Transitioning to University

We offer a variety of programs throughout the year to help you, your family and support team plan and prepare for you to transition from high school to university.

Find the support that's right for you:

Prospective students
Summer before your first year at York
In your first year
Strengthening Transitions for Autistic Students

Prospective students

For students

Transition Tuesdays

Transition Tuesdays is a free virtual workshop designed to help students feel confident and prepared for the transition to university life.

Go to Transition Tuesdays

Registration Open House

Registration Open House is a virtual information session about Student Accessibility Services, supports, and registration.

Go to Registration Open House

Academic Accommodations and University

Academic Accommodations and University is a workshop designed to help high school students and their families understand academic accommodations, available supports, and the transition to university.

Go to Academic Accommodations and University

Strengthening Transitions: Information Sessions for Autistic Students and Their Families

Strengthening Transitions is an information session for Autistic students and families preparing for post-secondary education.

Go to Strengthening Transitions

Do you have an Individual Education Plan?

Visit our Fall Campus Day and Spring Open House booth to learn about available supports and services and prepare for the transition to university.

Go to Do you have an Individual Education Plan?

For parents and families

Information and tools to support your student's transition to university.

Go to Guide for Parents and Family

For high school teachers and service providers

Professional development and transition planning resources for educators and service providers.

Go to Service Providers Workshop

Summer before your first year at York

Project ADVANCE

Project ADVANCE (PA) is a workshop and event series designed to help set you up for success as you begin or continue your studies at York.

Go to Project ADVANCE

Language & Learning Seminar

Course Description (LLS 1000)

This six-credit course provides essential academic strategies, self-advocacy tools and campus resources to assist students with disabilities in successfully navigating university life.

Through a combination of reflection, skill development and exposure to assistive technologies and wellness strategies, students will build confidence in their academic journey.

About LLS 1000

LLS 1000 is a 6.0-credit course designed to support students in building the academic, personal and self-advocacy skills needed for university success.

Course Information

Course Title: Language and Learning Seminar (LLS 1000)
Credits: 6.0
Focus: Academic success, self-discovery, wellness and self-advocacy

Who should take this course?

This course is primarily intended for first-year students with disabilities who are transitioning to university studies at York. Students at other academic levels may also enrol.

Course Schedule & Location

Language and Learning Seminar Course (LLS 1000) 2025/26

Schedule: Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Delivery format: In-person
Location: York University, Keele Campus

What You'll Learn

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Understand various methods of course evaluation used by instructors.
Access and use campus resources to support their academic journey.
Develop effective learning and study strategies.
Integrate assistive technology into academic work.
Apply wellness practices that support academic success.
Strengthen self-advocacy skills through reflection and practice.
Explore disability, inclusion and advocacy perspectives.
Adopt a growth mindset that prioritizes learning and personal development.

Course Content

Fall Term

The fall term focuses on self-reflection, academic skills development and understanding the university environment.

Topics include:

Reading, note-taking and study strategies
Time management and test preparation
Academic integrity and citation practices
Self-advocacy and disability theory
Intersectionality and universal design
Human Rights and accessible education
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

Winter Term

The winter term focuses on wellness, academic writing and career readiness.

Topics include:

Managing academic stress and maintaining well-being
Academic writing and research skills
Developing a major academic paper
Disability and employment
Transferable skills and career preparation
Workplace accommodations
Professional self-advocacy

Registration & Eligibility

To enrol in LLS 1000, students must:

Be registered with Student Accessibility Services
Obtain permission from the course instructor

Ready to apply?

LLS 1000 Enrolment Request Form

Strengthening Transitions for Autistic Students

Strengthening Transitions supports autistic students as they transition from high school to university life. The aim is to provide comprehensive support for students to thrive academically and socially, while emphasizing the importance of mental health and well-being. We continue to shape an environment that is responsive and adaptive to the needs of autistic individuals and their support people at York University.

This program, supported by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, is a testament to York and Ontario's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. We are proud to say that our efforts have contributed to improved student retention, graduation rates and overall academic achievements, contributing to a culture of inclusivity that paves the way for other institutions.

For additional information about the Strengthening Transitions Service, contact program coordinator Raymond Peart at rpeart@yorku.ca.

Students: Your journey starts here
Collaborating with Families and Service Providers

Students: Your journey starts here

Embarking on your post-secondary education is an exciting step, and we're here to make sure you're not alone in this transition. Strengthening Transitions empowers autistic students through personalized academic skills coaching, designed to amplify your unique strengths and enable you to thrive within the university environment. Strengthening Transitions includes:

personalized guidance on transitioning to post-secondary education for you and your supports (parents, families, service providers, etc.);
personalized academic skills coaching geared towards each student’s strengths; and
a network of peers and mentors to support your university journey.

Collaborating with Families and Service Providers

A family’s and service provider’s role in the educational journey of a student is crucial, and we recognize the importance of collaborating during the transition process. Our service structure ensures that you are well-equipped with the resources and understanding needed to continue your support.  We provide:

individual consultations to discuss the transition to post-secondary education;
resources to understand the barriers and intersectionalities students may face; and
workshops and events to prepare for the academic year ahead.

Strengthening Pathways to Success for Autistic Students

The Strengthening Transitions program supports autistic students entering university. Working with Student Accessibility Services (SAS), we provide:

transition support from high school to university life;
one-on-one academic coaching tailored to your strengths;
help setting up accommodations and connecting with campus resources; and 
support for families navigating university systems.

 A note about language and identity:

People use different terms—autism, ASD, autistic, person with autism. We respect your language choices and use the terms you prefer. 

Our Pillars

Academic Accommodations

We facilitate equitable access to learning by working with students and faculty to develop academic accommodation strategies and support conversations about classroom accessibility.

Student Empowerment and Self-advocacy

We provide guidance for autistic students and their support networks, help you build a network of peers and mentors and offer self-advocacy resources and skills-building opportunities.

Find Your Starting Point

We’re here to provide you with a clear pathway based on your specific situation. Choose the option that best represents your specific situation.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to program coordinator Raymond Peart (rpeart@yorku.ca) or Student Accessibility Services (sasinfo@yorku.ca). We’ll help connect you with the right resources.

I’m exploring my diagnostic assessment options.

Your next step

Contact the York University Psychology Clinic (YUPC) for assessment information, options and resources. 

Go to York University Psychology Clinic

I have documentation and am looking for academic support.

Your next step

Contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to set up an intake meeting and review options for academic accommodation. 

Go to Student Accessibility Services

I need counselling and/or mental health support.

Your next step

Contact Student Counselling, Health & Well-being (SCHW) for counselling and wellness programming. 

Go to Student Counselling, Health & Well-being

I’m a faculty member looking to strengthen my classroom environment.

Your next step

Contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for consultation and guidance regarding academic accommodations and teaching, or reach out to program coordinator Raymond Peart (rpeart@yorku.ca) for more information on the Strengthening Transitions program.

Go to SAS Faculty page

Connect with Confidence

York provides many campus resources dedicated to supporting you throughout your post-secondary journey.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

SAS helps students navigate the disability-related supports available that can help you succeed in your studies. This may include: 

personalized academic accommodation planning ;
access to assistive technology ; and/or
ASL interpretation and note-taking .

Go to Student Accessibility Services

Student Counselling, Health & Well-being (SCHW)

SCHW provides health and well-being support that helps students develop their potential and manage the demands of university life. Through SCHW, you can find: 

counselling and support groups ;
health services and education ; and
well-being resources .

Go to Student Counselling, Health & Well-being

York University Psychology Clinic (YUPC)

YUPC works with clients to help them build their authentic sense of self and achieve their personal goals. YUPC services* are provided by graduate student clinicians and registered psychologists. Through YUPC, you can find:

comprehensive psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments;
individual and group therapy; and
an autism mentorship program.

Go to York University Psychology Clinic

*Assessment and therapy services through YUPC operate on a fee-for-service basis. Sliding scale options ensure accessibility of services. Extended health benefits are accepted.

Autism Mentorship Program (AMP)

Mentors are graduate-level university students, most of whom have a background in psychology. Through this mentorship program, you can access:

one-on-one mentorship to help build a sense of belonging within the academic and social settings of university life; 
group workshops based on, and tailored to, the interests of students; and 
social activities that are based on student interests, provided in a welcoming environment.

Go to Autism Mentorship Program

Transitioning to University

Transitioning to University

Prospective students

For students

Transition Tuesdays

Registration Open House

Academic Accommodations and University

Strengthening Transitions: Information Sessions for Autistic Students and Their Families

Do you have an Individual Education Plan?

For parents and families

For high school teachers and service providers

Summer before your first year at York

Project ADVANCE

Language & Learning Seminar

Strengthening Transitions for Autistic Students

Students: Your journey starts here

Strengthening Pathways to Success for Autistic Students

Our Pillars

Academic Accommodations

Student Empowerment and Self-advocacy

Find Your Starting Point

Connect with Confidence

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

Have a question?

Connect with York University