Working in partnership with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), Schulich ExecEd and Executive Education at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, will launch the program, beginning January 2026.

This collaboration brings together three respected institutions to deliver a blended, accessible leadership development experience tailored to the evolving demands of modern policing.

The 11-month program, running January to November 2026, is designed to equip future police leaders with the skills to navigate complexity, lead with confidence and drive meaningful change in their organizations and communities. The hybrid program will feature virtual learning and in-person sessions at Schulich, DeGroote and York Regional Police.

“This program is a powerful step forward in shaping the future of police leadership across Ontario," says Rami Mayer, executive director, Schulich ExecEd. “By making senior leadership development more accessible to aspiring executives in policing, we’re investing in the next generation of changemakers.

“This is our commitment to develop leaders who will drive innovation, build trust and strengthen the communities they serve. We’re proud to launch a program that empowers transformation in modern police services.”

Participants will engage in hands-on learning and real-world case studies that focus on:

• strengthening strategic agility and decision making;
• cultivating a network of police leaders across Ontario; and
• applying tested leadership solutions to real-world policing challenges.

Graduates will leave with:

• relevant professional leadership skills to inspire and mobilize their teams;
• a cultivated network of peers, mentors and thought leaders;
• a tested framework for addressing complex organizational challenges; and
• a certificate credential from two of Canada’s top universities.

The Certificate in Executive Police Leadership program offers an opportunity to invest in the future, elevate leadership capacity and join a community of forward-thinking professionals committed to excellence in public service.

“When we invest in developing the next generation of police leaders, we’re investing in the future safety and well-being of every community in Ontario," says Paul Pedersen, executive director, OACP. “By giving today’s aspiring leaders, the knowledge, skills and confidence to excel, we’re building stronger police services.”

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The CISSP Exam Preparation Program is a professional upskilling course that helps learners prepare for the globally recognized Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) designation. 

The program is a pathway to certification and the first of its kind at the Markham Campus. 

The CISSP Exam Preparation Program reflects York’s strategic focus on equipping professionals with in-demand skills in cybersecurity, says Dan Palermo, Markham Campus deputy provost. 

Delivered in a blended format – three weekends of in-class instruction combined with online study – the program is tailored for working professionals to develop expertise, leadership and strategic insight in cybersecurity. 

“This program represents a major step forward in our efforts to support the region’s growing tech sector,” says Palermo. “By offering high-impact, industry-aligned training in Markham, we’re helping professionals build the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.” 

The launch of the CISSP program signals the beginning of a broader suite of continuing education offerings at the Markham Campus, which is positioned to serve York Region’s diverse and expanding workforce. 

Those interested can register now for the Nov. 1 start. Visit the program website for more information. 

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Hosted by Schulich ExecEd, the Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Series is a collaboration that brings together the strengths of three community partners to support survivors of intimate partner violence.

The first iteration of the series occurred this summer, and involved YRCCS offering local support and survivor advocacy; Schulich ExecEd providing professional development and leadership education; and YRP contributing insights from law enforcement and public safety.

By integrating emotional, educational and practical resources, the four-part program helps participants regain confidence, develop leadership skills and achieve personal and professional growth.

“Survivors of IPV have often lived in a climate of fear, shame, coercive control and devaluation,” says Jaspreet Gill, executive director of YRCCS. “Many are robbed of hope. The goal of this program is to help them reclaim what was taken – to restore hope for a better future.”

“This program has been thoughtfully designed to help survivors regain their voice and confidence, sharpen their existing skills and learn new ones as they navigate the journey of healing,” adds YRP Chief Jim MacSween. “For many, this includes rejoining the workforce after some time away.”

Schulich ExecEd’s role in the series is to provide leadership training and professional development in a safe, inclusive environment, so survivors can develop new skills to pursue employment opportunities. The program includes four interactive workshop modules – led by ExecEd faculty and titled Self and Leadership Type, The Power of Positivity, Women Empowerment and Career Future Proofing – that allow for group learning and peer support.

ExecEd's contribution draws on its longstanding commitment to women’s leadership and workforce development. “We lead many initiatives focused on supporting women, enhancing their well-being and enabling them to thrive in the workforce,” says Rami Mayer, executive director of Schulich ExecEd.

Those initiatives include the Sister2Sister Advanced Leadership Program, which has helped 75 immigrant and refugee women earn certifications, receive coaching and complete paid internships; a mini-MBA for Indigenous women, which has offered business and policy training with community-focused projects; and others.

Mayer sees this latest endeavour as a catalyst for personal and community transformation. “Schulich ExecEd is committed to empowering individuals through professional development education,” he says.

Nine participants have completed the Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Series successfully and were awarded certificates at a special ceremony in August. The program will reconvene in 2026 with a new cohort of women participants.

Those interested in further information about the program are invited to contact Schulich ExecEd's Stefania Gargaro via email.

With files from Michelle Kwok

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This year’s convocation will include 14 individual ceremonies, marking a significant transition for thousands of students as they move into the next phase of their lives. 

Glendon College will kick off the celebration on June 12 at 10 a.m., with its convocation to be held at the Sobeys Stadium for the first time. Following the ceremonial proceedings, a Principal’s Reception will be held at the Glendon Campus at 2 p.m., with shuttle services offered for travel from the Keele Campus. All other ceremonies will take place at Sobeys Stadium.

Updates to enhance the overall experience for all involved will also be introduced this year. For the first time, graduates will not have to return their academic robes before collecting their diplomas, allowing more time for photos. As well, this year frame sales and diploma collection will be positioned together for improved ease and flow. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to provide feedback on their convocation experience through a new survey that can be activated on site. 

Kathleen Taylor, the University's chancellor, will confer degrees on new graduands during these ceremonies. She will be joined by an array of distinguished honorary degree recipients, who will share their insights and experiences with graduates. 

All convocation ceremonies will be webcast live and a link to the feed, as well as a schedule of ceremonies, can be accessed on the Convocation website.  

Other ceremonies to note 

�첥��Ƶ’s (SCS) will hold two graduation ceremonies, June 12 and June 17, at the Sobeys Stadium. This year, more than 1,400 students from 32 programs will earn their SCS certificates, marking 10 years of enriched continuing education offerings. Over the past decade, the school has evolved to help thousands of learners from dozens of countries, supporting Canada’s labour market. In April, it announced the launch of four new industry-aligned programs and is focused on its next phase of growth to become a full-cycle solution for organizations to build their workforce. 

�첥��Ƶ’s Sexuality and Gender Advocacy (SAGA) Alumni Network invites alumni and their guests to the 2025 , an evening recognizing the achievements of graduates identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+. Planned for June 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Martin Family Lounge in Accolade East at the Keele Campus, this event will bring together faculty, staff, graduates and allies for an evening of celebration, community and pride. The event includes music, food and heartfelt reflections from the York community. 

�첥��Ƶ’s Black Alumni Network (YUBAN) invites alumni and their guests to the , an evening dedicated to honouring the achievements of Black-identifying graduates from the Class of 2025. Taking place June 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Tribute Communities Recital Hall and CIBC Lobby at York’s Keele Campus, this event will feature music, food and inspiring words from members of the York community, a recognition ceremony and dinner. 

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Developed in collaboration with leading industry experts, these new programs target skills gaps in digital construction management, cyber security and clinical research. 

SCS will introduce these innovative programs this fall, along with an expansion of its transformative initiative that facilitates improvement of English language skills. 

“When we established the school in 2015, our goal was to develop a new model for continuing professional education that addressed critical skills gaps by connecting industry with the classroom, theory with real-world application and functional expertise with transferable skills,” says Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, assistant vice-president of continuing studies at �첥��Ƶ. 

The announcement of these new industry-aligned programs reflects SCS’s commitment to empowering learners and innovating continuing education – and coincides with the school’s 10-year anniversary. This milestone, celebrated at a special event on April 24, marks a decade of growth from its initial offering of two programs to more than 40 professional and language programs, including several first-to-market. 

“We set out to build a school – but we built so much more,” says Brooks-Cappadocia. “What we ended up building was a community with connections that have created remarkable success for our students, instructors, our University and the Canadian labour market.” 

SCS continues to create pathways to meaningful careers by bridging skills gaps and equipping both new graduates and adult learners with practical, in-demand expertise, she says. 

During the April 24 celebration, industry leaders, instructors and academic experts spoke on the school’s role in advancing accessible, future-focused education, reinforcing the significance of the new Fall 2025 programs. 

The new programs include: 

• Students will gain hands-on training in artificial intelligence-powered workflow automation, 3D modelling and building information modelling (BIM), preparing them for high-demand roles such as a construction manager, project coordinator or estimator. This program addresses Canada’s critical need for construction professionals equipped with emerging technologies and project management skills to support productivity and sustainability – particularly in response to the country’s housing challenges. 

•  
  As the school’s first full-time, two-year program, learners will develop practical defensive and offensive cybersecurity skills through hands-on projects that mirror real-world scenarios. Developed in collaboration with industry professionals, this program helps fill the surging demand for cybersecurity experts in Canada’s growing digital economy. 

• Students will gain experience observing live clinical trials while developing critical data analysis skills, preparing them for diverse roles in clinical research. This program strengthens Canada’s leadership in clinical trials and addresses the need for professionals skilled in healthcare data management. 

• Delivered part-time, this program offers practical education in ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment and exploit development. Students will acquire skills that translate directly into the workplace, addressing the rising demand for cybersecurity specialists capable of identifying and mitigating digital security risks. 

Expanding the Integrated Year One Program 

The Integrated Year One Program is a model for inclusive academic pathways at �첥��Ƶ. Initially launched in partnership with the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), the program allows international students with IELTS (English proficiency) scores between 5.5 and 6.0 (or equivalent) to begin undergraduate studies while advancing their academic English skills. 

Following strong outcomes – measured through improved student performance, higher engagement and increased retention – the program is expanding to include the Faculty of Science and the . 

This growth underscores York’s commitment to reducing barriers to education, ensuring more international students have access to a supportive, integrated entry into their academic journeys, says Brooks-Cappadocia. By aligning language development with degree progress, the Integrated Year One Program sets students up for long-term success in both their studies and future careers. 

“Ten years later, our vision has expanded to address our employer partners’ full range of talent recruitment, retention and renewal goals. The school’s ability to connect the needs of the employer community with educational best practices has the power to transform the Canadian workforce,” says Brooks-Cappadocia. 

The school will continue to evolve, with a focus on becoming a full-cycle solution for organizations ready to build their workforce. Through its growing suite of B2B (business-to-business) solutions, it aims to connect employers with job-ready talent, upskill existing teams and support talent retention. Several new full-time and part-time programs are in development and will be announced later this year. 

To mark its 10-year milestone, �첥��Ƶ alumni are invited to take advantage of an exclusive $300 tuition discount on programs offered by SCS. This special offer includes newly introduced programs designed to help professionals build in-demand skills, take the next step in their careers and invest in continued growth. 

How to use the SCS alumni discount code:

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Simulation is a powerful way of learning in any profession, and in legal education is typically designed around moot court and trial advocacy courses. However, most legal work revolves around client files and client-centred work, which is often overlooked in simulation-based education.

To address this gap, OsgoodePD has partnered with U.S.-based simulation developers Forio to create SIMPLE which offers a form of simulation that is relatively new to Canadian professionals.

Paul Maharg, a consultant to OsgoodePD who created the first instance of SIMPLE in the U.K., led the project. The platform will be used in a range of courses, including the capstone module of the , and will be included in other learning opportunities.

“SIMPLE complements legal learning by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to simulated legal problems and interacting with simulated clients,” says Victoria Watkins Phibbs, executive director of OsgoodePD and assistant dean at Osgoode Hall Law School.

The platform enables instructors to deliver multiple legal problems and "clients" at once, replicating the experience of legal practice. Unlike legal clinic work, it also enables instructors to embed legal problems and ethical issues into their simulations.

“It is a more structured way of learning lawyering in a low stakes and supportive environment,” says Watkins Phibbs.

SIMPLE comprises two elements: a case management system and a simulation engine. The case management system enables learners to practise “transactional learning,” where learners can be immersed in cases that range from very straightforward client actions (such as writing a single letter to a client) to representing a client in a complex case with multiple fictional players and nested tasks, and can span several weeks or longer. The simulation engine makes the simulation work under the hand of a facilitator. It also helps simulation authors to create a simulation, upload resources, test the simulation, run it, archive it and retrieve it for future use. 

SIMPLE enables learners to work individually or in virtual firms to: practise legal transactions; discuss the transactions with supervisors, other professionals or each other; obtain feedback; and be assessed on their work in an environment that is safe from malpractice and negligent representation. It can also be used with other forms of simulation, such as simulated clients.

The platform’s simulation engine allows authors and designers the flexibility to work on multiple transactions simultaneously, and a simulation designer can plan these across a span of time, from a few days to a few months. This helps learners gain experience in pacing a transaction, while learning the value of case review, preview, client communications and managing the arc of a transaction. Student lawyers working in virtual firms learn the values of collaboration, and the need for trust among the group of lawyers. 

Watkins Phibbs says SIMPLE can also be used to help firms train articling students and associate lawyers, using simulations developed specifically for individual firms. With the emergence of artificial intelligence, many of the tasks done by new lawyers will be done by technology. Firms will need to develop new training tools for new lawyers to take on more complex tasks, more quickly.

“It is a big leap from ‘new lawyer’ to ‘trusted advisor’ and we believe that simulation will have an important role in that process,” says Watkins Phibbs. “Osgoode graduates who experience SIMPLE will be better prepared for practice.”

With files from Paul Maharg

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The partnership has led to the creation of a blended program designed specifically for associates in the firm’s civil litigation and labour and employment practice groups. The program pairs self-paced, interactive e-modules with live training to allow associates to quickly gain new skills.

“It’s unlike anything else we’ve done at Osgoode, so it’s kind of groundbreaking,” says Dana Shamlawi, program lawyer at OsgoodePD. “We’re focusing on associates in years one to five and walking them through the practical and strategic aspects of the civil litigation process.”

Each module consists of self-paced asynchronous activities, followed by two live sessions led by Miller Thomson partners, providing them with an opportunity to talk with associates about firm-specific practices, values and priorities.

The live trainings are conducted in each of Miller Thomson’s offices, allowing associates to receive personal coaching and support from colleagues and senior partners.

Adam Stephens, Chair of the Advocacy Practice Group at Miller Thomson, sees the development of the program as a demonstration of the firm’s commitment to attracting and retaining top legal talent.

“One of the things that we hear from associates is that they really want their law firm to show an interest in their career development and skill advancement,” says Stephens, who also sits on Miller Thomson’s executive committee. “That’s why the opportunity to work with Osgoode to develop this kind of hands-on litigation training made tremendous sense to us.”

Although Miller Thomson places a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development for young lawyers, Stephens says their individual experiences can be a little uneven.

“No matter what practical file work people are doing, there’s always a chance that certain skills will be missed in the early years, depending on the mix of work people are doing,” he explains, adding that the program developed with Osgoode will smooth out the process and fill in any gaps for young lawyers in the advocacy practice group.

For Stephens, one of the program’s most attractive features is the way modules are tied together by scenarios from real-life cases.

“It allows associates to work through a case from the initial client interview all the way to the conclusion of a trial,” he says.

Stephens says he and his colleagues in leadership positions at Miller Thomson were already familiar with Osgoode’s extensive continuing legal education offerings, including the long-running , where attendance has become something of a rite of passage for early-year associates in the firm’s civil litigation practice group.

“We knew we were in good hands partnering with Osgoode on this project because of its stellar reputation for building continuing legal education programs and specifically because of its emphasis on practical learning,” Stephens says. “We wanted to harness some of that power in-house.”     

With the first few years of practice traditionally serving as a training ground for young lawyers, Shamlawi says law firms have always been interested in exploring new ways to effectively and efficiently transform their law grads into legal professionals. However, the recent emergence of generative artificial intelligence technology, which threatens to cut the volume of learning opportunities for fledgling lawyers, has only increased the urgency to develop fresh training methods.

This program was created in collaboration with practitioners who emphasize the strategic and practical aspects of civil litigation, rather than just the rules. Osgoode also consulted with legal education pioneer and OsgoodePD consultant Professor Paul Maharg, a scholar who is renowned for his work in the field of technology-enhanced learning. The result is an e-course packed with interactive elements.

“For the upcoming module on examinations for discovery, we are creating original videos in-house to demonstrate good and bad practices that associates can dissect and discuss,” Shamlawi says. “We want to make sure that we’re reaching learners in the most effective way, which is why it’s so important that we’re using cutting edge e-learning methodologies and techniques.”

Miller Thomson’s civil litigation program is unlikely to be Osgoode’s last e-course collaboration, according to Shamlawi, who sees the potential to customize programs for other law firms and individual practice groups.

“We’re learning as we go,” she says. “It’s kind of unlimited, the creativity that we want to use in engaging associates.”

Those interested in a more tailored approach to learning can learn more about OsgoodePD’s in-house and custom programs on the .

With files from OsgoodePD staff

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To help meet the territory’s demand for skilled project managers within the public sector, the Schulich ExecEd program – which recently saw its third cohort of students graduate – allows participants to delve into various facets of project management, gaining the insights, tools and techniques essential for navigating complex projects successfully. From project planning and risk management to stakeholder engagement and resource allocation, participants emerge from the program equipped with a comprehensive skill set tailored to the unique challenges faced within the public sector.

“Our students in the third cohort of the program came from far and wide across this massive territory to learn how to manage projects of all types, spanning government policy, health care, technology, construction, engineering and more,” says David Barrett, national program director of the Masters Certificate in Project Management program. “It is a delight to work with our graduates at the end of our program, as they embrace a new set of tools, a new language and a new method of approaching all of their projects – regardless of size.”

With over 100 employees from the government of Nunavut and affiliated organizations participating in the program since its inception, the initiative has had a profound impact on the territory's workforce. From urban centres to remote communities, public servants have seized the opportunity to enhance their project management acumen, driven by a collective dedication to professional growth and service excellence.

“We are immensely proud of our enduring partnership with the government of Nunavut,” says Rami Mayer, executive director of Schulich ExecEd. “This collaboration stands as a testament to our shared commitment to empowering public servants with the essential tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of project management within the public sector.”

Beyond mere skill development, Mayer says this partnership is about fostering a culture of innovation in the territory and planting the seeds for a new generation of professionals.

“We recognize the profound impact of efficient project management on the lives of the Indigenous peoples of Nunavut,” says Mayer. “Enhanced project management skills enable the government of Nunavut to execute initiatives that directly benefit the Indigenous community – from infrastructure projects to health-care initiatives and cultural preservation efforts.”

In providing these professional development opportunities, Schulich ExecEd and the government of Nunavut are not only building a more efficient public sector but also fostering a stronger, more resilient Indigenous community. And they are committed to continuing to do so – together.

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A collaborative approach to research and teaching that allows students, instructors and researchers from around the world to work together, globally networked learning holds a special place in Boschetti's heart because of her own journey as a language student and advocate for multiculturalism.

"I grew up in Italy and studied multiple foreign languages throughout my schooling and into university, where I concentrated on language teaching and learning," explains Boschetti, who has spent her career figuring out how to best weave internationalization initiatives into language programs in the Canadian university setting.

Boschetti's talk, titled “Globally Networked Learning: Internationalization at Home in English Language Classes,” focused on setting up virtual exchanges to provide students from universities in different parts of the world with an opportunity to connect with each other and enhance their intercultural communication and networking skills.

To illustrate her approach, Boschetti discussed the globally networked learning project she launched in collaboration with York International and YUELI in Winter 2022 – a year-long virtual exchange between English for Academic Purposes students at YUELI and English for Hotel Administration students at Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), a university in the Dominican Republic. Students involved in the exchange interacted through online activities, including message board chats, group discussions on Zoom, and friendly competitions and games.

"Cross-cultural communication and collaboration have a transformative power," says Boschetti. "Witnessing our students thrive in the classroom, honing their language skills, forging new friendships and gaining invaluable cultural insights reaffirms my commitment to fostering an inclusive, globally connected learning environment."

In her presentation, Boschetti detailed how the institute identified a university partner, designed programming, collaborated with instructors and engaged different cohorts of students. She shared the best practices, learning outcomes, strategies and challenges they encountered.

Many attendees approached her afterwards, seeking advice on how to successfully launch similar programs at their own institutions, which is exactly the response she was hoping for.

"As we thrive to enrich the student experience," says Boschetti, "initiatives such as virtual language exchanges serve as catalysts for meaningful engagement and intercultural dialogue."

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“It’s the backbone of most family law cases,” says Sadvari, a senior associate at Toronto firm Kenet Family Law. “But many practitioners treat it as more of a fill-in-the-blanks exercise than a vital piece of advocacy.”

Properly utilized, the financial statement can even enhance a lawyer’s relationship with their client, says Kenet, the firm’s founder.

“Financial statements inform every part of my client interaction,” she says. “From understanding my client’s financial needs to determining what type of settlement they can live with, the statement enables me to speak to my client about the practical realities of their current and future financial viability.”  

The origins of the new OsgoodePD Financial Statements for Family Lawyers Boot Camp can be traced back to the , for which Sadvari and Kenet led a module focused on financial statements and discovered the untapped demand for more information among family law practitioners.

It came as no surprise to Sadvari that so many newly qualified family lawyers feel ill-equipped to deal with financial statements.

“I never took any tax, bankruptcy or estate classes, because I didn’t think I was going to be spending a lot of time on those issues," he says.

But he was mistaken, soon learning that finances are a major part of the family law system, and they're not always as straight forward as one might think. Something as simple as determining a person’s income, for example, can become a contentious issue if the person is self-employed or has a number of income sources.

Focusing exclusively on the financial statement, the new boot camp will allow time to tackle the document in depth, detail by detail, with small class sizes enabling for more group interaction. By the end of the program, students should be able to expertly complete each section.

The inaugural edition of this intensive program will take place online over two days of interactive sessions from April 12 to 13, where attendees will hear from a group of senior practitioners, chartered business valuators, and judges about best practices and potential pitfalls to keep in mind when preparing and presenting financial statements.

“Anyone who wants to be a stronger lawyer on financial issues would benefit from attending,” Kenet adds. “A financial statement is not just a form clients have to fill out, it is the primary tool family lawyers have to articulate our clients' financial position, advocate for their financial entitlements and negotiate a financial resolution.”

To learn more and to register, visit the .

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