Last year, �첥��Ƶ’s Board of Governors approved a five-year budget plan that set a path toward long-term financial sustainability while reinforcing the University’s commitment to academic excellence, student success and access.

The transition to a five-year budget framework was in alignment with the provincial government’s expectation under the Efficiency and Accountability Fund review, an independent third-party assessment focused on operational efficiency and long-term financial sustainability. The review was funded through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and builds on the �첥��Ƶ Forward Action Plan and the University’s response to the Auditor General of Ontario’s 2023 Value for Money audit.

In past years, the University has brought a proposed budget forward to the Board of Governors in spring. However, following a February announcement from the provincial government related to post-secondary funding, tuition and student assistance, the University determined that more work is needed to fully assess the implications of these changes and ensure the final plan maintains a clear path to balance.

“We are taking the time to get this right,” says Lisa Philipps, interim president and vice-chancellor. “Our efforts right now to keep York on track to eliminate its structural deficit are critical to ensure the University can advance its distinctive mission and create positive impact for students and society over the long term.”

The provincial announcement included new investments in the post-secondary sector, limited tuition flexibility and changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). While these measures provide modest financial relief to the University, they require careful review to understand their full impact on �첥��Ƶ’s budget outlook and planning assumptions.

These developments come amid a series of external factors that have continued to affect the institution’s financial position since the 2025–26 budget was approved last June. The ongoing federal student visa cap and further reductions to Ontario’s international student allocation contributed to lower than anticipated new intakes at the undergraduate level. At the same time, the continued restrictions on domestic tuition and provincial grants throughout 2025-26 have eroded the real value of funding for domestic enrolment, while costs continue to rise.

Narin Kishinchandani, vice-president finance and administration, notes that while the initial budget submissions from Faculties and divisions showed some improvements in response to the fiscal challenges, the collective impact does not yet meet the University’s financial targets. “The draft budgets we received in February are not yet on a path to balance and more work is needed. We are refining scenarios, setting clearer targets and identifying additional steps that will protect our academic priorities while addressing financial realities.”

The continued work builds on actions already taken across the University, including reducing duplication; streamlining services; renegotiating major contracts, such as a renegotiated contract for the University’s robust and Employee and Family Assistance programs; consolidating suppliers; and optimizing space and administrative operations. Some units have already made significant structural reductions, demonstrating the scale of change required.

Laina Bay‑Cheng, interim provost and vice-president academic, sees this deliberate approach as essential to safeguarding York’s academic mission and reassuring community members. “We are living out the saying, ‘change is the only constant.’ Whether change comes in the form of hardship or opportunity, it often adds to workload and uncertainty. We are working to establish a financially responsible and sustainable path so we can keep moving toward our shared goals.”

Over the next month, the University will continue to develop risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Updates will continue to be shared through existing governance channels, including Senate meetings. The whole of the University community will be invited to a community information session in June.

To learn more about the University’s budgeting process visit the Budgets and Asset Management website.

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In this first video for York in Focus: Leadership Perspectives, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps shares what she’s hearing across the University, the opportunities she sees taking shape and why she feels optimistic about York's path forward.

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Consistent with the principles governing a presidential search, there will be extensive consultation with Senate and the University community.

Members of the search committee have now been confirmed.

Rhonda Lenton, who served as president and vice-chancellor of �첥��Ƶ since 2017, completed her term on Dec. 31, 2025.

In accordance with Presidential Search Principles, the Presidential Search Committee is made up of 14 full voting members drawn from York’s community of students, faculty, staff, governors and alumni. Seven committee members are selected by the Board of Governors and seven by the University Senate.

Members of the Presidential Search Committee will seek a president whose leadership skills, interests and background meet the needs of York and will serve the University into the future.

The members of the Presidential Search Committee, confirmed by the Board of Governors and Senate are as follows:

• Antonio Di Domenico, Chair (alumnus)
• Francesca Accinelli (alumna)
• Naomi Ierullo (non-academic staff member)
• Helen Polatajko (Board of Governors member)
• Dee Patterson (alumna)
• Narendra Singh (alumnus)
• Mary Traversy (Board of Governors member)
• Angele Alook (faculty member)
• Julia Campisi (graduate student)
• Alyssa Furlan (undergraduate student)
• Dasantila Golemi-Kotra (faculty member)
• Rebecca Pillai Riddell (faculty member)
• Brenda Spotton Visano (faculty member)
• Anne Sullivan (faculty member)

With files from Antonio Di Domenico, Chair, Board of Governors

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Dear colleagues, 

We are pleased to��inform you��that the nomination deadline for the 2025 President’s Staff Recognition Awards has been extended to March 6.

This extension provides additional time for our community members to recognize colleagues whose exceptional service, leadership, creativity and commitment have made a meaningful difference at �첥��Ƶ. If you have not yet submitted a nomination, I encourage you to do so and help shine a light on those whose contributions strengthen our institution. 

Detailed award criteria and the nomination forms are available on the President’s Staff Recognition Awards website. If you have any questions about the awards or the nomination process, please contact president@yorku.ca.      

Sincerely, 

Lisa Philipps
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor

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Philipps reflected on what makes York special, highlighting its sense of social purpose and commitment to leave no talent behind, and noted “we have always opened our doors to a distinctively diverse array of people and ideas, and this powers our University with a unique creative energy.” 

She pointed to York’s founding motto, �ٱ�Գٲ��Ի岹&�Բ�����;������&�Բ�����;– “the way must be tried” – and the words of the University’s first president, Murray Ross, who called for a new university to go beyond the “time-honoured patterns” of others and “to think rather in terms of today and of special needs related to special problems of contemporary society.” 

She emphasized how York has enacted this principle by bridging disciplines to examine problems more holistically, collaborating with community partners and designing learning experiences that connect theory with practice. 

Philipps then outlined three interconnected imperatives that will guide her interim term. 

The first is to maximize research impact, particularly as governments and industry look increasingly to universities for help in developing new approaches to drive social and economic progress. With new federal funding opportunities emerging, she described this as a pivotal moment for York to amplify the visibility and reach of its research excellence across the full spectrum – from fundamental inquiry to applied work that pursues more immediate impact. 

The second priority is to build learning capacities through more student engagement with research, by cultivating the essential human skills needed to work effectively with advanced technologies, and by illuminating meaningful career paths with co-op, entrepreneurial supports, global learning and other hands-on experiences. This also requires supporting instructors as they reimagine teaching, curriculum and assessment for a digital age. 

Her third imperative is to champion York’s purpose – and that of all Canadian universities – as irreplaceable spaces for independent thought, pluralistic inquiry and dialogue across difference and across borders. She underscored the importance of long-term financial sustainability in protecting the University’s academic mission and autonomy. 

Philipps encouraged senators to think boldly about the structures, collaborations and ongoing conversations needed to advance York’s mission in the years ahead. “I hope that together we can embrace this moment as an invitation for our community to help shape a future that is ambitious, globally engaged and deeply connected to the public good,” she finished. 

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Please read the following carefully.

The search for the next President of �첥��Ƶ 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 and .

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. 

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Dear York community,  

As we welcome a new year, I want to express my sincere appreciation to every member of our �첥��Ƶ community. Your dedication, creativity and pursuit of excellence enrich our campuses and strengthen York’s impact across our city, our country and the world. It is through your collective efforts, inside classrooms and laboratories, across student services, with our partners and throughout our broader networks, that York continues to advance its mission and embody its values.  

I invite you to watch this short new year message, which highlights our shared aspirations and the priorities that will guide us as we continue to build a more inclusive, sustainable and impactful future for York. ��

Warm regards,  

Lisa Philipps
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor 

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Dear York community,

As we approach the holiday season, and as I near the end of my term as president and vice-chancellor, I am reflecting on the strength, resilience and compassion that define the people of our community. Throughout this past year, and throughout my time in this role, you have inspired me with your dedication to our shared values and your commitment to creating positive change.  

This season offers a meaningful moment to pause, reflect and acknowledge the many contributions of our students, faculty, course instructors, staff, alumni, donors and community and government partners. I want to express my sincere appreciation to each of you for the ways you advance York’s mission and support one another.     

I invite you to take a moment to watch this short message, which I hope brings a sense of warmth, connection and gratitude as we enter the winter break and look ahead to a new year.    

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season.  

�����Գ���������, &�Բ�����;

Rhonda Lenton 
President and Vice-Chancellor  

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Dear York community,  

As we near the conclusion of Rhonda Lenton’s time as president and vice-chancellor, we invite you to reflect on the collective progress, impact and achievements that have shaped �첥��Ƶ over the course of her term.����

Today, we are pleased to share a short video marking the many highlights of President Lenton’s tenure, along with a digital leadership timeline. The milestones, initiatives and stories that we are sharing today reflect the dedication, creativity and collaboration of our students, faculty, course instructors and staff, and of course, President Lenton’s leadership.  

Join us in honouring the spirit of our community, reaffirming our shared commitment to driving positive change at York, and thanking President Lenton for her service.   

All the best for the end of this term.  

Sincerely, 

Antonio Di Domenico
Chair, �첥��Ƶ Board of Governors 

Lauren Sergio
Chair, �첥��Ƶ Senate 

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The annual awards provide an opportunity to celebrate meaningful contributions across the instutition, including student success, service excellence, community building and commitment to equity and inclusion. 

“As a leading institution committed to driving positive change through academic excellence, research, innovation and community engagement, �첥��Ƶ depends on the dedication, passion and professionalism of our staff,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “Your contributions – especially during times of change and uncertainty – lift us, connect us and help us move forward together. My heartfelt congratulations to all nominees and recipients.” 

The 2024 President's Staff Recognition Awards recipients and nominees 

Deborah Hobson York Citizenship Award

Established in honour of former vice-president enrollment and student services Deborah Hobson, this award is given to an individual who emulates Hobson’s energetic commitment to students and boundless enthusiasm for the York community. Nominees for this award embody the University's spirit and use their creativity and imagination in support of the student community at York. 

Winner: Shandana Khan, administrative assistant, programs and student services, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health 

Other nominees for this award: 

• Anesa J. Albert, associate director, graduate communications & digital engagement, Faculty of Graduate Studies
• Claudia V. Bennett, experiential education program coordinator, , Student Welcome and Support Centre
• Vanessa Ironside, program officer, k2i Academy, Lassonde School of Engineering
• Ann Welsh, associate director, International Relations,   

Decolonization, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (DEDI) Award

This award, established by Lenton in 2023, recognizes staff who address decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion at York with passion, dedication and campus engagement. The award can recognize an individual or a team. Recipients are honoured for outstanding achievement in practice, events, policy, programs or other activities that foster equitable, sustainable and measurable change at York’s campuses. Efforts and initiatives reflect an intersectional social justice lens, especially for equity-deserving groups (e.g. women, visible/racialized minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQIA+ community members). The award recognizes ongoing work or outstanding accomplishments at a point in time. 

Winner: Richolette Freckleton, associate director, graduate research, scholarships & awards, Faculty of Graduate Studies 

Other nominees for this award: 

• Harriett Brempong, career education and development specialist, Markham Campus
• Colleen Robinson, administrative coordinator, Anthropology, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS)
• The Umoja Black Legacy Builders Team
• Said Zazai, senior business intelligence analyst, Office of Institutional Planning and Analysis

Gary Brewer Emerging Leader Award

Established in honour of former vice-president finance and administration Gary Brewer, the award recognizes and encourages early-career professionals who have demonstrated significant promise of leadership. It celebrates a staff member known for innovative and meaningful contributions to the effectiveness of their unit and has significantly contributed to the University’s commitment to excellence. 

Winner: Theresa Dinh, institute coordinator, Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research 

Other nominees for this award: 

• Bhanu Priya Sharma, student engagement coordinator, LA&PS colleges
• Tanzina Tahereen, associate director, faculty curriculum, Office of the Associate Dean, Programs (LA&PS) 

Harriet Lewis Team Award for Service Excellence

Established in honour of former University secretary and general counsel Harriet Lewis, this award recognizes excellence in service and support to students, faculty, staff and/or other service users.   

Winner: (AMPD) Performance Facilities Team��

• Ian Albright, manager  
• Kyle Derry, technician  
• Kimberly Guidolin, events administrator 
• Zach Kale, technician
• Scott Rennick, front of house and box office services coordinator 
• Victor Wolters, coordinator of technical services 

Other nominees for this award: 

• English Department Administrative Staff 
• LA&PS Faculty Research Office  
• Network and Telecommunication Services Team   
• Psychology Department Staff 

The President’s Leadership Award

This award recognizes excellence in service to �첥��Ƶ. Individuals nominated for this award perform at a level that inspires professionalism, creativity and innovation across the University community.   

Winner: Sonia Pettinella, director, Integrated Resource Planning 

Other nominees for this award: 

• Caterina Elzbet, director and senior executive officer, Office of the Vice-President Advancement 
• Helen Lee, director, transition team, School of Medicine, Provost's Office��
• Sasa Nestorovic, director, Bookstore, Printing & Mailing Services 
• Amanda Rodrigues, director, strategic enrolment, LA&PS 
• Natacha Sam, director, budgets and planning, Budgets & Asset Management 
• Ulya Yigit, director of computing, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science 

Phyllis Clark Campus Service Award

Established in honour of former vice-president finance and administration Phyllis Clark, the award recognizes a York employee who has made outstanding contributions to the University in terms of efficiency, cleanliness, safety, security or other campus/plant services.   

Winner: Joe Young, supervisor, Community Safety �첥��Ƶ Department 

Other nominees for this award: 

• Miguel Rivero, custodian, Day Shift Custodial, Property Management-Facilities 
• Sandy Simonetta, administrative assistant, Advancement Services and Operations 

Ronald Kent Medal

This award was established in 1979 by President Emeritus H. Ian Macdonald. The award’s namesake, Ronald Kent, had a unique personal commitment to the University showcased through years of dedicated service. His sincerity and enthusiasm inspired colleagues across the University. He was considered a true ambassador for York. A dedicated member of Macdonald's staff, Kent passed away suddenly in the late 1970s.   

Winner: Magy Baket, student success and academic advisor, LA&PS (note: photo not available)

Other nominees for this award: 

• Leonard Chow, assistant manager, Operation & Account Management, University Services Centre
• Anderson Coward, communications and marketing specialist, Faculty of Education 
• Celeta Irvin, undergraduate program administrator, Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies, LA&PS

President’s Voice of York Award

The “Voice of York” is awarded to a staff member who makes the first contact with a visitor or community member. The quality of responsiveness and the genuine desire to assist in the most difficult or sensitive situations is essential to York’s reputation. Nominees for the this award are employed as front-line staff who have regular interactions with the York community. This award was established in 1999 by President Emerita Lorna R. Marsden.   

Winner: Louisa Zaffino, executive assistant, Facility Services 

Other nominees for this award: 

• Hazel Beecham, coordinator, Institute for Technoscience and Society
• Jacqueline Selman, undergraduate students coordinator, Social Science, LA&PS 
• Tina Sposato, executive assistant, Vice-President Research & Innovation 
• Neal Stephenson, solutions architect, University Information Technology

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