Environmental change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. As a community of changemakers, York University is championing initiatives and funding research that is making a positive impact on our environment.

With microplastics in our food, increasing risk of human-made disasters, and ongoing disruptions to ways of life in northern and Indigenous communities, the effects of cli­mate change and environmental devastation are rapidly becoming more evident, wide­spread and intense. It’s more important than ever for communities and individuals to take action.

Inequality has long been one of the core challenges of academia. Nowhere has this been more evident than in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or “STEM” disciplines. At York, we put our core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the forefront of everything we do. We know that the only way to create positive change in both the York community and around the globe is to make sure that everybody has a chance to contribute.

Managing our water resources is key to maximizing social wellbeing, economic welfare, and sustainable ecosystems. York has built a space for passionate individuals to come together in pursuit of a future where everyone has access to this essential part of life.

As COVID-19 swept across the globe, the York University community sprang into action. In fact, the combined effort to create positive change in the battle against the pandemic spans 11 Faculties, in areas ranging from predicting future outbreaks to creating a global roadmap to post-pandemic recovery. York students have the opportunity to learn from these global academic leaders, preparing them to lead the charge if and when future challenges arise.

Contributing to creating societal change for people living in cities and communities is just one of York's great strengths. Homelessness is a reality for too many in Canada, and around the world.

Now more than ever we understand the importance of creating a just world that sustains us all. York University is introducing the new Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change to create a greener, healthier, and more equitable tomorrow.

As the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world into quarantine, small brick-and-mortar retailers were faced with the prospect of financial collapse. York University’s Schulich School of Business was able to help thousands of local businesses transition to online sales and develop a platform for future growth.

Wüléelham is a Lenape word that means “make good tracks.” Grounded in Indigenous knowledge and pedagogies, the Wüléelham courses, cohorts, and programs offered at York University engage participants in learning from Indigenous peoples’ experiences and perspectives to create a stronger and more equitable future for all.

Bees play a massive role within our ecosystems. Without them, our food chain would suffer. York University’s Faculty of Science is leading crucial research to help the bee population flourish.

The pandemic has taken a great toll on peoples physical and mental health. The Faculty of Health at York University is committed to empowering people to live longer, heathier, and happier lives through research that creates positive change for our students, our communities, and our world.

There is value and strength in diversity. In order for us to better serve our communities, we need to amplify all voices and create a space where everyone can contribute to improving our legal systems and access to justice. Osgoode Hall Law School at York University views law as so much more than a means to an end, but a journey that empowers everyone to have a meaningful impact in their community and in the world.

Art transcends boundaries. It brings people together and allows for diverse perspectives and voices to be heard. That’s why York University has been creating opportunities in the arts for over 50 years.

York University’s highly anticipated new Markham campus, opening 2024, with a first phase accommodating a projected 4,200 students. This major construction project, whose formal groundbreaking ceremony took place in the fall, is expected to generate more than 2,000 community jobs.