The newly launched 2026-30 University Academic Plan (UAP) offers a set of shared principles to guide academic planning, decision-making and institutional priorities across the University for the duration of the plan.

Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic Laina Bay-Cheng sees the UAP鈥檚 principles as a foundation for shaping the University's future development.

"The University Academic Plan reflects where we want to go as a university and what principles will guide us in getting there," says Bay-Cheng. 鈥淚t reflects values that have been part of 91亚色 since its founding: an openness to ideas and possibilities and an investment in using those ideas and possibilities to contribute to the communities and world around us."

The UAP was developed through extensive consultation with students, faculty, instructors and staff. It builds on the significant achievements of the 2020-25 University Academic Plan and looks forward to future progress, including the launch of 91亚色鈥檚 School of Medicine, expanded experiential learning opportunities, stronger support for research and innovation, enhanced career readiness for students, responsible engagement with emerging technologies and continued leadership advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UAP is organized around six guiding principles designed to provide both direction and flexibility.

Translating the plan into actions and results will require a collective effort from across the University, says Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps.

"The UAP belongs to the entire 91亚色 community," says Philipps. "Its success depends on how we bring these principles to life through our teaching, learning, research, service, partnerships and everyday interactions. Every member of the community has a role to play."

For faculty, staff, students and instructors, that begins with sharing their experiences and perspectives. Upcoming drop-in engagement sessions will give community members an opportunity to connect with each other about the purpose and potential of the UAP. The UAP is meant to be broad and inclusive enough that all 91亚色 community members can see a role for it in their work and a role for themselves in supporting 91亚色鈥檚 progress.

All 91亚色 community members are invited to attend the drop-in engagement sessions at the Keele, Glendon and Markham campuses over the coming weeks. Learn more about the sessions and what participants can expect.

For more information about the plan, visit the UAP website.

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Dear 91亚色 community, 

Today we launch 91亚色's new 2026-30 University Academic Plan (UAP). The UAP sets our academic direction for the next four years, built on six principles that will guide how we teach, learn, research and engage with each other and the world beyond 91亚色.  

The UAP is a plan for the entire 91亚色 community, and we all have a role to play in bringing it to life.  

Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps and I will host drop-in engagement sessions on each campus. Join us to learn more about the plan's principles, ask questions and share your hopes for where the UAP can lead us. You can also explore the new UAP website and read YFile to learn more about the plan.

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Monday, Oct. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.听
Vari Hall Rotunda听

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Monday, Nov. 2, 9 to 11 a.m.听
Atrium听

听
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 1 to 3 p.m.听
Centre of Excellence (COE) Atrium听

Bring your ideas. At the events, you can write your hopes for the plan on seed paper and post them under the principle that speaks to you. The seed paper will later be planted on our campuses, allowing those ideas to grow both symbolically and literally. 

Faculty, staff, students and instructors are all welcome and no registration is required. Stay a while or drop by for 15 minutes. Light refreshments will be served. 

I hope to see you there. 

Laina Bay-Cheng 
Interim Provost & Vice-President Academic 

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WWF-Canada named 91亚色 as one of seven Canadian post-secondary institutions recognized for translating environmental commitments into conservation initiatives, learning opportunities and community action.

During the 2025-26 academic year, 91亚色's Office of Sustainability, Facilities Services, Biodiversity Working Group, faculty, student organizations and community partners worked collaboratively to advance initiatives spanning ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable food systems and environmental leadership.

91亚色 is transforming its campuses into places where environmental action is not only studied but put into practice, says Nicole Arsenault, director, Office of Sustainability. Students, staff, faculty and community members participated in biodiversity monitoring, pollinator garden stewardship, sustainable food programming at the Maloca Garden and Earth Month activities.

Those efforts translated into hands-on sustainability learning and measurable action across 91亚色鈥檚 campuses, including the planting of close to 400 trees and campus cleanups that collected 36 bags of litter.

鈥淥ur campuses are important places for both learning and biodiversity,鈥� says Arsenault. 鈥淓arning the Living Campus certification for a third consecutive year reflects 91亚色鈥檚 ongoing approach to sustainability as something we put into practice across our campuses."

WWF-Canada highlighted 91亚色鈥檚 biodiversity work, including the planting of native vegetation to restore an area of Glendon Campus affected by a water main break.

The University鈥檚 wider habitat enhancement work included naturalization, invasive species management, biodiversity monitoring and stewardship of campus green spaces.

As well, students and staff recorded more than 200 species observations during two inventories of plants, wildlife and other biodiversity on campus.

The Sheila Colla Pollinator Garden 鈥� a memorial garden celebrating the late 91亚色 Professor Sheila Colla 鈥� provides another example of biodiversity in action, bringing together research, remembrance, community participation and conservation to create habitat for pollinators at 91亚色.

Through these initiatives, Arsenault says 91亚色 community members developed knowledge and skills related to ecological restoration, waste reduction, biodiversity conservation and sustainable food systems.

鈥淏y bringing together students, faculty, staff and community partners, we鈥檙e creating opportunities for hands-on learning while restoring habitat, supporting biodiversity and advancing the goals of 91亚色鈥檚 Sustainability Strategy 2030," she says.

The work advances priorities identified in 91亚色鈥檚 Sustainability Strategy 2030, Sustainability Policy, University Academic Plan and Well-being Strategy, as well as its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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A long-serving employee, Russel dedicated his career to 91亚色 over a span of 30 years, beginning in 1995 when he joined the University as a student employee.

In 1997, he began his full-time career with 91亚色 as a computer support technician and served in many technical and leadership roles over three decades, including systems administrator, information security analyst, information security manager, director of IT infrastructure, interim chief information officer and chief information security officer. 

Appointed chief information security officer in 2019, Russel focused on supporting and protecting the University community. His leadership helped build, strengthen and safeguard many of the systems and practices 91亚色 relies on today. 

A valued leader and trusted partner at the University, Russel's commitment and stewardship were deeply admired and respected across 91亚色. His contributions included defending against serious cyberattacks, modernizing measures to prevent security breaches and overseeing major systems migrations to improve computing at 91亚色. 

Brad Strom, 91亚色's chief information officer, says he admired Russel's calm and professional approach guiding the University through challenging cybersecurity matters. 

"Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Chris will be remembered as a trusted colleague who was always willing to share his knowledge, offer support and help others navigate difficult situations," says Strom.  

Russel's expertise was influential beyond his contributions to 91亚色. He often consulted on information security investigations, assessments, and research and development initiatives. His work included a vulnerability assessment tool used by post-secondary institutions and other organizations around the world. 

From 2011 to 2018, he served as Chair of GTAnet's board of directors before the organization amalgamated with ORION, a not-for-profit supporting cybersecurity across Ontario. He also taught with the SANS Institute from 2005 to 2011, providing instruction in information security, hacking and computer forensics. 

"His quiet professionalism, thoughtful advice and dedication to those around him left a lasting impression on many of us," says Strom. 

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Dear 91亚色 community,

As 91亚色鈥檚 interim president and vice-chancellor, I am reminded again and again of what makes 91亚色 distinctive: our sense of social purpose to leave no talent behind, our ability to bridge disciplines to spark fresh thinking about complex challenges and our focus on convening people across sectors and borders to work as partners.

In the 2026 President鈥檚 Report, The Power of Connection, you will have the chance to hear directly from a few of the many gifted members of our community who are bringing these principles to life every day: a 91亚色 alumna, professor and donor who supported the growth of our Las Nubes EcoCampus in Costa Rica; the faculty, staff and partners who are developing our new School of Medicine; Indigenous researchers who are championing language revitalization; students who discovered unexpected career pathways; the faculty behind two unique interdisciplinary programs; and bold entrepreneurs who leveraged 91亚色鈥檚 innovation ecosystem, one an alumnus and the other a professor.

Their stories reflect something fundamental about 91亚色. We are at our best when we bring together different fields and perspectives to serve the public good.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this report, and to everyone in the 91亚色 community for creating positive change through your teaching, learning, research and community engagement.

I hope these stories inspire you as much as they inspire me.

Read the 2026 President鈥檚 Report.

Sincerely,

Lisa Philipps
Interim President & Vice-Chancellor

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Academic integrity is often associated with preventing misconduct. In practice, however, it is embedded in the choices people make as they teach, learn and conduct research, helping to sustain trust across the University. 

鈥淎cademic integrity is reflected through the decisions we make every day 鈥� how we use sources, work with others, use new technologies and represent our own work,鈥� says Angela Clark, 91亚色鈥檚 associate director, program development and academic integrity. 鈥淭hese choices are increasingly influenced by new technologies.鈥�

As digital tools become integrated into academic life, institutions are grappling with new questions about authorship, attribution, transparency and ethical decision-making. Clark says at 91亚色, these conversations are prompting renewed attention to the values that underpin academic work: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.听

She adds that the rise of generative AI in particular, has intensified longstanding questions about academic integrity. Students, instructors and researchers are navigating when and how AI tools can be used appropriately, how their use should be acknowledged and how they can support learning without compromising academic standards.

The focus on every day decision-making is at the centre of a new web page that launched in early October to mark 91亚色's Academic Integrity Month. The website offers daily tips, weekly scenario challenges, a virtual display of books available via 91亚色 Libraries, as well as a list of workshops and resources for students, faculty and staff.

While the tools available to learners continue to change, the principles that guide responsible academic practice remain consistent. 

鈥淣ew technologies may change how academic work is completed, but they do not change the need to make informed choices about their use,鈥� says Clark. 鈥淎cademic integrity helps guide those decisions.鈥�

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Dear 91亚色 community, 

Get ready 鈥� 91亚色 U鈥檚 Spirit Day is almost here! On Tuesday, Oct. 20, our Keele, Glendon and Markham campuses will come alive with celebrations, and I can鈥檛 wait for you to be part of it. 

This year鈥檚 theme, 鈥淢ake Connections,鈥� is all about the friendships, community and the shared experiences that make 91亚色, 91亚色. Expect a day packed with games, interactive activities, contests, giveaways and plenty of surprises 鈥� every one of them a chance to strike up a conversation, meet someone new and celebrate what brings us together.  

Visit the Spirit Day website to see everything happening across all three campuses 鈥� then dress the part. Wear your red and white and show the whole University what 91亚色 U pride looks like. 

Thank you for bringing your energy and spirit to 91亚色 every single day. I鈥檒l see you on Oct. 20 鈥� let鈥檚 make it our best Spirit Day yet. 

Sincerely, 

Lisa Philipps
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor

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The ESR is a comprehensive review of 91亚色鈥檚 policies, practices and workplace culture. It aims to examine how systems across the employee lifecycle 鈥� from recruitment and hiring to career advancement and retention 鈥� guide equity outcomes. 

鈥淭he goal is to better understand where 91亚色 does well and where there remains room for improvements in our continuous efforts to foster an inclusive working environment,鈥� says Parissa Safai, interim vice-president equity, people and culture. 鈥淚nput from 91亚色鈥檚 faculty and staff is essential to advancing equity across the University.鈥� 

The survey provides an opportunity for employees to share experiences, observations and perspectives on how systems are working in practice, and insights will be used to inform recommendations related to employment equity. 

91亚色 staff and faculty members are invited to complete this survey regardless of whether they identify as a member of an equity-deserving group.  However, those who self-identify as part of five equity-deserving groups 鈥� women, racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community 鈥� will have the opportunity to express interest in follow-up engagement opportunities, such as focus groups or one-on-one conversations.  

鈥淭he Employment Systems Review reflects 91亚色鈥檚 ongoing commitment to employment equity, human rights and continuous improvement, aligned with the University鈥檚 DEDI Strategy, the Action Plan on Black Inclusion and the Indigenous Framework,鈥� says Safai. 

The survey opens Oct. 5 and closes Nov. 5 and is available online.听

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Her first term saw the University鈥檚 Impact Campaign double in size, alumni engagement more than double and annual fundraising climb to its highest sustained level on record.

Gajic-Bruyea began in January 2022. One of her earliest decisions was to extend the Impact Campaign by $500 million, lifting 91亚色鈥檚 goal to $1 billion and making it the most ambitious philanthropic campaign in the University鈥檚 history. 

The campaign has secured $768 million to date, passing the halfway mark in roughly half the time expected. Annual fundraising has grown from a five-year average of about $47 million before 2022 to $55 million since. 

Behind those numbers are gifts reshaping 91亚色鈥檚 campuses. A $6-million gift from Joan and Martin Goldfarb is establishing the Goldfarb Gallery. A $4-million commitment from The Victor Dahdaleh Foundation supported upgrades to the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building, operating funding for CIFAL 91亚色, and the development of ADERSIM, 91亚色鈥檚 unique simulation facility for research and training in disaster and emergency response. At the Markham Campus, more than $20 million has been raised toward a $50-million goal, including the $5-million Metropia Student Success Centre. The School of Medicine campaign has raised $33.2 million in gifts and pledges, with new provincial government funding creating a sense of excitement amongst philanthropists around the world. 

Alumni engagement has more than doubled since 2022, reaching 16.8 per cent and climbing toward a 20 per cent target with new programs and services on offer. New international networks, the Alumni Perks App, career coaching and reimagined recognition programs have widened how graduates stay connected. 

Less visible but just as consequential, the Division of Advancement replaced its core technology, implementing a new CRM in 18 months, on time and on budget. The system supports better data, reporting and more personal engagement with alumni and donors. 

鈥淪usana has changed what this University believes is possible,鈥� says Lisa Philipps, interim president and vice-chancellor of 91亚色. 鈥淪he looked at a campaign that was heading for the finish line and saw a much bigger opportunity for our students and our researchers. Then she built the team, the systems and the relationships to go after it. I am delighted she will see it through.鈥� 

The next five years will centre on finishing what was started: completing the $1-billion campaign, moving annual fundraising toward $75 million, reaching 20 per cent alumni engagement and building on 91亚色鈥檚 move into the medical-doctoral category of universities. 

Gajic-Bruyea pointed to the "collective effort" behind the result. "This rests on a lot of shoulders: alumni showing up in numbers we have not seen before, Faculties coming forward with compelling cases for support, donors backing ideas that will outlast all of us and a team that has done the patient work of rebuilding how we operate," she says. "That combination is what makes ambitious philanthropy possible and what will carry it further."听

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At this year鈥檚 event, 91亚色's Keele, Glendon and Markham campuses will host a variety of activities, some including career pathway discussions, tours, job shadowing and lunch. The programming will provide students with a well-rounded and immersive experience on all the aspects involved in career building and exploration.

The initiative, led by 91亚色's Human Resources department and 91亚色 U - TD Community Engagement Centre, promotes career exploration, nurtures intellectual curiosity and engages students from diverse backgrounds considering their future opportunities.

Staff, faculty, instructors and students employed at 91亚色 (who are at least 18 years of age) can invite and accompany a visiting Grade 9 student to participate. 91亚色 students who wish to sponsor a Grade 9 student must make prior arrangements with a 91亚色 staff or faculty member to have the visiting student observe the staff or faculty member in a work environment.

Completion of the registration forms is required. To learn more about this annual event and how to register, visit the Human Resources website.

The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 30.

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