Learning Skills Services hosted a robust week-long training program for its peer team at the end of August. Participants built knowledge and practiced skills in learning science, inclusivity, presenting, facilitating and coaching. They also enjoyed live workshops, a campus tour and team building.

Staff shared an overview of LSS, highlighting services available to students and why learning skills are essential for university learners. Discussions covered best practices for making warm referrals, and how LSS and the Writing Centre could collaborate further to support student success.

At Peer Leader Training the team welcomed Matthew R. Morris, author of Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging as the keynote speaker, where he engaged in dialogue tying into the training surrounding identity, social location, and equitable leadership.

The Vice Provost Students provided a weekly opportunity for staff to come together to provide updates, take questions and receive feedback about supporting students during the labour disruption. These sessions provided colleagues time to connect and to tap into each others’ experiences and ideas.

The Vice Provost Students offered a de-escalation staff training with Student Support & Advising, and the community of academic advisors. The training supported preparedness for potential student escalations that may require intervention or effective referrals. 

OIPA's Data and Analytics Community of Engagement met for the second time to receive demonstrations of York's most common data dashboards, delivered by guest speakers from across the University. The community also viewed the new framework for strategic enrolment management.

In February, advisors from across the University came together for the 9^th annual YUAdvise Conference. Colleagues had the opportunity to learn, innovate and continue building the knowledge and skills required to achieve the community’s vision of becoming leaders in the space.

In November, OUR staff had the opportunity to learn about embedding DEDI into their work. Colleagues from Community, Supports and Services shared equity-informed student services, and staff discussed key initiatives through themes from York's DEDI strategy.  

OIPA launched the Data and Analytics Community of Engagement, with support from OVPS and Organizational Learning and People Excellence. The community provides a place for Faculty and staff to grow personal connections, and learn about York's data and analytics environment. 

The Division held an in-person Mini PD Conference with 8 Toronto colleges and universities. Participants had the opportunity to come together to share, learn and network. 26 presentations focused on student affairs, service supports, programming and training.

Learning Skills peers completed a week-long interactive training program in August which helped them build knowledge, skills and confidence ahead of beginning their roles. Topics included the science of learning, delivering presentations, peer coaching, creating inclusive spaces and much more. 

During the week of July 17, staff from across York engaged in a week of learning related to strategic enrolment management. Sessions explored evolving approaches and strategies in SEM (including the new SEM Framework), connecting across the SEM continuum and using tools and data to support work.

The Student Support & Advising team organized a day-long visioning retreat, reflecting on their inaugural year, formalizing values and engaging in teamwork. A balanced agenda, including strategic planning and community-building, promises exciting updates for the York community!

In July, the Centre collaborated with the Greenhouse to cultivate green thumb community members in a fun and inclusive environment. Participants grounded themselves with a tour of the greenhouse, picked out plants and learned how to properly pot and care for them.   

The Division of Students creates Learning Briefs to support professional development and on-the-job learning. Facilitating a successful focus group means more than reading a list of questions. Our Divisional Assessment Analyst has curated resources to help you gain the skills you need!

The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education collaborated with the on-campus Greenhouse to create a planting workshop for students, staff and faculty to help ground them during this busy summer season. There will be another workshop on Wednesday, July 26 from noon to 1 p.m. 

The Canadian Association of College & University (CACUSS) provides access to communities, publications, awards/recognition and more for those who work in student affairs in Canadian post-secondary institutions. Contact the Vice-Provost, Students at vpstudents@yorku.ca to register.

Management from the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) participated in an OUR Leadership Day. The group reviewed and updated the OUR Strategic Plan, prepared for change (e.g. implementation of projects within the Student Systems Renewal Project) and learned about leading positive change.

Learning Skills Services offered presentation skills training to student leaders of the York Orientation Directors Association. They learned strategies for achieving cohesion during group presentations, tailoring presentations to the audience, projecting confidence and overcoming nerves. 

The Division of Students creates Learning Briefs to support professional development and on-the-job learning. This month a new learning brief about peer-led learning groups and communities of practice is available to encourage connection between colleagues and stimulate learning.

Employees from the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) took the opportunity to connect, relax, and participate in several stress-busting activities at the OUR's first Drop-in Break Time on May 17. Stay tuned for future social and wellness activities for OUR employees.

The Office of the University Registrar’s Strategy, Planning & Projects Team recently launched an intranet for advising colleagues across the institution, an online website focused on sharing resources, upcoming development opportunities and key information to facilitate referrals between teams.

Athletics & Recreation hosted it’s fourth annual Women & Girls Leadership and Sport Conference in April. The conference featured a number of influential Canadian women in sport presentations under the theme, Aim High, Play Safe, with an emphasis on safety in sports.

Nona Robinson, Vice-Provost, Students, led an AMA to launch the summer term. Robinson shared more about herself, her vision for the future and answered pre-submitted questions over two sessions. Sessions were attended by over 75 staff with extensive engagement across the Division.

The second Core Concepts of Program Assessment & Evaluation workshop was held on March 29 to increase shared understanding of concepts identified in the CACUSS competency model. Staff were introduced to assessment and how it can be applied to their professional practice.

On Tuesday, March 28, the Residence Life team partnered with colleagues across the Division to host the Division of Students, Women In Leadership Panel. During the event, attendees learned from women in leadership roles, which was facilitated by Caroline Papple and Melanie Howard.

Staff are engaging in a five-part learning series on effective business writing. The sessions, presented by the Strategy, Planning & Projects Team with the Office of the University Registrar, focus on understanding and practicing simple and straightforward writing and writing with empathy.

On Thursday, February 23, & Friday, February 24, advising colleagues from across the institution came together for the 8^th annual YUAdvise Conference. Over 1.5 days, participants learned, shared & engaged in brainstorming focused on rebuilding connections & co-authoring the future of York advising.

The Division of Students encouraged all staff to complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) by Wednesday, February 1. In support of IDPs, a Divisional Learning resource was created to ease access to templates, questions & answers and divisional learning briefs.

The Office of the University Registrar (OUR) Professional Learning Calendar highlights learning activities that have been designed and curated for OUR staff based on six key learning areas. 

The first Core Concepts of Assessment workshop was held on November 23, with 28 staff members in attendance. Core concepts are identified in the CACUSS competency model. Staff increased their knowledge of assessment methods and learned why they are an important part of our professional practice.

Weekly walks, followed by a sit-down mingling session, are scheduled for staff to get to know each other, meet other colleagues in the Division, take a wellness break and get better acquainted with the new Vice Provost, Students.

The Office of the University Registrar (OUR) will launch a new way for staff to apply for Individual Professional Learning funding to support staff learning, development and growth. This builds upon  the completion of Individual Development Plans outlining staff learning goals for the year ahead.

In collaboration with campus partners, the OUR recently hosted the inaugural SEM Learning Days. Colleagues from across campus came together to share best practices in recruitment, retention and learned innovative approaches to support and build a stronger SEM competency across York University.

Student Counselling, Health & Well-being began its 36-month Sanctuary Implementation Project to increase sustainability of trauma-responsive practices in July. Training sessions focused on creating safe and healing environments for clients who have experienced chronic stress and adversity.

Almost 40 per cent of staff within the Division of Students attended the July Learning Days, hosted by the OVPS and volunteers from across the Division of Students. Attendees to the online and in-person event said they learned more about the division after participating.

Athletics & Recreation has partnered with the Jane and Finch community to host a NorthStar Community Emancipation Day Celebration on on July 31. This event will feature performances, keynote speakers, local vendors and a special basketball game.

A recent speaker series featured Jack Saddleback baring raw stories with humorous musings to uplift spaces for identities like his, a Cree, two-spirit, transgender gay man. Weaving experiences of personal resilience and community compassion, Saddleback inspires an intersectional holistic society. 

Members of the Residence Life team presented on the analysis of how the team implemented a PD portfolio for student-staff, incorporating pedagogical practice, theory and practical application, at the recent 2022 Ontario Association of College and University Housing Officers conference.

The 2nd annual York2York kicks off this June, as York U travels virtually around the world starting from our Keele Campus to our Schulich School of Business campus in India.

York University Athletics & Recreation hosted the annual Start2Finish run, which aims to help to break the cycle of child poverty through educational support, and celebration at York Lions Stadium, with special guest Yeo! 

"Finding your Flow" is an art therapy group where participants are welcome to make art and connect with each other in an online community. No previous art making skills or experience is required to join. Register by emailing thecentre@yorku.ca.

The Women and Girls in Leadership and Sport Conference brings together coaches, athletes, sport administrators and allies from across the country to be educated, empowered, and supported through a series of sessions by guest speakers.

York went live with issuing transcripts for students though MyCreds on March 30. This marks a reflection of the modernization of student services York is striving to achieve. This achievement was made possible through collaborations between staff and campus partners. 

Due to the success of January's Care Ambassadors Program, SCLD re-visioned the ASK ME Program. Stationed at four locations throughout York’s Keele campus, ASK ME ambassadors answered questions about wayfinding, campus services and York’s health and safety requirements. 

Staff learned about key findings from student journey maps developed last fall and how these findings have been applied (SAVY, SSRP and the website re-development project) during the Learning Days on Feb. 22 and 23. Participants contributed to interactive breakout sessions to pave the way forward.

The Division of Students is hosting multiple events during Black History Month (BHM), including, but not limited to: Black Excellence in COVID Times: Connections & Conversations Celebrating Black History Month; Career Resources for Black Students; Racialized Students Support Groups and more.

Join us as we celebrate, honour and reflect on the various journey’s our panelist have encountered, and how their resilience has moved them forward in healing. We welcome you to celebrate International Women’s Day with us as we create connection across communities.

The Art of Letting Go workshop encourages participants to explore different and creative ways to release stress. Attendees go through a series of process-focused art and mindfulness practices. No prior art experience is required to join this workshop.

This 10-part eLearning series, This Place: 150 Years Retold, was based on the groundbreaking and critically acclaimed graphic novel anthology. Each session guided participants through the stories that reflect a rich history of Indigenous resistance and resilience.

Student Community and Leadership Development partnered with The Centre for Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion to host a three-part virtual education series about recognizing, dismantling, healing and ultimately – “Unlearning Hate.”

Despite a challenging year, the Division of Students continues to advance York’s mission by providing services and programs that facilitates and fosters academic success, student development and an engaged community. The #BestOfYU 2021 YouTube playlist celebrates our successes and accomplishments.

As part of our commitment to building a community of care, the Care Ambassadors Program is designed to help all community members safely transition to being back at York. Ambassadors will help community members access general campus services and will promote York’s health and safety requirements.

Student Community and Leadership Development has partnered with The Centre for Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion to host a three-part virtual education series about recognizing, dismantling, healing and ultimately – “Unlearning Hate”.

This 10-part eLearning series, This Place: 150 Years Retold, is based on the groundbreaking and critically acclaimed graphic novel anthology. Launched this fall, each session guides participants through the stories that reflect a rich history of Indigenous resistance and resilience.

The Division of Students hosted Learning Days for staff on October 14 & 15, 2021. Staff learned about York University's student demographics, heard from a panel of Divisional staff about how they are living the Divisional values,  and worked across units to develop student journey and empathy maps.

SCHW's Health Education & Promotion team is offering two mental health workshops for staff and faculty. Navigating Mental Health Resources 101 & Mental Health 201 provides well-being resources and strategies to support students in their academic journey.

From October to December 2021, Art Therapy group sessions are available for all York University community members. Participate and explore the therapeutic benefits of art making, such as: self-expression, stress relief, relaxation, and much more!

This campaign, Kindness is the New Normal, is being celebrated and encouraged throughout the community during the months of October and November 2021.

SCLD, along with Black Student Associations and other student governments, held the first ever Community Welcome for Black students. The 2-day event included both virtual activities and an outdoor gathering for students to meet various communities on campus that support Black students.

The Office of the University Registrar (OUR) is developing strategic priorities, aspirational goals, and supporting actions that align with the Division of Student's Strategic Plan. OUR staff reviewed the draft OUR plan on October 14 and 15. The final OUR plan will be released in early November.

This is a semester like no other. One thing we all have in common is that we are all adjusting to a new normal. This adjustment all begins with YU. This fall, we launched the Kindness Campaign complete with tips for spreading kindness, a Kindness Toolkit, and a list of support services for students.

The Town Hall was held July 26, 2021. Questions about return to campus were answered by our Vice-Provost, Students, Special Advisor to the President for Academic Continuity Planning & COVID-19 Response, AVP, Human Resources & CHRO, & Executive Director, Resources & Strategic Planning.

The Division of Students Strategic Planning Days were held Aug 5 & 6 2021. Staff learned about and contributed to the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan through engaging in dialogue, reconnecting & working across units in the Division. More learning opportunities will be provided in October.

Fathers have had a lot on their plates during this pandemic. To provide a safer space for dads, The Centre is hosting weekly support groups starting on June 20 to connect, converse and share coping strategies about during these unprecedented times.

Student Counselling, Health & Well-being launched its inaugural Health & Wellness Student Needs Assessment Survey in June to better understand student perceptions on health and well-being services. Data from the survey will be used to evaluate and enhance services available to York students.

Hosted by the Fitness & Lifestyles Team, Athletics & Recreation invites students, staff and faculty to sign-up for a virtual journey to York’s Las Nubes EcoCampus in Costa Rica. Work together to travel the distance by walking, running, hiking, biking, blading, swimming, exercising, and more.

Mothering has been frontline work during this pandemic. To provide a safer space for moms, The Centre is hosting weekly sessions for moms to share, connect, support each other, build community, and discuss coping strategies.

York University Pride 2021 will be held on June 21-25, 2021, and will celebrate and honour Artists and Activism. The week of Pride is being organized by SexGen, with the support of The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support and Education and the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion.

Over the past year, the OUR engaged in an external review process that made various recommendations, including creating a strategic plan. Across the OUR, staff engaged in meaningful conversations about the process and the development of a strategic plan that is student centered and service focused. 

Throughout the 2020-2021 academic year, SCHW engaged in bi-monthly clinical consultations on the topic of anti-oppressive practice. In May 2021, guest speakers from CAMH facilitated a departmental workshop on supporting Black Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) and queer students.

The Centre for Indigenous Student Services continues to hold virtual beading workshops throughout the summer months for Indigenous students at York. Students learn a variety of beading techniques while building community and reclaiming culture. Facilitated by Marissa Magneson, a York alumna.

In April, the SCLD hosted the 12th Annual Peer Leadership Training Conference. Student leaders participated in asynchronous training modules, networking sessions, live workshops and an alumni keynote panel featuring some of York's Top 30 Under 30 Changemakers.  

We’ve accomplished a lot -- and it’s time for us to celebrate! Check out the 2-year report that highlights major accomplishments completed across the Division.

This year, York joined ARUCC to deliver digital documents to students through MyCreds - a trusted, centralized digital wallet that is easily accessible. This development is a critical step in modernizing our services to meet student needs and help them succeed, which is a central tenet of the UAP.