Office of the Vice Provost Students

York University launched the YU Are Not Alone suicide prevention campaign with a guest speaker event and the launch of suicide prevention training. The initiative promotes mental health awareness, reduces stigma and strengthens well-being, connection and access to support across the York community.

On August 5, the BE YU team and the BSSLP students visited the Archives of Ontario at Keele Campus to explore Ontario’s history and learn about preserving diverse community stories. Students explored archival materials, including a Black history showcase.

In July, BE YU welcomed Black students from the Durham and Thames Valley District School Boards to York. Through campus visits and conversations, students learned about Black student supports, university pathways and the community available to them at York.

The 6th Annual Welcome Event, Built for Greatness, took place on August 13, bringing together students, alumni and the York community for an evening of connection and celebration. The event featured an inspiring keynote by Stacey Ann Berry, a student and alumna, a student and alumni panel, Q&A and a raffle.

On September 18, academic peer mentors hosted a back-to-school social! Students were invited to meet the mentors, make friendship bracelets and write letters to their future selves.

On July 23, BE YU and SCLD introduced students to Black student life. Highlights included a mock lecture with Professor Daniel Kikulwe, a note-taking debrief with Brian Poser and a campus tour.

SAS is hosting workshops to support students with disabilities in using effective note-taking methods before, during and after their lectures. The workshops are developed by academic peer mentors with student-friendly tips and resources.

On September 14, academic peer mentors at SAS ran a Get Organized workshop. Students brought their syllabi, learned best practices for staying on track and practiced organization.

Student Accessibility Services hosted Get Set for Success to support our student community in sending their letter of accommodation, booking alternative test/exams and navigating a new term!

In July, BE YU welcomed three high school students from the BSSLP for a placement with our team. Through programming centred on identity and representation in post-secondary education, students gained valuable insight and experience. All students went on to begin their studies at York in fall 2026.

From September 8 to 11, SSA supported 3,836 students: 2,404 in person, 817 by phone and 615 by email. This multi-channel approach strengthened access, connection and resourcefulness, helping students navigate the start of term while enabling staff to deliver seamless, responsive service.

Academic peer mentors from Student Accessibility Services hosted a Frozen Treats and Campus Tour for incoming students. Attendees were introduced to accessible spaces on campus and key student resources at York.

SAS hosted Project ADVANCE, an enriched summer transition program from August 24 to 28! Students learned about key academic strategy skills, wellness resources and campus supports during their orientation to university life from academic peer mentors and campus partners.

ACMAPS offered a variety of transition sessions over the summer for newly admitted mature and transfer students. They focused on OSAP eligibility, navigating awards & bursaries, writing a successful scholarship personal statement, settling in at York, eClass navigation and campus tours. 

This was part of SCLD's summer transition series. They invited ACMAPS to present on the services and supports that assist mature, part-time and transfer students. It was a tailored session to support unique student journeys, where students also learned about building resilience. 

This new event connected mature and transfer LA&PS students, helping them recognize their unique strengths and realize they aren't alone in navigating university. Through shared wisdom, participants built confidence, fostered community and appreciated the diverse expertise within the campus.

On August 20, newly admitted transfer students gained insightful knowledge on issues transfer students face as they enter university, strategies for student success and an overview of campus resources that can support academic and personal success at York. 

On August 19, the ACMAPS team welcomed newly admitted mature students to York. Orientation included meeting staff members, peer mentors and transition coaches, and learning about time management, balancing your course load and what it means to be a successful mature student. 

York’s first Peer Mentorship Day connected students across all three campuses with peer mentors, opportunities and friendship bracelet-making.

The Vari Hall Kiosk welcomed more than 2,500 students at the beginning of September and assisted them in finding classes and campus resources.

SCLD hosted the annual Community Welcome for culture- and identity-based clubs on campus. Around 18 student organizations participated and enjoyed international music provided by VIBE 105. Attendees visited multiple club tables to earn a free snack!

Ask Me ambassadors wore campaign badges and supported new students across all three GTA campuses through the end of September. The campaign helped create a welcoming campus environment, making it easier for students to ask questions, find their way and navigate campus with confidence.