This is a formal call for expressions of interest and suggestions for eligible members of the University community for service as one of Senate’s nominees to the Presidential Search Committee.
Please read the following carefully.
The search for the next President of York University is set to begin and will culminate in the appointment of a new President by the Board of Governors. The process is outlined in the Principles Governing a Presidential Search.
Senate has two key roles in the search:
- nominating 5 faculty members and 2 students (1 undergraduate and 1 graduate / professional) to serve on the search committee through a process leading to a ballot of Senators in late February-early March
- providing input on the criteria that will inform the search
The Senate’s nominees on the Search Committee do not need to be members of Senate.
The nominations process will be governed by normal Senate procedures for nominations and elections in which Senate Executive will play its customary role of preparing a slate of nominees for confirmation by Senate itself. Only Senators will vote.
Faculty Member Nominees
Faculty member candidates for membership will be grouped as follows:
- 1 nominee from among Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
- 1 nominee from a group comprising Science and Lassonde
- 1 nominee from a group comprising Osgoode, Schulich and Health
- 1 nominee from a group comprising Arts, Media, Performance and Design, Education, Environmental & Urban Change, Glendon and Librarians
- 1 nominee from an at-large full-time faculty member
In the case of cross-appointed faculty members, candidates will be slotted according to the home Faculty on file. To be eligible for nomination, individuals must be full-time faculty members who are available to serve throughout a process expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Student Nominees
Student nominees will be grouped as follows:
- 1 nominee from among undergraduate students
- 1 nominee from among graduate and professional students (graduate and JD programs)
To be eligible for nomination, individuals must be registered students who are in good standing at the University at the time of nomination and throughout a process expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Student Senators will present recommendations to Senate Executive for approval following an e-mail canvass of all registered students.
Attributes of Prospective Nominees
Senate Executive will construct a slate of candidates that reflects the University’s diversity. This mix of nominees will include individuals who have long and deep experience at York and others whose careers are in early stages. All candidates should possess the following attributes:
- extensive knowledge of, and commitment to, York
- earned trust and respect
- a capacity and willingness to act as members of the community rather than “representatives” of constituencies
- no conflicting obligations that might compromise their ability to provide independent judgment or to serve
- understanding and acceptance that membership entails a significant commitment of time over a sustained period
It is an absolute and unalterable requirement that members of the search committee keep all documents and deliberations in the strictest confidence.
Forms for Expressing Interest or Suggesting Individuals
Forms have been created to express personal interest or suggest another individual. Senate Executive will maintain any and all information provided in the strictest confidence. In addition to basic personal information, all nominees or nominators will have an opportunity to provide a brief statement of how prospective candidates fulfill the attributes set out above. The forms are accessible online for Faculty Members and Students.
Time Lines
January 22 Call issued
February 6 Final day to submit expressions of interest / suggestions (12:00 noon)
February 10 Student caucus recommends student candidates to Senate Executive
February 10 Senate Executive finalizes a slate of faculty member and student candidates
February 26 Senate approves a slate of nominees
February 26 – March 6 E-vote balloting by Senators
Documents related to the Presidential searches can be accessed from the University Secretariat Website and will be updated on a regular basis throughout the search.