At the recent Work/Study awards ceremony, Learning Skills peer team leads, Kat Pedinelli (winner of Student Coach of the Year) and Jordan Eldridge (nominee for Work/Study Student of the Year) were recognized for their exceptional work on campus and for being inspirational mentors for their peers.

The Alumni Engagement Team, in collaboration with BE YU, YUBAN, the York-TD CEC and university departments, hosted A Celebration of Black Excellence in February. The event featured a dynamic panel, a performance by the Nigerian Student Association and discussions on empowerment and representation.

The VPS shared information with colleagues on program suspensions, relevant budget updates for the Division, human resources updates including SSRP, SAS & Accommodated Tests & Exams re-joining SCHW, the 10-year anniversary of the Advising Conference, Multi-faith spaces, Spring Open House and more.

In February, advising colleagues from across the institution came together to celebrate a special milestone: the 10^th anniversary of the community’s Annual YUAdvise Conference. For more than a decade, teamwork, persistence and a shared vision have enabled lasting impact and meaningful outcomes.

11 students were awarded the Robert Tiffin Student Leadership Award, and 2 students were awarded the Robert Everett Exceptional Leadership in Student Governance. Students were recognized for their excellence in student leadership and for contributing to the growth and vitality of York.

Work/Study students, Becoming YU coaches and hiring managers gathered to recognize the accomplishments and achievements of all who participated in the Work/Study program during the summer and fall 2024, and winter 2025 terms. Students also had an opportunity to network with alumni. 

Congratulations to James Ehiagwina, one of BE YU’s student success peer mentor leads, on receiving the Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award! His exceptional leadership and dedication to student success have made a lasting impact on York University.

12 Learning Skills workshops were hosted by the Indigenous focused LSS peer in welcoming, community spaces within the Centre for Indigenous Student Services. Indigenous students benefitted from small-group work, engaging discussions and facilitated activities to put strategies into practice.

During Well-being Week, the BE YU student success peer mentor leads hosted "Empower Her Future," a transformative event focused on self-reflection, growth and manifesting dreams.

The Eleanor Winters Art Gallery hosted the final exhibition for the academic year: "Women, Life, Freedom" in collaboration with the Centre for Refugee Studies in March. This exciting exhibition presented artwork by Afghan women ARTivists, using their art as a form of social and political activism.

Athletics & Recreation completed phase two of the Tait McKenzie Centre refresh, which focused on creating spaces that align with student preferences, community needs and overall well-being; the Fitness Centre, Fieldhouse gym, High-Performance Centre and Studio 1 all benefitted from these upgrades.

In February, BE YU and Founders College wrapped up Black History Month with the "Black and Bold" event, focused on "Education, Empowerment, & Excellence."

The BE YU Team attended DECIEM's Creating Connections: Black Excellence in Focus in February. The event celebrated Black excellence with a panel featuring Jon Vinyl, The Villij founders and Brittney Frederick.

For Black History Month, the YU Blog highlighted the achievements and contributions of the BE YU Team, celebrating their impact on campus and dedication to excellence.

During Well-being Week, the Vari Hall kiosk hosted a Kind Bar photo booth and origami stress-busting sessions to create a community engagement opportunity for students. Participants shared kind moments on video and learned to fold fun origami models. Highlights were shared on @StudentLifeYorkU.

The managing Rejection workshop taught athletes how to manage rejection in sports settings. It covered strategies for handling rejection with a focus on resilience, empathy and communication within the team.

Participants were able to unwind through guided stretching exercises, focusing on releasing tension and fostering mindfulness. The workshop offered a calming break from daily stress, equipping students with techniques to enhance physical and mental clarity.

This event merged mindfulness with art, providing students with a serene space to express their creativity on canvases while sipping tea. The event aimed to foster relaxation through artistic expression in a tranquil environment, offering students a peaceful escape from their daily routines. 

Winter Well-being Week at York University invited the community to recharge through free events, workshops and activities. Centred on the dimensions of well-being, the week fostered connection, reflection, rest and collective care across campus.

In March, BE YU, in collaboration with Mentor Circles, hosted a financial literacy workshop on credit and debit management, focusing on building good credit as a student.