Start Strong this Winter Term...Stay in the loop with The Scoop!
January 15, 2026 Issue
Hey Lions,
Welcome to the winter semester! We hope you're keeping warm on this snowy day.
For returning students, you already know how to stay in the loop. For those who are new, here’s the scoop – literally! The Scoop is a bi-weekly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox, packed with everything you need to stay connected in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS). From student life, events and volunteer opportunities to academic tips and career resources, The Scoop is your go-to guide for making the most of your time at York.
Want even more updates? Follow us on Instagram @yorkulaps to see what’s happening in between newsletters.
We’re excited to see what the new term brings!
In this issue
Start Strong YU
Start the winter term with confidence. Explore the Start Strong YU website for resources, campus info, FAQs and more to help you feel prepared and supported as you begin the semester.
Last Day to Add a Winter Term Course and Course Permission Request Information
Thursday, Jan. 15 is the last day to add a Winter term course and have unrestricted access to the registration and enrolment system. Please review Important Dates for Fall-Winter 2025-2026 and connect with your Student Success & Academic Advisor if you’d like to discuss your academic plan. Also take note of the Refund Table information if you’re dropping a Winter term course.
If a course is full or restricted, you will need to contact the academic department offering the course to see what your options are (e.g., be added to a waitlist, ask for permission to enrol). The Course Contacts website will provide you with department contact information. Please note that not all departments offer waitlists for full courses.
When emailing for course permission, be sure to include the following information in your request:
- Name
- Student ID number
- Course Code (i.e. SOSC 1000) and Section
- Course Catalogue #
Please note that Academic Advisors are not able to provide permissions for restricted or full courses.
Last Chance to Apply to Study Abroad in 2026!
Have you been thinking about studying abroad this summer? This is your final chance to apply for a LA&PS Summer Study Abroad course before applications close on Friday, Jan. 23 at 12 p.m.
All admitted LA&PS students are guaranteed to receive up to $1,500 in funding to support their participation.
Available faculty-led courses are:
- Managing for Sustainability in Costa Rica, Las Nubes EcoCampus
- Anthropology Through the Visual in Lisbon, Portugal
- Greece: A Modern History in Athens, Greece
- The History of Globalization and Port Cities: Hamburg in Hamburg, Germany
- Changing Natures: Environmental and Social History in Costa Rica, Las Nubes EcoCampus
- Culture, Democracy, and Development in Africa II in Ghana
Visit the LA&PS Summer Abroad website for application details and course information. If you have questions, please email us at studyabr@yorku.ca or follow us on Instagram.
LA&PS Summer Study Abroad Info Sessions
Learn more before you pack your bags — visit the LA&PS Summer Abroad website or attend an info session to learn more about course offerings, application timelines and procedures, program policies, payment structures and more.
📅 Every Wednesday until Jan. 21 | 12 – 1 p.m. | Online via Zoom | Register Here
Student Supports
As you transition into the new school year, we encourage you to take full advantage of the resources and supports available to help you succeed academically, advance your career goals and maintain your well-being.
Complete Your Financial Aid, Awards & Scholarships Profile
New semester = more free money!
Don’t forget to log into the FAAS app to update your profile and financial needs information to be matched with eligible awards and bursaries for the winter term!
Featured Award: Martin and Maria Singer Study Abroad Award
The Martin and Maria Singer Study Abroad Award, valued at $2,000, will be awarded to a full-time continuing undergraduate student enrolled in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies who is participating in one of York's international exchange or study abroad programs. To be eligible recipients must have a minimum GPA of 6.0.
Winter Awards & Scholarships Information Session
Want to learn how to maximize your Financial Aid, Awards & Scholarships (FAAS) profile to be matched with eligible awards and bursaries? Join us for the Winter Awards Info Session to learn how to navigate the FAAS app, how to search and apply for awards and scholarships, and to ask any questions you may have.
📅 Wednesday, Jan. 21 | 1 - 2 p.m. | Online | Register Here
LA&PS Summer 2026 Co-op
Interested in joining the LA&PS Co-op Program for Summer 2026 to test-drive your dream job, earn some cash and explore awesome career paths? Good news – applications are open until Friday, Feb. 6, so take the next step and apply!
The first step is to complete the Co-op Information Session, where you will get an overview of the program, eligibility requirements, student responsibilities and the supports available to help you succeed.
Register for the self-paced Co-op Information Session on eClass. Register Here
Have Co-op Questions?
If you have questions, or need help getting started, you can attend a Virtual Group Drop-In Advising Session. Login to Experience York and navigate to Co-op & Internship Program > Co-op Events to find the next available student drop-in. No registration needed.
You can also book a 10-minute one-on-one appointment with your co-op coordinator. Spots fill up fast, so be sure to book early!
Eat, Play, Chill!
Are you a first-year LA&PS student looking for a midweek break? Eat, Play, Chill has you covered! Join us every Tuesday for free lunch, games, creative activities and good vibes. Come for the lunch, stay for the community and make Tuesdays your chill day with LA&PS.
📅 Every Tuesday starting Jan. 20 | 12 – 3 p.m. | LA&PS Community Hub, Vanier College Room 001 | Register Here
Winter 2026 Career Fair
Join us for the opportunity to connect employers, explore career paths and find part‑time roles, summer jobs, internships and full‑time positions after graduation. Boost your networking skills, level up your resumé and feel confident heading into the Career Fair with our prep sessions. Registration is required.
📅 Thursday, Jan. 22 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building | Register Here
VCP Presents: BIPOC Artist Hub – Free Art Installation
VCP’s BIPOC Artist Hub is thrilled to announce their free art installation! Artists and designers from our BIPOC Artist Hub have put together dynamic pieces focused on the theme LOST/FOUND that will be on display throughout the month of January, Monday through Friday. Stop by to get an exclusive look at the featured art exhibits in advance of the Hub’s Art Showcase.
📅 Jan. 13-31 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Vanier Renaissance Room, Vanier College Room 001 | Get Your Tickets
VCP Presents: BIPOC Artist Hub Showcase – LOST/FOUND
Also don’t miss our BIPOC Artist Hub Showcase! Experience meaningful, passionate and interesting art, interactive exhibits and performance pieces surrounding this year’s theme, produced by our artists and designers. Join us at the showcase!
📅 Jan. 30-31 | 7 – 9 p.m. | Vanier Renaissance Room, Vanier College Room 001 | Get Your Tickets