York was incorporated in 1959, with the biggest task ahead being the actual development of the University, particularly its future character.

After much deliberation by York's Board of Governors, it was decided that the University would consist of a residential college, known as Glendon College; an evening college for part-time adult students from different backgrounds, generations and socio-economic circumstances, known as Atkinson College; and a large, urban, multi-Faculty campus that would eventually accommodate 7,000 to 10,000 students, known today as our Keele campus.

The Keele site was considered an ideal location for a campus because it was believed that the movement of population in Toronto would be towards the northwest, and it would be accessible to future main traffic arteries. Originally, it was estimated that enrolment would reach 7,000 students by 1980. That projection was later increased to 15,000. However, by 1980, actual enrolment was 25,000 students. When York first opened the focus was on liberal education in arts and science, and by the late 60s there was talk of adding three additional Faculties: education, engineering and medicine.

While education ended up being the focus, the aspiration to expand into professional education like engineering and medicine was reflected in all of York's strategic plans.