York University - We Demand An Open & Consultative Presidential Search
The Issue
The York University community - students, staff and faculty - requires accountable leadership that represents our needs, rather than financial interests. As York University undertakes a search for a new President we call for a transparent, democratic process in which all University students and workers unions are adequately represented.
The York University Board of Governors is one of the most corporate-dominated university boards in Canada. The university's next president must refocus on, and prioritize issues that matter to the York community, including adequately funding student and employee supports, housing, and building maintenance, pedagogical programs and research rather than diverting substantial resources to high-priced lawyers, consultants, senior management salaries and insufficiently planned expansion. Prioritizing our pedagogical programs and protecting students , employees, and the places where they live and work, are central to building York's long term sustainability. As a member of the York University community, (including students and their families, staff, & faculty, workers, involved members of the public and residents of York neighboring communities, and alumni), I call for:
- A democratic presidential search, including representation of all student and labour unions and Senators on the presidential search committee; all student and labour unions and Senators involved in determining search criteria; and a public short list.
- A presidential search process based in equity principles, with an Affirmative Action officer appointed to apply York's AA procedures throughout the search, and to write an AA report to be shared with all members of the search committee.
- Two-way consultation with the York community broadly (including unions, graduate and undergraduate students, all academic units, and alumni), to both hear priorities and provide feedback about how input is being taken into account.
- Information and transparency around Lisa Philipps’ term and the proposed timelines of the presidential search.
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The Issue
The York University community - students, staff and faculty - requires accountable leadership that represents our needs, rather than financial interests. As York University undertakes a search for a new President we call for a transparent, democratic process in which all University students and workers unions are adequately represented.
The York University Board of Governors is one of the most corporate-dominated university boards in Canada. The university's next president must refocus on, and prioritize issues that matter to the York community, including adequately funding student and employee supports, housing, and building maintenance, pedagogical programs and research rather than diverting substantial resources to high-priced lawyers, consultants, senior management salaries and insufficiently planned expansion. Prioritizing our pedagogical programs and protecting students , employees, and the places where they live and work, are central to building York's long term sustainability. As a member of the York University community, (including students and their families, staff, & faculty, workers, involved members of the public and residents of York neighboring communities, and alumni), I call for:
- A democratic presidential search, including representation of all student and labour unions and Senators on the presidential search committee; all student and labour unions and Senators involved in determining search criteria; and a public short list.
- A presidential search process based in equity principles, with an Affirmative Action officer appointed to apply York's AA procedures throughout the search, and to write an AA report to be shared with all members of the search committee.
- Two-way consultation with the York community broadly (including unions, graduate and undergraduate students, all academic units, and alumni), to both hear priorities and provide feedback about how input is being taken into account.
- Information and transparency around Lisa Philipps’ term and the proposed timelines of the presidential search.
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Petition created on September 16, 2025