Initiatives by Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students

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Empowering your academic journey: elevate your experience with Black Excellence at York University

In February, Student Recruitment & Admissions invited BE YU to share information about the resources available through the program with prospective students. Scholarships & Bursaries also presented on the different ways to access funding and awards to ensure students have financial support.

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The information shared helped students learn about what is available to them at York.
Curls and Coils: Everything Black Hair

During Black History Month, the BE YU team hosted an event where they spoke about and celebrated Black hair. Guest speaker Natasha Sheppard, CEO and Founder of Kerl Beauty Inc. and Kam's Beauty Supply, joined the conversation and donated hair products to attendees.

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Speakers highlighted their unique and personal experiences associated with hair and its relationship with the Black community and society.
Presentation for Introduction to Gender & Women’s Studies

In February, Professor Beauchemin invited BE YU to the GWST 1502 6.0 class to give an overview of the program and services. Students learned about BE YU offerings, including events and workshops, which prompted some students to register for the program on the spot.

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BE YU presented an overview during the first 20 minutes of this LA&PS class – sparking inspiration.
Navigating Blackness in the workplace

A panel discussion, in collaboration with the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC), explored the empowering theme of Black voices. The three panellists shared their experiences, insights and strategies for overcoming challenges and thriving in academic and professional environments. 

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The panel included Masani Montague, managing director of Masani Productions, Muna-Udbi Abdulkadir Ali, assistant professor in EUC and Miquela (Kayla) Jones a second-year interdisciplinary student.
Count Yourself In: Pathways to Post-Secondary, Access and Training

Together, ACMAPS and the TD Community Engagement Centre offered a webinar for mature and part-time students. With Partnership for Education, Apprenticeship and Training, students received guidance on their path to education and training from experts from across Toronto institutions.

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1,303
individuals registered for the event, and 465 prospective mature students attended.
Black student success: community building, networking and belonging at York

In January, BE YU and the Faculty of Health conducted a session on providing students with tips for navigating their academic journey. This session allowed first-year Black students to connect with other Black students in the York community.

This event introduced students to BE YU and to other resources we have for Black students.

The ACMAPS office and the York University Mature Students' Organization (YUMSO) hosted a connection event on Tuesday, January 23. This event allowed new mature and transfer students who entered York for the winter term to meet with YUMSO executives, ACMAPS staff and peer mentors. 

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The event provided a warm welcome for 11 incoming mature and transfer students and allowed them to connect with their peers.

In November, the BE YU team and mentees came together for a day filled with fun and laughter at the first social event of the term, Tea, Tunes & Talks, held at EUC’s Black Community Space. BE YU thanks EUC for the hospitality, as this has sparked a future partnership with more events to come.

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This event highlighted how BE YU has impacted the student journey, allowed mentees to see their mentors outside of the office environment and strengthened their relationships.
Transfer students get customized transitional support at Winter Orientation

On January 5, Transfer Credit, LA&PS Advising and ACMAPS came together to welcome newly admitted transfer students and support them with their transition to York. This session provided an understanding of transfer credit assessment and tips on academic success.

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Students showed interest in engaging with campus services after attending the event, with one participant stating "This was a great session!"
Welcoming students to Black Excellence at York University

In August, Black Excellence at York University (BE YU) hosted an event filled with recognition, networking and inspiration for incoming students. Keynote speaker Fikayo Aderoju talked about his journey to post-secondary, and panelists shared insights about their time as students at York. 

This event reinforced our EDI commitment in the Division of Students, and made a impact on transition and the student journey for incoming Black students.
Welcoming new mature and transfer students

The Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students (ACMAPS) welcomed new students during two orientation sessions in August. Students learned tips for success from current mature students, debunked myths about mature and transfer student learners and about a variety of resources on campus. 

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263 students joined Mature and Transfer Student Orientation online and 123 students attended Orientation in-person.
Introducing new transition coaches at ACMAPS

The Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-Time Students will be introducing a new initiative for summer 2023 to support mature, part-time and transfer students: Transition Coaches. The Transition Coaches program will assist new incoming students with next steps after they enrol in courses. 

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The coaches will support mature, part-time and transfer students for the first time this year.

Black Excellence at York University (BEYU) presented at the BSA Highschool Conference, Celebrating Black Joy & Brilliance, hosted by the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora in May. BEYU's session presented York University myth-busters and a student panel discussion.

This session positively impacted the student journey for high school students who are considering York University.
Launching the Black Excellence Network: A Community of Practice

The Black Excellence at York University (BEYU) team launched the Black Excellence Network: A Community of Practice on April 19. It brings together members of the York community and community partners who aim to create and sustain conditions where Black Students are seen, supported and celebrated.

The network impacts the student journey by building a network of people, knowledge resources and activities that responds to the needs of Black Students at York.
Supporting newly admitted transfer students

The Atkinson Centre for Mature & Part-time Students (ACMAPS) led six sessions for new transfer students, collaborating with campus partners, including Recruitment & Admissions and LA&PS Academic Advising. The most impactful session was Newly Admitted: The Transfer Process with the Faculty of LA&PS.

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89% said the sessions were relevant, 100% had vast awareness of the transfer process, 89% understood the program checklist and how credits are allotted and 88% valued learning about ACMAPS
Building resilience among students with parenting responsibilities at ACMAPS

In February 2021, ACMAPS teamed up with the York University Psychology Clinic to host Building Resilience During the Pandemic, a workshop on setting priorities, coping with stress, and building optimism for students with parenting responsibilities.

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100% of evaluation respondents reported the event was relevant to their needs, 89% said they felt better equipped after attending the session, and 89% will be able to use what they learned.
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