New Initiatives

Displaying initiatives from to
Advising community launches new Student Advising at York landing page

The new site aims to bring clarity to all the different types of advising offered at York. Explore the new website to learn more and support students with effective referrals. 

Explore the new page

During the week of January 22, the Centre will host several events to educate and empower York community members. Explore mindfulness sessions, writing letters of love to survivors, a riveting talk with the esteemed queer Pakistani Canadian Samra Habib, a Wen-Do self-defence class and more.

Learn more about these events
These events aim to raise awareness about the issues surrounding consent, empower community members to advocate for themselves and others, disrupt myths and share survivor stories.
Building the Data and Analytics Community of Engagement

OIPA launched the Data and Analytics Community of Engagement, with support from OVPS and Organizational Learning and People Excellence. The community provides a place for Faculty and staff to grow personal connections, and learn about York's data and analytics environment. 

Read the data and analytics strategy
74 registrants from 29 departments connected through the launch.
York’s new advising framework

A new advising framework was launched to bring colleagues across York together, and take a holistic and coordinated approach to student advising. The vision of this new framework is to support and empower students to realize their potential throughout their journey.

Explore the framework details
100+
colleagues contributed to the creation of the advising framework.
Launching success: York Lanes Career Lounge

The new York Lanes Career Lounge, across from the University Bookstore, debuted on Monday, November 6. Open every Wednesday and Thursday, this is a central hub for one-on-one sessions on resumés, job searches, LinkedIn support and more – aiding in shaping students' professional journeys.

Learn more about the Career Lounge
250+
students visited on the first day.
Learning Skills support for academic reading and note-taking

Learning Skills Services introduced two new workshops, titled Effective Reading Strategies and Note-Taking Essentials. These events will provide students with a closer look at each topic, and an opportunity to practice and apply the presented strategies to their work. 

Learn about Learning Skills Services workshops
1,000+
students benefited from these new workshops in the fall term.
Student Advising community hosts pop-up fair

In October, the advising community held a pop-up fair allowing students to connect with various advisors for guidance. Students had access to academic, records & financial aid, immigration, career and student-athlete advisors to ask questions and learn about their services.

675
students connected with advisors at the event.
Assessing and evaluating your impact on the student journey

The Assessment Community of Practice has created a resource to support Division of Students colleagues with program assessments and evaluations. The new Assessment Framework contains considerations and recommendations on how to set the right intentions, ask the right questions, and support students.

Access the Framework
Supporting the York community through planting workshops

The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education collaborated with the on-campus Greenhouse to create a planting workshop for students, staff and faculty to help ground them during this busy summer season. There will be another workshop on Wednesday, July 26 from noon to 1 p.m. 

Learn More
Connect with colleagues in education through the Canadian Association of College & University Student Services

The Canadian Association of College & University (CACUSS) provides access to communities, publications, awards/recognition and more for those who work in student affairs in Canadian post-secondary institutions. Contact the Vice-Provost, Students at vpstudents@yorku.ca to register.

If you need any technical support, please review this information:
Launching a new GPA calculator

The Office of the University Registrar’s Student Records unit collaborated with the Student Systems, UIT, Faculty offices and faculty members to launch the new York Grade Point Average Calculator, which helps undergraduate students calculate their GPA with ease.

Learn More about the Grade Point Average Calculator
The newly launched York Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculator helps students stay informed about their current grades and plan for future studies.
Providing inclusive career programming: Classrooms to Careers for Students with Disabilities

In partnership with Student Accessibility Services, the Career Centre hosted the annual Classrooms to Careers for Students with Disabilities webinar series. This series equips students with knowledge to ensure a smooth transition into professional world.

Featured topics in this webinar series include: how to make career decisions and disability disclosures in the workplace.
New food security website providing resources and supports for students

The food insecurity roundtable launched a food resources website with a list of resources across York’s campuses. The website was created to increase awareness of supports as York’s 2022 Canadian Campus Well-being Survey data identified food security as a challenge for York students.

Share the food resources website
Launching Drop-in Break Time

Employees from the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) took the opportunity to connect, relax, and participate in several stress-busting activities at the OUR's first Drop-in Break Time on May 17. Stay tuned for future social and wellness activities for OUR employees.

30+ OUR employees took part in the session.
Launching an Advising intranet

The Office of the University Registrar’s Strategy, Planning & Projects Team recently launched an intranet for advising colleagues across the institution, an online website focused on sharing resources, upcoming development opportunities and key information to facilitate referrals between teams.

Introducing new transition coaches at ACMAPS

The Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-Time Students will be introducing a new initiative for summer 2023 to support mature, part-time and transfer students: Transition Coaches. The Transition Coaches program will assist new incoming students with next steps after they enrol in courses. 

Learn More
The coaches will support mature, part-time and transfer students for the first time this year.
Learning Skills Services supports with procrastination

Learning Skills Services introduced a new workshop this year that quickly became one of the top five in-demand topics. In the new Motivation & Procrastination workshop, students learn about why we procrastinate, what drives our motivation and strategies to overcome barriers to getting down to work. 

Learn more about Learning Skills workshops and offerings
95%
of students agreed or strongly agreed that they learned practical skills and strategies in the the new Motivation & Procrastination workshop that will help them to achieve their academic goals.
Celebrating the accomplishments of Becoming YU students and coaches

Career Education & Development celebrated another year of student success during the Becoming YU End of Year Celebration in March. Awards were presented to: Althea Parala and Jack Onorati (LA&PS) for 2023 Coach of the Year and Eleseo Hernandez and Shania Mendes for 2023 Students of the Year.

 

Read more about the event
140 attendees heard from four panellists, two employers and two alumni about the importance of transferrable skills when job searching.
YUAdvise 2023: Rebuilding Connections – Establishing a Community of Care in an Evolving World

On Thursday, February 23, & Friday, February 24, advising colleagues from across the institution came together for the 8th annual YUAdvise Conference. Over 1.5 days, participants learned, shared & engaged in brainstorming focused on rebuilding connections & co-authoring the future of York advising.

Learn More About the YUAdvise Conference
100+
colleagues participated with many feeling more connected to the advising community as a result of attending the conference.

International Women's Day is a global celebration of the achievements of women, and a call to action for gender equality. This year's campaign theme was #EmbraceEquity and the Centre hosted events that seek to challenge gender stereotypes and bias. 

Learn More
Launching a well-being podcast created by students

Well-being and YU is a new podcast focused on highlighting practical tips and information pertinent to the student experience at York. The student team is responsible to produce, record and edit the episodes. 

Learn More About the Podcast
Podcast topics range from stress to mindfulness and more. 
CIBC student refund portal

On February 28, Student Financial Services launched the CIBC student refund portal. In conjunction with the Convera portal, International students will now receive refunds in a fraction of the time back to the originating account. 

Student Financial Services has seen real-time results in returning funds to students in a fraction of the current timelines.
Employer Meet & Greet: Diversity and Inclusion Recruitment

Career Education & Development hosted the annual Employer Meet & Greet: Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment event on Thursday, March 2, at Founders Assembly Hall. Students who attended this event had the opportunity to connect with inclusive employers to learn more about their EDI hiring initiatives.

362 students registered for the event which featured 12 organizations, and 33 recruiters.
Developing a Learning Mindset for Work

The Division of Students encouraged all staff to complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) by Wednesday, February 1. In support of IDPs, a Divisional Learning resource was created to ease access to templates, questions & answers and divisional learning briefs.

Explore the Learning Briefs
IDPs are divided into four categories: Development opportunities, development activities, measurement of achievement and progress updates.
Professional Learning Calendar & Learning Resource launch

The Office of the University Registrar (OUR) Professional Learning Calendar highlights learning activities that have been designed and curated for OUR staff based on six key learning areas. 

Learning areas were identified based on feedback from staff's October 2022 IDPs.
Establishing a New Core Concepts of Assessment Discussion Group

As follow-up to assessment-related workshops delivered by the Divisional Assessment Analyst, a virtual discussion group has been established. After core concepts of assessment workshops, attendees are invited to continue their learning and development with their peers, and at their own pace.

York's Van Thien Pham & Essete Tesfaye named as McCall MacBain Scholarship Finalists

Pham and Tesfaye are among 87 global finalists for the McCall MacBain scholarship. They completed a first round of regional interviews and will attend the final round of interviews in Montréal from March 8 to 12, meeting with leaders from academia, business, government and the social sector.

Learn More about the 2023 McCall MacBain Finalists
Learning more about Student Accessibility Services

Sixty students received support accessing accommodations, navigating supports and creating schedules during a week-long, winter orientation event, Get Set for Success, for students registered with Student Accessibility Services. This event was offered by peer leaders.

Learn More
“It really helped me get my Alt Exams out of the way. I had help from other students and learned helpful suggestions that will be beneficial to me.” - Student Attendee

On Thursday, January 26, the Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education will host Consent Action Day. With speakers, practitioners and institutions across Ontario, this event will explore conversations on consent, healthy relationships, pleasure and healing through the arts.

Learn More About Consent Action Day
The event will be open to students, staff & faculty.
Hosting an employer meet and greet for students with disabilities

Career Education & Development will host an Employer Meet and Greet for Students with Disabilities on Thursday, January 12. Students will be able to connect with organizations hiring for positions, while learning about workplace culture, hiring practices and how they can apply.

Kicking off the new year with the Winter Career Fair

Career Education & Development will be hosting the annual Winter Career Fair on Thursday, January 19. Students will have the opportunity to meet with recruiters offering full-time, part-time, internship and co-op opportunities. 

Learn More
70+
employers will be in attendance to promote various job opportunities.
Establishing a new assessment community of practice

The Assessment Community of Practice is a member-driven resource to help deepen knowledge and understanding among assessment experts in the Division of Students. They provide an informal space to refine approaches and practices, brainstorm solutions to challenges and celebrate successes.

Join the Team

Communications planning is in full swing for the 2023 NSSE Administration. Partners across York got together in November to make plans for promoting engagement with the survey.

VPS meet and greets fostering connections and well-being

Weekly walks, followed by a sit-down mingling session, are scheduled for staff to get to know each other, meet other colleagues in the Division, take a wellness break and get better acquainted with the new Vice Provost, Students.

Register here to join a future VPS Meet & Greet
Sessions also opened up for students in November.
Helping York students discover further education opportunities

Career Education & Development held its annual Graduate & Professional Studies Expo on Oct. 17 at the Second Student Centre. 

70+
exhibitors from various schools connected with York students and alumni to share educational opportunities both in Canada and across the world.
International and exchange students welcomed to York University

York International hosted the President's International Student Reception on Thursday, Oct. 6. Attendees had the opportunity to meet President Rhonda L. Lenton, fellow peers and celebrate the new chapter in their academic journey.

New international and exchange students enjoyed an afternoon of celebration at the Welcome Reception.
Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) Learning Days

In collaboration with campus partners, the OUR recently hosted the inaugural SEM Learning Days. Colleagues from across campus came together to share best practices in recruitment, retention and learned innovative approaches to support and build a stronger SEM competency across York University.

Learn More About the SEM Learning Days
SEM sessions took place from July to August, covering a variety of topics such as initiatives, trends, current practices at York and how to improve student recruitment approaches.
Supporting trauma-responsive practices

Student Counselling, Health & Well-being began its 36-month Sanctuary Implementation Project to increase sustainability of trauma-responsive practices in July. Training sessions focused on creating safe and healing environments for clients who have experienced chronic stress and adversity.

NorthStar Community Emancipation Day Celebration

Athletics & Recreation has partnered with the Jane and Finch community to host a NorthStar Community Emancipation Day Celebration on on July 31. This event will feature performances, keynote speakers, local vendors and a special basketball game.

Learn more
Launching a new medical documentation form

Student Accessibility Services launched a new form that allows a seamless gathering of student registration documentation. Partners in Communications & Marketing designed the form to be fillable and compliant for accessibility.

 

Learn more about this form
Recognizing high-achieving student-athletes

The Drew Green Lions Award recognizes student-athletes from the York Lions men's and women’s basketball teams. The award aims to ensure that talented, high-achieving student-athletes can realize their dream of a world class university education while competing as a York Lion.

Learn more about the Drew Green Lions Award
CED welcomes new Associate Director of Employer & Alumni Engagement

Tammy Kim-Newman joins the Career Education & Development team (CED) as the new Associate Director of Employer & Alumni Engagement. Joining from the University of Waterloo, Kim-Newman will support the development of a strategy to elevate employment opportunities for students and recent graduates.

Read More
Reviewing academic scheduling

As part of our commitment to service excellence, the Office of the University Registrar has launched an external review of the University’s academic scheduling practices. This review will assist in developing a more student-centred scheduling process, in collaboration with campus partners.

"Finding your Flow" is an art therapy group where participants are welcome to make art and connect with each other in an online community. No previous art making skills or experience is required to join. Register by emailing thecentre@yorku.ca.

Recognizing staff and faculty

Student Accessibility Services celebrated interconnectedness during the fourth annual Faculty and Staff Recognition event on April 28.  Knowledge Keeper Amy Desjarlais, Centre for Indigenous Students Success, shared insights as the keynote speaker.

 

Stay tuned for the YFile article!
Demystifying disability

Student Accessibility Services and the Division of Students' Communications team launched a social media campaign aimed at demystifying disability. The first of four posts went out over Twitter and Facebook in February and will continue into April. #YorkAccessibility

Learn more about the campaign
2022 Summer Abroad Courses in LA, Netherlands and Mexico

Students can pursue summer abroad opportunities this summer. Opportunities include learning about Los Angeles' film and media industry, the vital role the Netherlands plays in the EU and enhancing Spanish skills in Mexico.

Learn about opportunities students have to go global
Strengthening transitions through Autism Spectrum Transition Day

Autism Spectrum Transition Day provides additional support for students with autism. High school students diagnosed with autism attend a half-day workshop preparing them for the post-secondary education transition, while their guardians attend a presentation and peer-parent panel with a Q&A session.

118 people
registered for this February event that hosted school groups and families. There were great conversations with prospective students, their families and high school educators.
Save the Date: SDGs in Action Student Challenge Knowledge Fair

The SDGs in Action Knowledge Fair is taking place on Monday, March 28th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm EST online. Come learn and see YorkU students and their peers from around the world research and create action to address the United Nations SDGs. 

Learn more about the Action Knowledge Fair

Join us as we celebrate, honour and reflect on the various journey’s our panelist have encountered, and how their resilience has moved them forward in healing. We welcome you to celebrate International Women’s Day with us as we create connection across communities.

 

Learn More
Internationally-educated nurses to support international student wellness

Ten internationally-educated nurses in York's Nursing program will join York International for their community placement. These students will work on initiatives such as wellness consultations, the Ask a Nurse social media campaign and other health and wellness projects for international students.

Supporting incoming students with disabilities

Student Accessibility Services hosted a virtual event to provide information to incoming prospective students with disabilities and their families. The workshop, held on Jan. 19, provided attendees with necessary information and resources to ease their transition to post-secondary education.

80
families attended the live session.
Helping students expand their network

Student Accessibility Services supports students with making connections through its virtual programming. Programs include Virtual Support Zone, Time Management Tuesday and Peer Mentor drop-ins. Each event is student-driven and socially engaging.

10+
students regularly attend weekly programming, which is supported by peer mentors and social work students.
Launch of a new well-being survey for Students

The Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey helps Canadian post-secondary institutions better support campus health and well-being. As part of York's commitment to well-being, all students, across both campuses, are invited to participate from Feb. 28 to March 18.

Learn More
Introducing students to jobs with the Government of Canada

Career Education & Development partnered with the Government of Canada to provide students with opportunities to connect with hiring managers from the Federal Government, which included the Strategies for Getting Hired with the Federal Government virtual panel and a virtual speed hiring event.

Celebrating the #BestOfYU 2021

Despite a challenging year, the Division of Students continues to advance York’s mission by providing services and programs that facilitates and fosters academic success, student development and an engaged community. The #BestOfYU 2021 YouTube playlist celebrates our successes and accomplishments.

Watch the Youtube Playlist
Welcoming students during Winter 2022 Orientation

Winter Orientation 2022 offers a wide variety of programming for all new and incoming students. It is a great way for new students to meet new people, discover campus resources and learn all about their degree while providing students with a smooth transition to York.

Learn More about Winter 2022 Orientation

As part of our commitment to building a community of care, the Care Ambassadors Program is designed to help all community members safely transition to being back at York. Ambassadors will help community members access general campus services and will promote York’s health and safety requirements.

Become a Care Ambassador
300+ students, staff, and faculty have submitted applications to the care ambassador program
Virtual Education Series: "Unlearning Hate"

Student Community and Leadership Development has partnered with The Centre for Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion to host a three-part virtual education series about recognizing, dismantling, healing and ultimately – “Unlearning Hate”.

Learn More and Register to Attend
This series is timely as we begin our return to campus and it continues to build on the work being done to address dialogue across difference and freedom of expression on campus.
Becoming YU launches program for international students

Becoming YU piloted its first-year program with international students in November. The Becoming YU First-Year Program provides students with a pathway of experiences that will help them succeed at the start of their journey at York University and beyond.

Learn More about Becoming YU
2,466
students enrolled in the program.
Two Mental Health Workshops for Staff

SCHW's Health Education & Promotion team is offering two mental health workshops for staff and faculty. Navigating Mental Health Resources 101 & Mental Health 201 provides well-being resources and strategies to support students in their academic journey.

 

 

Register Online
To register or request a workshop, contact colleagues in Student Counselling Health & Well-being.
The Letter of Accommodation Student & Faculty Portal

We have moved to a NEW way of delivering our Letters of Accommodation. Student and faculty log in to Passport York to request, review and approve letters that will be sent to the faculty portal. Faculty will be notified by e-mail and log in using passport York to receive student’s letters.  

7,685
requests made my students -- a record-breaking amount! The portal was launched on August 23, 2021.
Kindness is the New Normal and it all begins with YU.

This is a semester like no other. One thing we all have in common is that we are all adjusting to a new normal. This adjustment all begins with YU. This fall, we launched the Kindness Campaign complete with tips for spreading kindness, a Kindness Toolkit, and a list of support services for students.

Spread Kindness across our Community
1,200
page views to the Kindness Campaign website since it launched this September 2021.
SAC Applications Now Open!

The Office of the Registrar's Student Advisory Committee (SAC) is now recruiting student representatives! Students will have the opportunity to provide input on a diverse range of initiatives, including strategic planning, the student website re-design, handbooks and much more! 

Learn More
Division of Students August Strategic Planning Days

The Division of Students Strategic Planning Days were held Aug 5 & 6 2021. Staff learned about and contributed to the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan through engaging in dialogue, reconnecting & working across units in the Division. More learning opportunities will be provided in October.

Learn More About the Division of Students Strategic Plan Here
Recordings of the Strategic Planning Days will be made available for staff on the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students website shortly.

Fathers have had a lot on their plates during this pandemic. To provide a safer space for dads, The Centre is hosting weekly support groups starting on June 20 to connect, converse and share coping strategies about during these unprecedented times.

Learn More
A new Student Advisory Committee (SAC) at the OUR

The OUR will be introducing the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) this academic year to ensure that policies, projects and services reflect students’ diverse thoughts, ideas and perspectives. Students can apply to the SAC starting this September. We look forward to kick-starting this initiative!

York University Pride 2021 will be held on June 21-25, 2021, and will celebrate and honour Artists and Activism. The week of Pride is being organized by SexGen, with the support of The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support and Education and the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion.

Learn More
Black Excellence at York University (BE YU) supports Black student success

BE YU supports York's Black students to transition to university and maximize their student experience on the path to graduation. BE YU champions the academic, professional and personal success of York’s Black student community through workshops, events, mentoring, academic advising and more.

Learn More
Athletics & Recreation Forms Black & Indigenous Varsity Student-Athlete Alliance

Athletics & Recreation forms the Black and Indigenous Varsity Student-Athlete Alliance (BIVSAA) to gain an understanding of Black and Indigenous student-athlete experiences. Insights will help to identify issues, inform solutions, make progress, and foster meaningful growth within the Lions family.

Learn More
Show More Initiatives