Skip to main content Skip to local navigation
Faculty Affairs
Home » New Faculty

New Faculty

Welcome!

A warm WELCOME to York University! We are glad that you have chosen to build your academic home here.

Finding the right information and building the right connections is essential for a successful start to your academic career at York. This is why Faculty Affairs has developed this page to provide you with all the information you need from across York including an overview of the administrative and service departments of the university.

We wish you success in the months and years to come. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

New Faculty Guide

This is your starting point at York. It includes information and resources for teaching, research, and key University policies and strategies.

New Faculty Guide (.pdf)

New Faculty Orientation

New Faculty Orientation (NFO)provides newfaculty with opportunities to learn about York and how to access support for teaching, research, and career development. The second equally important goal of NFO is to help you network and start building community – with each other and old colleagues. NFO supports you in successfully integrating into the York community.

NFO has three main components stretched out over your first academic year:

  • Zoom meetings in July or January (depending on your appointment start date) to answer any questions you may have prior to and after arriving on campus
  • An all-day and in-person NFO in late August that usually includes remarks and presentations from senior leaders, a resource fair with key services and an opportunity to meet both new and old colleagues to network and begin building relationships as well as a guided tour of the Keele campus.
  • An in-person Meet-Up in late January and a Zoom Meet-Up in early April to check-in on how you’re settling in and provide you an opportunity to meet your peers. 
  • New faculty are also invited to various Meet-Ups for all faculty throughout the academic year. Check the Faculty Affairs’ Newsletter and Calendar for upcoming events.

Several faculties also organize orientations for their new faculty so look out for these too!

Save the Date

August 27, 2026

2026 NFO

All day, in-person event

Highlights from the 2025 Orientation

New Faculty FAQs

What happens during New Faculty Orientation?

The general orientation for new faculty occurs in August each year. It includes presentations from senior leaders, a resource fair, and networking opportunities with colleagues.

How is general new faculty orientation different from faculty-specific sessions?

General orientation covers university-wide resources and services, while faculty-specific orientation focuses on your academic unit and its expectations.

What training do I need to complete when I start?

All York employees should take the following training (available through YU Learn)

>> Please also speak with your home Faculty to determine if any additional specific trainings are needed for your role.

How do I get a library card?

Your YU-card serves as your library card.

YU-card is York’s official photo identification, and campus-wide payment card. YU cards are needed to access buildings, libraries, and other services. If you need access to specific buildings, your Department admin or local faculty facilities person can request this. Apply online via the YU-card office: Faculty and Staff YU-Card | YU-card.

Where can I park as a visitor during my first few weeks?

Visitor parking is available at various lots. Use the HonkMobile app to pay and extend time easily. Find information on visitor parking as well as permit parking from the Parking Services site.

Are counseling services offered?

Faculty have access to mental health support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program. You can find a list of well-being resources available to faculty: Faculty & Staff Well-being Resources.

Does York have gyms or workout facilities?

Yes, the Keele and Glendon campuses have fitness facilities (paid memberships). They offer access to a pool, gym, squash courts, and more.

The Tait McKenzie Fitness Centre at the Keele campus: Campus Recreation - York University Athletics

The Glendon Athletic Club: Glendon Campus Athletic Club

What’s the process for getting tenure?

Tenure is an assessment of a scholar’s contribution to the University in the areas of teaching, research and service. For Tenure & Promotion criteria and standards, refer to your unit standards if available. Speak to your department Chair or Dean to get these.

Where can I find information about sabbaticals?

ncluding eligibility and salary support, are detailed in the relevant faculty collective agreement.

Refer to:

  • Article 20 in the York-YUFA (York University Faculty Association) Collective Agreement
  • Article 20 in the York-OHFA (Osgoode Hall Faculty Association) Collective Agreement.

You can find the YUFA and OHFA Collective Agreements here: Collective Agreements - Labour Relations

What are my options for teaching in-person, online, or hybrid?

York offers in-person, blended (hybrid), and HyFlex formats, allowing flexibility in how students engage with courses. In most units, the department Chair assigns which courses you teach.

Where can I get support for developing my teaching?

The Teaching Commons is your hub for resources, workshops and general guidelines around teaching: Teaching Commons | York University

Explore opportunities for Teaching Development for New Faculty: New faculty - Teaching Commons

The Writing Centre offers support for faculty in three ways:

What Learning Management System (LMS) does York use?

York uses eClass, a Moodle-based LMS, for hosting course materials, assessments, and communication.

You can access eClass here: https://www.yorku.ca/eclass/

What student services should I know about?

York provides student academic advising, accessibility services, mental health support, Indigenous student services, and more. Find the list of student services here: Services & Support | Division of Students | York University.

The Learning Commons is a collaboration between campus partners who provide holistic learning supports and self-directed resources to help students with areas such as writing, library research, citing, time management, study skills, exam preparation, English language support, numeracy and math support, career planning, health education and much more. They support students’ academic success through our on-demand and bookable services, online workshops, self-directed resources and online tutorials, especially SPARK.

For more information on learning supports follow the links below:

What are the PER (Professional Expense Reimbursement) guidelines?

PER funds support professional responsibilities and development (e.g., books, travel, equipment). Claims must follow university guidelines and be submitted via the Concur system.

Refer to Article 25.08 of the York-YUFA Collective Agreement for the annual PER stipend. 2024-2027-York-YUFA-Collective-Agreement.pdf

Find the PER Guidelines (eligible and ineligible expenses, carry forward, approval, etc.) through this website: Professional Expense Reimbursement (PER) - Faculty Relations

Does my research require ethics approval?

Any research involving humans, animals, or biohazards must be approved by one of York’s ethics committees before starting. Visit the Office of Research Ethics for more information on research ethics approval, and the services offered: Research Ethics | Research & Innovation.

How do I purchase equipment or goods at York?

here are a number of ways to purchase at York. Learn about purchasing goods and services at York: Strategic Procurement Services | York University

All purchases must comply with procurement policies. Refer to York’s Procurement of Goods and Services Policy: Procurement of Goods and Services (Policy) - Secretariat Policies

How do I apply for research funding and grants?

York’s Office of Research Services helps faculty apply for external (i.e. external to York) grants. Eligibility depends on the specific grant. Find out about support for grants and applications here: Grants & Applications Support | Research & Innovation.

What’s the contact if I have questions about HR or my benefits?

  • You can contact the Pensions & Benefits office at askpb@yorku.ca (please state your full name and employee id # and your inquiry)
  • You can contact HR at hrhelp@yorku.ca (please state your full name and employee id # and your inquiry)

When do I get the email about pension and benefits enrollment?

The Pension & Benefits Office provides guidance on pensions and benefits. You will receive enrollment details from the P&B office after your start date. Learn about the Pensions and Benefits Office here: Pension & Benefits - University Services Centre.

How do I correct info on HR Self-Serve?

You can update your address, emergency contacts, and other personal info directly through the HR Self-Serve portal. You can also access your pay stubs and T4/T4A tax forms, when available, here: HR Self Serve - HR Self Serve.

What’s the difference between OHIP and UHIP?

You must apply for health and medical insurance while working at York University. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides Ontario residents with primary healthcare. If you are not eligible for OHIP, you must enrol in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). Find out about the Health Plans and eligibility through York’s Relocation page: Relocation Resources | York University.

Am I eligible for relocation support if I’m moving from nearby?

You may be eligible if your new residence will be at least 100 km closer to York. Eligibility and financial support depend on your appointment type and should be outlined in your contract. Find more information on relocating here: Relocation Resources | York University.

Who do I contact about Immigration questions?

York’s Immigration and Relocation Services team supports faculty with employer-specific documentation for work permits. Contact Vicky Yang, York’s Immigration & Relocation Officer, ASAP for guidance to ensure a smooth and timely process at relocate@yorku.ca. You can find more information on immigration here: Immigration Resources | York University.

Who do I contact to get my IT needs met?

For your computer and software, ask your Faculty Contact for guidance and to connect you with the relevant IT support (this may be someone in your Faculty or part of the university’s central IT team). You can see the wide range of IT support offered to York’s faculty and staff here: Faculty & Staff Services | UIT.

How do I connect to the VPN?

Use the Ivanti Secure Access Client (formerly Pulse Secure) to connect. You’ll need your Passport York credentials and may need to configure your device. You can find detailed instructions to set up VPN on your computer: Internet Access | UIT.

What email does York use and how can I access it?

All currently active employees of York University have a centrally supported yorku.ca email account. Refer to  Email | UIT on how to access Microsoft Outlook.

Full Time Faculty Associations

The York University Faculty Association (YUFA) is the professional association and certified bargaining agent for full-time faculty, librarians and archivists, and post-doctoral visitors at York University. »Visit the York University Faculty Association (YUFA)

The Osgoode Hall Faculty Association (OHFA) is the bargaining agent faculty members of Osgoode Hall Law School. »Visit the Osgoode Hall Faculty Association (OHFA)