York University Retirees’ Association (YURA) and the York University Libraries (YUL) are collaborating to bring soundproof study pods to York's campuses, supporting student needs and academic achievement.
As part of its ongoing commitment to adapt library spaces to evolving student needs, earlier this year YUL called on students to participate in a survey to better understand how the community uses its locations. “One of the things we learned was that our students use all the libraries for different things,” says Joseph Hafner, dean of YUL.
Beyond being a place to study, York’s libraries serve as hubs for job interviews, online courses, virtual meetings with professors, communication with experiential education supervisors and more. Despite that diversity of use, one request came through consistently. “Students wanted more quiet places to concentrate,” says Hafner.
To address that, Hafner considered study pods. Increasingly popular in libraries, he says, they are small, semi-private spaces designed for both individual and group work. Made with glass panels or walls, often combined with metal or wood framing, pods are typically soundproof and equipped with seating, desks and power outlets. Unlike open tables or limited bookable rooms, they offer reliable access to the kind of focused environment library users said they need most. Hafner became passionate about bringing them to York.
Around the same time, YURA was searching for a project to champion with similar enthusiasm.
Made up of retired faculty and staff, YURA fosters community by offering social and educational programs and advocating for retirees’ interests. It also pursues fundraising projects that keep members connected to the University while continuing to support students.
“Many of us have spent our whole careers at York,” says Diane Woody, co-president of YURA. “The University had such an impact on us, and we feel it did its best to look after us and our needs, that we feel motivated to give back so that the needs of future students are met.”
Most recently, YURA completed a three-year fundraising effort that raised $35,000 to alleviate student food insecurity on York’s campuses. This spring, YURA co-chairs Debbie Hansen and Sheila Forshaw were tasked with finding a new initiative to support. They connected with the Division of Advancement to learn more about University priorities and were introduced to Hafner, who presented several YUL initiatives that could benefit from funding.
For YURA, one stood out.
“We really liked the study pods,” says Forshaw, noting that because it was important for YURA to raise funds for something with clear impact, the pods were a strong fit. YURA members were drawn to how the pods would provide quiet, multi-use spaces that addressed a clear need. They also felt the pods could serve as a long-term expression of YURA’s legacy and commitment to the University community.
“We want to continue to support York,” says Hansen.
YURA’s goal over the next three years is to raise $30,000 annually to fund six study pods. The association has already raised enough to fund one, and plans to continue fundraising through initiatives like the upcoming YURA Challenge 5 km Walk on Campus taking place on Oct. 7. The annual walk brings together retirees, staff, students and community members to contribute to initiatives that enhance the University.
When the study pods are funded and installed, YUL will implement a booking system – which will include time limits – to ensure equitable access for all students. Hafner says the team will monitor and solicit feedback about pod use, ensuring students’ needs continue to be met in a way that strengthens York’s long-term academic environment.
YUL plans to recognize YURA’s contributions with a potential ribbon-cutting ceremony and plaques on the pods noting their support. For YURA, the plaques are a visible reminder that retirees remain invested in York. “I hope people would say to themselves, ‘It’s interesting that retirees want to maintain a connection to the University and continue to support it,’” says Woody. “We would hope they see us as an ongoing part of the community.”
Those interested in participating in the YURA walk and/or donating can find information here.