National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30

September 30 is a day that honours the survivors of residential schools and the children who never returned home as well as their families and communities.  

The York community is invited to come together to reflect and learn about the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Join us by attending one of the film screenings, Lunch ‘n’ Learn webinars and the University Commemorative Event on September 30.

Apply for Your YU-Card

Did you know your YU-card is your official York University student ID? A YU-card is now required to take midterms, tests and final exams.  

Your YU-card can also be used to: 

• Access library resources and services (digital journals/articles, books and printing) often needed to complete course readings, assignments and essays 
• Make quick and easy payments at campus eateries, retailers and the bookstore (including dining plans) 
• Take advantage of campus rewards and benefits 
• Get door access to certain buildings on campus 

Don't have a YU-card yet? The application process is completed online, requires a passport-style photo (taken on a phone) and takes 3-5 business days to approve. 

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 with your academic success, career development and well-being.

LA&PS Peer Mentors Are Here to Guide You

Starting university can feel overwhelming — especially when you're unsure about how to ask for help or where to find it. That’s where a Peer Mentor comes in.

Whether you're wondering: 

• How to ask your TA or professor for feedback on a test or assignment 
• What to say in an email when reaching out for academic support 
• Where to go for writing help — and how early you need to book appointments 
• What academic integrity really means in university 
• How to take notes effectively during lectures 
• Or even how to find on-campus services that match your needs... 

A LA&PS First-Year Experience Peer Mentor can help! Peer Mentors have been through it all and are ready to help you figure it out. 

Start Strong at York with the First-Year Experience eClass!

New to LA&PS? The LA&PS Colleges First-Year Experience (FYE) team is here to support you with a dedicated FYE eClass exclusively for first-year students. Inside, you’ll find the First-Year Handbook — your go-to guide to help you navigate campus resources, get pro-tips and help you go from stress to success!  

If you have any questions, book an appointment with a Peer Mentor, or email the FYE Team at lapsfye@yorku.ca

Visit the Writing Centre

The Writing Centre is here to help you tackle your course work before things start to pile up. Our team is available for all your editing needs — essays, assignments, exams and more. Whether you prefer asynchronous or synchronous, we’re here to give you the one-on-one substantive feedback that’ll make your work the best it can be.  

Check out our Instagram @yorkuwritcentre for all the latest news and updates.  

New Online Ethics Review System

In October, York will begin rolling out YU Ethics Review  — a modern, secure and user-friendly software platform for managing the ethics review process for research. The new system will streamline submissions, reduce administrative burden and improve turnaround time for researchers.  

Visit the YU Ethics Review portal to learn more, access training resources and prepare for the transition. For questions, contact the Office of Research Ethics at ore@yorku.ca.

2SLGBTQIA+ Support Group

Student Counselling, Health & Well-being (SCHW) is partnering with the Nellie Library to offer a monthly drop-in support group for York's 2SLGBTQIA+ community. SCHW counsellors who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community will facilitate this group to create a safe, confidential and positive space where stories can be shared and support given. Important topics include coming out, gender and sexuality, finding safe spaces on campus, managing stress, connecting with broader community supports and self-care. If interested, please register. 

📅 Every second Wednesday of the month starting October 8 | 2:30 – 4 p.m. | Founders College, 204 (Nellie Library)

Boost your skills with the Academic and Excellence (ACE) Certificate!

The Academic and Communication Excellence (ACE) Certificate Program is back for another academic year! Strengthen your academic communication skills, excel in collaboration and become career ready with the ACE Certificate. 

Your University Toolkit: Thriving in a New Environment

Whether you're new to university or looking to enhance your skills, this ACE Certificate workshop will equip you with essential skills to start the semester strong. Learn how to manage your time effectively by breaking down course syllabi, creating a structured schedule, while also improving your study strategies through targeted notetaking and retention techniques. Plus, discover key campus resources to set yourself up for success in your academic journey. 

📅 Thursday, Sept. 25 | 4 – 5:30 p.m. | Virtual  

📅 Wednesday, Oct. 1 | 3 – 4:30 p.m. | York Lanes, 280A 

Fall Faculty Meet & Greet for International Students

Join us at our annual Fall Faculty Meet & Greet for International Students and connect with your Associate Dean of Global & Community Engagement and LA&PS professors in a relaxed setting. Learn how to make the best of your time at York, while enjoying some free snacks!  

 📅 Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 4:30 – 6 p.m. | Senior Common Room, Founder College 305 

LA&PS Co-op Applications Are Open!

The LA&PS Co-op Program lets you test-drive your dream job, earn some cash and explore awesome career paths — all while still in school. 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 Information Session on eClass. 

LA&PS Co-op Program Drop-in Sessions

Have questions about co-op? Join the LA&PS Co-op team during virtual office hours and meet co-op coordinators who can answer your questions and provide advice. Upcoming virtual sessions:   

📅 Friday, Sept. 26 

📅 Tuesday, Sept. 30 

📅 Wednesday, Oct. 1 

📅 Friday, Oct. 3 

📅 Tuesday, Oct. 7 

📅 Wednesday, Oct. 8 

Ask Me Anything: Meet the Co-op & Experiential Education Team 

Whether you're already enrolled in co-op or just curious, we're here to answer questions and share how you can build valuable experience through paid work opportunities and experiential education courses. Stop by our table to learn more.  

📅 Sept. 26, 30 & Oct. 7 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Ross Building

Go Global Fair 

Dreaming of studying or working abroad? The Go Global Fair is your one-stop event to explore exciting opportunities to take your studies overseas. Connect with York students who’ve studied abroad, chat with incoming exchange students and explore programs with our Global Learning team. 

You’ll also have the chance to speak with York U Faculties, partner universities, and international research and internship reps to discover opportunities—from exchanges and summer schools to placements and internships—that let you earn credits, build skills and experience life overseas. 

📅 Wednesday, Oct. 1 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Vari Hall Rotunda 

Study Abroad this Summer

Interested in turning your summer into an unforgettable academic adventure? Discover the world with the LA&PS Summer Study Abroad Program! Earn up to 6.0 credits in fields such as History, Anthropology, Social Science and more, all while making friends, exploring new countries and creating memories that will last a lifetime. With up to $1,500 in funding available for study abroad experiences, LA&PS aims to make global travel accessible for all students. 

Join the info session to explore Summer 2026 course offerings in Greece, Portugal, Madagascar, Germany, Ghana or Costa Rica. Learn about application timelines and procedures, program policies, payment details and get answers to your questions.

📅 Every Wednesday from October 8 to November 26 | 12 – 1 p.m. | Virtual via Zoom 

Don’t Let Midterms Ruffle Your Feathers

Stop by the Academic Honesty booth in Vari Hall and discover academic supports available to you, grab your copy of the Academic Honesty Roadmap and get awesome giveaways!  

📅 Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Vari Hall Rotunda 

The 2025 DARE Celebration Event

Join us in recognizing this year’s Dean’s Award for Research Excellence (DARE) program participants at our DARE Research Poster Session and Celebration, featuring diverse projects from students enrolled in LA&PS programs. Get a head start and explore this year’s projects.

📅 Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 1 – 3 p.m. | Scott Library’s Collaboratory

Connections: Student & Alumni Mixer Event – Law 

Are you interested in the field of Law and meeting successful York alumni working in senior roles in the field? Join us at the Connections: Student & Alumni Mixer Event to practice networking skills, learn about career paths, receive advice and have your questions answered by experts in their field. These graduates already have the jobs you hope to have one day; come learn how they got there! 

 📅 Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 6 – 8 p.m. | Vanier College, Room VC001  

Dress Code: Smart Casual 

The 2025 Vico Lecture 

Join us at the 2025 Vico Lecture for an insightful reflection and engaging discussion with Dr. Maggie Hutcheson, on the Toronto Ward Museum’s Block by Block Project.  

Co-developed by 10 community partners and involving over 100 storytellers, the Block by Block Project preserved and activated community memories in four rapidly changing Toronto neighbourhoods. During her lecture, Dr. Hutcheson will reflect on the project’s co-creative approach and the relationships between critical memory work, placekeeping and urban futures.  

📅 Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 7 – 8:30 p.m. | Senate Chamber, N940 Ross Building 

Check Your Financial Status

Did you know that adding and dropping classes impacts your student account balance? Check out our video instructions on how to use My Student Account to check your financial status!