The first cohort of students at York University’s Markham campus celebrated their first day of school on Sept. 4 with a special welcome from Mayor Frank Scarpitti and York University president Rhonda Lenton.
Currently, more than 400 students are enrolled at the Markham campus, excluding those in continuing studies programs, which are set to begin in late fall or winter. Additionally, students from York's Keele Campus in Toronto can choose to attend some of their classes at the Markham location.
The new 10-story campus is situated in the transit-integrated, mixed-use, high-density urban core of Markham Centre.
Lenton said Markham was selected for the new campus due to the city's many established strengths that align with the university’s goals, including its strategic location, cultural diversity, supportive communities and a thriving economy powered by a dense technology and innovation corridor.
The campus offers programs in arts and media, information technology, liberal arts, environmental studies, engineering, science and business. Courses are also delivered in partnership with Markham Seneca College and local industries to facilitate experiential learning and equip graduates with relevant skills for rapid integration into the labour market.
Construction of the campus began in July 2020, with Markham donating the land at Enterprise Boulevard and University Boulevard, and York Region contributing $25 million in funding.
Scarlett Liu is a federally funded Local Journalism Initiative reporter at Markham Economist & Sun
