For the first time, EUC undergraduate students presented at the annual YUAdvise Conference in February 2026, a significant milestone, as students have not typically been featured as presenters at this pan-university event.
Through their session, Intentional by Design: Evolving Our Peer Mentor Program Experience, Peer Mentor Leads Alex Simon and Rachelle Abi-Najem co-presented alongside their supervisor, Pip Horne, Student Success and Academic Advisor. Together, they highlighted the thoughtful enhancements made to strengthen the Peer Mentor Program and the role peer mentorship plays in building connection, confidence, and early, timely support for students.
Reflecting on the experience: “It means so much to me that I had the privilege to represent the student voice in a conference with advisors. It makes me feel heard and trusted,” Alex notes.
Indeed, this milestone reflects EUC's ongoing commitment to ensuring students feel valued and empowered to contribute to institutional conversations, while also raising EUC’s profile by showcasing the leadership and impact of our students.
"We are incredibly proud of Alex and Rachelle for bringing visibility to this work, and equally proud of Pip for intentionally creating space for them to share the spotlight and highlight their leadership and contributions", says OSAS Director, Vina Sandher.
The YUAdvise Conference is an annual professional development event tailored for York University's academic advising, peer leadership, and student services community. The event features interactive workshops and collaborative discussions focused on holistic advising, student retention, and campus-wide strategic planning. Its impact is centered on shaping institutional advising strategies and fostering a robust "community of care" that directly enhances the student journey, improves academic success, and supports overall student well-being.
The EUC Peer Mentor Program is rooted in community by helping students feel seen, supported, and confident as they navigate their academic journey. Peer mentoring offers relatable guidance, timely referrals, and early support before challenges become barriers. The session explores how intentional outreach can boost student engagement, encourage early intervention, and support retention by creating a welcoming, holistic, and responsive support network for students.
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Also in April 2026, EUC held its annual Green Career Fair where EUC undergraduate students and alumni gather together to explore sustainability‑driven organizations, emerging professionals, and connect with York’s vibrant community. The Fair welcomed over 60 industry representatives and nearly 200 attendees, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations, networking, and career exploration. As emerging industries shift toward greener and sustainable practices, the event offered a welcoming space to share insights, explore new career opportunities, and network face-to-face with industry representatives, fellow EUC students, and recent graduates looking to make a positive environmental impact.
From York University’s sustainability champions to industries across the GTA to nationwide green industries, the Green Career Fair creates a close-knit community where students and alumni can find their place and discover where their passions might lead.
Reflecting on the experience, Thanh Dinh, EUC’s Experiential Education (EE) Coordinator shared, “The space was alive with curiosity and conversation…an inspiring hub where meaningful connections took shape through live stories of journeys, growth, and the courage to pivot along with an evolving industry… It’s a unique opportunity for our students to engage with York’s active partners who are seeking volunteers, interns, co-op students, and future talent, all while building intentional relationships that drive real impact in our communities.”
A central highlight of this year’s event was a dynamic 5-guest panel focused on navigating non-linear career paths. Demonstrating the true circularity of the EUC community, three of the five panelists were alumni who returned to campus to guide and support current students on their journeys.
The tangible impact of the fair was underscored by a fantastic success story: a newly graduated student from last year’s cohort who was hired by an employer they met right here at the fair. Now working in the field, they returned to the event from the other side of the table, offering advice and opportunities to the next generation of environmental professionals. Events like these prove that intentional networking opens doors to unexpected and rewarding career paths.
The Green Career Fair embodies EUC’s ongoing commitment to student and alumni success at every stage of their journey, providing the resources they need to feel guided and prepared and to step confidently into their futures. Attendees expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly appreciating the opportunity to connect with organizations and professionals who share their passion for sustainability and environmental change.