The YU Explore program is a network of support provided to Undeclared Major (UNMA) students that fosters the academic and personal growth necessary for future success across all programs. Through peer-to-peer mentorship, consultation services with Academic Advising and informative workshops, you will gain the necessary skills and insight to make an informed decision about what major best suits your strengths and passions.
As an UNMA student, you will be automatically enrolled into an eClass that acts as a hub for all YU Explore information, resources, events, links and mentorship communication. The page will act as a consolidation of supports, like a "one-stop-shop" for the UNMA cohort and YU Explore Team as it will house all workshop dates and links, mentorship groups and updates for the Team.
On this page:
Co-Curricular Record Certification
As you develop important university skills through participation in this program, we want to ensure you are given credit. After successful completion in April you will receive a Co-Curricular Record (CCR) recognition on your transcript! The CCR is your official directory of paid and unpaid opportunities beyond the classroom that highlight your skills for employers, graduate and/or professional programs, and for grants and bursary applications.
The requirements to meet the completion of this program are:
- Attend two Academic Advising appointments (one in the Fall and one in the Winter semester);
- Attend one YU Explore event and;
- Complete a one-on-one check-in with your assigned Peer Mentor.
YU Program Supports
Academic Advising
Our YU Explore Program promotes the resources offered by the Academic Advising Team in Vanier College specifically geared towards supporting the UNMA cohort of students. Through one-on-one consultations and informative workshops, the Academic Advising team is here to answer academic questions our student population might have.
Peer Mentorship
The wisdom offered by successful upper-year students is invaluable towards helping the UNMA population create effective and positive academic skillsets that are necessary to achieve their personal goals and succeed in their pursued path. The Peer Mentors are essential in cultivating a sense of belonging and inclusion by meeting twice a semester with their cohort, offering drop-in times and conversing weekly through the eClass portal.
Informative Workshops
A large part of the Program is delivering relevant and informative workshops catered to supporting the experience of first-year UNMA students. Many of these events will be in collaboration with College partners such as the Academic Advising Team, Learning Skills Services, Ready Set-YU Team, other LA&PS colleges, the Career Centre and many more.
YU Explore Checklist
This six-step checklist will help guide you through the program.
Step One
Connect with a Peer Mentor
YU Explore Peer Mentors are a group of upper-year students who have a wealth of knowledge about campus resources and university life. If you are feeling a little lost, have questions, or need advice, connect with your Peer Mentor! Feel free to email apresu65@yorku.ca to get connected and for more information.
Step Two
Meet Your Academic Advisor
Academic advisors are trained specifically on how to help Undeclared Majors through their first year. Visit Academic Advising in the fall semester to be sure you are in the right courses and on the correct path to declaring a major.
Step Three
Attend a Learning Skills Workshop
Learning Skills offers monthly workshops, drop-in support, online resources and tips to assist you academically, help you identify where you need support and work with you to improve your skills. Connect with a Learning Skills Peer online, or visit the second floor of the Scott Library.
Step Four
Visit the Career Centre
As an Undeclared Major, you may be having difficulty making a commitment and choosing a major. Don't worry – the Career Centre will help you identify your strengths and passions, and align them with a degree program. The Career Centre offers many in-person and online workshops, career planning, job postings, online resources and opportunities for networking.
Step Five
Meet Your Academic Advisor – Again!
You are in the winter semester of your first year, and you are either ready, or getting ready to make a choice. Before the winter semester ends, meet with your academic advisor one last time to ensure you have all the necessary requirements and find out how to properly declare your major. Academic Advising can also help you if you are not feeling confident enough to make a decision.
Step Six
Declare Your Major
Have you completed 24 credits? Have you met with the Career Centre? Have you met with Academic advising? Then it seems you are ready to declare your major!