Monthly Updates: October 2024

OctoberWhat's New?

Invest in Our People

Acts of Resistance (AoR) is a feminist self-defence program for women and non-binary folks, combining psychoeducation and physical instruction, with instructors trained to adapt techniques for various physical abilities and tailor content to participants' needs. 

Learn more about The Centre's offerings
Most participants stated that they felt safer and more confident after attending this self-defence class.

Reinforce Our Foundation

Well-being Strategy

York’s Well-being Strategy has officially launched, taking a holistic, community-driven approach. This evolved strategy reinforces York’s commitment to fostering a positive environment for students, staff, faculty and instructors across all campuses and beyond!

Learn about the Well-being Strategy
The Strategy reflects the input of over 1,300 York community members, ensuring it addresses current needs and priorities through broad engagement for a truly representative and impactful approach.

SCLD supported the re-opening of the student-run Art Gallery inside Winters College which has been closed since 2020. The gallery is host to a variety of exhibitions, art-making workshops, artist talks and much more. This space is open to students, staff and the community.

Find out more
18
students participated in the most recent figure drawing workshop!

Impact the Student Journey

This new podcast series has students diving into critical topics and connecting with inspiring guests who share their stories and lessons! Each episode offers insights and guidance to students and student leaders on personal and professional growth, leadership and navigating life on our campuses.

Listen now!
Podcast episodes can be listened to on Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube.

In September, SCLD hosted their annual community welcome! This event highlights and celebrates diversity by building community through food, music and performances while connecting students with cultural- and identity-focused student organizations. 

Find upcoming SCLD events
2,400
interactions were collectively had with student organizations throughout the event.

YU Connect is York's online system for getting involved and engaging with student life at York. Students can join or start a club, connect with their student governments and discover events!

Visit YU Connect
425
student organizations have profiles on YU Connect.

Each year, students are encouraged to join, or start, a student club through SCLD. Registering as a recognized student organization at York gives clubs access to university resources, such as using campus space, club offices and access to university resources for meetings and events.

Explore clubs
89+
new club applications were received for 2024 to 2025.
SAVY supports back-to-school

SAVY played a key role in York's back-to-school communications once again, holding just short of 3,000 conversations with students in the last two weeks of August and first two weeks of September. More than 1,000 of those conversations happened in the first week of September.

Learn more about SAVY
In addition to the nearly 3,000 conversations SAVY held, another 90 conversations were held in September by SAVY’s new generative AI version, scheduled to replace the existing bot this fall.
Understanding situationships and dealing with rejection

During Consent Action Week, The Centre hosted an engaging sharing circle where we delved into the complexities of situationships and offered valuable insights on navigating rejection, managing emotions, setting boundaries and enhancing communication.

Check out past and upcoming events
All participants shared that this event helped them understand relationships/situationships better than before.

During this month's workshop, participants grounded themselves through the healing elements of nature and experienced the art of planting. 

Learn more about The Centre
All participants reported feeling happier and more relaxed following this session.

The Centre hosted a pleasure-based event that celebrated self-discovery and joy. Over 400 people engaged in discussions focused on sensuality and creativity while connecting with others in a safe and supportive environment. 

Find upcoming events
The majority of participants found this event to be interesting and informative.

The recent art therapy event welcomed thirty participants who were eager to improve their well-being. Through a mindful clay activity, we explored stress and mindfulness, allowing everyone to express themselves creatively.

Find out more about The Centre
85% of participants reported feeling more connected to their community after the event. In our feedback surveys, 90% of attendees stated that the sessions helped them better manage stress.
Diversity & Inclusion Career Day

On Tuesday, October 1, the Career Centre and Black Excellence at York University (BE YU) hosted Diversity & Inclusion Career Day. Here, BE YU's student success mentor leads had the opportunity to facilitate a workshop for participants.

Explore BE YU
BE YU student success mentor leads hosted a leadership workshop titled Leadership Coaching, focusing on the core coaching components for leaders.
LSS reaches numerous populations during Orientation through workshops, tabling & special events

During Orientation, LSS engaged with parents, families, international students and students with disabilities about how we help support student academic success. Across five workshops, health and science students learned time management and reading strategies to enhance their learning skills.

Check out LSS
500+
students interacted with LSS in-person during Orientation.
ACMAPS/YUMSO connection event for mature students

New mature students were invited to a mix-and-mingle event with ACMAPS staff, peer mentors, transition coaches and the York University Mature Student Organization (YUMSO) executive members. Students made connections and developed a sense of belonging within the community.

Learn more about the event
50%
of registered students attended the event.

This Month @ Markham is a monthly newsletter created to foster a sense of community among students, faculty and staff while providing timely updates on information that students need to know such as campus news, events, resources and achievements.

Learn more
This Month @ Markham provides concise, informative and engaging content tailored to our campus community.
Athletics & Recreation Strategic Priorities Refresh: Leaping Forward 2025

Athletics & Recreation shares its 2-year strategic priority refresh: Leaping Forward 2025. The six priorities demonstrate A&R's commitment to program excellence, athlete experience and community engagement serving our large and diverse student population.

Read more
These priorities are closely aligned with the Division's commitments, foundational lenses and values.

Student Accessibility Services hosted Get Set for Success welcome weeks. Sessions helped students set up their academic accommodations and navigate York supports.  

Explore SAS
136
students participated in the fall term Get Set for Success program.