York University is enhancing how students can contribute to campus life through a new engagement network that expands on the success of the President’s Ambassador Program and is designed to bring more student voices into University initiatives, events and conversations.
Applications are now open for students interested in joining the York University Student Engagement Network (YUSEN) pilot, taking place from January to April 2027. Current undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply.
The President’s Ambassador Program, launched by the Office of the President in 2018, gave student volunteers opportunities to serve as representatives of the University, share their perspectives with the president, attend high-profile inernal and external events, and support community events, including Spirit Day.
Introduced as a pilot, YUSEN aims to build on that foundation with a simplified, accessible model and application process designed to engage more students.
Members of the new network will have opportunities to support events, collaborate with students and senior leaders, participate in focus groups, surveys and discussions about the student experience, access mentorship, and contribute to pilot projects and student-focused initiatives.
“The student engagement network reflects our commitment to creating more pathways for students to engage in university life beyond the classroom,” says Lisa Philipps, interim president and vice-chancellor. “While the President's Ambassador Program successfully engaged a small cohort of student leaders each year, the new network allows us to welcome a much broader group of students and create a stronger culture of engagement across the University.”
Program leads Judith Owusuaah and Cassandra Çoçja say the York University Student Engagement Network presents students with an experience that helps develop professional and interpersonal skills while contributing to University initiatives at York’s campuses and in the community.
“Through the network, we want to engage students from all faculties, campuses and experiences," says Owusuaah.
“Students will gain valuable experience that will benefit them in the future,” adds Çoçja.
Those interested can learn more about the network and application process on the York University Student Engagement Network web page. Applications are open until Nov. 30.