The University of York (informallyYork U or U of Y) is a research-intensive university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is Canada’s third-largest university. York U has approximately 52,300 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and 295,000 alumni worldwide. Its main campus occupies 47 hectares (116 acres) in the suburban community of Willowdale in North York District of Toronto. The university also operates two smaller campuses: Glendon College in midtown Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School downtown.
York offers an undergraduate liberal arts program through its Faculty of Arts & Science; professional programs through its faculties of Environmental Studies, Education, Fine Arts, Health professions including its Nursing school,, Information and Communication Technologies,, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies,, Social Work,, Schulich School of Business,, Osgoode Hall Law School and Glendon College; as well as graduate degrees from many of these same faculties. The university also offers interdisciplinary studies at the graduate level,. In addition to academic work on campus at one or more of its 11 libraries – seven at the Keele Street Campus alone – the University Of York actively encourages research collaboration with other institutions around the world.,
It was established in 1959 as a non-denominational institution by royal charter issued by Queen Elizabeth II whereupon she became its first chancellor.. The said charter provided for a Senate responsible for academic governance including curriculum development while a Board Of Governors exercised exclusive control over financial strategy and business operations.. Marshall McLuhan was appointed director of information technologies planning . Under his leadership during the 1960s ,the college rapidly acquired land northward along Keele Street eventually acquiring 171ha by 1971 when it officially became partof Metropolitan Toronto .The college expanded southward beginning with acquisitionof property adjacent to Black Creek now known as Downsview Park which resulted inthe construction there six years later ,of Seneca Hills residence towers that house 1120 students plus retail space.. In 1972 ,a system -wide restructuring process was undertaken resultingin establishment next year three new Faculties:Pure And Applied Science,,Environmental Studies And Urban Affairs ..During this same period ,the crossroads intersection immediately south west corner then knowas “Four Corners” was reconfigured into what is today known as “Vari Plaza” home to VariHall which contains state-of art theatrespaces music rehearsal rooms officesand classrooms serving both GlendonAnd Keele St Campus students alike . At about this time plans were announcedfor construction new library serving entirecollege community which opened fiveyears later 1979 .By early 1980s had become evidentthat additional expansion requiremore than just purchase land so in1983 senate authorized planning studyto assess feasibility building secondcampus east end MetropolitanToronto Scarborough municipalitywhich would be connected existingKeele St facilities high capacity rapidtransit line being built time calledScarborough Rapid Transit(SRT) Today Line 3 Scarborough popularlyknown Bloor-Danforth line subway system..In 1985 after assessment reportrecommended proceeding projectadditional 67ha purchased adjacenthighway 401 making total areaavailable 240ha sufficient buildentire planned complex though notimmediately since funds availableonly start phase 1 constructionwhich included initial site preparationutility hookups roadways parkinglots buildings housing classroomsresearch laboratories officeslibrary child care facility residencesbookstore food services healthcentre daycare centre all linkinginto central square open airgathering place heart plannedcomplex still referred colloquially”the scarborough campus”. Whenfully completed expected provideeducation opportunities 8000students 2000 faculty staff memberspartnership arrangement localhospital providing teaching clinicalexperiences nursing students amongother health related disciplines .