York University
EN-9: Staff Professional Development and Training

1) The Office of Sustainability and Human Resources has launched a course "Sustainability at York U" that provides an in-depth overview of what sustainability is and its impact, the UN SDGs, sustainability policies and impacts at York University as well as ways to get involved. 2) YU Link is York's employee resource hub and provides information on training and programs for sustainability-inclusive topics, such as health, safety and wellbeing webinars and training, disconnecting from work, etc. 3) York University hosts multiple sustainability inclusive training sessions to advance Employee Learning, such as "Employment Equity Principles Towards Inclusion".
4) CIFAL York is part of UNITAR's global network of training centres for knowledge-sharing, training, and capacity-building for leaders, local authorities, and civil society. CIFAL York works towards a global outreach and positive change through bridging gaps and facilitating a range of inspirational training and research opportunities. The York Community is able to attend all events on the following focus topics:
- Disaster Risk, Emergency Management and Humanitarian Actions
- Health, Development, Environment & Climate Change
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Entrepreneurship, Digital Technology, and Economic Development
- Advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals.
5) Micro Lecture Series in Sustainable Living
York University launched a free, open-access Micro Lecture Series in Sustainable Living. In less than an hour, anyone can learn from six of York’s world-renowned academic experts on a diverse range of topics. Participants are then tasked with making positive, sustainability-focused changes in their daily lives based on tips from each professor. The six microlectures cover:
- how microplastics journey through and impact our ecosystems
- the relationship between energy and economic growth
- why the most vulnerable amongst us often face the highest flooding risks
- the difference between a hazard and a disaster in context of emergency management
- how colonialism has impacted the way disasters impact Indigenous communities
- why our lakes are rapidly warming
After completing the Micro Lecture Series, correctly answering test questions, and committing to putting their learnings into practice, participants will be recognized with a first-of-its-kind Digital Badge in Sustainable Living, becoming ‘Sustainable Living Ambassadors.’

1) York University supports external employee learning and development through the External Professional and Development fund. The External Professional Development Fund is a valuable source for employees to receive partial financial assistance to aid in their pursuit of external development. This development may include training courses, conferences, workshops or other skills development training directly related to the employee’s current job or directly related to his/her potential career path at the University. 2) Staff and Faculty from the Office of Sustainability or Faculty of Environment and Urban Change regularly attend conferences, webinars and training throughout the year. For example, Prof. Idil Boran organized dialogue for multi-level joint action for climate nature and people and was a full delegate at COP26. In addition, the Sustainability Program Director regularly attends AASHE Cohort Meetings, workshops and webinars listed in the AASHE Connect community.
3) York University offers students, staff and faculty a FREE membership to LinkedIn Learning, offering thousands of high-quality instructional videos and non-credit courses. Industry experts help individuals earn or improve skills in business, management, design, computer software, education & eLearning, photography & video and much more. Learn more: https://lil.info.yorku.ca/