Diva.

Success Stories

This program has played a pivotal role in my academic and professional development. Advancing YU has showed me that setbacks do not define you, but how you respond to them does. Through mentorship and guidance, I’ve gained not just skills, but the confidence to keep striving forward with purpose and make the most of every opportunity.

Stephen Atkins profile photo

— Stephen Atkins
LA&PS Student, Advancing YU Participant

The Advancing YU is not just about imparting skills; it’s about empowering the next generation of leaders to navigate the complexities of the professional world with confidence and resilience. One of the most rewarding aspects of this program is seeing the evolution of mentees from eager students to capable early-career professionals ready to take on the challenges of the workforce.

Roger Young profile photo

— Roger Young
Advancing YU Mentor; Business Transformation Consultant

As a mature student returning to York with a passion for policy analysis, Advancing YU has made my transition back to student life seamless. The program provided valuable workshops for my well-being and academic success, and I was connected with a caring mentor who guided me in planning and achieving my goals.

Karen Welcome profile photo

— Karen Welcome
LA&PS Student, Advancing YU Participant

Through insightful conversations with my [Advancing YU] mentor, engaging workshops and self-reflection, I gained greater clarity about my career goals, built valuable connections, and obtained meaningful advice on navigating the professional world as I prepare to transition into the workforce.

Tristan Cabral profile photo

— Tristan Cabral
LA&PS Student, Advancing YU Participant

I joined Advancing YU because I was seeking a mentorship experience grounded in shared identity and lived experience that would support my academic and professional journey as a woman of colour. During my time with Advancing YU, I was generously offered the opportunity to sit in on a PhD seminar, an experience that strengthened my commitment to pursuing graduate studies in the humanities.

Sana Paracha profile photo

— Sana Paracha
LA&PS Student, Advancing YU Participant

I would say if you join the Bridging Programs for Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs), half the job is done. The IEP program gave structure and stability to my career planning strategy in Canada. I landed my first job in Canada through the IEP program!

— Pritika Raju
LA&PS Student, 2025 Foundation Program Participant
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