September is only a few days away and with it comes a group of new students who will be partaking in academic and social orientation events all across the Keele and Glendon campuses.
For anyone new to York University, orientation is the ideal opportunity to get acquainted with the vibrant student community and kick off their academic career by learning all about the wide array of supports and services available. It should be noted that orientation is for everyone, from new students and transfer students to mature students and international students. There is something for everyone. There is even a special orientation just for parents and families to make sure they know they are part of the pride too.
There are a lot of events and activities that make up orientation at York. Students are encouraged to refer to the official orientation website for details and information about how to register. Additionally, students can reach out to their YU START Online Learning Community or their Faculty or college with any questions they may have.
Orientation week begins on Monday, Sept. 1, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 7. Follow all the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #WeAreYU.
Making Connections Day
When: Tuesday, Sept. 2
Where: Various locations across the Keele campus
If you’re in YU START, your attendance is expected at Making Connections Day, although registration is not required. You’ll learn about Making Connections Day in your YU START Online Learning Community. If you’re in the Faculty of Science, the Lassonde School of Engineering or the Schulich School of Business, contact your Faculty directly. Glendon students will participate in orientation on the Glendon campus.
At Making Connections Day, you’ll have the chance to meet new York Lions – just like you. YU START students will meet face-to-face with their peers from their Online Learning Community and participate in academic orientation activities. You’ll learn more about your program, Faculty and campus.
You Had Me at Consent
Rexall Centre
An important awareness-raising event about safety and sexual harassment/assault prevention on campus.
Experiencing the Possible
Rexall Centre
Produced and performed by Vanier Productions, the play is for students, by students, about the first-year experience.
Academic Orientation
When: During O-week
Depending on your college, you may need to register for Academic Orientation. Register online with your college. At Academic Orientation you will:
- find out more about your college;
- meet students and professors in your program;
- learn about the academic support services available to you; and
- improve your note-taking, studying and time management skills.
Each college holds its own Academic Orientation. Visit your college’s website to find out specific orientation details. Not sure which college you are affiliated with? Check the College Finder page on the orientation website.
Social Orientation
When: Monday, Sept. 1, to Sunday, Sept. 7
Visit the orientation website for more information about Social Orientation.
Attending Social Orientation is a great way to become familiar with life at York. Orientations are organized by the colleges and Student Community & Leadership Development (SCLD). Your college’s student council will organize events like scavenger hunts and trips to Wonderland, while SCLD organizes York-wide events. Although attendance at Social Orientation is not mandatory, it is strongly advised. Orientation is specially designed to help you transition into your life at York, meet friends and have fun!
Move-In Day
When: Monday, Sept. 1
Where: York University Residences at York and Glendon
This is the official move-in day for students living in residence at York. Wondering what to bring and what to expect? Download the move-in day PDF to find out more. All residence students will attend a building-wide meeting, a welcome BBQ and Residence Orientation during O-week. More information about orientation for residence students can be found on the orientation website.
Parent & Family Orientation
When: Monday, Sept. 1, from 10am to 2 pm (move-in day!)*
Parents, guardians and family will learn about the opportunities, services and resources York has for students. The event will begin with a welcome from President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri and will include a student services information fair, a student play put on by our own Vanier College Productions that showcases the first-year experience, as well as an optional session about financial aid. Find out more about the day online on the parents and family website.
*Parents and families of students affiliated with Founders and Vanier Colleges will have a separate orientation date during orientation week.
Orientation for Mature & Transfer Students
When: Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 5:30 to 8:30pm OR Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9:30am to 12:30pm
Register online
Incoming mature and transfer students are also encouraged to attend orientation sessions, as they provide an opportunity to become familiar with your college, meet other mature students and gain general information on York and the student support available. During the first week of September, the Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students offers two orientation sessions. Register online.
International Orientation
When: Online before arrival and during O-week
If you are new to both York and Canada, attendance at International Orientation is mandatory. It will provide you with an introduction to the programs and services offered by York International, as well as other campus resources and student support services for international students at York. There are orientation resources available online before you arrive, followed by an in-person session once you are on campus.
Aboriginal Student Services Welcome Feast
When: Thursday, Sept. 18, 11:30am to 3pm
Join the staff of the Centre for Aboriginal Student Services and enjoy some traditional First Nations food, play some games and meet other staff, students and faculty.
Glendon College Orientation
When: Monday, Sept. 1, to Tuesday, Sept. 7
Glendon, York’s bilingual midtown campus, has a full week of orientation activities planned for Glendon students. Visit Glendon’s orientation page for details.
Lion’s Pride & Football Frenzy
When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 11am to 12:15pm and 1 to 4pm
Gather in the York Commons and pump yourselves up with York spirit! This pep rally features numerous performances, as well as this year’s York U Pride video. After Lion’s Pride, kick off the year at the Football Frenzy game where the York Lions will be taking on the Western Mustangs.
Staff at Student Community & Leadership Development, along with student leaders and partners from all colleges, work to ensure that all orientation events are safe, inclusive, informative and substance free.