New book co-authored by Professor Thomas Klassen offers comprehensive guide to studying abroad

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels
Thomas Klassen
Thomas Klassen

Professor Thomas Klassen, from the School of Public Policy & Administration in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), is co-author of a just published guide to flourishing while studying abroad and mobilizing an international education to begin a fulfilling career after graduation.

The book, The Essential Guide to Studying Abroad: From Success in the Classroom to a Fulfilling Career, covers all aspects of the international student experience – inside and outside the classroom – encouraging young people to perform their very best and succeed in their new environment. Written in an engaging and accessible style using examples, case studies, and links to resources, the book reduces the stress of studying and working abroad.

Christine Menges
Christine Menges

Christine Menges, the co-author, was an international exchange student from Germany at York University in 2002-03. She is now the director of the Career Center, MBA Programs, at the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, one of Germany’s top business schools. “We wrote this book to help the many students that study abroad and face the challenge of succeeding in a new university, a new culture, and a job market that works very differently from the one of their home countries,” says Menges. “The book contains a wealth of practical and hands-on advice, based on years of experience and expertise in guiding international students.”

Cover of The Essential Guide to Studying Abroad. Image courtesy of the authors

Klassen, who recently taught a York University summer study abroad courses in South Korea, notes that, ”In 2018 there were more than five million international students with half of these studying in English speaking countries. Two decades earlier there were less than two million international students. Parents and students know that employers place a premium on new professionals who have a wide range of skills including adaptability, problem solving, critical thinking, and intercultural awareness. One way to develop these sought after skills is through studying abroad.”

He adds, “But more importantly, studying outside your own country – whether for a few weeks, a summer, a semester, a year or longer – is a wonderful way to learn about the world. For many young people is it the most amazing adventure ever! Learning in a classroom is necessary and useful, but studying abroad also means learning about a new culture and making friends.”

The book is aimed at current and potential international students, as well as parents and family members, and school guidance counsellors.

York University alumna Larissa Crawford inspires Founders students with keynote address

“What kind of impact do I want to make and why am I passionate about it?”

This is one of the many important questions that new students were urged to reflect on at the Founders College Academic Orientation on Sept. 3. The query was posed by keynote speaker and York University alumna Larissa Crawford, who graduated in 2018 with a double honours major in international development and communications studies.

Crawford, who is of proud Métis and Jamaican heritage, made waves across the University community last year she when crossed the stage – summa cum laude – holding her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Zyra.

Larissa Crawford
Larissa Crawford

Faculty, community members, and students alike were moved by Crawford’s success and resilience.

Having grown up with few financial resources, Crawford funded her entire education through scholarships, graduated with the most acclaimed leadership award at the University, and successfully transitioned into a career in government work and public speaking.

It is thus no surprise that she had a few useful tips to share with incoming students.

“I know you guys are getting really excited about all of the parties and the new people,” Crawford said with a laugh. “But my job right now is to get you excited about the nerdy stuff, because it’s actually really fun too.”

But before doing so, she introduced herself in Michif and held space for her identity. Crawford encouraged students to do the same as they embark on their university careers.

“I really encourage you, moving forward on your journey at York University, to consider – as you sit in classrooms, as you listen to speakers – the ancestry that you bring into that space, and the ancestors of the traditional caregivers of this land.”

Crawford went on to share 10 takeaway points of what she did to make her time at York University “absolutely amazing.” They included gaining international experience, applying for scholarships throughout her university career and developing authentic relationships with mentors.

“The people that I know that are the happiest and most successful now … didn’t just do their classes and get out,” Crawford told the audience. “That’s my message to you guys. No matter how nerdy it seems, go and figure out what you want to do and build your network, because that’s going to be the most valuable thing that you’re going to take out of your university experience.”

Men’s soccer Lions to host rival McMaster Marauders in Annual Frosh Frenzy Game, Sept. 5

Lions logo
York U Lions

Thousands of first-year students at York University will be in attendance at Alumni Field on Thursday night when the No. 4 nationally ranked York University Lions men’s soccer team hosts the rival McMaster University Marauders in its annual Frosh Frenzy game.

The game will feature free admission, the unveiling of the 2018 championship banner and lots of fun in the stands as new students will get their first taste of varsity sport. Kick-off is at 8:15 p.m.

A strong rivalry exists between the two teams and York and McMaster have played some thrilling games in recent years. The Lions have had the upper hand, however, and own a 13-0-3 record against their division rivals since 2013. They had won 10 in a row before the Marauders held the Lions to a pair of draws last year, but the Marauders are still looking for their first victory against the powerhouse Lions in six seasons.

The Lions have not lost a regular-season or playoff game to an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) opponent in more than two years, dating back to a 2-1 defeat to Guelph on Aug. 30, 2017. The run stretches 36 games and includes back-to-back OUA championships, with the 2018 title representing the team’s fifth in six years. They have finished atop the OUA West Division 12 straight times and are poised to make another run this season.

On paper, this team is one of the strongest head coach Carmine Isacco has fielded. The roster is packed with OUA all-stars, NCAA transfers and players with provincial and junior national team experience. Up front there is the team’s reigning scoring leader in Omar Marzouk and former OUA West most valuable player and U SPORTS all-Canadian Cristian Cavallini, the defence features all-stars Josh Kiselyov and Francesco Sinopoli and the starting goalkeeper is Mike Argyrides, who backstopped the Lions to an undefeated record last season.

The Lions have played just one game so far this year, a scoreless draw with Guelph on Saturday.

The Marauders are looking to get back to the Final Four Championships this season after an early exit from the playoffs last year. They are off to a good start to 2019 with a 2-0 win over Laurier and a 1-1 draw with Windsor in their first two contests.

Last year’s team leading scorer, Yunus Mollayev, has graduated but Dusan Kovacevic, who was second on the team and tied for 17th in the OUA, is back again, as is OUA first-team all-star midfielder Anand Sergeant.

These two teams will meet one more time in the regular season, on Wednesday, Oct. 2 in Hamilton, Ont.

After the Frosh Frenzy contest the Lions will head out on the road for the first time this season to face the Waterloo Warriors for a game on Sunday beginning at 3:15 p.m. Their next home game is Friday, Sept. 13 when the Western Mustangs visit Alumni Field.

York University introduces QLess, a new queue management system

Long lineups can be challenging to students and staff, especially during peak periods at the beginning of a semester (September, January, May). With almost everyone carrying a mobile device, a queue management system can provide the technology to better manage traffic, reduce wait times and increase the time university staff can spend providing services to students.

York University has introduced QLess, a new queue management system for students. The cloud-based system can be accessed through any internet-enabled mobile device or desktop computer and is designed to reduce the physical time that students spend waiting in lineups.

With QLess, students can join a virtual queue via the web, which in turn helps them to better manage their time. QLess then provides students with text updates that notify them of their position in the line, which means students only need to be present when it is their time to meet with an advisor or service representative. By joining a virtual line through QLess, students can wait anywhere on campus.

Students can join a QLess virtual line in several ways:

  • with their text-enabled mobile phone;
  • with the QLess app; or
  • from an on-site kiosk equipped with internet service and a laptop or PC.

QLess virtual line management is currently being used at the following York University locations:

  • Admissions Client Services, Bennett Centre for Student Services (third floor);
  • Registrarial Services, Bennett Centre for Student Services (main floor);
  • Lassonde School of Engineering (Bergeron Centre lobby);
  • Academic Advising Services, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, Ross Building (103 Central Square).

Each location has internet-equipped, on-site kiosks. Student service representatives are also available to help students learn to use QLess.

For information on QLess, visit yorku.ca/virtualline.

Research Seminar Series in Science & Technology Studies returns with a talk on epidemic projections

Doctor holding vaccines

The start of the academic year brings with it an interesting new lineup of speakers who will be headlining the Research Seminar Series in Science & Technology Studies (STS). Now in its 26th year, the series has hosted hundreds experts from Canada and around the world presenting on a wide range of STS-related topics.

Unless otherwise specified, all seminars in this series will take place on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in 203 Bethune College (Norman’s). They are free and open to the public, and STS majors are especially encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be provided.

Adia Benton
Adia Benton

This year’s series kicks off on Sept. 10 with Adia Benton, a professor in Northwestern University’s Department of Anthropology, presenting a talk titled “Epidemic Projections and the Politics of Reckoning.”

Within the field of public health, describing and proving causality and correlation undergird strategies for minimizing and mitigating health risks. Risk calculations draw on past experiences with danger, and form the bases for anticipating and planning for future crises. Within the subfield of modelling, the recursive relationship between past and future embodied in epidemiologic projections and forecasts are central to explaining misfortune. In this
talk, Benton asks: What kinds of assumptions about people and places, about time and about danger underlie these projections? What are the stakes of using these models not only to predict disease dynamics and speculate about effective interventions, but also to
monetize them for the purposes of generating profit for private investors and delivering financial assistance to cash-strapped governments in the midst of an epidemic?

Here’s a look at the rest of the Fall 2019 lineup:

Sept. 24: Kieran O’Doherty (University of Guelph), “Psychological Contributions to Science & Technology Studies”

Oct. 8: Kean Birch (York University), “Automated Neoliberalism”

Oct. 22: Zbigniew Stachniak (York University), “The IBM Images Archive”

Nov. 5: Kelly Bronson (University of Ottawa), “Data-driven: Agribusiness, Activists and Their Shared Politics of the Future”

Nov. 19: Kate Henne (University of Waterloo), “Grey Matters: Imagining Traumatic Brain Injury Through the Lens of Sex Difference”

Dec. 3: John McLevey (University of Waterloo), “Democracies in Crisis? Online Deception, Disinformation and Political Polarization in Comparative Perspective”

Further details will appear in YFile prior to each talk, and the lineup for Winter 2019 will be released at a later date. This series is sponsored by York University’s Department of Science & Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, and co-ordinated by members of the department. For more information about the Research Seminar Series in Science & Technology Studies, contact Professor Conor Douglas at cd512@yorku.ca or visit sts.info.yorku.ca/seminar-series.

Welcome – or welcome back – to York University!

Rhonda Lenton
Rhonda Lenton

The following is a message from York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton:

Whether you are a new or returning student, administrative staff already working to prepare for the school year, or a faculty member returning to the classroom or joining York for the first time, I want to wish you the very best as we begin the 2019-20 academic year.

This is York’s 60th school season and our community has much to celebrate. But in embracing the York motto of tentanda via: the way must be tried, now is also a time for us to look ahead at the next 60 years, and think about how we can innovate to amplify the impact we are making on the well-being of the communities we serve.

At York, you are part of a university that excels in academic performance, scholarship, research and related creative activities. We also know that excellence requires support. Learn about the resources and services available to students, staff, and faculty to aid your growth and well-being.

Let me know what you’re looking forward to most this academic year at #YorkU on social media by tweeting me or tagging me on Instagram @YorkUPresident.

On behalf of all of us at York, I want to once again wish you the very best this academic year, and I look forward to seeing you on campus.

Weekend wrap: Football Lions defeated by Golden Hawks in tightly contested home opener

Lions logo
York U Lions

The York University Lions football team suffered a narrow defeat by a score of 18-10 at the hands of the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks in their home opener at Alumni Field on Labour Day Monday.

It was a defensive battle from start to finish as the two teams combined to put up just 613 total yards of offence and the 28 points. Defensive back Talik Ehouman and linebacker Damian Jamieson led the Lions with 7.5 tackles each, while defensive lineman Kwadwo Boahen was dominant all afternoon with four tackles, including 3.5 for a loss of 13 yards, and 1.5 sacks.

Alex Daley runs back an 82-yard punt return touchdown. Photo by Jojo Qian

The Lions got pinned in their end early and conceded a safety for the first points of the game. The 2-0 score held until just before the end of the opening quarter, when Nathan Mesher converted a 27-yard field goal for a 5-0 Laurier lead. More details on the York Lions website.

Rugby Lions begin season with big victory over Varsity Blues

The York University Lions women’s rugby team began the 2019 season with a lopsided victory over the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, winning 59-12 at Varsity Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The result was never really in doubt as the Lions scored just one minute into the game and built a 31-0 lead in the first half.

Lauryn Legerton scored the opening try and added another early in the second half to record 10 points on the day. Natasha Naismith converted six kicks and added a try of her own to lead all players with 17 points. More details.

Men’s soccer Lions held to scoreless draw with Gryphons

The York University Lions men’s soccer team was held scoreless in their first game of the season, as they tied the University of Guelph Gryphons 0-0 on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field.

In what always seems to turn into a physical matchup, this game was no different, with three yellow cards handed out and 14 fouls committed throughout the game. The Lions saw great defensive coverage from veteran defenders Josh Kiselyov and Francesco Sinopoli as Guelph was held to no corner kicks and two shots on net in the first half. More details.

Women’s soccer Lions drop season opener at home to Guelph

The York University Lions women’s soccer team fell to the University of Guelph Gryphons 2-1 in their season opener at home at Alumni Field on Saturday.

The Gryphons opened the scoring early in the first half with Victoria Hinchliffe finding the left side of the net in the 16th minute.

It was a tight contest leading into the second half. First-year forward Vanessa Santoriello would put the Lions on the scoreboard in the 64th minute of the second frame. The rookie buried the ball off of a save for her first career goal as a Lion. More details.

Discounted GO Transit fares are available for all full-time undergraduate and graduate students

GO bus on Keele Campus

All full-time undergraduate and graduate students at York University are eligible to receive a discounted fare of up to 22.5 per cent OFF the regular adult fare when they ride GO Transit.

To receive the discount, students must have an activated PRESTO™ fare card and a GO Transit Student Identification (ID) Card in addition to their YU-card.

The GO Transit Student ID Cards are valid for the school year, but to be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time in both the fall and winter semesters. (Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for the GO Transit Student ID Card.) There is no cost for the GO Transit Student Identification Card.

Applying for the card is easy and can be completed online. During the application process, students have the option of receiving their card by mail or they can pick up their cards at the Parking & Transportation Services Offices on the Keele and Glendon campuses. (For the Keele Campus office, go to the William Small Centre. Glendon students should visit the Glendon Greenhouse at the Glendon Campus).

Students who take GO Buses to York University’s Keele Campus will be dropped off at the Highway 407 Station. From there, they must take the subway to either Pioneer Village Station or York University Station to access the Keele Campus. Students will be required to pay the TTC fare. Currently GO Transit offers a discounted double fare (DDF) with the TTC. Students will pay $1.50 instead of the full $3 when they transfer from GO Transit buses to the subway and use the PRESTO™ card.

Two subway stations, the Pioneer Village Station and the York University Station, serve as transit hubs for the Keele Campus. York region buses, YRT/VIVA operate out of the Pioneer Village Station on the north side of Steeles Avenue. From there, York University students can connect to the TTC subway to the York University Station, or cross Steeles Avenue to access the Keele Campus.

Brampton Züm buses service the Keele Campus from Ian Macdonald Blvd.

York University will continue to share updates received from the various transit service providers with the community. For more information, visit the Transportation website.

New cloud computing certificate set to launch in January 2020

Canada’s first fully online certificate in cloud computing strategy will launch at York University’s School of Continuing Studies in January 2020. The new continuing professional education program is being created to meet the need for highly skilled cloud architects and consultants who can work across industry lines.

The School of Continuing Studies at York University has assembled a team of influential business leaders from the public, finance, education, commerce and technology sectors to guide the creation of Canada’s first fully online Certificate in Cloud Computing Strategy.

Canada’s first fully online Certificate in Cloud Computing Strategy will launch at York University’s School of Continuing Studies in January 2020. The new continuing professional education program is being created to meet the need for highly skilled cloud architects and consultants who can work across industry lines

Starting in January 2020, the new continuing professional education program will meet the growing demand for highly skilled cloud architects and consultants who can work across industry lines. The specialized task force, or program advisory council, is collaborating with the School of Continuing Studies to ensure that students graduate the program with the crucial mix of technical and cross-functional (or “human”) skills needed to succeed now and in the shifting future of work in Canada.

Taylor-OReilly
Tracey Taylor-O’Reilly

Employers hiring for jobs in cloud computing are increasingly demanding people who not only have the technical skill to create a compelling business case and understand the various available cloud service models, but who can use critical human skills like analytical thinking, negotiation tactics and communication skills to move a successful cloud adoption forward. It’s this unique blend of competencies that will give graduates a competitive edge for roles like cloud architect, cloud consultant or cloud strategist in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), across Canada and the U.S. These types of jobs have recently increased more than 300 per cent in the GTA alone, according to Burning Glass Technologies.

“The future of work is vastly different than anything we’ve seen before,” said Tracey Taylor-O’Reilly, assistant vice-president of Continuing Studies at York University. “With changes in technology shaping what employers are looking for when they hire, the need to close the impending skills gap is critical. Our graduates leave our programs with the deep skills they need to excel in their job functions, as well as the broader skills to collaborate across teams and affect lasting change within their organizations.”

This collaborative engagement with industry leaders is a critical step in the way the School of Continuing Studies at York University develops its program roster – the resulting curriculum and learning outcomes are sure to be on-trend and responsive to the realities of a job market that’s increasingly affected by emerging technologies and automation. With members from the Ontario Pension Board, the LCBO, Amazon, RBC, Deloitte, Microsoft and TD Canada Trust, the Certificate in Cloud Computing Strategy task force (advisory council) assembled by the School of Continuing Studies is giving back to the community at large, training the types of candidates they want to hire for their own organizations.

Michael Eubanks
Michael Eubanks

“Cloud platforms and apps drive growth and the vast majority of IT enterprises have at least one application in the cloud,” said Michael Eubanks, LCBO’s senior vice-president and chief information officer, and advisory council member for the Certificate in Cloud Computing Strategy. “Investments are soaring, year over year. As the momentum continues, it will be critical for technology-dependent industries to recruit and retain cloud-centric skills and talent.”

The Certificate in Cloud Computing Strategy rounds out an expanding list of 24 certificate programs offered by the School of Continuing Studies at York University, designed to prepare Canadians for success in emerging and evolving careers. As the top recent technological change affecting the information technology field, according to Gartner (June 21, 2016), the cloud is changing the way companies do business.