Monthly Updates

Division of Students Strategic Plan 2020-2025Monthly Updates

Curious about initiatives, projects, and updates across the Division of Students? Below is a month-by-month compilation of stories, reports, and achievements to celebrate progress, learnings, and success.

FebruaryWhat's New?

Invest in Our People

Recognizing colleagues across the Division of Students

In January, the Division of Students celebrated colleagues from across the division for their unwavering dedication to their work and the student experience. Colleagues were honoured for 15, 20 & 25 years of service at York. A heartfelt thank you to all those who reached these milestones!

14
colleagues were celebrated and recognized at the pinning ceremony for the Division of Students.

This event was an engaging and educational trivia night focused on consent and sexual health. Participants tested their knowledge through interactive questions covering topics like boundaries, communication, contraception and STI prevention. 

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Approximately 400 people attended the event, with a majority of participants actively answering questions and being very engaged.

Participants joined The Centre for a supportive workshop designed to help them understand and navigate the emotional impact of rejection. Through guided activities and discussions, attendees learned strategies to build resilience, boost self-worth and turn setbacks into growth opportunities.

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98%
of participants felt more equipped to handle rejection after the workshop.

Participants took time to pause, reflect and reconnect through guided mindfulness and journaling prompts. No experience was needed – just curiosity and an open mind!

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100%
of participants stated they would try to implement journaling in their daily lives after the session.
The more you know: STI Awareness tabling

Visitors stopped by to learn facts about sexual health and STI prevention in a friendly and judgment-free space. They explored resources, asked public health nurses questions and picked up free educational materials to empower themselves and their communities.

Discover The Centre's offerings
60
visitors came by the booth to learn more about STIs. 93% said they walked away feeling more informed and educated on the topic.

Reinforce Our Foundation

The Advising Community's appreciative approach to creating an Advising Framework published in peer reviewed journal

Cristina Bregar's "An Appreciative Approach to Strategic Planning" has been published in the Journal of Appreciative Education. The article explores the use of Appreciative Inquiry to support transformational change in higher education and highlights the creation of York's Advising Framework.

Read the article
100+
colleagues collaborated in the creation of the Advising Framework.
Markham Campus Multi-Faith & Reflection Room opening!

The Multi-faith & Reflection room offers a space for quiet prayers and introspection for the York University community. This space welcomes students, faculty and staff of any faith or religious background.

Learn more
The feedback from people using the space has been positive and some have expressed that they feel sheltered.
York's Student Advising journey profiled at Florida Atlantic University's Appreciative Education Conference

Spotlighting York’s journey, Cristina Bregar and Lara Ubaldi illustrated how appreciative advising and appreciative inquiry supported York University’s journey, from siloed and disconnected to the thriving, inclusive and responsive Student Advising Community that York has today. 

10+
years of community-building showcased.

Impact the Student Journey

Student Advising Community hosts Winter Pop-up Fair

In January, the advising community came together for a winter edition of the Pop-up Fair. Students had the opportunity to connect with advisors from across the institution to ask questions, learn about services and explore graduate studies and law school opportunities.

Learn more about advising at York
>680
students attended the Pop-up Fair.

The art therapy session combined artistic expression with therapeutic techniques to promote self-awareness, healing and personal growth – with a focus on painting. Participants expressed themselves, reduced stress and explored their emotions in a safe and creative space.

Explore The Centre
90%
of participants felt more relaxed and grounded after the activity.
Mark Cross Memorial hockey game

On January 25, the York Lions, alongside his parents, honoured former men's hockey athlete Mark Cross at the annual memorial game. Mark's memory lives on at York, and we all strive to embody the traits he was known for: Character, respect, optimism, sacrifice and selflessness.

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This year marked the fifth annual Mark Cross Memorial Day.

Create Our Future

McCall MacBain Scholarship - 3 York student finalists

The McCall MacBain selection committee recommended 3 York students to advance to the final interviews, from 700+ candidates this year!

20 students will be named McCall MacBain Scholars, which includes tuition/fees for eligible programs at McGill University.

Learn more about the 3 York University finalists
Every finalist will be eligible for either a fully funded McCall MacBain Scholarship or a $10,000 finalist award.