Study Abroad, Tech Careers & Halloween Fun: October @ LA&PS
October 8, 2026 Issue
As Reading Week and midterm season approach, take time to connect, explore and recharge. From Spirit Day celebrations and study abroad opportunities to engaging lectures and research events, there’s plenty happening across LA&PS this October.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the resources and supports available for your academic success and well-being.
Wishing you a restful long weekend and a productive Reading Week, Lions! 🍂📚🦁
In this issue
Appointment of LA&PS Dean Sarita Srivastava
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Sarita Srivastava has been appointed dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), effective July 1, 2027.
Professor Srivastava is the dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science at OCAD University, professor of sociology and founding director of the Global Centre for Climate Action. Throughout her career, she has championed innovation, collaboration and meaningful institutional change, bringing extensive experience in academic leadership, strategic planning and community engagement.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Sarita Srivastava to this new role!
February 2027 Graduates: Apply to Graduate by Oct. 31
Planning to graduate in February 2027? If you’ll be completing your degree requirements this academic term, apply to graduate by Saturday, Oct. 31.
If you experience any issues with your application, contact the Degree Audit Team at degaud@yorku.ca before the deadline. Please note that February graduates are automatically invited to the next Convocation ceremony, typically held in June.
Not sure you’re on track? Connect with your Academic Advisor to review your degree requirements and graduation plans.
October graduates: We want to hear from you!
Class of October 2026, this one’s for you! Tell us about your York experience, proudest achievements and plans for the future for a chance to be featured on our LA&PS social media channels.
DM us on Instagram by Friday, Oct. 9 to join the celebration!
Spirit Day
Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 20 for Spirit Day and celebrate this year's theme, Make Connections!
Stop by the LA&PS table from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Ross Link to connect with fellow students, make friendship bracelets and pick up some giveaways.
Fall Well-being Week
Well-being Week has arrived! Explore the many dimensions of well-being through activities and events designed to help you prioritize your wellness. Visit the Well-being website for the full schedule. Events are offered both in person and online through Friday, Oct. 9, with a variety of times available.
York First Friend Mentorship Program Celebration
Join us as we recognize our upper-year mentors for their support and dedication in welcoming first-year international students, while celebrating mentees as they mark their first few months at York and in Canada.
Past mentors and mentees are also welcome to attend. To join, email sarahc85@yorku.ca.
📅 Thursday, Oct. 15 | 2 – 3:30 p.m. | McLaughlin Senior Common Room – MC 140
Academic & Communication Excellence Development (ACED) Certificate Program
Boost your academic and professional confidence with the Academic & Communication Excellence Development (ACED) Certificate. Tailored especially for international students, this program helps you master class discussions, group collaboration, presentations and research skills. Join our upcoming workshop:
Writing Matters: Strengthening Your Academic Voice
📅 Wednesday, Oct. 28 | 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Online via Zoom | Register Here
Study Abroad Next Summer
Interested in turning your summer into an unforgettable academic adventure? See the world with the LA&PS Summer Study Abroad Program. Earn credits while exploring new cultures, gaining valuable professional skills and international experience, and building connections that can support your academic and career goals. Applications are now open!
Want to learn more? Join the virtual information sessions to explore Summer 2027 course offerings in Portugal, Italy, Germany, Madagascar, Japan, Costa Rica, England and Vancouver. Explore program details, application timelines, costs and more.
📅 Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 12 – 1 p.m. | Virtual on Zoom
📅 Thursday, Oct. 29 | 12 – 1 p.m. | Virtual on Zoom
Connections: Student & Alumni Mixer – Careers in Tech
Explore opportunities in the tech industry with York alumni working across a range of roles and sectors at Connections: Student & Alumni Mixers. Learn about current industry trends, like the use of AI and cyber technologies. Hear firsthand perspectives from professionals, explore diverse career paths and gain practical guidance for your future.
📅 Thursday, Oct. 22 | 7 – 9 p.m. | The Community Hub – Room VC 001 | Register Here
Sociology Lecture Series: Celebrating the Book
Anti-Asian Racism and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada
Join the co-authors of Anti-Asian Racism and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada as they draw on historical and empirical research to examine the revival of long‑standing racial stereotypes, their social impacts and the ways Asian communities have responded through resistance and solidarity.
Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 2:30 – 5 p.m. | Kaneff Tower – Room 519 | Register Here
First Year Lunch Breaks: Design a Bedazzled Canvas
Take a break and join us for a free lunch and a fun, creative activity! Design and bedazzle your own canvas using colourful gems, stickers and embellishments. Whether your style is simple and minimalist or bold and sparkly, you can create something uniquely yours.
It's also a great opportunity to meet other first-year students, spark new conversations and build connections in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 12:30 – 2 p.m. | McLaughlin College – Room MC 014 | Register Here
From Learning to Action: An Applied Learning Series for Future Social Service & Allied Health Professionals
Interested in social work, health and a community-based careers? Gain practical insights from experienced professionals into topics such as crisis response, mental health, housing, immigration and the justice system. Attend one session that interests you or take part in all five to earn a Certificate of Completion.
Session 1: Introduction to the Criminal Justice System in Canada
Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 1 – 2:30 p.m. | Keele Campus – Location confirmed upon registration | Register Here
2026 Vico Lecture – New Date
The Politics of Protection: Social Democrats and the Immigration Question in Interwar Canada
Join us for the 2026 Vico Lecture, featuring historian and McGill University Associate Professor Edward Dunsworth. This lecture explores how Canadian social democrats navigated complex questions about immigration, worker protection and social justice during the interwar period.
Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 7 – 8:30 p.m. | Senate Chamber, Ross Building North – Room N940 | Register Here
Uruguayan Cultural Film Series: Amina
Join us in celebrating Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month with a free screening of the charming, animated film Anina and a virtual Q&A with director Alfredo Soderguit.
Thursday, Oct. 22 | 4:30 p.m. | York Lanes – Room 280N | Register Here
LA&PS Get Spooky
Get spooky with LA&PS during an afternoon of Halloween fun! Test your skills in our Halloween escape room, get creative with spooky crafts and enjoy festive games and activities. You can also unwind with therapy animals, including bunnies and reptiles, for a unique and relaxing experience.
And of course, no Halloween celebration would be complete without free pizza and candy! 🍕🍬🐰🦎🎃
Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 12 – 3 p.m. | Founders Assembly Hall – Room FC 152 | Register Here
Ask Me Anything: Prof. Edition
Professors are cooler than you think. Don't believe us? Drop by our tabling event to chat and ask your questions!
Wednesday, Oct. 28 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Vari Hall Rotunda
DCSS Fall Social
Something Spooktacular is Brewing at DCSS. Calling all Dean's Circle of Student Scholars (DCSS) members! Take a break from classes, assignments and midterms and join us for an afternoon of fall fun. Enjoy pumpkin decorating, Halloween-themed games and trivia, hot chocolate, treats and opportunities to win prizes for your creativity and spooky knowledge.
Thursday, Oct. 29 | 2:30 – 4 p.m. | Ross Building South – Room S802
Watch your email for registration details!
ScALE: The Fifth Annual Alchemy Lecture
Join Professor Christina Sharpe, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Black Studies and an internationally recognized group of scholars, artists and researchers for ScALE, The Fifth Annual Alchemy Lecture. Together, they will examine how scale shapes our understanding of climate change, sovereignty, migration, borders, Indigeneity and liberation.
Thursday, Oct. 29 | 5 – 8 p.m. | Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre | Register Here
AI, Business, and the Future of Work
AI is transforming every industry, but success in the workplace will always depend on human skills. This interactive workshop explores how to build the communication, strategic thinking, personal branding, entrepreneurial and marketing skills that will remain valuable no matter how technology evolves. Gain practical insights and strategies to help you stand out and thrive in your future career.
Tuesday, Nov. 3 | 1 – 3 p.m. | Founders College – Room 305 | Register Here
Sociology Lecture Series: Celebrating the Book
Pandemic Urbanism: Infectious Disease on a Planet of Cities
Join professors S. Harris Ali and Roger Keil as they discuss their book and explore how pandemics reshape urban life and governance. Drawing on historical and multidisciplinary insights, the authors offer a critical perspective on cities, public health and social change.
Wednesday, Nov. 4 | 2:30 – 5 p.m. | Ross Building South – Room S802 | Register Here
Beyond the Bachelor's: Is Grad School for Me?
Interested in graduate studies but don’t know where to start? Attend our upcoming information session to learn more about applications, expectations and opportunities. Connect with a graduate recruitment officer, hear firsthand experiences from current LA&PS graduate students and get answers to your questions.
Wednesday, Nov. 4 | 12 – 1 p.m. | Online via Zoom | Register Here
Reminders
Visit the Writing Centre: Need support with your writing? The Writing Centre offers help with essays, presentations, exams, reports, reflections and more. Book an appointment today.
Academic Hones-TEA: Do you have a plan for assignments? Don't wait until the last minute. Reach out now to set up writing, research and study support with SNACK, PASS, York University Libraries and more!