Tuesday, Sept. 4 marks the start of the Fall 2018 term, and members of the York University community are excited to welcome students, faculty and staff back to school. York University offers numerous resources and events to help ease the transition into the 2018-19 academic year. Students, staff and faculty will have access to back-to-school resources including: Orientation Week, York’s RED Zone, York International, Learning Skills Services, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and the new ASK Me program (see description below).
York Orientation Day and Orientation Week (O-Week)
York University’s Orientation Week runs Sept. 1 to 9 and includes many activities and resources. One of the highly anticipated events of Orientation Week is York Orientation Day – a full-day event on Sept. 4 where students connect with peers and faculty in their program, explore the campus and attend the welcome ceremony in the York Lions Stadium at Keele Campus. The University’s colleges also organize orientation activities for first-year students, including academic workshops and social events. Visit the colleges website for more details.
York’s RED Zone
York’s RED Zone is a resource for new and returning students, faculty and staff. RED Zone ambassadors are stationed in Vari Hall and are available from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to give directions and offer assistance to those looking for places, people and services on campus. Extended RED Zone hours will be in effect from Sept. 4 to 14, and will be posted on the website.
Learning Skills Services (LSS)
Visiting Learning Skills Services (LSS) and attending their workshops is a great way to get back into the school mindset. Most of the workshops are led by Learning Skills peers, and programming offered at LSS helps prepare students for the academic year ahead. LSS also provides a space to learn important skills, including time management, presentation skills, reading and note-taking. LSS strongly recommends that incoming students attend their Starting Off Strong and Secrets of Academic Success workshops to start their year off right.
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
A hot topic at the beginning of the fall term is the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). York’s OSAP website will guide students through the process of determining eligibility to receiving funds, most of which can be done online. Those who need additional assistance can contact an OSAP service representative.
ASK Me and York International pop-up locations
New this year, from Sept. 4 to 14, the ASK Me program will feature booths around campus run by the ASK Me ambassador team who will provide on-the-spot guidance and directions and answer general questions about financial aid, registrarial services, courses/enrolment and more. In addition, York International will set up booths around campus staffed with welcoming and helpful experts who can assist international students and guide them in the right direction.
Learn more on York’s Back-to-School web page.
Article provided by Lauren Dick, YU Blog student blogger