In February, the BE YU and ACMAPS teams collaborated to offer the first roundtable discussion about the Black mature student experience at York. Panelists shared personal stories and insights on the unique challenges and triumphs they encounter(ed) during their academic journey.

The movie night was designed exclusively for students who were looking to unwind and connect with fellow film enthusiasts. The film, Everything, Everywhere All at Once, focused on passion and purpose in life.

In October, BE YU’s male student success mentor leads hosted a workshop that explored Black men's grooming and its evolution. The workshop ended with a look at what Black men's grooming might look like in the future.

BE YU hosted a workshop facilitated by Byron Gray, manager, York University TD Community Engagement Centre and Greg N. Leslie, registered social worker, psychotherapist and consultant. The workshop focused on the challenges affecting Black men in our modern society.

During Well-being Week, ACMAPS and Student Counselling, Health and Well-Being offered two sessions catered to the population of mature students. One session focused on mindfulness and stress relief and another focused on virtual desk stretches. 

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.

The BE YU team had the honour of meeting Ryan Turnbull during his tour of the Jane & Finch Social Innovation Hub. The MP spoke to the group about his political career, received an overview of the BE YU Program and learned about the Black Student Summer Leadership Program students' project.

In August, BE YU's Welcome Event "Success: Recipe for Excellence" welcomed all Black-identifying students in anticipation of the upcoming term. The event included academic and professional workshops and keynote speaker Andrew Brown, student engagement coordinator with SCLD.

ACMAPS is pleased to announce the completion of two successful Mature Student Orientation sessions. New mature students were given the opportunity to learn the 5-factor model of resilience, practical techniques, campus resources and self-reflection to empower their academic journey. 

In July, a York 201 session for Black-identifying students was held. This session featured an interactive discussion from the BE YU team, an informative presentation from LSS and an insightful lecture by professor Maxine Wood. The day ended with an optional campus tour hosted by SCLD.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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 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.

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.