RSIs are disorders of the musculoskeletal system that may involve tendons, muscles and nerves. These injuries can develop progressively over time, spanning weeks, months or even years. Common symptoms include tightness, discomfort, stiffness, soreness, burning sensations, tingling or numbness, particularly in the hands, wrists and arms.

RSIs represent approximately reported to the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. One effective strategy to mitigate the risk of RSIs is to regularly change positions and incorporate movement throughout the workday.

In support of RSI Awareness Day, York’s Health, Safety & Employee Well-Being team will offer a virtual lunch and learn session.

Ergonomic Principles in the Workplace
Friday, Feb. 28
12:15 to 12:45 p.m.
.

Participants will learn how to optimize their workstations using ergonomic principles. No special equipment or prior knowledge is required.

For more information regarding ergonomics:

• Explore additional on York’s Health, Safety & Employee Well-Being web page.
• Download the .
• Visit YU Learn for two self-paced courses, and .

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The 2026 theme – Building Inclusive Spaces Through Community Support and Restoration – invites students, faculty and staff to explore how reconnecting and rebuilding trust can create spaces where everyone feels they belong.

Inclusion Week is more than a series of events – it is a commitment to decolonizing, equity, diversity and inclusion across the University. Community members are invited to submit proposals for events and activities to be included in the week.

"By engaging in practices that foster connection, resilience and collective care, the University strengthens its foundation for equity and belonging," says Marian MacGregor, executive director of York's Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion. "These conversations are essential for building trust and collaboration across Faculties, student groups and administrative units."

The role of restoration in building resilient communities

Restoration is the practice of renewing relationships and communities after disruption. It helps rebuild trust, collaboration and care in the workplace and learning environments. Inclusion thrives through relationships and shared responsibility, not just representation.

When challenges arise, inclusion can feel fragile. Restoration offers a way forward, transforming conflict into learning and isolation into connection.

"By focusing on restoration, York acknowledges the importance of repairing relationships and fostering resilience after challenges," says MacGregor. "These efforts help create a stronger, more inclusive campus community."

Call for proposals

�첥��Ƶ invites proposals for workshops, panels, dialogues, creative activities, storytelling sessions, poster presentations, artistic or cultural offerings and interactive experiences that: explore restoration and inclusion; build trust and belonging; share stories of resilience and community care; and imagine new ways to create inclusive spaces.

Collaborative submissions are encouraged, and guidance is available for those who need support.

Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until Thursday, Feb. 5 at 5 p.m.

• Sample guiding questions include:
  • What does restoration look like in our community?
  • How do we rebuild trust after challenges?
  • How can conflict lead to growth and stronger connections?
  • What role does community support play in inclusion?

To submit a proposal, complete the .

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Dear York community, 

Every year, York joins communities across Canada in honouring the victims of one of the deadliest shootings in Canadian history, when 14 women were murdered on Dec. 6, 1989 at École Polytechnique in Montreal.

Their names, their aspirations and their lives remain at the centre of the : Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault and Annie Turcotte. 

As we come together for this day of remembrance and action, we also acknowledge all the women and girls who continue to face gender-based violence today, which is compounded by a myriad of intersecting factors: racism, including anti-Indigenous racism and xenophobia; economic injustice; ableism; creed-based discrimination; anti-2SLGBTQIA+ ideologies, and more.

We invite all members of the York community to join us for this year’s memorial ceremony. 

Event details 

Date: Friday, Dec. 5 
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. 
Event website: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women 

Keele Campus 
Live location: The Eatery (first floor), Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence 

Glendon Campus 
Viewing room: Glendon Ballroom 
Livestream:  

Markham Campus 
Viewing room: MK2050 
Livestream: 

In solidarity with survivors and in honour of those whose lives were taken, we encourage attendees to wear a white ribbon during the ceremony. Ribbons will be available at the .��

York is also participating in the international  campaign, which runs from Nov. 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to Dec.��10 (Human Rights Day). During these 16 days, the centre and partners across York will host events, workshops and conversations that encourage reflection, learning and community action.��You can learn more about these events and register for them .��

We hope you will join us in remembrance and in strengthening our collective commitment to end gender-based violence and to build communities founded on the equal rights and dignity of girls and women.

Sincerely, 

Rhonda Lenton 
President & Vice-Chancellor 

Laina Y. Bay-Cheng 
Professor and Vice-President Equity, People & Culture 

Jane Goodyer 
Dean, Lassonde School of Engineering 

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This global movement calls for collective action to eliminate gender-based violence and support survivors, recognizing the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities including racialized women and girls, those living with disabilities, immigrants and refugees, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 

In Canada, this 16-day period also includes the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on Dec. 6, honouring the 14 women killed at École Polytechnique in 1989. 

This year, York’s participation will focus on ending digital violence. , in collaboration with University partners, invites York community members to .  

Initiatives to raise awareness begin Nov. 27 with the York Lions women’s hockey team hosting the End Violence Against Women & Girls game in partnership with the North York Women’s Shelter. 

York community members are also invited to join a live, online workshop on protection against digital harassment and a virtual talk exploring how technology-facilitated sexual violence shows up in online spaces.  

To learn more about these events and to register visit the Centre's . York community members are also invited to: 

• wear purple on Nov. 25 to raise awareness about gender-based violence;
• pick up white and purple ribbons at the Centre to wear and mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women; and
• engage in conversations and events that challenge harmful attitudes and support survivors. 

The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education provides confidential support to any York community member impacted by sexual violence, through a trauma-informed lens that allows survivors to make decisions that feel right to them. The Centre works to foster a culture where survivors feel supported and community members are educated on preventing violence.  

“Digital spaces should be safe spaces,” says Marian MacGregor, executive director of the Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion which includes the Centre.��“This campaign reminds us that ending gender-based violence requires all of us, on and offline, to collectively challenge harmful attitudes, support survivors and create safer spaces for everyone.” 

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The annual program encourages meaningful conversations about education, work and personal aspirations by connecting students with parents, guardians or mentors in their workplaces.

To capture the experience, YFile interviewed three York employees and their visitors to learn about their first jobs, future ambitions and the insights they’d share with their younger selves.

The post Take Our Kids to Work Day participants reflect on first jobs, future dreams appeared first on YFile.

The pan-University events reflected �첥��Ƶ’s commitment to supporting students through every stage of their post-secondary journey by providing an immersive opportunity to learn about academics, facilities, residences, student services and the welcoming community that make York distinct.

“Fall Campus Day gives attendees a sense of what studying at York is like,” says Yvette Munro, vice-provost students. “It’s a chance to explore our campuses, meet the people who make up our community and discover the wide range of academic opportunities available. Events like this not only inform decisions about the future, they also show families the supportive environment that helps our students thrive.”

Each event began with welcoming remarks from Munro; Marco Fiola, principal of Glendon College; and Dan Palermo, deputy provost of Markham Campus. Attendees then engaged with York's campuses by connecting with professors, students and staff at information booths – including representatives from the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The day also featured a fair, admissions overview sessions, five-minute lectures, demonstrations and student panels. Guided tours of campuses, residences and facilities such as labs, studios and athletics spaces were also available.

Prospective students experienced Glendon’s warm, close-knit bilingual community, Markham’s leadership in work-integrated learning and Keele’s breadth of academic programs during the events – thanks to the dedicated staff, faculty and volunteers who brought the day to life.

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The Keele Campus ceremony will be held at the flagpole located at Harry W. Arthurs Common. The Glendon Campus ceremony will take place at the flagpole in the West Quad (York Hall). The Markham Campus ceremony will occur at the East Green flagpole. 

Each ceremony will feature live performances by a trumpeter and bagpiper. A full program for each ceremony is available on the website.��

Wearing a poppy is a Canadian tradition to honour those who served. Donation boxes for poppies are available at all campuses: 

• Keele Campus – Bookstore, Red Zone, lost and found, Scott Library, Bronfman Business Library, Steacie Science and Engineering Library, Second Student Centre and Kaneff Tower  

• Glendon Campus – Leslie Frost Library  

• Markham Campus – Markham Campus Library  

Legion 527 is accepting donations to their poppy campaign via Interac e-transfer at legion527deposit@gmail.com. Please add “Poppy” in the subject field when making a donation. 

Remembrance Day marks the signing of the armistice on Nov. 11, 1918, which ended the First World War. At 11 a.m. on that day, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. This day honours the men and women who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars and in other conflicts. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was renamed Remembrance Day following the Second World War. 

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This designation, awarded by Fairtrade Canada, reflects York’s ongoing efforts to foster a socially responsible campus culture through collaboration, education and action. 

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

Driving these initiatives are Professor John Simoulidis and Tom Watt, senior director, business development, Ancillary Services, who co-lead York’s Fair Trade Steering Committee, along with Sasa Nestorovic, director, Bookstore, Printing and Mailing Services.��

Nicole Arsenault, director, sustainability, says the designation "represents years of dedicated work by students, faculty and staff who have championed fair trade and helped integrate it into campus life.” These efforts, she adds, support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, a key component of the �첥��Ƶ Academic Plan.��

To mark this recognition and continue building awareness, York will host a Fair Trade Fair in Vari Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will feature Chartwells, the �첥��Ƶ Bookstore, and Green Campus Co-op, as well as a variety of external vendors offering fair trade products and samples.  

Learn more about Fair Trade at York here. 

With files from Nicole Arsenault

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Dear York community, 

I am pleased to invite you to join us for a day of fun activities and celebrations on �첥��Ƶ’s Spirit Day, taking place Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.��

Spirit Day is a special occasion where we come together to honour the energy and commitment that defines �첥��Ƶ. Over the past few years, we’ve seen Spirit Day grow into a dynamic expression of York pride, filled with colour, creativity and connection. From multi-campus festivities, events and games, to treats and giveaways, this day is a highlight of the academic year. 

I encourage you to visit the Spirit Day website for more information about the upcoming events taking place across the Keele, Glendon and Markham campuses, and remember to show your �첥��Ƶ pride by wearing our University colours (red, white or blue).��

Thank you for continuing to bring your unique spirit to York each and every day. 

Sincerely,  

Rhonda Lenton 
President & Vice-Chancellor 

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This is one of the questions Connected Minds explores. The joint �첥��Ƶ-Queen’s University research program is focused on understanding how humans and intelligent technologies can work together to promote a healthy and just society.  

The theme of empathic AI considers systems designed to simulate emotional understanding and offer support in human-centered settings such as mental health care.  

Michael Inzlicht, a leading psychologist from the University of Toronto, is contributing to this conversation with research that shows AI-generated empathy can sometimes be experienced as equal to – or even preferred over – human responses.  

A keynote speaker at the upcoming Connected Minds Conference, hosted by �첥��Ƶ Oct. 6 to 8, Inzlicht will present his findings that indicate while AI can mimic empathy in ways people find comforting – however, it also introduces risks with reinforcing unhealthy thinking and raises concerns about AI's role in mental health.  

Inzlicht’s work highlights how these AI systems, if not carefully designed, could reinforce distorted or delusional thinking. The concern he raises is that AI might become too agreeable – mirroring users’ emotions without offering meaningful challenge or reflection – potentially undermining mental health rather than supporting it. 

At York, researchers are exploring questions around empathetic AI, and how robots can build trust and respond to human emotions in real-world settings like health care, security and search-and-rescue. Led by Professor Michael Jenkin at York’s , the research looks at how to build trust between people and machines.  

“Empathy isn’t just a human trait – it’s a bridge to trust,” says Jenkin. “We’re designing robots that can understand and respond to human emotions while recognizing the ethical and social responsibilities that come with that connection.” 

Using AI and machine learning, Jenkin and his team – in collaboration with other faculty at York and elsewhere and partners in local industry – are designing and developing robots that can monitor emotional cues and act with empathy. This raises important questions about how people interact with machines, how robots should look and how their roles reflect deeper social issues.  

While these technologies offer exciting possibilities – especially for vulnerable populations – researchers warn that they may also mask broader societal problems that need attention.  

“This relationship between emotional support and ethical responsibility is a key focus for Connected Minds researchers,” says Jenkin. “As AI tools become more integrated into everyday life – from chatbots to therapeutic apps – the need to understand their psychological and social impact is urgent.” 

Queen’s University and Connected Minds researcher Matthew Pan is leading a project that explores how to make virtual reality (VR) performances more emotionally engaging. By integrating physical touch interactions using robotics, the research aims to better understand empathetic AI to create more human-centred and culturally sensitive virtual experiences.��

Pan will showcase his robots as part of the Oct. 6 Opening Arts Reception, which kicks off the three-day Connected Minds Conference. 

The conference will also explore how cutting-edge technologies – from AI and social media to brain-computer interfaces and social robots – are reshaping health, accessibility, ethics and society, through keynotes, panels and interactive discussions. 

to attend. 

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