Welcome to the February 2023 issue of ‘Innovatus’

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Will Gage
Will Gage

Welcome to the February 2023 issue of “Innovatus,” a special issue of YFile dedicated to teaching and learning innovation at York University. This month, we take an in-depth look at the experiential education opportunities available in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS).

Following its commitment to student-centred and accessible education, the Faculty is creating groundbreaking initiatives. A new LA&PS co-op program offers students valuable work experiences before they graduate, while the Learning Design Lab (LDL) explores a variety of ways to incorporate work-integrated learning (WIL) into different teaching contexts. Real-world impact is also a key theme in the stories presented in “Innovatus,” as students discover new skills in research and workplace settings, expanding career possibilities in the liberal arts field.  

I know that you’ll find all of the “Innovatus” stories this month informative and inspiring. 

Sincerely, 

Will Gage
Associate Vice-President, Teaching and Learning 

Faculty, course directors and staff are invited to share their experiences in teaching, learning, internationalization and the student experience through the “Innovatus” story form, which is available at tl.apps01.yorku.ca/machform/view.php?id=16573.


Collaboration, innovation key to enriched experiential education
In his message to the community, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) Dean J.J. McMurtry invites community members to learn more about the Faculty’s focus on experiential education through new and important initiatives and faculty-student collaborations.

New LA&PS co-op program to start in Fall 2024 
“Get to work” will take on new meaning for LA&PS students when a new co-op option launches in Fall 2024.

LA&PS Learning Design Lab a resource for WIL
Work-integrated learning (WIL) continues to evolve in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies thanks to the Learning Design Lab.

DARE to innovate: LA&PS student’s research brought to life by humanities class 
Research by student Kayla Saunders, a recipient of the Dean’s Award for Research Excellence, is publicly available thanks to her fellow students.

Advancing YU: connection, community and career pathways for Black and women students
Advancing YU is a unique mentorship program that creates opportunities for third- and fourth-year Black and women students in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.