York University
EN-3: Student Life

Amnesty International at York - "Our mission at York University is to generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated. We believe that we are at our most powerful when we stand together for human rights."

Carbon Free Club - "York University exists to provide York University with facilitation of sustainable initiatives, education and practices across the campus. We strive to empower students and the York community to build climate solutions and take action for a more just world. As environmental and social justice advocates, we believe the change must start in our communities, and ours is York University.

The CFC-YU is open to all students, staff, and faculty regardless of race, religion, gender or any other discriminatory measure."

Champions of Change York University, COCYU - The purpose of this club is to actively advocate for the advancement in gender equality and individual rights, where students at York University act together and create a step towards a national movement/impact.

Engineers Without Borders York University - Engineers Without Borders is a non-governmental organisation devoted to international development and creating systemic change. Our mission is to address and eliminate global poverty and other global issues. EWB Canada follows 3 pillars; entrepreneurship, advocacy, and leadership

Environmental and Urban Change Students' Association - EUCSA is a recognized student government representing undergraduates in programs offered by the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change (EUC) at York University. EUCSA seeks to offer opportunities for its membership to develop skills academically, professionally, and socially through active participation in the university activities they develop.

Many Green Hands at York University - Many Green Hands at York U is a student club that aims to create more opportunities for students to get involved in gardening on campus and to provide and advocate for more affordable and healthy food sources for York University students.

Women in Renewable Energy - York U Chapter - WiRE's mission is to advance the role and recognition of women working in the energy sector. Inclusive of all renewable energy and clean technologies, programming includes capacity-building field trips, networking meet-ups, an awards recognition program, student bursaries, speed mentoring and more!

Studio Hurricane Creative Club (SHCC) - A club dedicated to providing a space for those who want to be part of a creative community to collaborate, critique, and share personal or school projects. Open to everyone regardless of experience or medium.

More information can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/yorkusustainability/guide/sustainability-related-clubs-at-york-university/17916335033103841/

1. The Maloca Community Garden is a space for all members of the University community to experience - from growing their own food to holding special outdoor events to enjoying a great setting for sustainable teaching. The Maloca Community Garden features about 2,000 square feet devoted to both individual and communal plots for growing vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers according to the principles of organic agriculture. The garden also supports individuals who lack access to land, are want to build skills and knowledge in gardening, strive to raise awareness of food security or simply want to develop community connections.

Website URL: https://euc.yorku.ca/maloca-community-garden/
2) HNES Native Species Garden was created to provide ecological diversity and habitat for Ontario’s native species, working to reflect the values of the Faculty by further contributing to the constituencies of land, students, community and institution with the goal of becoming a York University landmark and contributing to the sustainability of the York campus. This garden encourages biodiversity on-campus and can give context to the plant species used in medicine gardens by Indigenous peoples both historically and to this day. 

Website URL: https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2022/06/24/attend-an-indigenous-walk-on-campus/
3) The Glendon Community Garden stemmed from a collaboration between students, staff and professors, who formed a committee in early 2020. Through accessible physical activity and collaboration, the garden strives for excellence, innovation and aims to foster inclusion and connection between the communities that share our environment. The Glendon Community Garden implement environmentally sustainable gardening practices such as prohibiting the use of synthetic pesticides and incorporating native plants to encourage pollinators.

Website URL: https://www.yorku.ca/glendon/glendon-gardens/#goals

1. The Lunik Co-op café located at York’s Glendon campus is a student-run cafe that has adopted a number of sustainable practices. Lunik’s official objectives state that in operation, it will uphold the principles of sustainability broken down into three forms: equity/social sustainability, economic/ financial sustainability, and’ environmental/ resource sustainability. On top of that, Lunik has a Safe Space policy to ensure the café is a safe, equitable and sustainable social environment.

Website URL: https://lunikcoop.com/

2. The Cycle York Community Bike Centre, run by Regenesis, provides students and the wider community with an accessible environment where they can learn to fix bicycles, share resources, and work together. Regenesis offers free access to repair facilities and mechanic instructors, and offer cycling-related events such as bike rides, learn-to-rides and workshops. They also sell parts for individuals who need specific parts to fix their bike. The Centre is located in the Quad Student Residences and is open on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Website URL: https://regenesis.eco/en/cycleyork

The Sustainability Innovation Fund creates opportunities for the York University community to engage in sustainability initiatives and utilize the campus as a living lab, empowering individuals to be agents of change and take meaningful steps to reduce our impact on the planet. President Rhonda Lenton recently announced a one million dollar commitment to the SIF as a part of the next phase of the university's Sustainability Strategy.

Website URL: https://www.yorku.ca/sustainability/getinvolved/sustainability-innovation-fund/

1. UNHack is a community event for all undergrad post-secondary and grade 11 & 12 high school students to come together to try and solve an important global issue defined by one of the SDGs. Students take part in an experiential learning opportunity with the Lassonde School of Engineering BEST Program. Students solve challenges alongside a team by following our structured design sprint methodology. With this methodology, students are able to identify an important problem, develop a viable solution and build an implementation plan.

Website URL:
https://lassonde.yorku.ca/unhack-experience-brings-together-over-450-students-to-tackle-sustainability-challenges
https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2022/11/23/unhack-brings-together-students-to-tackle-pressing-sustainability-challenges/

2. Sustainable on the Go - York University and their international partners hosted the 2nd Sustainable on the Go Conference in November 2022. The lead-up to conference called the Youth Engagement Program involves a discussion with young voices on how internationalization and mobility in higher education can contribute to a better world. It provides students with the international group experience of building trust across cultural differences and establish a dialogue culture to actively engage with each other, collaborate, and creatively contribute to the themes of the SOTG 2022 Conference.

Website URL: https://yorkinternational.yorku.ca/sotg/

3) The Change Your World Conference is hosted at York University to inspire youth in Ontario to be the next generation of environmentally active citizens. The Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change welcomes high school students and their teachers to a dynamic one-day conference that brings together youth and community organizations from across Ontario to discuss, collaborate and learn how to make sustainable and equitable change in our world. 30+ high schools across Ontario join to engage in 30+ workshops hosted by community partners, students and teachers.

Website URL: https://euc.yorku.ca/change-your-world/

4) York University has launched a new open-access series of mini-lectures on sustainability-related challenges. This is an innovative and interdisciplinary open access program that gives participants the opportunity to learn from six of York’s world-renowned academic experts on a diverse range of topics related to sustainability.

Students can become a Sustainable Living Ambassador with York University’s Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living:
- Learn from York’s world-renowned academic experts
- Watch all six videos, correctly answer each test question
- Commit to making positive sustainability-focused changes in your daily life
- Earn a first-of-its-kind Digital Badge in Sustainable Living to share on social media

Website URL: https://www.yorku.ca/rightthefuture/stories/microlecture/

1. The Art Gallery of York University is committed to enriching the cultural and intellectual environment of the university. Throughout its 32-year history, AGYU has always operated at the forefront of contemporary artistic, curatorial, and art institutional practices. A few examples of the guidelines employed when defining its programs that include sustainability are:
- Amplifying the civic role of art galleries through advocacy; engaging large, yet under-represented communities through long-term engagement
- In acknowledging that York University occupies colonized Indigenous territories, and out of respect for the rights of Indigenous people, and as part of our role to honour, protect, and sustain this land, have built a close relationship with our host Nation, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation through collaboration on artistic projects for over a decade, and will work to maintain this relationship into the future.

Website URL: https://agyu.art/mandate/

2. The York community hosted a sustainable and thoughtfully designed art project on the York University Subway Station. created by Steps Public Art. The mural at the York University Subway Station is one installation of the public art project called Safe Flight Home, which was co-created with North York community members to protect birds from collisions during the fall migration season while also raising awareness about lesser known environmental issues. This project helps drive positive change within the community by helping protect migratory birds and supporting local Canadian artists.

Website URL: https://stepspublicart.org/project/safe-flight-home-fatspatrol-public-art-north-york-window-murals/

The Outdoor Experience Program
Our ‘one of a kind’ experience outside of the concrete jungle of the school allows students to connect with peers in activities by blending mental and physical health benefits. The Outdoor Experience approach is a qualitative result-driven initiative to create a sense of community while enjoying new challenges. Recently launched in September 2023, our program has hosted monthly unique excursions off campus with a variety of students. With transportation, snacks, equipment, lessons, and park access included, these trips provide students with the opportunity to experience something they may otherwise not get the chance to.

How does the Outdoor Experience Program pertain to the Leave No Trace Principles -
Plan ahead and prepare: The Outdoor Recreation Lead organizes all experiences months in advance in coordination with external companies, following their associated guidelines, rules, access rights, and restrictions. Pre-trip packages are made by the Outdoor Recreation Lead and submitted to the Manager, Athletics & Recreation prior to departure to be signed off for. These packages include a map of the trip location, all participant liability waivers and medical information, trip snapshots with a detailed itinerary, all employee and administrative information. A description of associated risks, including bad weather and natural hazards, is created and precautionary measures to ensure risks are addressed is provided. Emergency information and evacuation plans are noted. All staff meet the week of a trip to review the "Leader's Checklist" and ensure that they are each aware of all information and have planned accordingly. During trips, the lead staff member must carry the Outdoor Recreation Master Handbook along with a First Aid kit and walkie talkies. Risk management, emergency procedures, liability policy, insurance certifications, participant forms, staff certifications, and all contact information for staff, external companies, and the bus company are included in the Master Handbook. Staff are well prepared should anything unplanned happen during a trip.

Travel and camp on durable surfaces: The program has not yet expanded to trips over 8 hours in duration, or overnight camping experiences. Day hiking trips take place on existing designated trails provided by Halton Conservation. Participants are provided a "Trail Etiquette" pdf or explanation prior to hiking which ensures the areas are not being impacted by the group's presence.

Dispose of waste properly: All-natural snacks are provided on trips with minimal waste, and participants are told to bring their own reusable water bottle. When travelling, the Outdoor Experience Staff carry a garbage bag and ensure that they are collecting all waste from participants. Prior to leaving an area, staff are responsible for checking for waste again. Participants are also told such in their etiquette briefing.

Leave what you find: The Outdoor Experience Program values preserving heritage, leaving the environment as is, and preventing the spread of invasive species. Any of such activity by participants will not be tolerated by staff.

Minimize campfire impacts: The Outdoor Experience Program does not involve any campfire activity at this time.

Respect wildlife: Outdoor Experience Staff recognize not bringing food on trails to avoid attracting wildlife. Should wildlife be seen, staff will encourage respectful behaviour, which participants again will be aware of from the etiquette guidelines. Participants' pets are not welcome on experiences unless for medical reasons.

Be considerate of others: Participants are briefed on ways to be considerate of others when on trips, staff will also always be present to enforce such. Certain trips are accessibility friendly, and staff are there to provide a positive experience for those with mobility aids. Electronic devices are solely encouraged for taking photos that will be shared in a positive way.

York University has a sustainability-focused theme to mobilize the community about creating positive change for the future - more information can be found here https://www.yorku.ca/rightthefuture/ and includes the use of the hashtag #YUPositiveChange

"1. Food Services launched classes in January called 'Teaching Kitchen' for York community members, focused on teaching nutrition and sustainability tips to encourage quality, wellness, sustainability plant-based food options, low-waste cooking tips, and inclusion.

Website URL: https://www.yorku.ca/foodservices/2023/03/08/food-services-launches-interactive-cooking-classes/

2. Through the Sustainability Office's website and social media, we promote sustainable living tips and encourage individuals to make sustainability pledges. We provide suggestions for small changes that individuals can make to create a positive impact. (https://www.yorku.ca/sustainability/getinvolved/sustainability-pledges/)

3. The Office of Sustainability social media collaboration with YU Eats during Winter 2023, actively promoted use of reusable ""Friendlier"" containers on campus through instagram reels. Educating students on creating a positive change on campus by reducing waste. Furthermore, these reels promoted sustainable eats options on campus from ranging from plant friendly veggie options to halal option on campus. Watch a reel here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnxgFWAg7Wf/

Work Study Program York University has a work-study positions available for students that wish to work in sustainability at York. There are three work-study positions in the 22-23 academic year: Records & Data Entry Assistant, Special Events Assistant and Graphic Design and Media Assistant. The Records & Data Entry Assistant's responsibilities revolve around the AASHE Stars Submission and working on the data collection and management of the submission. The Special Events Assistant helps create sustainability related engagement initiatives targeted at students, as well as maintain consistent community presence for sustainability. The Graphic Design and Media Assistant works on creating effective designs for sustainability programming and labelling around campus.