March 19, 2015 − Today, a special meeting of Senate was held to respond to Senators' concerns regarding the ongoing labour situation and the previously approved phased resumption of classes. During the meeting, Senators voted down a motion calling upon "Senate Executive Committee to continue the suspension of all classes that have not yet resumed until the end of the labour disruption." I want to thank all Senators for their thoughtful comments and I want to ensure our community that efforts will continue to be made to respond to concerns raised.

Senate Executive will meet tomorrow to review the list of courses submitted by the Faculty of Environmental Studies and the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies that can be resumed starting Monday, March 23. The updated course list will be made available tomorrow and communicated as soon as possible. Check the Resumption of Classes website for details.

All classes currently underway will continue.

As long as the labour disruption is ongoing, the Senate Policy on the Academic Implications of Disruptions or Cessations of University Business Due to Labour Disputes or Other Causes continues to apply.

Please remember to remain calm and civil at the picket lines. Safety is our foremost concern and the University has taken a number of proactive steps to make the picket lines as safe as possible. This includes: daily meetings and ongoing discussions with picket Captains concerning picket line protocols; providing static/mobile/CCTV coverage at the lines; and assigning University staff resources to monitor the various picket lines. We all recognize that tensions can mount when faced with delays in getting onto our campuses. Your continued cooperation and patience is greatly appreciated.

York highly values the significant contributions its teaching assistants and graduate assistants make to the University. We are committed to reaching a fair and competitive settlement that continues to position them as among the best compensated in Canada, so we can welcome them back to campus soon.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Rhonda Lenton
Vice-President Academic & Provost

Media Contact:
Janice Walls, York University Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22101, wallsj@yorku.ca