York University is launching a fundraising campaign to establish the York Emergency Student Support Fund, which will provide essential financial support to those impacted by global conflicts and crises.

York University is an exceptionally diverse community, with students and scholars from around the world. Consequently, current and prospective members of the university community may be impacted by global conflicts and crises in several ways, including but not limited to involuntary displacement, destruction of homes, and loss of work.

With this in mind, York is launching a fundraising campaign to establish the York Emergency Student Support Fund, which will provide essential financial support to those impacted by global conflicts and crises.

“York is a supportive, inclusive, and caring environment that delivers superior student support and services,” says Susana Gajic-Bruyea, Vice-President Advancement. “When situations arise that put students at risk or in any kind of jeopardy, York endeavours to support them in many ways, including financially. Our goal with this fund is to enhance the financial support available to students when they need it most.”

The fund will help support students affected by conflicts, such as the ones currently happening in Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria, natural disasters, and other geopolitical events and crises. Specific criteria will be available once the fund is established.

“The York Emergency Student Support Fund will provide essential support to these students on an as-needed basis,” says Gajic-Bruyea. “With the support of donors, the fund will help ensure the most at-risk and affected students can pursue or continue their education safely and with much-needed financial support.”

To learn more about the fund or to make a donation, visit the web page.

Existing supports remain in place for students affected by international crises, including but not limited to:

• Financial Supports: including bursaries and tuition deferrals;
• Mental Health Supports: York's Student Counselling, Health and Well-Being office has counsellors and group supports available for students seeking mental health resources. For support in the evenings, on weekends, or anytime, all York students have access to KeepMeSafe, a free 24/7 service that offers online resources and supports as well as a phone line to connect to a mental health professional in their region;
• Academic Advising: Academic Advisors are available to answer student questions about courses, exam deferrals, leaves of absence (e.g. for supporting family, health reasons, etc.), or anything related to their study; and
• Visa and Immigration: International Student Advisor and Immigration Specialists are available to help answer immigration, visa, and study permit–related questions.