York University continues to uphold its longstanding commitment to address barriers to success by empowering students from equity-deserving groups, increasing and improving financial supports, and leading the way in open scholarship. Rooted in the principles of equity, decolonization, diversity and inclusion, this institution is about opening doors and building a strong foundation for academic and professional achievement.
What first attracted me to York was its unwavering commitment to access, guided by the belief that education is a right, not a privilege. As global and local challenges evolve, so too does our responsibility to ensure that no talent is left behind. I know that York will continue to realize a future where every learner, regardless of background, has the support and opportunity to thrive.”
Rhonda Lenton, President & Vice-Chancellor
By the Numbers
From Access to Success Highlights
Strengthening career supports for students with disabilities
In February 2025, York University was awarded a $500,000 grant from Embark Student Corp. to help students with disabilities navigate the transition from university to the workforce.
Students with disabilities face almost double the unemployment rate of their non-disabled peers and typically earn median wages about 5.5% lower. With this new funding, York will increase its dedicated support for these students through career counselling, mentorship, employer networking, and accessible career resources.
As the largest award to a post-secondary institution from the Embark Student Foundation Major Grant Program this year, this investment will bring together York’s leadership in accessibility and equity and Embark’s bold vision for inclusive education.
New lab expands support for underrepresented researchers
York University is proud to be the institutional home of a new Black, Indigenous and Latinx Research Laboratory (BILX-Lab), supported by a $100,000 federal Robbins-Ollivier Award for Excellence in Equity.
Led by Professor Tameka Samuels-Jones and housed at the Centre for Research on Latin America & the Caribbean (CERLAC), the BILX-Lab fosters equity in research by supporting emerging scholars through mentorship, professional development and a dedicated research support fund.
The interdisciplinary team includes many acclaimed scholars, including Professor Carl James, the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora. In addition to federal support, the project received $50,000 from York’s Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation and Office of Equity, People & Culture.
The initiative reflects CERLAC’s longstanding leadership in equity and inclusion and builds on York’s many investments to support racialized scholars, including the Black and Indigenous Research Seed Grants.
Advancing students’ financial access through digital innovation
In August 2024, York became one of the first universities in Canada to implement a sophisticated awards solution for its students.
With the launch of the new Financial Aid, Awards and Scholarships (FAAS) App, students now have access to a centralized, streamlined platform where they can explore, apply for, and track a wide range of funding opportunities. The system also transforms behind-the-scenes processes for faculty and staff, improving the efficiency of award distribution.
The FAAS App is the first release of the Next Generation Student Information System (NextGen SIS), a project that will deliver a seamless experience across the student lifecycle, from enrollment to graduation. NextGen SIS is one of seven key projects under the Student Systems Renewal Program, which aims to modernize student services at York in line with the university’s commitment to access and excellence.
Opening the Taihua Wang Science Student Success Centre
In May 2025, York University opened the Taihua Wang Science Student Success Centre, made possible by a $1.6 million gift from Dr. Taihua Wang and Cell Biotechnology Co. Ltd.
The new Centre provides students in the Faculty of Science with access to world-class advising services, facilitated by new infrastructure and technology, and to a vibrant student-focused space for self-study and academic collaboration. The Centre also serves as a new location for the Faculty of Science’s community engagement events.
Dr. Wang’s gift reflects a commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists who will tackle complex global challenges, from climate change adaptation and mitigation to biomedical innovation. By empowering students and helping them reach their full potential in science and beyond, the Centre embodies York’s commitment to access, excellence, and global collaboration.
Advancing open scholarship with the launch of SciFree
York University Libraries have launched SciFree, a groundbreaking tool that transforms how researchers publish their work.
By reducing the financial barriers of article processing charges, SciFree empowers researchers to make more informed, equitable choices about where and how to publish.
The platform lets users search thousands of Gold and Hybrid Open Access journals by title, keyword, or international standard serial number, instantly showing available discounts, waivers, and licensing options through York’s publisher agreements.
This initiative aligns with York’s broader commitment to open scholarship, complementing efforts to expand access to both scholarly research and learning materials. Through initiatives like SciFree and the work of the Open Education Steering Committee, York supports more equitable and accessible models of knowledge sharing across research, teaching, and learning.
Mapping a more accessible future at Glendon
In 2024–25, Glendon began conducting a comprehensive accessibility audit to identify opportunities for improving campus accessibility in ways that benefit students facing specific learning or physical barriers.
In partnership with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Glendon is also bringing GoodMaps to campus — a wayfinding app that uses vocal prompts to help community members with low or no vision navigate complex spaces independently.
This app will serve current and future students as well as Glendon’s long-standing partner, Living and Learning in Retirement (LLIR), which organizes workshops, seminars and classes at Glendon every week during the academic year. LLIR’s 50-year partnership has also contributed to the creation of several student scholarships at Glendon.
Empowering the next generation of filmmakers
In March 2025, York University received a transformational gift from the Mirkopoulos family to support the Cinema & Media Arts Department within the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design.
The generous gift supports innovative academic initiatives that expand access to education, provide industry-standard technologies to enhance learning experiences, and create resources to help students transition into professional film careers.
The Mirkopoulos family has supported York since 2001, with contributions that have launched the York U Motion Media Studio at Cinespace, funded several student awards, and supported the construction of York’s Accolade buildings.
In recognition of the family's contributions and the legacy of Nick Mirkopoulos — the visionary behind the internationally-acclaimed Cinespace Film Studios — York University dedicated the lobby in the Centre for Film & Theatre as the Nick Mirkopoulos Plateia.
