Resources to help students navigate phased return to campus

Students entering Vari, featured image for Yfile

With the phased return to in-person learning, some students may be coming onto York University campuses for the first time since the start of their studies in 2020 or 2021.

Students may be feeling both excitement and anxiety about beginning classes or activities on campus for the first time since the pandemic began. To help with the transition back to campus during the winter term, there are supports available virtually and in person. York University faculty and staff are encouraged to share these resources with students.

Supports for students

Start Strong YU

The Start Strong YU website is a first touchpoint for students getting settled, and the resources it features are available to all students, whether first-year or upper-year.

  • The Campus Access page takes students through preparing for what to expect before coming on campus and steps to stay healthy and safe.
  • The Student Services page provides details on booking in-person and virtual appointments with Division of Students’ services, as well supports provided by York’s partners, such as Academic Advising, YU Card and more.
  • The Start of Class page offers resources that are relevant year-round to guide students through their first weeks and beyond: academic success, financial support, student life and community, mental health and well-being, and career education and development. The page also includes events to help students engage with the York community.

“The Start Strong YU website is a great resource to ensure that all our students are successful, safe and supported throughout the Winter 2022 term,” says Vice-Provost, Students, Lucy Fromowitz. “Initiatives like Start Strong YU, Orientation, Better Together and York International supports a high-quality learning experience to help students meet their educational objectives.”

Supporting a student seeking in-person help?

For students who require assistance while on York’s campuses, below are some available supports and services:

  • The Vari Hall Kiosk (Keele Campus)/Centre of Excellence Kiosk (Glendon Campus): Starting Jan. 31, the Student Engagement Team is there to assist students with questions such as wayfinding, services and getting involved on campus. Students can visit the Kiosk in Vari Hall (Keele Campus) or the Centre of Excellence (Glendon Campus) to find out more about essential resources and services to ease their transition into university life on campus. Hours of operation are available at the Start Strong – Student Services page.
  • Virtual Welcome campaign: There are QR codes displayed at key service points across campus giving students virtual access to the Start Strong YU website, the Keele campus map, SAVY (York’s virtual assistant), and live chats with student engagement ambassadors.
  • The Care Ambassadors Program: Starting Feb. 7, care ambassadors will be available to help students and the community find their way around campus. They will also promote York’s health and safety requirements that can be found on the Better Together website. York’s trained care ambassadors will be present in high-traffic areas on York’s campuses.

How you can help?

The Division of Students encourages York community members to share the Start Strong YU website (currentstudents.yorku.ca/start-strong) with students so they can access important information, resources and services for the winter term.

Students looking for additional mental health and well-being support and services can find more information on the Mental Health and Wellness website.