Everyday actions such as reaching for a cup or typing on a keyboard, rely on constant feed back from the brain. It monitors how each movement was executed and makes small refinements as needed. If a hand lands slightly off target, for example, that error is used to improve the next attempt.

Researchers distinguish between two ways the brain's neural activity updates these movements. Sometimes it fine鈥憈unes an existing skill, making small, automatic adjustments 鈥� like when a baseball pitcher corrects their aim after a missed throw. Other times, it must develop a new way of moving altogether, especially when familiar patterns no longer work, such as when moving a computer mouse with your hand one way makes the on-screen cursor move in the opposite direction.

Research led by PhD candidate Raphael Gastrock, supervised by Professor Denise Henriques and research associate Bernard Marius 鈥檛鈥疕art, examines what happens in neural systems when the brain responds to these two forms of learning. Published in , the study compares how the brain responds to errors when refining an existing skill (motor adaptation) versus learning a new one (de novo learning).

鈥淲e wanted to explore how the brain processes errors across these two forms of learning,鈥� Gastrock says. 鈥淎lthough previous research has identified brain signals linked to adapting movements, no studies have directly compared those signals between adaptation and acquiring a completely new way of moving. With this work, we aimed to address that gap.鈥�

To test this, participants completed simple "reaching" tasks using a stylus to move a cursor toward a target on a screen. After establishing how participants moved under normal conditions, researchers altered the visual feedback to compare the two types of learning.

In one case, the cursor was slightly rotated, requiring participants to adjust their aim, representing 鈥渁daptation鈥� learning, where neural systems gradually tweak an existing motion. The other scenario flipped the display like a mirror, meaning left and right were reversed, presenting the more demanding "type of skill "de novo" learning, where the brain creates a new plan to adapt to the movement.

Researchers recorded neural activity using electroencephalography, or EEG, to track how the brain prepared each movement and how it responded after participants saw the result. They found when participants adjusted to the rotated display, their neural activity changed as they improved, suggesting the brain gradually learns how to correct the action. As their aim got better, their responses to errors also became smaller, showing the task was becoming more predictable.

The mirror reversal showed a different pattern, however. Although participants movements improved, their neural activity changed very little, suggesting they had to actively think through each motion instead of relying on automatic adjustments.

Together, the findings point to a simple idea: the brain uses different approaches depending on the kind of problem it faces. When errors are consistent and predictable, it can fine鈥憈une movements automatically; however, when the task requires a new set of rules, it depends more on deliberate, effortful strategies.

This distinction may help explain why some skills are easier to learn 鈥� or relearn 鈥� than others.

鈥淢otor learning plays a central role in everyday activities, from acquiring new skills to recovering function after injury,鈥� Gastrock says. That recovery process is one area where the team鈥檚 findings could have real鈥憌orld impact.

The findings could be especially relevant for physical rehabilitation, where repeated practice and feedback are used to help people regain movement. Understanding when the brain can refine automatically versus when it requires more more cognitively demanding and effortful adaptation, could help design more effective programs.

鈥淏y better understanding the mechanisms behind it, we may be able to improve training and rehabilitation strategies,鈥� he adds.

The researchers describe the work as an early step, but one that helps clarify how the brain handles different kinds of learning 鈥� and area that has been rarely examined side by side. The dataset has also been made publicly available to support further research.

By showing that human鈥檚 neural systems use distinct processes to fine鈥憈une actions or build new ones, the study offers a clearer framework for understanding how people gain and regain skills.

鈥淚n the long term, I hope findings from these types of studies can help inform rehabilitation approaches, educational strategies and skill training,鈥� Gastrock says.

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Michael Davies鈥慥enn, a Faculty of Graduate Studies student in the Global Health graduate program, joins the Expert Group on Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation led by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

The three鈥憏ear appointment highlights the impact of 91亚色 researchers in addressing complex global health and environmental challenges.

The group brings together researchers, policymakers and practitioners and began its work earlier this year to guide the implementation of the World Health Organization鈥檚 Protocol on Water and Health. Its focus is on identifying marginalized populations and supporting their meaningful engagement in water and sanitation decision making.

Davies鈥慥enn鈥檚 research synthesizes Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 鈥� Clean Water and Sanitation, equity, global health and environmental governance. His work examines how water insecurity and climate events, such as floods and drought, influence the risk of infectious diseases, including malaria, cholera and West Nile virus.

鈥淪everal diseases linked to climate change impacts relate to the excess or absence of water,鈥� Davies鈥慥enn says. 鈥淭his suggests water is a key driver of climate鈥憆elated health outcomes.鈥�

In his fieldwork, Davies-Venn focuses on basin鈥慳rea communities along the Orange鈥慡enqu River basin in Southern Africa, a transboundary freshwater resource that supports approximately 20 million people across Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and South Africa. Through participatory research, he studies how environmental and social factors shape disease risk.

鈥淚t is reasonable to argue that human life is impossible without fresh water,鈥� he says. 鈥淵et inequities in access to drinking water persist.鈥�

In some river鈥慴asin communities, open defecation remains common due to limited access to sanitation services which increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera.

鈥淪ome people use the river as a latrine, while others collect water from the same river for domestic use, including drinking,鈥� Davies鈥慥enn says. 鈥淥pen defecation is a serious problem and cholera remains a global challenge. Research also links cholera outbreaks to floods and drought.鈥�

For Davies鈥慥enn, the work is both academic and personal. Having spent his childhood in similar conditions, and surviving malaria, gives him first-hand insight into the challenges these communities face.

Those experiences inform his commitment to global health solutions and his passion to make a difference.

鈥淚f, through working with basin communities, I raise awareness that contributes to saving even one child from cholera, that contribution to science and humanity will give meaning to my life and work,鈥� he says.

A member of the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, Davies-Venn's research is supervised by Associate Professor Godfred Boateng (), Professor Idil Boran (Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies) and Professor Philipp Pattberg (Vrije University-Amsterdam). In addition to his doctoral committee's guidance, he credits 91亚色 for fostering a collaborative environment that supports interdisciplinary research, helping him bridge his background in environmental governance with public health.

He is completing his doctorate through a cotutelle arrangement between 91亚色 and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, an international partnership that reflects 91亚色鈥檚 commitment to global research collaboration.

Through his work in the expert group, he hopes that by empowering vulnerable populations, and recognizing broader societal failures, critical improvements in equitable access to water and sanitation will lead to healthier communities.

"Micheal鈥檚 appointment reflects the type of globally engaged, interdisciplinary scholarship 91亚色 is cultivating," says Amrita Daftary, professor and graduate program director at the School of Global Health. "Grounded in equity and shaped by lived experience, his work demonstrates how graduate research can contribute to meaningful change beyond the University and Canada."

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This award, presented by Fairtrade Canada during the National Fair Trade Conference, marks 91亚色鈥檚 first time receiving the honour. The recognition builds on the University鈥檚 Silver Fair Trade Campus designation which it has held over the past two years and reflects its sustained leadership in embedding fair trade principles into everyday campus life.

91亚色 was recognized for its 鈥淔air Trade, Every Day鈥� approach, which has expanded the availability of fair trade-certified products across the University. As a result, tens of thousands of products are purchased each year, increasing access for the campus community while supporting ethical supply chains.

Fair trade-certified products 鈥� such as chocolate, coffee, tea and bananas 鈥� 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亚色 Bookstore offering certified fair-trade T-shirts and hoodies through a partnership with Green Campus Co-op, a student- and faculty-founded organization established in 2011.

The award also acknowledges 91亚色鈥檚 broader leadership role in the sector. By hosting the National Fair Trade Conference in 2025 and maintaining an active presence in national conversations about fair trade in higher education, 91亚色 has become a hub for learning and collaboration.

91亚色 staff are frequently called on to share expertise on advancing fair trade in higher education. Sasa Netsorovic, director, Bookstore, printing and mailing services at 91亚色, recently shared insights on how campuses can translate fair trade values through procurement decisions, community partnerships and student engagement, drawing on 91亚色鈥檚 鈥淔air Trade, Every Day鈥� approach.

Nicole Arsenault, director of sustainability, says the award 鈥渞eflects years of dedicated work by students, faculty and staff who have championed fair trade and embedded it into campus culture.鈥�

These efforts, she adds, support the United Nations鈥� Sustainable Development Goals.

With national recognition as Fair Trade Campus of the Year, 91亚色 continues to demonstrate how institutional commitment and community-driven action can create meaningful change.

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Beyond the Academy is a six-week initiative developed by Zachary Spicer, associate professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) and head of New College, in partnership with 91亚色鈥檚 Co-op & Career Centre. Designed specifically for LA&PS doctoral students, the program guides a cohort of 25 PhD students through career exploration, translating academic skills for non-academic settings, networking, job search strategy and concrete next steps with emotional support built in from the start.

The program responds to a decades-long structural shift in academic hiring.

"There's just not enough academic jobs for the amount of PhD students that we are graduating," says Spicer. "It is not a reflection on any individual candidate. It is just a math problem."

Spicer speaks from experience. He spent time outside academia before returning to 91亚色 and has watched colleagues navigate the same transition with widely varying degrees of support. Over the past three years, New College has run webinars and workshops, and brought alumni in to speak about non-academic careers. Students appreciated those efforts, says Spicer, but kept saying they needed more.

"It felt kind of like a one-off," says Spicer. "They still had questions. I know I probably need to do this; I probably want to do this 鈥� but how do I actually get things going?"

Beyond the Academy was designed to answer that question in a sustained, structured way. Each week builds on the last 鈥� moving from career narrative and self-reflection through to LinkedIn, networking and an individualized career plan. The program also brings in an occupational therapist to help students work through the emotional weight that can accompany the transition.

"You're not just going towards the consolation prize," says Spicer. "You're going towards something that provides meaning and purpose."

The partnership with the adds another dimension. New College worked with the centre to scope the program, and its staff are leading three of the initiative鈥檚 six modules. Susan Pogue, career counsellor at the centre, delivered the program's opening session on rethinking the PhD career narrative. She says what sets Beyond the Academy apart from individual appointments or stand-alone webinars is the community it creates.

"It's the same 25 students going through each week," she says. "They're building rapport and trust, learning from each other, talking openly about exploring careers outside of academia 鈥� maybe for the first time. It normalizes that conversation."

For Lisa Smith, a PhD student in humanities whose research focuses on children's folklore, the program arrived at exactly the right moment. A former K to 12 educator who returned to post-secondary studies after two decades, she joined the program to think more seriously about her options if a tenure-track path does not materialize.

"I needed to be looking at Plan B," she says. "This was a start to preparing and looking at what other options are out there."

Though still in the early weeks of the program, she says it has already helped make a once-vague future feel more structured. Through the first sessions, participants were encouraged to think about the values, interests and the skills they developed through doctoral work 鈥� from long-term project management to research and critical analysis 鈥� and how that could translate beyond academia.

鈥淚 think my anxieties became reduced through this program,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he things that could happen in the future become more possible.鈥�

For Spicer, the first cohort is a pilot 鈥� one being formally evaluated by 91亚色's Office of Institutional Planning and Analysis. If it works, he hopes it can be replicated. More broadly, he says the goal is to make conversations about non-academic careers a more normal part of doctoral education.

"I am hoping that as a Faculty and as a school, we are more open to having conversations around non-academic careers," he says. "I'd like graduate students to leave excited and empowered about what comes next."

Smith concurs: "It ought to be open to all PhD students at 91亚色."

With files from Mzwandile Poncana

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The Presidential Search Committee (PSC) reviewed and discussed the search process, and scheduled and finalized the consultation questions.

The committee will consult with the 91亚色 community to seek input that will inform the development of the position profile.

The PSC welcomes the perspectives of the 91亚色 community and will arrange meetings and open sessions in May and June.聽In addition, the consultation questions will be shared widely and those who prefer to prepare a written submission may do so via email.

Information on the consultation process will appear on the Presidential Search website and in YFile.

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The pellet formulation of the larvicide methoprene will be placed into all University catch basins. The granular formulation of the larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis will be applied to selected bodies of surface water, including ditches and ponds, based on the presence of mosquito larvae.

Methoprene and Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis are both registered larvicides that are approved for use by the federal government. All larvicide will be applied by applicators who are licensed by the Ministry of the Environment or supervised technicians. Each larviciding application will be carried out under permit from the Ministry of the Environment.

The control treatments are scheduled to take place on the following dates:

• May 23 and 24
• June 13 and 14
• July 4 and 5
• Aug. 1 and 2
• Aug. 29 and 30

This schedule may be adjusted based on larvicide counts within catch basins and prevailing weather conditions.

For more information on the exact location and dates of treatment, contact Professional PCO Services at 416-520-7769. For more general information about the West Nile control treatments, contact John Leva, manager of grounds, fleet and waste management, at 416-937-4536.

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And, the students who take Sodhi鈥檚 course have an affectionate name for themselves after it ends: survivors.

The Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies course, designed as a compressed version of real marketing work, demands a lot of participants. Over 12 weeks, it pushes them to think strategically, act decisively and communicate with the clarity and confidence expected in professional settings. Part classroom and part boardroom, the experience moves quickly from advanced marketing theory to collaborating directly with external organizations on real business problems. Ideas are tested publicly, feedback is unfiltered and performance matters.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a tough journey,鈥� says Sodhi, 鈥渁nd that鈥檚 why they call themselves survivors.鈥�

Sodhi launched the program eight years ago, inspired in part by the Canadian Marketing League, the country's foremost experiential competition that brings top marketing students together to solve real business challenges for real brands. Sodhi, who judges the competition each year, wanted to create something similar at 91亚色 that would give students exposure to live clients while addressing the job鈥憆eady skills employers told her were missing. 鈥淐ompanies told me they were looking for plug鈥慳nd鈥憄lay talent,鈥� says Sodhi. 鈥淭his course was designed to help participants become that.鈥�

The class blends advanced classroom learning with real industry exposure. Students work through case studies in areas such as consumer behaviour, brand management and digital marketing, learn from industry practitioners and train with data tools aligned to their clients鈥� sectors. That foundation quickly gives way to live-client work, such as cases drawn from this year's organizations including Yamaha Motor Company, Sofina Foods, Clearly Canadian, Queen Steet West and Supaagents. As the cohort immerse themselves in each business, they develop and pitch go鈥憈o鈥憁arket solutions in high鈥憇takes settings that closely mirror workplace marketing practice.

Each year, students apply for the course, submitting r茅sum茅s, transcripts and statements of career intent before being screened and interviewed by Sodhi. From that pool, a small cohort 鈥� usually no more than 12 individuals 鈥� is selected and divided into two competing teams. This year's group included Jacob Barreto, Maegan Chen, Tram Anh Le, Victor Duong, Charles Alatiw, Delilah O., Nandika Kumar and Yousef Abdollahi who formed two teams: InterLnk and Fluidus.

As it does every year, the experience opens with targeted preparation. Sodhi tailors the academic material to the cases students will take on, revisiting or introducing concepts in areas such as brand management, customer relationship management or international marketing. The goal is not exhaustive coverage, but a shared foundation that allows the cohort to apply theory confidently once the live鈥慶lient work begins.

Participants rehearse through instructor鈥慸esigned mock cases, using feedback to fine鈥憈une analysis, presentation structure and question鈥慼andling. Then the course shifts to work with clients.

Over the following weeks, external organizations brief teams on real marketing challenges, often inviting students into their workplaces for deeper immersion. Teams develop and present solutions in extended evening sessions judged by industry experts and the clients, with each case evaluated on criteria such as strategic thinking, leadership and analytical skill.

Presentation nights are demanding. Teams presents in person, followed by a hard鈥慼itting question鈥慳nd鈥慳nswer period that plays a significant role in the judging. Judges push students to defend assumptions, explain trade鈥憃ffs and think on their feet, often from multiple directions at once.

The experience is new territory for many students, including those part of InterLnk and Fluidus

Even after eight years of teaching the course, Sodhi says she is still struck by how much students change over the term. As the weeks unfold, they develop what she calls a 鈥渃ourage of conviction鈥� 鈥� the ability to persuade an audience that their thinking is sound, even without depth of experience. With repeated feedback and escalating scrutiny, students find their footing. 鈥淭hey just become better and better,鈥� she says.

The experience culminates in a final showcase that brings the intensity of the term into one room. After weeks of competition, InterLnk and Fluidus presented their strongest efforts to a grand jury of clients, faculty and program sponsors. Awards recognize both performance and potential, highlighting strategic thinking, leadership and growth demonstrated over the full 12 weeks, as well as an overall winner. Learning partners like Environics Analytics and Oxenham Consultants Inc recognize students with awards for use of data and showing enterprise potential.聽

For many participants, however, the most valuable recognition comes afterward.

In past years, clients have offered jobs or internships following the final showcase. Sodhi recalls instances where companies were so impressed by student efforts that hiring decisions followed quickly. Similar moments continue to emerge. This year, a client reached out to one student for her perspective on the company鈥檚 social鈥憁edia presence. Drawing on the same strategic approach she used during the course, she shared her feedback and is now under consideration for a role that would typically require six or seven years of industry experience.

Participants also gain something less formal but no less lasting: each other. 鈥淎ll eight years of cohorts are connected now, as part of one team community,鈥� says Sodhi.

That network continues to grow, not just with the addition of InterLnk and Fluidus' members. This year, a graduate from the program鈥檚 very first cohort, now the founder of a successful business, returned as a client, bringing his own company鈥檚 case to the experience. Sodhi also brought alumni back in a new role, hiring former participants to coach teams behind the scenes during presentation nights.

Sodhi is proud of what the course has become. 鈥淵ou can talk to all of the students and they will tell you that this course is the most challenging,鈥� she says, 鈥渂ut also the one they learned the most from. It literally prepares them for the real world and their careers.鈥�

That impact is echoed by "survivors." In LinkedIn posts after the course ended, many describe LCL as a turning point. 鈥淕oing into the program, I did not realize just how prepared, challenged and fulfilled I would feel by the end of it,鈥� wrote Kumar. 鈥淚 am leaving this experience feeling far more confident, capable and excited for what lies ahead in my marketing career.鈥�

For Duong, the takeaway came through the pressure as much as the payoff. 鈥淭here were long nights, stressful moments and times when everything felt overwhelming,鈥� he wrote. 鈥淏ut through it all, LCL pushed me, challenged me and helped me grow in ways I did not expect, both personally and professionally. Every part of it was worth it.鈥�

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Now in its 14th year, the award honours Robert J. Tiffin, who served as 91亚色鈥檚 vice-president, students, for nine years. University community members nominate individuals who demonstrate leadership and make valuable contributions to 91亚色.   

This year鈥檚 recipients represent a wide range of disciplines and leadership pathways, says Yvette Munro, vice-provost, students. 

鈥淭he depth and breadth of leadership shown by our students is remarkable and we continue to see the meaningful ways they contribute to 91亚色," says Munro. 鈥淲hether they are supporting students across the University, within their Faculty or in groups built around shared interests or lived experiences, their leadership helps strengthen the 91亚色 community.鈥� 

Recipients of the award play a vital role in shaping the 91亚色 student experience and enhancing the character of 91亚色, says Tiffin. 鈥淭hey have led, not because they were asked, but because they cared enough to step forward. Through their contributions they have nurtured a 91亚色 tradition of a university that embraces new ideas and innovative thinking.鈥� 

The winners were celebrated on May 6 at 91亚色鈥檚 Keele Campus. 

2026 Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award recipients

Devonte Ellis, bachelor of education

Ellis has made extensive contributions to 91亚色's Music department and the Faculty of Education. He has been a festival coordinator, president of the Music Education Students鈥� Association and previous Chair of music's leadership council. He is also the founder and director of the Lions drumline and marching band. Additionally, Ellis has worked in student governance across the University in multiple positions and says one of his most impactful achievements has been as president of the Faculty of Education Students鈥� Association.

Isabella Gouveia, bachelor of arts (specialized honours) in history and concurrent education

Gouveia has been actively involved in student engagement at 91亚色. She began as an Orientation Week lead captain for Founders College, followed by the Orientation director of partnerships and integration. In this role, she built relationships with various departments and staff and supported transitioning students across the University. Her orientation involvement also led her to serve as president of Founders College Student Council for two years.

Anaum Fatima Iqbal, bachelor of education

Iqbal has been a long-standing active participant of Calumet College and is now president of Calumet College Council. She actively spearheads new initiatives for the council, including converting one of the college鈥檚 spaces into a multi-faith prayer space and tacking food insecurity by providing free monthly breakfasts to college members. Iqbal has also been the vice-president of athletics and a student success mentor lead for the college.

Dipanpreet Kaur, bachelor of arts (honours) in English and professional writing

Kaur has been involved across campus since her first year, with involvement across the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) and 91亚色鈥檚 international community. She is the president of the International Student Association of 91亚色, a council member of the Dean鈥檚 Circle of Student Scholars and was the marketing director for Peace by PEACE. Kaur says her most meaningful contribution has been supporting international students as they adjusted to university life, which inspired her to step into larger leadership roles.

Rubaljeet Kaur, bachelor of commerce (specialized honours) in accounting

Kaur is dedicated to creating spaces at 91亚色 where others can feel seen and have their voices heard. She is the founder and president of the Asian Women in Commerce Association, a community of more than 30 members that addresses representation gaps in business leadership, and hosts the Women in Law Association podcast. Kaur also holds leadership roles with the Social Work Students鈥� Association, LA&PS, 91亚色 International and 91亚色's Asian Youth Network.

Jaryeon Lee, master of science in kinesiology and health science

Lee鈥檚 passion for health sciences is apparent through her leadership in the field. As president of the Kinesiology and Health Sciences Graduate Student Association, Lee expanded outreach, strengthened the academic and professional community within the department and launched a new mentor-mentee program. She was also a graduate student representative on the Academic Council of Kinesiology and Health Science and is currently a representative for the Kinesiology and Health Science Curriculum Exercise meetings.

Nikan Movahedi, bachelor of science (specialized honours) in kinesiology and health science

Movahedi has led numerous initiatives at 91亚色 focused on health research and education. He is a coordinator for the largest health-oriented conference dedicated to undergraduate researchers in Canada and established the 91亚色 Blood Initiative, 91亚色鈥檚 first structured transportation system to local donation centres. Additionally, Movahedi is a student health ambassador and a student representative for the and has been both a volunteer research assistant and mentor.

Simone Elizabeth Pimenta, bachelor of business administration (honours) specialization in marketing and strategic management

Inspired after attending Orientation Week in her first year, Pimenta decided to serve as an Orientation Week executive the following year, followed by Orientation Week Chair for the Schulich School of Business. Pimenta has been heavily involved with the as the current president of the Undergraduate Business Society, as a former mentor for Schulich Women in Leadership and as a senior advisor for the Schulich Business Law Association.

Tariq Salim, bachelor of electrical engineering

Salim has been very involved in the throughout his degree. He has served as a WeekZer0 leader and vice-chair, where he executed programming and created an inclusive environment for new students to feel comfortable and confident. Salim has been an electrical engineering program representative within Lassonde, advocating for student concerns, and is currently the Lassonde representative for Bethune College Council.

Cheyenne Schmidt-Harlick, bachelor of arts (honours), double major in psychology and Indigenous studies

Schmidt-Harlick has made a lasting impact on Indigenous student support and representation across the University. During her time as president of the Indigenous Students Association at 91亚色 and as a student success mentor for Indigenous Student Services, she created welcoming spaces through advocacy, programming and relationship building. Additionally, Schmidt-Harlick held roles as a marketing coordinator for the Undergraduate Psychology Students Association and as a student health ambassador.

Amy Yeung, bachelor of science in kinesiology and health science

Yeung, a kung-fu practitioner for more than 16 years, revived and rebuilt the Martial Arts Club at 91亚色, which now has more than 75 members. Through the club, Yeung shares cultural traditions, community building and provides an accessible space for physical activity. Inclusivity is at the forefront of Yeung鈥檚 leadership practices within the Martial Arts Club, where the needs of women, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC and differently abled members are continuously advocated for.

Niemat Yusuf, bachelor of arts (specialized honours) in psychology

As president of Black Students in Psychology, Yusuf successfully restructured the organization and scaled the executive team from six members to 24. She also expanded cross-campus partnerships and launched a peer mentorship initiative to support upper-year Black psychology students. Yusuf has volunteered in peer advocacy and mentorship roles for the Centre for Sexual Violence, Response, Support & Education, the Black Student Mentorship Program and the Undergraduate Psychology Student Association.

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Established with a $200 million gift in 2019, the McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada鈥檚 largest leadership-based scholarships for master鈥檚 and professional studies students.

More than 700 Canadian students applied for the opportunity this year with the top 150 selected for first-round interviews. Interviews for the resulting 91 finalists took place in Montreal in March.

鈥淚 received the news during a call and in that moment, it felt like everything I had worked toward over the years had led to this,鈥� says Timotewos of being one of 20 recipients. 鈥淚t was overwhelming in the best way, filled with deep gratitude. It inspired me to keep pushing forward and continue giving back.鈥�

The scholarship covers tuition, a living stipend and relocation as well as mentorship, coaching and leadership program activities.

Timotewos, a student at the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, will graduate this spring with an honours bachelor of arts in global political studies as well as a certificate in public administration and law.

Inspired by his experiences growing up in Ethiopia and Yemen, Timotewos founded and leads three non-profit initiatives that mentor young men, provide essential resources to youth in need and share community-driven stories. He also serves on the TELUS Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area Community Board, where he reviews grant applications for charities.

In addition, Timotewos sits on the Global Youth Impact Council representing young Canadian voices. He also serves as a 91亚色 president ambassador and student senator, is a mentor to fellow students and is a past recipient of 91亚色鈥檚 Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award.

鈥淭his recognition means everything to me and it makes me feel seen,鈥� he says. 鈥淲here I come from, education at this level can feel out of reach but someone chose to invest in my journey and believe in it. It doesn鈥檛 just open doors that wouldn鈥檛 otherwise be open; it also gives me the opportunity to grow. More importantly, it will enable me to keep giving back and create opportunities for others.鈥�

Recipients were chosen based on exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity.

Timotewos will be pursuing a master of management in analytics at McGill University, where he will study management, finance and economics to understand how institutions and markets shape real-world outcomes.

Attending McGill, he says, fulfils a longtime dream and he hopes to use its strong network to advance his learning and turn economic insight into responsible leadership and social impact. 91亚色, he adds, has been part of that journey.

鈥淢y experience at 91亚色 has shaped me both intellectually and personally. Through the many leadership roles I鈥檝e been entrusted with, as well as the community work and rigorous academic study, I鈥檝e learned how to think critically, lead with intention and serve others with purpose,鈥� he says.

Additionally, 91亚色 students Ann Kwarteng and Neh Shah were both selected for a $5,000 Regional Award from McCall MacBain.

鈥淭hese scholarships go beyond financial support,鈥� says Marcy McCall MacBain, chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e about investing in the leadership potential of individuals who dare to pursue unconventional paths and care deeply about improving the lives of others.鈥�

Applications will open in June 2026 for the 2027 cohort. Learn more about McCall MacBain Scholarships .

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Finding your way around 91亚色鈥檚 Glendon Campus is easier and more accessible with the launch of a new digital indoor navigation tool.

Faculty, students, staff and visitors can use GoodMaps to navigate Glendon鈥檚 interconnected buildings on its 85-acre Toronto campus.

The free smartphone app provides turn-by-turn indoor directions across Glendon by using detailed digital mapping, improving campus access for a wide range of users.

鈥淕lendon College is proud to embrace this groundbreaking partnership with GoodMaps 鈥� made possible through the CNIB Foundation 鈥� which reflects our enduring commitment to fostering an inclusive, accessible and innovative learning environment,鈥� says Marco Fiola, principal, Glendon College.

The innovative LiDAR-based technology offers more reliability than GPS and includes guidance for people with vision and hearing loss, as well as step-free routes for those with mobility limitations. The app provides structured directions for users who benefit from predictable navigation paths. The app works through users鈥� personal mobile devices.

鈥淕oodMaps helps remove barriers to campus navigation by supporting people with different mobility, sensory and cognitive needs," says Fiola. 鈥淲hat sets GoodMaps apart from other navigation solutions is its commitment to accessibility-first design and infrastructure-free implementation.鈥�

Available in more than 20 languages 鈥� including English, French, Spanish and Anishinaabemowin 鈥� GoodMaps supports Glendon's multilingual and international campus community. Campus maps can be updated in real time, allowing Glendon鈥檚 facilities staff to reflect changes such as construction activity or new points of interest.

In addition to on-campus use, GoodMaps includes a web mapping option that allows users to explore campus buildings online. This feature will help visitors plan routes in advance and reduce uncertainty when navigating unfamiliar spaces.

The is available for free through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

The project received financial support from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and the Government of Canada through the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Minority鈥慙anguage Education and Second Official Language Instruction.

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