TORONTO, September 22, 2011 – A unique and exciting new partnership between Ryerson University and York University will see Ryerson graduate students enrolled in courses at York’s Osgoode Hall Law School and Osgoode students taking graduate school courses at Ryerson.
Representatives from the two universities recently signed an agreement to launch the Reciprocal Interdisciplinary Studies Opportunity this fall.
“This is a major initiative by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies at Ryerson and York’s Osgoode Hall Law School that will promote interdisciplinary studies and enhance the curriculum of the respective schools,” said Patrick Monahan, vice-president, academic and provost of York.
Ryerson and York are “academic leaders with complementary strengths,” said Alan Shepard, Ryerson’s provost and vice president academic. “This partnership capitalizes on each institution’s specific expertise and broadens the academic experience for students.”
A limited number of students each semester will be allowed to enrol in courses at the host university, but will pay their usual tuition to their home university. A student will be allowed to register for up to one full year or two half-year courses, selected from a list of courses provided by each institution for this agreement. Students will obtain credits for courses if they attain the pass level required.
Osgoode Dean Lorne Sossin said the law school’s tradition of excellence in legal education and scholarship and in experiential learning, combined with Ryerson’s record of applied education and strength in areas such as media studies and journalism, bodes well for the partnership.
“We have the kind of depth in the study of law that is a good complement to those areas where Ryerson has developed expertise,” Sossin said. “Students will be enriched by having the chance to take the courses we’re going to designate each year as available to the other.”
Debora Foster, Interim Dean of the Yeates School of Graduate Studies during the creation and launch of the partnership, said the agreement means additional options for students to explore their interests and take advantage of the strengths at the partner institution. “This is a wonderful example of universities working together to develop education that is relevant for the 21st century.”
A total of 14 Ryerson courses will be available to Osgoode students ranging from Diversity and Equity in the Public Service to Innovation and Growth in Media Industries and International Trade in Goods and Services. Osgoode courses for Ryerson graduate students will include Freedom of Expression and the Press, International Human Rights Law, Sexuality and the Law, and 12 more courses.
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For more information, please contact:
Virginia Corner
Communications Manager
Osgoode Hall Law School of York University
416-736-5820, vcorner@osgoode.yorku.ca
Bruce Piercey
Group Director, Communications
Ryerson University
416-979-5000, ext. 6638, bpiercey@ryerson.ca
About Osgoode Hall Law School of York University
Osgoode Hall Law School has a proud history of more than 100 years of leadership and innovation in legal education and legal scholarship. A total of about 900 students are enrolled in Osgoode’s three-year Juris Doctor (JD) Program. The School also has a highly regarded Graduate Program in Law and a thriving Professional Development program, which operates out of its own centre in downtown Toronto. On October 16, 2011, the School will host an alumni, donor and community celebration of the newly renovated Osgoode building. For more details, visit www.osgoode.yorku.ca/renovation.
About Ryerson University
Ryerson University is Canada's leader in innovative, career-oriented education and a university clearly on the move. With a mission to serve societal need, and a long-standing commitment to engaging its community, Ryerson offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Distinctly urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to 28,000 students, including 2,300 master's and PhD students, nearly 2,700 faculty and staff, and more than 140,000 alumni worldwide. Research at Ryerson is on a trajectory of success and growth: externally funded research has doubled in the past four years. The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada's leading provider of university-based adult education. For more information, visit www.ryerson.ca.
