York & U is an electronic newsletter for applicants and prospective applicants to York.

Applying to Fine Arts, Nursing (Post-RN only), Social Work or the Schulich School of Business? This is a reminder that supplementary information forms and evaluation due dates are coming up. Check out the deadlines.

Admission to York’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program is highly competitive. Most programs require an evaluation or audition as part of the application process. This may include filling out a questionnaire and providing a portfolio or performance sample depending on the program to determine whether or not you’re a good fit for the program you’ve applied to.

Once we’ve received your Fine Arts application, we’ll send you information about the evaluation or audition process via e-mail or regular mailing depending on the program you applied to. You should visit the Fine Arts Web site to find out whether you will automatically be sent an evaluation package or will need to download an electronic version yourself. You'll find the questionnaires and evaluation information on the site. There is no supplemental evaluation required for the BA in Art History, BA in Dance (Society, History, World Dance) or the BA in Film (History, Criticism and Theory).

Here is some information to keep in mind for this process:

• The supplemental evaluation fee is $40 (CDN) for the first Fine Arts program you apply to. All evaluation fees must be paid by money order.
• If you apply to more than one Fine Arts program, each additional evaluation will cost $25 (CDN).The fee is separate from, and in addition to, your original application fee.
• If you’re serious about Fine Arts at York, you should book your evaluation or audition appointment as soon as possible. Visit the Fine Arts Web site for evaluation information and possible dates.

Submit a supplementary information form as part of the admission process. This process, for which there is no extra fee, is required as these programs want to review more than your grades.

Supplementary information forms are your opportunity to tell us about your achievements, leadership skills, volunteer work and why you’ve chosen to apply to the program you have. Remember to double-check the due dates for these applications with the program you’ve applied to.

For tips on providing great supplementary information, check our list.

A year (or even less!) after graduation, you can find York grads leading and succeeding in their fields. Here’s a sample of some Fine Arts grads who have gone on to shine brightly in their careers.

York Visual Arts grad Margot Whitfield (BFA ‘04) was featured in the 20th annual Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour in September 2004. Margot’s works in textile, silkscreen printing, painting, and bronze help her to express her intentions and ideas, not just to offer aesthetic beauty. “It was at York that I developed a keen interest in learning, which drove and continues to drive my enthusiasm for contemporary art,” says Margot. Margot also works as an education officer at the Koffler Gallery Centre of the Arts in Toronto and as an assistant technician part time at the Art Gallery of Ontario, setting up materials for educational programs.

Hugh Gibson barely got out of his convocation gown when his success hit. Twice a winner of the President’s Creative Writing Prize in screenwriting from the University, the York Film & Video grad (BFA ’04) found himself taking part in the Kodak-American Pavilion Intern program at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2004. By September, Hugh’s grad film Hogtown Blues was making the film festival rounds. “Toronto, the setting of the film, is home to scores of refugees, many of them doctors and teachers who mop floors and work on assembly lines just to survive. Among them are a single mother and her estranged father who must confront their dark and rugged past," said Hugh. Hogtown Blues has been screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, Montreal World Film Festival and the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival among others.

Conall Pendergast will graduate from York’s Film & Video program in Spring 2005, but he’s already making his way in the field of film. Also chosen for the prestigious Kodak-American Pavilion Intern program at the Cannes Film Festival, he found the experience gave him more confidence. “As I learned about other film schools from other interns,” says Conall, “I realized that York gives you more freedom, you’re able to produce more films and work on more projects.” Conall has also produced two independent horror films – screened at the Chicago Horror Film Festival and the Baltimore MicroCineFest among others – and he will release his first comic book in January.

Wendi Marchioni, Film & Video grad (BFA '04), won the Kodak Director Award at the Montreal Film Festival in 2003 for her third-year film "Winter Days". The award got her to Cannes 2004 and a spot in the Emerging Filmmakers program. As one of 28 international student filmmakers in this program, and the only Canadian, she was given an all-access pass to the festival to attend screenings and events. Wendi says that York gave her the tools she needed to find a job after graduation. "York gives you the ability to actually make films and build a portfolio," says Wendi. She now works as a Production Coordinator for Steam Films.

Stefanie True (BFA ’03) has been taking her singing voice abroad. This year, the York Music grad joined the Bach Festival Ensemble, a 60-voice choir, which took the stage at the Bach Festival in Stuttgart, Germany under the baton of one of the world’s leading choral conductors. But her success began earlier. Immediately after graduation Stefanie successfully competed with 800 other singers from around the world for a spot in the prestigious Britten-Pears Young Artist Program in Aldeburgh, England. Between this accomplishment and her European excursion, Stefanie has been part the Elmer Iseler Singers, a 20-voice chamber choir, recognized as one of Canada's leading ensembles.

York Dance grad Tracey Norman (BFA '03) tells us that in May 2004 she had the honour of being asked to complete her work Waving from the Inside for the Season Finale of Series 8:08, held in Toronto’s historic Distillery District. Tracey’s choreography has also been shown at the Celebrate Toronto Street Festival, fFIDA 2003, the Junction Arts Festival, the Small Potatoes series and A Choreographer’s Ball. Throughout her recent successes, Tracey has kept her ties with York. “The dance faculty are incredibly experienced in the field and continue to support me in my endeavours,” says Tracey. “I made connections with teachers and fellow students at York which continue to grow and whom I know I can count on for years to come.” Currently Tracey is creating a work which will be shown at several venues before its final production in June of 2005 at the Dancemakers Centre in the Distillery District.

We encourage all applicants to apply and submit documents well before our stated deadlines. Review this chart for details. Note that meeting deadlines and minimum admission requirements is not a guarantee of admission.

February 21, 2005 - Various scholarships for Canadian applicants
February 21 is the deadline for many of our entrance scholarships for Canadian applicants (Canadian citizens and permanent residents). Now’s the time to start thinking of applying since the application itself requires time to prepare.

March 15, 2005 - The Global Leader of Tomorrow Award
This award, valued at $10,500 (CDN) and renewable for four years, is one of our most prestigious scholarships devoted to international students (who will be attending York on a Study Permit). Complete eligibility requirements and an application can be found online.

There are always a wide variety of events planned for York students. Here are just a few of the events happening this month to give you a taste of life on campus and the services we provide our students. Some of them are open to the public; call ahead if you'd like to attend.

Canadian Writers in Person
Karen Mac Cormack
Thursday, January 13, 2005
7pm
These readings, free and open to the public, celebrate the talents of Canada’s finest authors and introduce students to some of the best contemporary Canadian fiction and poetry.

Dance in the Making
Saturday, January 24, 2005
5pm
Strate Dance Studio Theatre, Goldfarb Centre for Fine Arts
The Department of Dance in the Faculty of Fine Arts invites curious students and would-be dancers to Keele campus. Experience first-hand dance in the making during the York student choreographic workshop. Free admission. For more information…

Subversions
Thursday, January 29, 2005
6pm to 9pm
Lecture Hall A, Computer Science and Engineering Building
The Department of Film and Video is offering a free screening of nine independent short films including documentary, drama, animation and experimental genres. Followed by a group and panel discussion, this series focuses on the use of new digital media. For more information…

The Master and Margarita
January 23 to 29, 2005
7:30pm
Joseph G. Green Studio Theatre, Centre for Film and Theatre
Imprisoned for writing a subversive novel, a writer is separated from his secret lover. Then a shadowy figure appears to shake up the state of affairs. This theatrical adaptation of Bulgakov’s novel embraces all of the original story's elements of romance, art, religion, humour and history. For more information…

For more information about events at York. . . .

As exam time looms, there is the usual gathering of students inside the library . . . and wait a second, outside too? Just outside York’s main library, the sounds of music and fun were luring students to rest and relax before exams. The Stress-Buster Carnival was in full swing!

“Everyone is stressed out right now, getting ready for exams. We want to give them a few hours of the day to relax and decompress,” says Prashanna Kantharasa of York is U, our student-alumni group. “If they feel good, they’ll want to learn.”

York is U presented the fall Stress-Buster Carnival on the last day of November, just in time for some much needed fun. With video games, demonstrations, free massages and carnival games, the all-day event was a buzz of activity. Held again in the winter for the second set of exams, the Carnival is put together by volunteers who know it’s important to get some time to relax. Visitors were treated to martial arts and breakdancing demonstrations and information about how to stay healthy and happy while studying. “Everyone is really enjoying it,” said Prashanna. “The free massage and the carnival games are a big hit.”

Are you a wiz at economics but crave the atmosphere of an art gallery? Well, business and art can mix – just ask the Arts and Media Management Club. Their goal is to help students on their way to becoming managers and directors of cultural fields such as the performing arts or the media. Based on the Arts and Media specialization for graduate students at the Schulich School of Business, the Club provides networking opportunities and events to undergraduates as well. They also build links between students in business and art and organize panel discussions and social activities.

If you want to spark your creativity, then the Creative Arts Students’ Association (CASA) may be for you. CASA brings together Fine Arts students from all departments (dance, music and more) for social events and arts projects. As a member, you may find yourself taking part in an open mic night at the CASA Coffeehouse. Or beautifying the fences surrounding current construction projects on our growing campus! CASA also provide grants for student artistic works. “We are basically building the roots for our younger colleagues and future artists,” says CASA exec Philip Travelho. “This is important because we already see pathways that are leading to change in artistic thinking and process within our current students.”

Want to know more about the student clubs and organizations on campus?

Jay Solomon
Fourth-year student, Political Science, Faculty of Arts/Faculty of Education

Jay Solomon can’t keep his trap shut. Nor should he – it’s the tool of his success.

He’s a motivational speaker and for the past five years he’s been visiting groups across Toronto giving energetic presentations, speaking out against bullying and school violence and sharing his message with teachers, parents and students. “I find it rewarding to speak with people,” says Jay. “I’m not talking at them, but talking with them. Talking about these issues will lead to answers, talking is how we begin to break down barriers.”

Jay’s own motivation comes from personal experience. In his youth, Jay was bullied. By the age of 17, he'd had enough. Jay’s presentations and views on the subject have caught much attention. He’s been featured by numerous media outlets and has even self-published a book about the subject. He also serves as the Youth Coordinator of the Canadian Initiative for the Prevention of Bullying.

Most recently, Jay launched a brand new online magazine for young writers called Right2Express. Through his speaking events and work with schools, Jay was frequently asked how students might be able to build their self- esteem. Also noticing the lack of forums for youth to talk about issues, Jay realized that he could “develop an avenue where young people will have the right to express themselves.” Though just in it infancy, Right2Express has staff writers and plans to expand.

Jay does all this while attending York. “York has allowed me to be who I am,” he remarks. “York has been supportive of my initiatives, especially the Faculty of Education.” As for life after school, Jay says although he will be qualified as a teacher, it may not be where he heads first. “It’ll be in the realm of educating people, but I’ll keep speaking and writing because I find that exciting.”

Want to volunteer?
Peace by PEACE
Voices for Children
Kids Help Phone Line

Want to write about it?
Right2Express