Transitioning to University

Programming for Incoming Students

Workshops and Events

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. 

All high school students and parents (or other support persons) who have questions or concerns about the transition to university for students with disabilities are invited to attend this session. This workshop is for you, your family and support team to ask questions about the transition to university.

You will learn about:

  • Documentation required to access academic accommodations;
  • The supports and accommodations available through Student Accessibility Services at York;
  • Transition planning.

This workshop will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. on the dates listed below. To participate, click on the links below: 

Questions? E-mail us at projecta@yorku.ca.

This informational sessions are designed for grade 10, 11, and 12 students who are Autistic and planning to attend post-secondary, as well as their families. High school educators and support staff are also warmly invited to participate.

Why Attend?

  • Understanding the realities of transitioning to post-secondary education for students and families.
  • Accessing academic and non-academic support services.
  • Developing strategies for academic success.
  • Learning from current York University students about life on campus.
  • Building independence and fostering confidence.

In-person Session:

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 9am to 1pm
Location: York University, Keele Campus
Registration: Strengthening Transitions Registration Form (In-person Session)

Please note: The last day to register in this session is Friday, February 13.

Virtual (Zoom) Session:

Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Time: 7 to 8pm
Registration: Strengthening Transitions Registration Form (Virtual Session)

Please note: The last day to register in this session is Tuesday, March 3.
 

Have questions? Reach out to us at projecta@yorku.ca.

Do you have questions or concerns about the transition to post-secondary studies for students with disability-related IEPs?

We will have a booth at Fall Campus Day and Spring Open House to help high school students, families, and their support team with the transition to university.

Come say hello and learn about:

  • which documents you need to register with our office
  • types of support we offer
  • planning for life at university

Visit the Future Students website to register for Fall Campus Day or Spring Open House.

Student Accessibility Services at York University offers a 3-hour workshop to high school service providers (such as teachers and guidance counsellors) and clinicians who work with students preparing to move on to university. The focus of this workshop is the transition to university for students with disabilities.

Topics of discussion include:

  • Academic accommodations at post-secondary
  • Medical/psychological documentation needed to access academic accommodations
  • Registration with our office
  • Overview of supports and services available through our office
  • Disability related financial information such as the Bursary for Students with Disabilities

This workshop will take place via Zoom on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 9am to noon. The session will be recorded and emailed to participants.

Registration

Please register online before November 28. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the workshop.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the workshop.

Questions? Email us at projecta@yorku.ca.

WHEN: Monday, August 18 to Friday, August 22, 2025  

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.

As a PA participant you will have the opportunity to:

  • Discover strategies to thrive at York University
  • Engage with university-level material and develop strategies for new academic expectations 
  • Navigate York’s Keele campus and learn about the many supports and services available  
  • Develop self-advocacy skills 
  • Develop and enhance strategies to support your wellness 
  • Meet a community of peers and start building your campus network
  • Learn about Assistive Technology (AT) that might be useful during your studies
  • Engage with eClass, the main online teaching platform used at York, before classes start

PA has been designed for students with disabilities making the transition from high school to university, however, any student registered with our office is welcome to take part in a workshop or event.

To participate, complete the Project ADVANCE Application Form. The application deadline is Monday, August 11, 2025.

Students will receive a certificate of completion for participating.

Not registered with Student Accessibility Services?

Register with us early to take advantage of our summer programming! Information about how to register with our office is available on the New to Our Office page of our website.

Questions? Please contact lnovak1@yorku.ca.

Join Us for Transition Tuesdays: Your Guide to Starting University Strong

Are you a new university student, or a parent supporting one, wondering what to expect this fall? Join us for Transition Tuesdays, a free virtual workshop designed to help students and families feel confident and prepared for the transition to university life.

In this one hour session, we’ll cover what to expect in your first year, essential skills for academic success and how to connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) if you require academic accommodations. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn how to get the right support from the start.

Whether you're feeling excited, nervous, or somewhere in between, Transition Tuesdays will give you the information and guidance you need to start the school year off right.

Register today and take the first step toward a strong university transition!

Student Accessibility Services provides individualized academic accommodation planning and support to students with learning disabilities/disorders, chronic health and mental health conditions, a neurodiversity (ADD, ADHD, autism), traumatic brain injuries, physical or mobility disabilities and/or sensory disabilities. Attend this session to learn about the supports and services offered through Student Accessibility Services and how to register. Sessions will take place virtually (via Zoom). Students, parents and/or support persons are welcome to attend!

Strengthening Transitions

Strengthening Transitions supports Autistic students as they transition from high school to university life. The aim is to provide comprehensive support designed to create spaces 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 and Universities, 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, check out our Strengthening Pathways to Success for Autistic Students webpage or contact program coordinator Raymond Peart at rpeart@yorku.ca.

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
  • A network of peers and mentors to support your university journey