Dean’s message: Innovations, student success, career readiness and more

JJ McMurtry

Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies Dean J.J. McMurtry introduces readers to “Innovatus” stories about the remarkable programs developed to help ensure student success.

By J.J. McMurtry

J.J. McMurtry
J.J. McMurtry

I am so pleased to introduce this month’s “Innovatus” and share more about some of the projects at the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) to help ensure student success.

It is impossible to overstate the overall impact of COVID-19 on every aspect of university life. I owe a debt of gratitude to our extraordinary staff, instructors and students who have faced every challenge with innovation, creativity and resourcefulness.

In this issue you will learn more about the remarkable work our teams have developed to help our students achieve their goals. One such program, Advancing YU, provides third- and fourth-year women and Black students with a unique mentorship opportunity. Once matched, students receive invaluable feedback and coaching from York alumni.

Learn more about our new Student Numeracy Assistance Centre – Keele (SNACK) and the peer mentors who are helping to demystify math by assisting students with complex numeracy-related questions.

We have also introduced a new Work-Integrated Learning Database, among other career resources to assist our students as they prepare for graduation.

Despite travel bans, our Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics has integrated international cultural events, guest lecturers and much more through innovative online programs.

I am so proud of these groundbreaking programs, as they will contribute to real-world results for our students.