About York

About York University

Since its inception in 1959, York University has become world renowned for its unique interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research. A York University education provides a broad perspective and a modern approach to real world issues studied from every angle. York is where students and faculty from differing disciplines join together to explore their subjects to the fullest possible extent. The result is a dynamic, all-round perspective that delivers a more relevant learning experience. Our graduates are better able to develop advanced solutions to complex problems, and benefit from a unique perspective that is both flexible and optimistic.

York University is also known for its interdisciplinary approach to research and scholarship. We are home to 28 research centres covering a wide spectrum of interests from Sustainability and Vision Research, to Earth and Space Science and Refugee Studies.

York is an academic community of over 60,000 people, over 7,300 faculty and staff, 52,000 undergraduate and graduate students and over 240,000 alumni. The University graduates more than 8,000 students annually from its 10 Faculties: Education, Environmental Studies, Fine Arts, Glendon College, Graduate Studies, Health, Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, Osgoode Hall Law School, Schulich School of Business and Science and Engineering.

York University offers a world-class, modern academic experience in Toronto, Canada's most international city. York is at the centre of innovation, with a thriving community of faculty, students, staff and alumni who challenge the ordinary and deliver the unexpected. Working together, we redefine the possible.

York as a Secular University

From its inception in 1959, York University was created as a secular institution. York’s Mission Statement emphasizes its multicultural nature, and the value it places on tolerance and diversity. It also emphasizes a commitment to testing the boundaries and structures of knowledge and to cultivating the critical intellect. It is in this context that the university is governed and its curriculum developed and delivered.

What this can mean in practice is that those who have strong commitments to various faith communities or political ideologies may find their beliefs challenged by others and/or they may find that material presented in the curriculum criticizes or offends some of their values. This is to be expected in a pluralistic society. The university is a reflection of our society and more: it is a place where knowledge and beliefs are subject to critical assessment.

York University is committed to providing a place of study and work which upholds the democratic and pluralistic values of Canadian society. The university’s policies and procedures, including its academic rules and regulations, are designed to be fully in compliance with all legal requirements, specifically the Ontario Human Rights Code, in providing accommodation for the observance of significant religious occasions by its faculty, staff and students. This position is reflected in the Senate Policy on Sessional Dates which confirms the university’s respect for such observance and its commitment to accommodation in the scheduling of examinations. It is the responsibility of students, faculty and staff to comply with Senate policy in both requesting and providing such accommodation. For further information go to http://www.yorku.ca/yorkweb/regobs/.

York University Mission Statement

The mission of York University is the pursuit, preservation and dissemination of knowledge. We promise excellence in research and teaching in pure, applied and professional fields. We test the boundaries and structures of knowledge. We cultivate the critical intellect.

York University is part of Toronto: we are dynamic, metropolitan and multicultural. York University is part of Canada: we encourage bilingual study, we value diversity. York University is open to the world: we explore global concerns.

A community of faculty, students and staff committed to academic freedom, social justice, accessible education and collegial self-governance, York University makes innovation its tradition.

Tentanda via: the way must be tried.

Board of Governors / Faculty