Events Archives - YFile

Learn about repetitive strain injury prevention, Feb. 28

ashleygc — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:06:14 +0000

Do you know what repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are, or how they can be prevented?

RSIs are disorders of the musculoskeletal system that may involve tendons, muscles and nerves. These injuries can develop progressively over time, spanning weeks, months or even years. Common symptoms include tightness, discomfort, stiffness, soreness, burning sensations, tingling or numbness, particularly in the hands, wrists and arms.

RSIs represent approximately reported to the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. One effective strategy to mitigate the risk of RSIs is to regularly change positions and incorporate movement throughout the workday.

In support of RSI Awareness Day, 91��ɫ’s Health, Safety & Employee Well-Being team will offer a virtual lunch and learn session.

Ergonomic Principles in the Workplace
Friday, Feb. 28
12:15 to 12:45 p.m.
.

Participants will learn how to optimize their workstations using ergonomic principles. No special equipment or prior knowledge is required.

For more information regarding ergonomics:

Explore additional on 91��ɫ’s Health, Safety & Employee Well-Being web page.
Download the .
Visit YU Learn for two self-paced courses, and .

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91��ɫ seeks Inclusion Week proposals

ashleygc — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:35:37 +0000

91��ɫ is calling on its community to help shape Inclusion Week 2026, taking place this year from March 2 to 6.

The 2026 theme – Building Inclusive Spaces Through Community Support and Restoration – invites students, faculty and staff to explore how reconnecting and rebuilding trust can create spaces where everyone feels they belong.

Inclusion Week is more than a series of events – it is a commitment to decolonizing, equity, diversity and inclusion across the University. Community members are invited to submit proposals for events and activities to be included in the week.

"By engaging in practices that foster connection, resilience and collective care, the University strengthens its foundation for equity and belonging," says Marian MacGregor, executive director of 91��ɫ's Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion. "These conversations are essential for building trust and collaboration across Faculties, student groups and administrative units."

The role of restoration in building resilient communities

Restoration is the practice of renewing relationships and communities after disruption. It helps rebuild trust, collaboration and care in the workplace and learning environments. Inclusion thrives through relationships and shared responsibility, not just representation.

When challenges arise, inclusion can feel fragile. Restoration offers a way forward, transforming conflict into learning and isolation into connection.

"By focusing on restoration, 91��ɫ acknowledges the importance of repairing relationships and fostering resilience after challenges," says MacGregor. "These efforts help create a stronger, more inclusive campus community."

Call for proposals

91��ɫ invites proposals for workshops, panels, dialogues, creative activities, storytelling sessions, poster presentations, artistic or cultural offerings and interactive experiences that: explore restoration and inclusion; build trust and belonging; share stories of resilience and community care; and imagine new ways to create inclusive spaces.

Collaborative submissions are encouraged, and guidance is available for those who need support.

Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until Thursday, Feb. 5 at 5 p.m.

Sample guiding questions include:
- What does restoration look like in our community?
- How do we rebuild trust after challenges?
- How can conflict lead to growth and stronger connections?
- What role does community support play in inclusion?

To submit a proposal, complete the .

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Join 91��ɫ’s memorial to honour victims of gender-based violence

ashleygc — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 20:51:38 +0000

Voir la version française

Dear 91��ɫ community,

Every year, 91��ɫ joins communities across Canada in honouring the victims of one of the deadliest shootings in Canadian history, when 14 women were murdered on Dec. 6, 1989 at École Polytechnique in Montreal.

Their names, their aspirations and their lives remain at the centre of the : Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault and Annie Turcotte.

As we come together for this day of remembrance and action, we also acknowledge all the women and girls who continue to face gender-based violence today, which is compounded by a myriad of intersecting factors: racism, including anti-Indigenous racism and xenophobia; economic injustice; ableism; creed-based discrimination; anti-2SLGBTQIA+ ideologies, and more.

We invite all members of the 91��ɫ community to join us for this year’s memorial ceremony.

Event details

Date: Friday, Dec. 5
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Event website: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Keele Campus
Live location: The Eatery (first floor), Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence

Glendon Campus
Viewing room: Glendon Ballroom
Livestream:

Markham Campus
Viewing room: MK2050
Livestream:

In solidarity with survivors and in honour of those whose lives were taken, we encourage attendees to wear a white ribbon during the ceremony. Ribbons will be available at the .��

91��ɫ is also participating in the international campaign, which runs from Nov. 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to Dec.��10 (Human Rights Day). During these 16 days, the centre and partners across 91��ɫ will host events, workshops and conversations that encourage reflection, learning and community action.��You can learn more about these events and register for them .��

We hope you will join us in remembrance and in strengthening our collective commitment to end gender-based violence and to build communities founded on the equal rights and dignity of girls and women.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor

Laina Y. Bay-Cheng
Professor and Vice-President Equity, People & Culture

Jane Goodyer
Dean, Lassonde School of Engineering

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91��ɫ joins global 16 Days of Activism to end gender-based violence

ashleygc — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:04:00 +0000

��ǳ��Nov.��25 to Dec.��10, 91��ɫ will participate in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, an international campaign that begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and concludes on Human Rights Day.

This global movement calls for collective action to eliminate gender-based violence and support survivors, recognizing the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities including racialized women and girls, those living with disabilities, immigrants and refugees, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

In Canada, this 16-day period also includes the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on Dec. 6, honouring the 14 women killed at École Polytechnique in 1989.

This year, 91��ɫ’s participation will focus on ending digital violence. , in collaboration with University partners, invites 91��ɫ community members to .

Initiatives to raise awareness begin Nov. 27 with the 91��ɫ Lions women’s hockey team hosting the End Violence Against Women & Girls game in partnership with the North 91��ɫ Women’s Shelter.

91��ɫ community members are also invited to join a live, online workshop on protection against digital harassment and a virtual talk exploring how technology-facilitated sexual violence shows up in online spaces.

To learn more about these events and to register visit the Centre's . 91��ɫ community members are also invited to:

wear purple on Nov. 25 to raise awareness about gender-based violence;
pick up white and purple ribbons at the Centre to wear and mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women; and
engage in conversations and events that challenge harmful attitudes and support survivors.

The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education provides confidential support to any 91��ɫ community member impacted by sexual violence, through a trauma-informed lens that allows survivors to make decisions that feel right to them. The Centre works to foster a culture where survivors feel supported and community members are educated on preventing violence. 

“Digital spaces should be safe spaces,” says Marian MacGregor, executive director of the Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion which includes the Centre.��“This campaign reminds us that ending gender-based violence requires all of us, on and offline, to collectively challenge harmful attitudes, support survivors and create safer spaces for everyone.”

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Take Our Kids to Work Day participants reflect on first jobs, future dreams

alexhuls — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 20:50:46 +0000

91��ɫ welcomed Grade 9 students to its Keele, Glendon and Markham campuses for Take Our Kids to Work Day on Nov. 5, offering a full day of job shadowing, campus tours and conversations about career paths.

The annual program encourages meaningful conversations about education, work and personal aspirations by connecting students with parents, guardians or mentors in their workplaces.

To capture the experience, YFile interviewed three 91��ɫ employees and their visitors to learn about their first jobs, future ambitions and the insights they’d share with their younger selves.

Gloria and Pelagia Orchard

Gloria Orchard

Assistant professor, teaching stream, in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at 91��ɫ’s Markham Campus

Q: What was your first job?
A: My first job was at a Zellers store. It was a part-time job during high school, and I worked in ladies' fashion and as a cashier.

Q: Did that job influence your career path in any way?
A: Every job I have had in the past has influenced my career path in some way. My first job was an experience that helped me learn about joining the work force, finding a balance between school and work and building on my communication skills. These are skills I still use in my current position as I continue to balance work and family life.

Q: What would you tell your Grade 9 self about that job now?
A: I would tell my Grade 9 self now that your first job is the beginning of a journey in work and life that will help shape your future career.

Pelagia Orchard

Q: What do you think your first job will be?
A: I think my first job will be working at a store like Michaels or Canadian Tire. I will probably help out with sorting new products and helping customers find what they want.

Q: What kind of work are you curious about?
A: I'm interested in being a scientist. I like insects, so I've considered studying entomology. I think I would really enjoy studying insects and writing reports on them. I am also curious about being a teacher. I would get to use the whiteboard and give kids stickers, but I'd also have to talk to parents and manage students' behaviour.

Q: What did you learn from seeing your host’s job?
A: Going to the University really showed me what it’s like to actually experience it. I got to see all the resources that are available for students and the activities that students get to participate in. There is so much to do at university, both as a student and as a professor.

Dina Rafie and Salma Abass

Dina Rafie

Operations coordinator for housing and hospitality at 91��ɫ's Glendon College

Q: What was your first job?
A: My first job was with 91��ɫ, where I worked as a work-study housing assistant.

Q: Did that job influence your career path in any way?
A: Definitely. That first role introduced me to how the University operates behind the scenes and gave me a real appreciation for the work that goes into supporting students. It helped me build strong communication and organizational skills and made me realize how much I enjoy being part of the 91��ɫ community. In many ways, it set the foundation for my career path – I started as a student employee, and now I’m still here, just in a different role with more responsibility and impact.

Q: What would you tell your Grade 9 self about that job now?
A: If I could tell my Grade 9 self one thing, it would be that every opportunity matters. Even your first job can open doors you never expected.

Salma Abass

Q: What do you think your first job will be?
A: I think my first job will be as a lifeguard because I’m currently working on my Bronze Cross certification, and I really enjoy it.

It’s something I’m passionate about and would love to do as my first work experience.

Q: What kind of work are you curious about?
A: I’m curious about working in the field of mental health care. I’d like to become a psychiatrist one day, although I’m still figuring things out and exploring different paths since I’m still young and my interests keep changing.

Q: What did you learn from seeing your host’s job?
A: I learned that even though some jobs may seem easy at first, they can be quite detailed and time-consuming.

For example, tasks like making lots of phone calls and writing many emails take more effort and patience than I expected.

Kunjan and Vinayak Rupakheti

Kunjan Rupakheti

Geotechnical lab technician at the at 91��ɫ's Keele Campus

Q: What was your first job?
A: I worked as a civil engineering technician in road construction.

Q: Did that job influence your career path in any way?
A: Yes. My first job helped me pave the way for my life after that. I was very interested in nature and human interaction while building infrastructures.

I learned more about geological aspects of engineering and worked on projects related to it.

Q: What would you tell your Grade 9 self about that job now?
A: Work is a portfolio that reflects the real-world results of your knowledge. I saw how what I learned could make a tangible difference in people’s lives through infrastructure development.

A first job helps confirm whether your studies align with your interests, since real-world work often feels different from what you imagine while studying.

Vinayak Rupakheti

Q: What do you think your first job will be?
A: I might work in a restaurant or grocery store to gain experience in customer service and working in a fast-paced environment. This would help me develop time management, decision-making and communication skills. I’d also be interested in a job in the medical field if possible.

Q: What kind of work are you curious about?
A: I have always been deeply curious about doctors and others in the medical field. I find their work fascinating and incredibly meaningful, as it plays such an essential role in improving lives. I want to experience what it feels like to help people in need and make a difference by addressing their health-related problems.

Q: What did you learn from seeing your host’s job?
A: I learned how much time and effort professionals dedicate to their work every day. I also realized how much knowledge and focus are needed to do their jobs effectively. It made me appreciate the passion and commitment required in these demanding fields. I discovered that these professions involve continuous learning, showing that growth and improvement never stop.

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In pictures: Fall Campus Day welcomes future 91��ɫ students

alexhuls — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 20:09:17 +0000

Between Oct. 21 and Nov. 1, 91��ɫ’s Glendon, Keele and Markham campuses welcomed hundreds of prospective students – many joined by family and supporters – for Fall Campus Day, an annual open house offering an inside look at programs, campus life and the 91��ɫ community.

The pan-University events reflected 91��ɫ’s commitment to supporting students through every stage of their post-secondary journey by providing an immersive opportunity to learn about academics, facilities, residences, student services and the welcoming community that make 91��ɫ distinct.

“Fall Campus Day gives attendees a sense of what studying at 91��ɫ is like,” says Yvette Munro, vice-provost students. “It’s a chance to explore our campuses, meet the people who make up our community and discover the wide range of academic opportunities available. Events like this not only inform decisions about the future, they also show families the supportive environment that helps our students thrive.”

Each event began with welcoming remarks from Munro; Marco Fiola, principal of Glendon College; and Dan Palermo, deputy provost of Markham Campus. Attendees then engaged with 91��ɫ's campuses by connecting with professors, students and staff at information booths – including representatives from the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The day also featured a fair, admissions overview sessions, five-minute lectures, demonstrations and student panels. Guided tours of campuses, residences and facilities such as labs, studios and athletics spaces were also available.

Prospective students experienced Glendon’s warm, close-knit bilingual community, Markham’s leadership in work-integrated learning and Keele’s breadth of academic programs during the events – thanks to the dedicated staff, faculty and volunteers who brought the day to life.

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91��ɫ hosts Remembrance Day ceremonies across all campuses

ashleygc — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 18:43:14 +0000

Faculty, staff and students are invited to attend 91��ɫ’s annual Remembrance Day ceremonies to be held in-person on Nov. 11, beginning at 10:30 a.m., on Keele, Glendon and Markham campuses.

The Keele Campus ceremony will be held at the flagpole located at Harry W. Arthurs Common. The Glendon Campus ceremony will take place at the flagpole in the West Quad (91��ɫ Hall). The Markham Campus ceremony will occur at the East Green flagpole.

Each ceremony will feature live performances by a trumpeter and bagpiper. A full program for each ceremony is available on the website.��

Wearing a poppy is a Canadian tradition to honour those who served. Donation boxes for poppies are available at all campuses:

Keele Campus – Bookstore, Red Zone, lost and found, Scott Library, Bronfman Business Library, Steacie Science and Engineering Library, Second Student Centre and Kaneff Tower

Glendon Campus – Leslie Frost Library

Markham Campus – Markham Campus Library

Legion 527 is accepting donations to their poppy campaign via Interac e-transfer at legion527deposit@gmail.com. Please add “Poppy” in the subject field when making a donation.

Remembrance Day marks the signing of the armistice on Nov. 11, 1918, which ended the First World War. At 11 a.m. on that day, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. This day honours the men and women who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars and in other conflicts. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was renamed Remembrance Day following the Second World War.

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91��ɫ U earns Silver Fair Trade Campus designation for second year

ashleygc — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:26:38 +0000

For the second consecutive year, 91��ɫ has earned the Silver Fair Trade Campus designation, highlighting the University’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability.

This designation, awarded by Fairtrade Canada, reflects 91��ɫ’s ongoing efforts to foster a socially responsible campus culture through collaboration, education and action.

Fair Trade-certified products – such as chocolate, coffee, tea and bananas – are available at various YU Eats locations including Stong College, Winters College, Central Square (Keele Campus) and Glendon Campus. The initiative also extends to apparel, with the 91��ɫ Bookstore offering certified fair trade T-shirts and hoodies though a partnership with Green Campus Co-op, a student- and faculty-founded organization established in 2011.

Driving these initiatives are Professor John Simoulidis and Tom Watt, senior director, business development, Ancillary Services, who co-lead 91��ɫ’s Fair Trade Steering Committee, along with Sasa Nestorovic, director, Bookstore, Printing and Mailing Services.��

Nicole Arsenault, director, sustainability, says the designation "represents years of dedicated work by students, faculty and staff who have championed fair trade and helped integrate it into campus life.” These efforts, she adds, support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, a key component of the 91��ɫ Academic Plan.��

To mark this recognition and continue building awareness, 91��ɫ will host a Fair Trade Fair in Vari Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will feature Chartwells, the 91��ɫ Bookstore, and Green Campus Co-op, as well as a variety of external vendors offering fair trade products and samples.

Learn more about Fair Trade at 91��ɫ here.

With files from Nicole Arsenault

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Get ready for day of festivities on 91��ɫ U’s Spirit Day

ashleygc — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:40:09 +0000

Voir la version française

Dear 91��ɫ community,

I am pleased to invite you to join us for a day of fun activities and celebrations on 91��ɫ U’s Spirit Day, taking place Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.��

Spirit Day is a special occasion where we come together to honour the energy and commitment that defines 91��ɫ. Over the past few years, we’ve seen Spirit Day grow into a dynamic expression of 91��ɫ pride, filled with colour, creativity and connection. From multi-campus festivities, events and games, to treats and giveaways, this day is a highlight of the academic year.

I encourage you to visit the Spirit Day website for more information about the upcoming events taking place across the Keele, Glendon and Markham campuses, and remember to show your 91��ɫ U pride by wearing our University colours (red, white or blue).��

Thank you for continuing to bring your unique spirit to 91��ɫ each and every day.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor

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Can AI show empathy? Connected Minds explores technology's role in mental health

ashleygc — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:43:10 +0000

As loneliness and mental health challenges continue to rise, researchers are asking a provocative question: could artificial intelligence (AI) help fill the emotional gaps in human connection?

This is one of the questions Connected Minds explores. The joint 91��ɫ-Queen’s University research program is focused on understanding how humans and intelligent technologies can work together to promote a healthy and just society.

The theme of empathic AI considers systems designed to simulate emotional understanding and offer support in human-centered settings such as mental health care.

Michael Inzlicht, a leading psychologist from the University of Toronto, is contributing to this conversation with research that shows AI-generated empathy can sometimes be experienced as equal to – or even preferred over – human responses.

A keynote speaker at the upcoming Connected Minds Conference, hosted by 91��ɫ Oct. 6 to 8, Inzlicht will present his findings that indicate while AI can mimic empathy in ways people find comforting – however, it also introduces risks with reinforcing unhealthy thinking and raises concerns about AI's role in mental health.

Inzlicht’s work highlights how these AI systems, if not carefully designed, could reinforce distorted or delusional thinking. The concern he raises is that AI might become too agreeable – mirroring users’ emotions without offering meaningful challenge or reflection – potentially undermining mental health rather than supporting it.

Michael Jenkin

At 91��ɫ, researchers are exploring questions around empathetic AI, and how robots can build trust and respond to human emotions in real-world settings like health care, security and search-and-rescue. Led by Professor Michael Jenkin at 91��ɫ’s , the research looks at how to build trust between people and machines.

“Empathy isn’t just a human trait – it’s a bridge to trust,” says Jenkin. “We’re designing robots that can understand and respond to human emotions while recognizing the ethical and social responsibilities that come with that connection.”

Using AI and machine learning, Jenkin and his team – in collaboration with other faculty at 91��ɫ and elsewhere and partners in local industry – are designing and developing robots that can monitor emotional cues and act with empathy. This raises important questions about how people interact with machines, how robots should look and how their roles reflect deeper social issues.

While these technologies offer exciting possibilities – especially for vulnerable populations – researchers warn that they may also mask broader societal problems that need attention.

“This relationship between emotional support and ethical responsibility is a key focus for Connected Minds researchers,” says Jenkin. “As AI tools become more integrated into everyday life – from chatbots to therapeutic apps – the need to understand their psychological and social impact is urgent.”

Queen’s University and Connected Minds researcher Matthew Pan is leading a project that explores how to make virtual reality (VR) performances more emotionally engaging. By integrating physical touch interactions using robotics, the research aims to better understand empathetic AI to create more human-centred and culturally sensitive virtual experiences.��

Pan will showcase his robots as part of the Oct. 6 Opening Arts Reception, which kicks off the three-day Connected Minds Conference.

The conference will also explore how cutting-edge technologies – from AI and social media to brain-computer interfaces and social robots – are reshaping health, accessibility, ethics and society, through keynotes, panels and interactive discussions.

to attend.

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