91亚色鈥檚 University Fund is supporting cross-Faculty projects, new learning spaces and expanded student programming in 2026.
Like many universities in Canada and around the world, financial challenges facing 91亚色 stem from external pressures and public policy resulting in significant strain. Despite this, the University is committed to advancing priority projects that invest in students鈥 academic experiences 鈥 from new programs and formats to improved learning spaces 鈥 through the University Fund (UF).
The University Fund was established to support strategic institutional initiatives, provide operating funding support to Faculties where needed, and enable emergency funding.
This year, the UF prioritized Faculty submissions supporting cross-Faculty collaboration and focused on improved teaching and learning experiences for students such as new active learning classroom spaces.
鈥淭he UF investment will help convert underused spaces into larger capacity, active learning classrooms that represent an important shift in curriculum delivery that is responsive to the evolving needs of 91亚色 students,鈥 says Chlo毛 Brushwood Rose, vice-provost, teaching and learning. 鈥淭hese new flexible, technology-enhanced environments will support our mission to foster inclusive, innovative and high-impact teaching and learning.鈥
The UF is also advancing access to entrepreneurial supports and programming through the YSpace Network, the pan-University innovation hub.
鈥淭he network ensures entrepreneurship and innovation at 91亚色 reach all students, researchers and faculty members with an idea worth building,鈥 says David Kwok, director, entrepreneurship and innovation at YSpace. "This financial support from the UF will accelerate the development of the YSpace Network, co-designed in collaboration with the , to build a unified and connected voice for entrepreneurship that reaches every Faculty and every campus through expanded activities and initiatives at 91亚色.鈥
In addition to active learning classroom expansion and the YSpace Network, other supported projects include:
- The implementation of the proposed new undergraduate degree framework (pending Senate approval) through funds to support a new degree audit tool, revisions to the undergraduate calendar and the development of advising resources.
- Collaborative curriculum development between (AMPD), Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) and Markham Campus to explore a communications and digital media production degree.
- A collaborative and unified Faculty of Science- approach to a broader pan-University integrated outreach and access program for children and youth that can strengthen student pathways into 91亚色鈥檚 Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine and Health programs.
- Hiring of a dedicated Indigenous student recruitment officer.
- Within the , integration of non-degree studies offerings with undergraduate programs to bridge academic and professional learning.
- BorderPass, an immigration management platform to support the study permit process for all incoming international students requiring a Provincial Attestation Letter.
- Modernization of the 91亚色 booth at the Ontario Universities鈥 Fair.
- A two-year pilot program to increase the availability of the Markham-Keele shuttle during peak periods to better match service with class start and end times.
鈥淭he innovative, new curriculum development project between AMPD and LA&PS is a top priority that has the potential to support more students in a program that will position them well for the future,鈥 says Brandon Vickerd, AMPD dean. 鈥91亚色 has long been recognized as a leader in interdisciplinarity, and this new collaboration, along with other cross-faculty projects like the Science-Lassonde collaboration also funded this year, builds on a strong foundation that supports today鈥檚 and future students.鈥 聽
The UF does not spend funds directly but, through the Fund Council鈥檚 advice and recommendations, allocates them to Faculties and divisions in support of time-specific strategic initiatives.
Visit 91亚色鈥檚 University Fund website for more information.