Sheldon Levy not returning for third term

By Ramisha Farooq

Spring 2015 will mark the end of president Sheldon Levy’s term at Ryerson University, the Board of Governors announced on Dec. 3.

The release stated that Levy will not be seeking a third term despite by-law changes made last year by the Board of Governors allowing future presidents to serve additional terms at a maximum of five years each, instead of the traditional cap of two five-year periods.

“I felt like it was really the right time. It was nice of them but, I never asked them to change [the by-law],” said Levy.

“This is the best job I have ever had, for as many reasons as there are Ryersonians,” said Levy. “The beauty of every university is that you are putting things in place for the long term, with the academic cycle squarely focused on student success.”

The presidential search process will involve input from alumni, faculty, staff, partners, the general public, other stakeholders and most importantly, students.

“One hundred per cent students will have a say in this. They need a student voice,” said Levy.

A search committee will be formed by the end of January at which point a consultant will be hired and the position will be advertised widely.

More information about the process will be available through a webpage dedicated to the presidential search.

“President Levy has worked with Ryerson students, faculty and staff to achieve many great things during his two terms as president,” said Phyllis Yaffe, chair of Ryerson’s Board of Governors. “This principle of collaboration, with students always at the centre, has propelled Ryerson’s development and established its reputation as one of the most innovative universities in Canada.”

In Levy’s two terms as president there has been a focus on university development, entrepreneurial zones, and dedicated city-building all while attracting the highest ratio in Ontario of student applications to available spaces.

Though Levy has treasured his time at Ryerson his next project involves becoming an advocate for the younger generation.

“I would like to become more central in governmental economics with the province and federal government,” said Levy.

The search committee is currently in it’s very early stages and has yet to create a list of possible candidates. However, upon being formed it will be monumental in the selection and interview process for the position. The community will also be consulted in selecting the best candidates.

Levy has also made it clear that unfinished projects such as the Student Learning Centre and the new student residence are not going to be slowing down in production but, speeding up. Levy hopes to get everything done and finalized before his departure.

“There is still a lot to do in my term as president. We will be keeping up the pace advancing the initiatives we have on the go, and responding to opportunities as they arise,” said Levy, while also squashing all rumours of a possible run at the mayor’s seat.

“Not a chance.”