school of continuing studies Archives - News@91��ɫ

91��ɫ School of Continuing Studies celebrates launch of its new, state-of-art building

sandramc — Mon, 01 May 2023 17:09:41 +0000

The building is designed to meet the post-pandemic needs of students with an inclusive, accessible and sustainable space that will foster learning and help fill Canada’s pressing labour market gaps.

TORONTO, May 1, 2023 – Today, the 91��ɫ School of Continuing Studies celebrates the official launch of its new, signature home – a state-of-the-art building with a unique, twisted design.

91��ɫ's new School of Continuing Studies building

This new, dedicated space at 68 The Pond Road on 91��ɫ’s Keele Campus is a testament to the growth of the School, as well as the need for continuing education options to respond to the growing skills gaps and talent shortages in Canada. The six-story, 120,000-square-foot, 50-classroom, building serves as an example of how a post-pandemic learning space can blend in-person and virtual learning formats using the latest technology to support the needs of students.

“The School of Continuing Studies embodies 91��ɫ’s commitment to 21st century learning which identifies access to a high-quality education and global engagement as core components of 91��ɫ’s University Academic Plan,” says 91��ɫ President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “We have been a leader in the lifelong learning space since our inception and we had the goal to create dedicated space to accommodate the unique needs of continuing education students locally and from abroad, many of whom are seeking to complement degree programs and/or upgrade and reskill in a labour market that is being profoundly impacted by automation and AI.”

A limited engagement plenary session featured speeches from Lenton and Christine Brooks Cappadocia, interim vice-president of continuing studies at 91��ɫ as well as a keynote address from world-champion Canadian hurdler, author, TV host and speaker, Perdita Felicien.

"The 91��ɫ School of Continuing Studies is transforming the Canadian workforce by reinventing traditional models of education and transforming barriers to education into opportunities. Our leading edge, cohort programs are co-developed with industry to develop graduates prepared to thrive in a skills-based economy. Last year alone we delivered more than a million hours of learning," says Brooks-Cappadocia.

One of the modern, bright classrooms in the new School of Continuing Studies building

In 2018, the architecture firm Perkins&Wills was selected to design the building, led by architects Safdar Abidi and Andrew Frontini. The twisted architecture symbolizes the School’s twist on the traditional mission of continuing studies to solve Canada’s most pressing labour market gaps by connecting employers and a highly-skilled, ambitious talent pool through its innovative language and professional programs.

The structure is built to ensure complete adherence to sustainability in design. The building is designed to LEED Gold, and will be certified accordingly, and meets the City of Toronto Green Standards. Strategies used include a high-performing façade system, direct outside air system with heat recovery ventilation, and daylight harvesting. The building is well positioned to achieve Net Zero in the future due to its low energy consumption. Additionally, the building is designed with the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and sustainability.

Students, instructors and staff were included in both the scoping and design phases of the project. To ensure the building is meeting the needs of students of different ages, religions and cultural backgrounds we designed the structure with the highest accessibility standards,” says Brooks-Cappadocia.

“From having guide rails for students with sight impairment to touch-free surfaces to the lactation room for nursing mothers and a prayer and meditation room. Everyone is welcome and supported in pursuing their educational goals.”

Other key accessibility features to ensure physical requirements for all students include automated doors, standing desks in all classrooms, screens for the visually impaired, elevators, and large hallways spaces for those requiring wheelchair access.

After nine years of planning, the School of Continuing Studies building is finally uniting its programs, students, instructors and staff under one roof.

91��ɫ is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. 91��ɫ's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91��ɫ’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

About the 91��ɫ School of Continuing Studies

We set our students up for success by teaching them specialized knowledge and technical skills, as well as enhancing their soft skills, cultural understanding, and cross-disciplinary know-how.

The School embraces a global perspective through collaborative relationships with leaders in industry and academia across Canada and around the world.

Media Contact:
Sandra McLean, 91��ɫ Media Relations and External Communications, 416-272-6317, sandramc@yorku.ca

Tamara Dinelle, Director of Marketing and Communications, 91��ɫ School of Continuing Studies, 437-214-0845, tdinelle@yorku.ca

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91��ɫ U’s Tracey Taylor-O’Reilly named one of Top 100: Canada’s Most Powerful Women

roshanp — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 16:44:46 +0000

Executive at 91��ɫ’s School of Continuing Studies receives top award

TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2021 – 91��ɫ’s Tracey Taylor-O’Reilly, assistant vice-president, continuing studies, has been named one of this year’s top 100 most powerful women in Canada by the (WXN).

The , which were launched in 2003, celebrate the incredible accomplishments of Canada’s top female executive talent as well as their organizations and networks.

Taylor-O’Reilly joined 91��ɫ in 2013 where she founded and launched the new School of Continuing Studies in 2015, one of the largest in Canada and an award-winning global leader in professional and English language programs. In its first five years, professional program enrolment grew 10-fold under her leadership. The School continues to partner with employers to create innovative educational experiences designed to fill Canada’s most-pressing skills gaps.

“The labour market continues to be greatly affected by technology and automation, and under Tracey’s visionary leadership, 91��ɫ’s School for Continuing Studies has quickly gained an impressive reputation for providing accelerated professional programs that combine the technical and cross-functional skills sought by students and employers,” says 91��ɫ President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “She has not only enhanced 91��ɫ’s continuing studies programming but has contributed significantly to the vision of the University and to the lives of our students by strengthening our commitment to accessibility and social mobility. I am delighted to have the opportunity to congratulate Tracey on this well-deserved recognition.”

Taylor-O’Reilly has also contributed to closing the labour gender gap and diversifying the workforce by increasing the number of women and under-represented communities enrolled in technology programs, working as instructors, and serving as program advisors at the school.

The success of this strategy is particularly evident in its impact on gender diversity in the field of information security. The percentage of women enrolled in the School’s cybersecurity program, for example, exceeded the percentage of women working in the field in Canada last year. In less than five years, two of that program’s female graduates earned recognition as leaders in the industry and returned to inspire others as instructors at 91��ɫ.

“It is a tremendous honour to be recognized by the WXN and join the ranks of some of the most innovative and influential business leaders in our country. Transforming the way professional education is delivered to help Canadians and newcomers to Canada advance their careers while meeting urgent industry needs is something I am truly passionate about,” says Taylor-O’Reilly. “The role universities now play over the course of a career has never been more important. We are living in times where people will need to upskill every few years throughout their career. At 91��ɫ our vision is to become a life-long partner to adults to help them navigate each stage of their working life. We have an incredibly talented team who are bringing this ambitious vision to life.”

Her influence for change goes beyond 91��ɫ. She serves as board director and Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee for Achēv, one of the largest non-profit human capital corporations in Canada. Her leadership has meaningfully influenced change in the boardroom and society by ensuring growth in employment, youth, newcomer, and language services.

Taylor-O’Reilly will receive the Women’s Executive Network award in the CIBC Executive Leaders category, which recognizes women who exemplify what it means to be a great leader, build confidence, champion equality, and break down barriers for the next generation of leaders. A virtual awards gala will take place on Nov. 25.

The full list of winners is on the website.

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About 91��ɫ

91��ɫ is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. 91��ɫ's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91��ɫ’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

About 91��ɫ’s School of Continuing Studies

The 91��ɫ School of Continuing Studies is a diverse community of learning united by a shared sense of purpose — achieving personal and professional growth in a world of constant change. Our ability to help students lead in the face of this change has made us the fastest growing school in Canada. We set our students up for success by teaching them specialized knowledge and technical skills, as well as enhancing their soft skills, cultural understanding, and cross-disciplinary know-how. The School embraces a global perspective through collaborative relationships with leaders in industry and academia across Canada and around the world.

Media Contact:

Sandra McLean, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 416-272-6317, sandramc@yorku.ca

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Is the “Kim Kardashian” influencer trend dying?

roshanp — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 15:03:39 +0000

91��ɫ expert is available to explain the trend of ordinary people as influencers

TORONTO, January 13, 2020 – Celebrity influencer marketing is shrinking in favour of regular people endorsing brands to their social media audiences, says Mangala Rao-D’Sa, an influencer marketing expert in 91��ɫ’s School of Continuing Studies.

D’Sa, who is an instructor in 91��ɫ’s certificate program, says the thousands of people who descended on Toronto’s Eaton Centre this month for an impromptu meet-and-greet with four influencers – all regular people made famous on the social media platform TikTok – is proof that the influencer trend is changing.

Celebrities like reality star Kim Kardashian used to rule influencer marketing with brands relying on their social media endorsements and product plugs to generate sales. But as celebrities are working less with brands and more on marketing their own products, D’Sa says the new trend is for marketers to use ordinary people, known as micro-influencers, who have small communities of engaged followers.

“Your traditional celebrity would be someone on TV, in movies, or making music but nowadays your neighbour could be a celebrity influencer with over a million followers,” says D’Sa. “Influencers started off as brand endorsers and then became brand collaborators to then transform into creators themselves.”

The social media platforms of choice for most influencers are YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat, with growing use of newer platforms like TikTok, explains D’Sa. And it can be very lucrative. The 10 highest paid YouTubers in 2019 earned a total of $162 million U.S.

Topping that list is 8-year-old toy reviewer who earned $26 million in 2019. D’Sa says Ryan, YouTube celebrity makeup artist , and local celebrities like 16-year-old Toronto singer are examples of ordinary people who started as micro-influencers and became mega influencers with more reach than some celebrities.

D’Sa is a senior marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience working in the food and retail sectors. She has an MBA in digital transformation and is an expert in influencer marketing, digital marketing and advertising.

She can comment on:

The evolution of influencer marketing from celebrities to ordinary people
Why brands are using influencers and digital marketing, instead of traditional advertising, to sell to consumers
What it takes to be a successful influencer
How regular people become paid influencers
What strategies retailers use to encourage people to buy their goods and services

91��ɫ champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. 91��ɫ students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91��ɫ U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91��ɫ is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni.

91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact: Vanessa Thompson, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 647-654-9452, vthomps@yorku.ca

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Could your Boxing Day purchases turn against you?

roshanp — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 18:31:31 +0000

91��ɫ cyber security expert is available to discuss the risks of smart devices

TORONTO, December 17, 2019 – ’Tis the season to buy a new washing machine so smart that you can run a load of dirty clothes while vacationing on a beach, but beware, that shiny new smart device could become your worst nightmare, says Gaurav Kumar, a cyber security expert in 91��ɫ’s School of Continuing Studies.

Kumar, who is an instructor in 91��ɫ’s certificate program, says any device that consumers are purchasing which connects to the Internet, and is poorly secured, is vulnerable to a cyber attack. This includes smart TVs, Apple TV, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, security cameras, baby monitors, doorbell cameras, and smart appliances that can be controlled remotely.

These high-tech devices are appealing to people because they offer convenience. Kumar cites the example of a new refrigerator, which is reportedly being developed by Amazon, that would automatically sense spoiled milk inside the fridge and ask the fridge’s owner if they’d like to order a new carton of milk when it’s expired. The milk would then be magically delivered to the consumer’s doorstep.

“They are making these high-tech devices so desirable that people want to buy them to make their homes and lives smart,” says Kumar. “For organizations, there’s a rush to bring these devices to market to start making money, but security and privacy measures are often an afterthought and not baked into these devices.”

But what’s the worst that can happen? Security breaches that could compromise your bank account, collect personal data without your consent, and monitor you while in the privacy of your home, are just a few on the list, he says.

For Kumar, among the most troubling examples are the smart health devices that help keep people alive. Hackers could compromise devices meant to monitor and steady vital organs, like pacemakers and medical infusion pumps, by exploiting sensitive patient health information or stopping them from working all together.

Kumar has spent the past 15 years working in cyber security in the technology, banking and retail sectors, and has a Master’s degree in information security and assurance with a focus on threat and vulnerability management. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control, he also volunteers as a skills trainer with , helping new immigrants navigate through their job search.

He can share tips for consumers to protect themselves, including:

Change the default password and create complex usernames and passwords for wi-fi connections
Learn how to turn off the “smart” features when not in use
Place black tape, or a covering, over the device’s camera
Consider turning off any data collection features
Research the model, along with the device’s safety and security features, to see if there are any known exploits
Check the router to see which devices are connected and remove any unauthorized ones

91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact: Vanessa Thompson, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 647-654-9452, vthomps@yorku.ca

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Will robots take over the world in 2020?

roshanp — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 16:58:44 +0000

91��ɫ expert predicts how artificial intelligence (AI) will improve your life

TORONTO, December 16, 2019 – The future of AI could mean going to your local café only to be greeted by a robot or getting a facial recognition scan at the airport instead of showing your passport, according to Karthik Kuber, an artificial intelligence expert in 91��ɫ’s School of Continuing Studies.

An instructor in 91��ɫ’s certificate program, Kuber predicts AI will transform the way we work, shop, travel and play in 2020 and beyond. That’s because we’ll rely on technology more to solve human problems and make life easier.

Some GTA residents, for example, will use AI-driven apps on their phones to fight parking tickets, he said. Others will use AI-equipped smart shopping carts and apps to scan their grocery items, track their bill and pay it. Kuber also pointed to Beijing’s new international airport where passengers use facial recognition technology to check in and pass security, without the need for identification or passports. The future will also include more robots performing simple tasks, like greeting customers, and advanced AI software that will defeat the world’s best gamers including chess players.

But does that mean machines will replace human workers? No, says Kuber, who cites the example of ATM machines first being introduced to the marketplace, which resulted in more bank branches, more human tellers and reduced branch operating costs.

“More jobs will be created by automation than lost,” explains Kuber. “There will always be a need for traffic cops pulling over speeders, for example, but a future with more traffic cameras everywhere means more data to analyze and more jobs in computer science and data analysis.”

Kuber has extensive AI and machine learning experience working in the technology and banking sectors, and a PhD in computer science, focused on machine learning and evolutionary computation. He is a co-organizer of the and is an active volunteer with , which helps organizations use data science for social causes.

He can comment on:

How artificial intelligence (AI) will make life easier
Predictions for robotic process automation
How machine learning techniques will solve real-world problems
The evolution of computer algorithms to improve efficiencies
How AI experts are creating future social networks and social media networks

91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact: Vanessa Thompson, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 647-654-9452, vthomps@yorku.ca

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New building at 91��ɫ will help to meet growing demand for Continuing Studies

roshanp — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 18:40:13 +0000

TORONTO, Feb. 28, 2018 ─ 91��ɫ will add a new School of Continuing Studies building to its Keele campus to accommodate significant growth and support the creation of even more innovative programs for recent graduates, working professionals, international students and new Canadians in the future.

The University’s Board of Governors on Tuesday approved a total project budget of $50.5 million for the design and construction of a new building. The School of Continuing Studies plans to break ground on the project in 2019 so it can move classes currently being held across campus into the new building in 2021.

The School of Continuing Studies was established three years ago, bringing together continuing professional education programs and English language support at 91��ɫ to form one of the largest Schools in Canada.

The design concept image of future building for the School of Continuing Studies, courtesy of Perkins+Will.

“The creation of a new, stand-alone home for our School of Continuing Studies is another important step forward in improving access to post-secondary education at 91��ɫ,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “This new building will enable us to create even more lifelong learning opportunities, build connections with local and international communities, and help students of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their fullest potential.”

An early design concept and budget estimate indicates a building sized at 9,000 square metres, with 39 classrooms, student lounges and social spaces, private work and breakout spaces, as well as space for 150 staff and instructors. It will be situated at the corner of The Pond Road and James Gillies Street, just south of the Bennett Centre for Student Services and close to the new 91��ɫ TTC Station.

The School of Continuing Studies houses the largest English language institute of any university in Canada. Nearly one-third of all international students who began their studies at 91��ɫ last year started with English academic preparation through the School.

With significant growth in its certificate programs, classroom space is also a significant challenge for the School’s continuing professional education programs. Working with senior executives from Toronto’s leading employers, the School develops accelerated programs which efficiently prepare graduates to fill critical skills shortages in the technology and business sectors including data analytics, cyber security, risk management, machine learning and other emerging fields. It has ambitious plans to launch several new programs each year to address what the World Economic Forum has called the skills gaps crisis of the “4th Industrial Revolution.”

“This building is critical to expand access to the English-language university pathways that support international students and new Canadians, and innovative continuing education to support young professionals and employees to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the workplaces of tomorrow,” said Tracey Taylor-O’Reilly, assistant vice-president, Continuing Studies.

The School held a design competition, through which three architectural firms were shortlisted to present design concepts for the purpose of the competition, and to provide preliminary costing estimates. The three firms – HOK, Gow Hastings Architects with Henning Larsen, and Perkins+Will – were asked to consider how to integrate the building with the existing campus community, pedestrian and bicycle usage, as well as to consider sustainability strategies such as the use of structural cross-laminated timbers, natural light, wind, solar or geothermal technologies, and a LEED gold minimum standard. Recognizing that the building will occupy a gateway site to the University, the firms were requested to consider the aesthetic impact to the public. The design will further consider the possibility of achieving a net-zero standard, with the objective of minimizing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emisssions, a theme central to Ontario’s greenhouse gas reduction program. Finally, the building will reflect 91��ɫ’s focus on accessibility, and will incorporate current and leading accessibility design practices.

91��ɫ’s capital project management team has selected the architectural firm of Perkins+Will as the competition winner, for project design services. Construction tendering will follow final design.

For an image of the early design concept, please click . Please credit image as follows: Design concept image courtesy of Perkins+Will.

91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact:
Janice Walls, Media Relations, 91��ɫ, 416 455 4710, wallsj@yorku.ca

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