Coming to graduate school can be a massive transition for many students—from international students coming to a new country with a different culture, to domestic students who can be away from home for the very first time.
To ease the transition this year, the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) hosted a series of four events—to compliment individual program orientation sessions—to ease incoming graduate students into their new life here at York.
Starting in June, and lasting for the summer, incoming students were invited to four sessions: You’ve been admitted! What’s Next?, in mid-June; Finding Your Way Online at York!, in mid-July; and Discover Graduate Supervision at York!, in mid-August. Those were followed by our GRAD@York—Orientation for Incoming Grad Students on September 3, before classes started.
A photo of students participating in a seminar on campus.
“York is known for its interdisciplinarity and we believe this matters as much outside the library, lab and classroom as it does inside,” Alice MacLachlan, Vice Provost & Dean, Graduate Studies, said. “So if you're just starting a degree in Health I encourage you to check out something in AMPD. If you're beginning your career in education maybe see what public lectures or events are offered by Lassonde, by Engineering.”
MacLachlan added, “The more you can diversify your range of perspectives, awareness and sense of community on campus, the more ideas and opportunities become visible on your horizon. So as you take in all these new things and the beginning of a phenomenal program structure and learning opportunity, take a moment to consider ‘what do I want to accomplish with my degree’?”
In the June event, You’ve been admitted! What’s Next?, incoming students were walked through the processes of how to accept their offer and how to submit required documentation to fulfill any final conditions. They also received information on disability accommodations available to graduate students, setting up Passport York and email accounts, how to register for academic terms, how to enroll in courses and getting a YU card.
Since not all the participants were in Toronto at that point, they were also presented with information on the cost of living in Toronto, transit options for travel, health plans and services and attending GRAD@York, FGS orientation.
In the July event, Finding Your Way Online at York!, participants received an overview of the various web platforms at York that students have interaction with. These include, registering online, enrolling in courses, the FGS website, graduate program websites, York University’s events calendar, the Better Together website for creating inclusive and welcoming campuses, the different appointment booking portals, the incoming class Facebook group, and more.
In the final pre-arrival event, Discover Graduate Supervision at York!, held in mid-August, participants explored the role supervision plays in graduate studies, highlighted was how supervision shapes the student learning experience. Specifically designed for new graduate students, the session examined the Ontario Principles for Graduate Supervision and focused on student responsibilities. Presenters included current grad students.
Participants were given tips for effective supervisor-student relationships, do’s and don’ts for understanding expectations and how to make the most of your supervisory experience. The goal of the session was to help the new students get started on a successful graduate school journey.
September’s GRAD@York Orientation was an opportunity for the new students to meet with members of the FGS team and campus partners to learn about the different academic and administrative resources and services available to support the graduate journey.
A photo of students sitting at a table outside in nice weather on a York University campus.
Besides Dean MacLachlan, FGS staff were on hand to discuss graduate student wellness services, funding, scholarships and awards and professional skills opportunities. Closing remarks were given by Tokunbo Ojo, FGS Associate Dean, Students.
Campus partners on hand to discuss their services included York University Libraries, Teaching Commons, Student Accessibility Services, the Office of the Ombudsperson, York University Graduate Student Association (YUGSA), CUPE 3903, Centre for Indigenous Students Services (CISS), Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-Time Students (ACMAPS), Athletics & Recreation, Food Services and York International.
“For many of you, the goal in graduate school is to create something new, some new research, some new understanding, some new solution to a problem, or some new tool for the world,” Dean MacLachlan said in her welcome message.
“In that way in creating something new I want to encourage each of you not to be afraid to think of yourselves as the future of knowledge creation here at York.”
Anyone unable to participate in our pre-arrival webinar series, please find the recordings on the FGS YouTube channel:
- Pre-Arrival Webinar #1: So You’ve Been Admitted! What’s Next?
- Pre-Arrival Webinar #2: Finding Your Way Online at York!
- Pre-Arrival Webinar #3: Discover Graduate Supervision at York!
Wishing all our incoming students the utmost of success as you navigate your first year here at York University. Please know alongside your graduate programs, FGS is here to help!