The York community came together for the 20th All Nations Pow Wow on May 7. Hosted by the Indigenous Students Association at York, the event had huge turnout with support from the Centre for Indigenous Student Services, Student Engagement, Athletics & Recreation and student and staff volunteers.

The Division of Students collaborated with VPEPC, VPFA and C&PA to host the Pride opening ceremonies on June 2. The event featured the unfurling of a Pride flag in Vari Hall and treats were available to attendees as they visited tables set up by various campus departments and services.

SCLD hosted a skills and development conference for students in paid and volunteer positions on May 13. This year's event featured a keynote presentation by YorkU Top 30 Under 30 Alumni, Farkhunda Muhtaj, who shared her journey as a humanitarian and sport activist and what resiliency means to her.

“Our end-of-year celebration is a wonderful opportunity to see the interconnection between us – giving students a chance to nominate faculty and staff who have supported them in their academic journey,” says Maureen Barnes, Director of Student Accessibility Services. 

SAVY, York's student virtual assistant, saw an increase in student use during May. The number of average conversations and number of students using the platform per day increased by 28 and 35 per cent, respectively, from April. Students mostly asked questions about eClass and summer course delivery.

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.

Participate in this month’s events and sport the Lion's Pride Collection gear. 

All York students now have greater access to mental wellness student support through keep.meSAFE, which includes 24/7 multilingual counselling options. Student Counselling, Health & Well-being is working with other support units to promote this update.

The first YODA Symposium brought together staff and students involved in the planning of orientation activities. The symposium, hosted by SCLD, featured a panel of York alumni sharing their experiences as orientation leaders and how their involvement at York supported their career growth.

The Women and Girls in Leadership and Sport Conference brings together coaches, athletes, sport administrators and allies from across the country to be educated, empowered, and supported through a series of sessions by guest speakers.

The Varsity Awards Celebration recognizes the athletic achievements of top student-athletes and teams. Some of the most prestigious awards are given to graduating student-athletes who have excelled athletically, academically and within the community. 

The Intramural Banquet acknowledges the winners of tournaments and events, in addition to celebrating students who participate in intramural sport. This year’s banquet was celebrated virtually in April and can be viewed on the @yorkuintramurals Instagram account.

The first Student Advisory Committee (SAC) provided valuable feedback throughout the 2021-22 academic year on opportunities to improve the student experience. Based on this insight, the Office of the University Registrar will be launching applications to join the 2022-23 SAC in early fall.

York Lions are proud of the exceptional Asian student-athletes and coaches who are part of the varsity community and Asian Heritage Month is a chance to highlight their accomplishments and contributions. Throughout May, profiles of Lions will be shared weekly.

The Black Excellence & Grit Black & Indigenous Varsity Student-Athlete Alliance Speaker Series features outstanding Black members of the community presenting on topics highlighting Black excellence and achievement. Sessions are virtual, ongoing throughout the year and available to all. 

York went live with issuing transcripts for students though MyCreds on March 30. This marks a reflection of the modernization of student services York is striving to achieve. This achievement was made possible through collaborations between staff and campus partners. 

Due to the success of January's Care Ambassadors Program, SCLD re-visioned the ASK ME Program. Stationed at four locations throughout York’s Keele campus, ASK ME ambassadors answered questions about wayfinding, campus services and York’s health and safety requirements. 

In March, the Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey was issued to all York students, giving them the opportunity to share their experiences and shape a culture of wellness on our campuses. Survey results will be used to enhance health and well-being resources and services available to students.

The Centre for Indigenous Student Services hosted a Graduation Celebration to commemorate the achievements of York’s graduating students with friends and family before they continue to the next part of their journey.

The Becoming YU and Work/Study Program came together to virtually celebrate the accomplishments of York’s Work/Study students and Becoming YU coaches on March 30. Students and coaches were invited to hear from employers and alumni who shared their thoughts on the value of transferable skills.

BA International Studies student, Anmol Kaur has been named a McCall MacBain Scholar! While at York, she joined York’s Research Apprenticeship Program and serves as a student ambassador. Kaur worked part-time as a research assistant, examining the protection of women’s and children’s rights.

Over 70 students attended a March event about available prestigious awards/scholarships and how to create an impactful and meaningful application to grad school and external scholarships. Students were thrilled to learn about scholarship opportunities and network with panelists and others.

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

This fall 2022 students will access the Student Equity & Diversity Census during their course enrolment. The Census pilot launched (via email) with a 20% response rate in fall 2021.

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.

Staff learned about key findings from student journey maps developed last fall and how these findings have been applied (SAVY, SSRP and the website re-development project) during the Learning Days on Feb. 22 and 23. Participants contributed to interactive breakout sessions to pave the way forward.

Procrastination Awareness Week offers students from across North America a virtual study hall and a series of remote learning skills workshops in March. The YorkU Learning Commons will be presenting our YU Got This!: Academic Tips & Tools for End of Term workshop as part of this week.

The Vari Hall Kiosk re-opened in late January to support students returning to in-person activities at York's Keele Campus. The kiosk is open from Monday to Thursday and is run by the Student Engagement Team who can answer questions, such as wayfinding, services and getting involved on campus.

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.

The Black Excellence at York University (BE YU) team hosted an interactive panel conversation as part of Black History Month on Feb. 23. Featuring undergraduate and graduate students, the panel explored a variety of themes related to Black experience and Black excellence at the University.

The Atkinson Centre for Mature & Part-time Students (ACMAPS) led six sessions for new transfer students, collaborating with campus partners, including Recruitment & Admissions and LA&PS Academic Advising. The most impactful session was Newly Admitted: The Transfer Process with the Faculty of LA&PS.

Career Education & Development invited students to connect with hiring recruiters during the Employer Meet & Greet: Diversity and Inclusion Recruitment Event, where they learned about upcoming career opportunities with inclusive and equitable employers. 

The Division of Students is hosting multiple events during Black History Month (BHM), including, but not limited to: Black Excellence in COVID Times: Connections & Conversations Celebrating Black History Month; Career Resources for Black Students; Racialized Students Support Groups and more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Students and graduates attended the Spark: Winter Leadership Summit, organized by The Office of Student Community & Leadership Development and Alumni Engagement, to help attendees build leadership capacity with the return to society and help them thrive in the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic.

Anmol Kaur (BA'22) is in the running for the McCall MacBain Scholarships, Canada’s first comprehensive, leadership-based scholarship program for master’s and professional studies. Kaur will be among 50 Canadian finalists representing 28 universities at a final round of interviews in March.

Envision YU, a collaboration between Learning Commons and Teaching Commons, was featured in University Affairs magazine. The article featured their work on an eClass toolkit that provides accessible career training in the classroom. It is expected to launch to faculty during the winter term.

The Art of Letting Go workshop encourages participants to explore different and creative ways to release stress. Attendees go through a series of process-focused art and mindfulness practices. No prior art experience is required to join this workshop.

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.

Join the Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education as we raise awareness about consent during Consent Action Week at York U from Jan. 24 to 28. Virtual workshops, guest lectures and training is open to students, staff and faculty.

The Virtual Welcome campaign bridges the return to in-person learning. QR codes are displayed at key service points across campus offering the community virtual access to the Start Strong YU website, the campus map, the SAVY virtual assistant and live chats with Student Engagement Ambassadors.

The website redevelopment project, led by the Communications & Marketing team in partnership with experts across the Division, will deliver engaging, relevant and timely information to students in a user-friendly manner. Websites will be completed by summer 2022.

Phase I of a redesigned website for prospective York students launched in December 2021. The project, a collaboration between Student Recruitment & Admissions & the Communications & Marketing teams, offers a student-centric website that merges a data-driven design with a user’s application journey.

The Division of Students offered a wide variety of orientation programming for all new and incoming students on Jan. 7. Students attended a virtual welcome session which included a panel of students providing advice to new students on how to be successful in their first year at York.

York University has won the 2021 Gartner Eye on Innovation Award for Higher Education in the category of Student Experience for our work on SAVY, our student virtual assistant. This award recognizes all the members of the York community whose contributed to SAVY.

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.

SAVY, York's student virtual assistant, answered 34,555 questions from 9,964 unique students since January 1, 2021. The busiest days for questions were January 13 and September 7. In its lifetime, SAVY has answered more than 62,000 questions from just under 16,500 unique students.

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.

After consultation with students and the York community, York introduced its first Student Equity & Diversity Census. Students were invited to participate from Sept. 21 to Oct. 29. Twenty per cent of York's students responded. A report will be made available on the VPS website in 2022.

Census Days, led by SCLD, took place on Oct. 19 and 27 to help encourage students to complete the Student Equity & Diversity Census Survey. With support from volunteers across the Division, students were invited to complete the survey while being treated to candy and additional prizes.

Student Accessibility Services worked in concert with Epilepsy Toronto to create Epilepsy and U, a guide for accommodations for students with epilepsy. The website aims to educate how to support and accommodate students with seizures.

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.

The Communications & Marketing Team successfully launched digital marketing campaigns to support student recruitment, internationalization and strategic enrolment management priorities. Campaigns engaged prospective students around the world using Google Ads, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more.

SAS is part of a pan-university group aiming to support students in settings outside the classroom. The Academic Requirements in Placements, Practicums, Experiential Education and the WIL Working Group developed two resources to support the creation of effective accommodations.  

The Division of Students hosted Learning Days for staff on October 14 & 15, 2021. Staff learned about York University's student demographics, heard from a panel of Divisional staff about how they are living the Divisional values,  and worked across units to develop student journey and empathy maps.

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.

From October to December 2021, Art Therapy group sessions are available for all York University community members. Participate and explore the therapeutic benefits of art making, such as: self-expression, stress relief, relaxation, and much more!

This campaign, Kindness is the New Normal, is being celebrated and encouraged throughout the community during the months of October and November 2021.

SCLD, along with Black Student Associations and other student governments, held the first ever Community Welcome for Black students. The 2-day event included both virtual activities and an outdoor gathering for students to meet various communities on campus that support Black students.

Targeted and ongoing digital student service promotions improved York University's Student Satisfaction indicator rankings in MacLean's 2022 Rankings. York University is now ranked 6th overall and 13th in Student Satisfaction against all other comprehensive universities in Canada.

New students attended virtual and in-person Fall Orientation activities. York Orientation Day was held virtually on September 3, 2021, which included Academic Orientation and a Welcome Ceremony video. The video has been seen over 3,688 times.

To support students returning to campus, the Division of Students organized Ask Me Booths from September 13 to 17, 2021. More than 15 volunteers interacted with students outside of the Bennett Centre for Student Services, the Kanneff Building, and inside the Vari Hall Kiosk.

SAVY, York's student virtual assistant, answered 15,382 questions in 8,153 conversations held during York's back-to-school period, from August 25 to September 29, 2021. During that time, SAVY saw a total of 3,138 student logins and was able to answer 88.6% of all their questions.

The Office of the University Registrar (OUR) is developing strategic priorities, aspirational goals, and supporting actions that align with the Division of Student's Strategic Plan. OUR staff reviewed the draft OUR plan on October 14 and 15. The final OUR plan will be released in early November.

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.

Project Advance is designed for students transitioning from high school to university. Virtual sessions were held from August 3rd to August 31st, 2021. Students developed self-advocacy skills, learned about resources and wellness supports, assistive technology, engaged in eClass and met peers.

After 18 months of virtual events and orientations, International Student Orientation was held both virtually and in-person. In addition to online orientation, York International held 3 in-person picnics for 150 first and second year international students to meet and make connections.

For the first time, SAVY achieved a 90% success rate in answering student questions. SAVY has consistently answered about 80% of student questions. Reaching 90%, even as the number of questions peaks with the beginning of term, is a huge benefit to students.

This year, 12 courses will feature GNL collaborations in AMPD, LA&PS, Education, Health, and Glendon College. The GNL Project team will also be hosting free monthly information sessions and weekly drop-ins for York U faculty and staff to learn about the pedagogy, funding, and supports.

This September 2021, the second edition of the Program welcomes Indigenous students from York University and their peers in Australia, Ecuador, Mexico, and the Philippines. The students will engage in weekly dialogue and collaborative projects around themes relating to Global Indigeneity. 

In collaboration with many units across campus, York International supported the arrival of 1600+ students to Canada. The Quarantine Implementation team continues to facilitate support, accommodations, webinars, and daily check-ins for international students as they prepare to join us on campus. 

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! 

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.

This Fall, York University is launching the second edition of the International Indigenous Student Exchange Program which aims to provide opportunities for dialogue and cooperation between Indigenous York students and their peers in Australia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and the Philippines.

GNL is a pedagogical approach that enables students and Faculties in different parts of the world to collaborate and learn together. Since its launch, 600+ York and partner students have participated in GNL courses offered by LA&PS, Faculty of Health, Glendon, and Lassonde School of Engineering.

Through July 2021, Black Excellence at York University (BE YU) partnered with the Toronto District School Board to take on three soon-to-be undergraduate students as part of the Black Student Summer Leadership Program. Participants worked with BE YU mentors and created a culminating presentation.

We can't wait to welcome students to York this Fall! Start Strong YU motivates, supports, and reassures students by bringing back-to-class, campus access, and student services information on one website. The site includes helpful resources, informational videos, and a directory of student services.

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.

York introduced the Student Services stream within the SEP, co-sponsored by Darran Fernandez and Dean McMurtry. The team just completed focus groups with students, an important step to improving processes and structures at York. This feedback will be vital in informing University initiatives.

Student Counselling, Health & Well-being launched its inaugural Health & Wellness Student Needs Assessment Survey in June to better understand student perceptions on health and well-being services. Data from the survey will be used to evaluate and enhance services available to York students.

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!

In Fall 2021, York will launch its inaugural Student Equity & Diversity Census. To serve all our students, we must first know more about them. The Census will support our commitment to creating inclusive learning environments through better understanding the characteristics of our student body.

SAVY, York's Student Virtual Assistant, has reached the final stage of CUCCIO's 2021 Innovation Awards, honouring IT projects that advance teaching, learning, research or administration in Canadian higher ed. Congratulations to the team members who contributed to this nomination and SAVY's success.

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.

Over the past year, the OUR engaged in an external review process that made various recommendations, including creating a strategic plan. Across the OUR, staff engaged in meaningful conversations about the process and the development of a strategic plan that is student centered and service focused. 

Learning Skills Specialists, Cathy Boyd-Withers and Nicole Joron, shared innovative work to a national audience about Student Guide to Remote Learning & Remote Student Team Building and Personal Wellness & Learning Skills Certificate Program (a partnership with FGS supporting graduate students).

Student Accessibility Services recently celebrated and recognized faculty and staff at our first-ever virtual End of Year celebration with a focus on resilience. We also congratulated our recent graduates and returning students.

Throughout the 2020-2021 academic year, SCHW engaged in bi-monthly clinical consultations on the topic of anti-oppressive practice. In May 2021, guest speakers from CAMH facilitated a departmental workshop on supporting Black Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) and queer students.

Led by the VPS Communications & Marketing team, Divisional websites are undergoing major redevelopment to centre on user experiences and student journeys. Consultations are underway for key websites. Other sites across the Division will be introduced to the project starting Fall 2021.

In April, the SCLD hosted the 12th Annual Peer Leadership Training Conference. Student leaders participated in asynchronous training modules, networking sessions, live workshops and an alumni keynote panel featuring some of York's Top 30 Under 30 Changemakers.  

We’ve accomplished a lot -- and it’s time for us to celebrate! Check out the 2-year report that highlights major accomplishments completed across the Division.

In February 2021, ACMAPS teamed up with the York University Psychology Clinic to host Building Resilience During the Pandemic, a workshop on setting priorities, coping with stress, and building optimism for students with parenting responsibilities.

YI in partnership with faculties and 30+ global partners supported the participation of 300+ students in Globally Networked Learning, virtual exchanges, and remote internships, helping them develop global and intercultural perspectives and digital skills. More info on Global Engagement enewsletter!

York International (YI) welcomed 1,030+ students virtually, building community and providing resources through virtual orientation. YI also coordinated the Quarantine Implementation plan, arranging hotel stays and daily check-ins for 1,100 arriving students to ensure safety and well-being.

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.

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.

Led by the Black and Indigenous Varsity Student-Athlete Alliance (BIVSAA), Athletics & Recreation Launches the Black Excellence & Grit Speaker Series. This series intentionally places a Black lens on conversations related to identity, social justice and professionalism.

This year, York joined ARUCC to deliver digital documents to students through MyCreds - a trusted, centralized digital wallet that is easily accessible. This development is a critical step in modernizing our services to meet student needs and help them succeed, which is a central tenet of the UAP.