Initiatives by OVPS (Organizational Effectiveness & Support)

Displaying initiatives from to
Division of Students hosts Mini Professional Development Conference for Toronto institutions

The Division held an in-person Mini PD Conference with 8 Toronto colleges and universities. Participants had the opportunity to come together to share, learn and network. 26 presentations focused on student affairs, service supports, programming and training.

Learn more about the conference
250+
colleagues participated in the Mini PD Conference
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:
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
Ask Me Anything (AMA) with the Vice-Provost, Students

Nona Robinson, Vice-Provost, Students, led an AMA to launch the summer term. Robinson shared more about herself, her vision for the future and answered pre-submitted questions over two sessions. Sessions were attended by over 75 staff with extensive engagement across the Division.

Learn more about the walks and hangouts with VPS, Nona Robinson
75
staff from across the Division participated and 22 pre-submitted questions were answered over two sessions.
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
Divisional holiday luncheon in candyland!

The annual holiday gathering was held in-person for the first time since 2019. The theme was Candyland, because nothing is sweeter than spending time together. Division of Students staff enjoyed a turkey lunch with all the fixings and a performance by the Vanier College Productions.

150lb
of non-perishable food items were generously donated by staff to the YFS Food Support Centre.
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.
Division of Students Colleagues Connect for Learning Days

Almost 40 per cent of staff within the Division of Students attended the July Learning Days, hosted by the OVPS and volunteers from across the Division of Students. Attendees to the online and in-person event said they learned more about the division after participating.

Read the Strategic Plan
3
new professional connections on average
Launching a Keele-Markham Collaboration Framework

The Keele-Markham Collaboration Framework will guide the relationships and collaboration between Markham and Keele colleagues in the development and operationalization of student services at the Markham campus. It has been tested and finalized throughout the winter term.

York University Top Scholar Networking Event for students

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.

"Sincerely, thank you for this information! Highly informative and encouraging," said one of the attendees.
Student Equity & Diversity Census embedded in fall course enrolment

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.

Learn More about the Student Equity & Diversity Census
The Census will ask about gender identity, sexual orientation, ethno-racial ancestry and Indigeneity, disability status, religion, place of birth, language, and education of students' guardians.
Division of Students hosts Learning Days in February

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.

Learn More About the Division of Students' Strategic Plan
150+
Division of Students' staff and friends participated in the February Learning Days
Join us and celebrate Black History Month

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.

Learn More
York's Anmol Kaur named as a McCall MacBain Scholarship finalist

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.

 

 

Learn More about the 2022 McCall MacBain Finalists
20
scholars will be selected after final interviews. Finalists were selected from 700 applicants.
Markham Campus Update: Creating Commmunity Connection Session

In December, VPS leaders joined staff from across the University in a visioning session to establish a collaboration and support framework between the Keele and Markham campuses. This framework will guide VPS Working Groups tasked to develop and implement Markham's students services.

Learn More

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
Exploring 150 years through the eyes of Indigenous creators

This 10-part eLearning series, This Place: 150 Years Retold, is based on the groundbreaking and critically acclaimed graphic novel anthology. Launched this fall, each session guides participants through the stories that reflect a rich history of Indigenous resistance and resilience.

Sign-up today!
200+
participants have attended the first 6 sessions.
First Student Equity & Diversity Census closes

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.

Learn More about the Student Equity & Diversity Census
20%
response rate to the 11-question Student Equity & Diversity Census.
Markham Campus update: Recruitment plans underway

Recruitment & Admissions, Communications & Marketing and Student Systems are developing plans to recruit and admit our first class cohort (Fall 2023) at Markham! A major milestone is the recent refresh of the Markham website where prospective students and their parents can see the program offerings.

Learn more about the Markham Campus
The Campus will open its doors in Fall 2023 and offer students innovative, relevant and job-ready undergraduate and graduate programs focused on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. 
Division of Students October Learning Days

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.

Learn More About the Division of Students Strategic Plan
200+
staff attended the Division of Students October Learning Days!
Division of Students Staff Town Hall

The Town Hall was held July 26, 2021. Questions about return to campus were answered by our Vice-Provost, Students, Special Advisor to the President for Academic Continuity Planning & COVID-19 Response, AVP, Human Resources & CHRO, & Executive Director, Resources & Strategic Planning.

Check Out the Recording
165+
staff members joined live.
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.
Student Equity & Diversity Student Census

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.

Learn More
Division of Students Releases 2-Year Strategy Report (2018-2020)

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.

Celebrate our Success
2018-2020 Division of Students strategy report launched!
Show More Initiatives