Hammad Motiwala | Contributor
Featured Image: York intends to make sure all incoming students are prepared for the trials of the initial stages of their university experience. | Basma Elbahnasawy
YU Start is a two-step program that intends to help equip new students to deal with the challenges they will face at a post-secondary institution. It begins in May and helps students with their enrollment process. It then allows them to join an online community that runs throughout the summer where they learn the essentials for their time at York.
Additionally, they can connect with other incoming York students, facilitated by designated staff.
YU Start was established in 2012 as an Academic Innovation Fund project, and soon garnered national recognition through two awards: The Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (CACUSS) Innovation Award and second place in the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO).
Other York programs that complement YU Start include: YORK101, York Orientation Day, and YU Belong.
YORK101 promises to help students “own their first day.” It complements YU Start and runs throughout the summer, updating first-years with important transition and orientation information via social media. Students can also take an on-campus experience through this program.
From September 2 to 10, a week of academic and social events indicate the arrival of Orientation Week. Its main event is the York Orientation Day on September 6, which features the official York Welcome Ceremony. The objective is to create an opportunity for new students to make new friendships, wherein a sense of belonging is developed.
Another program created to build a sense of community and direction is YU Belong, which aids new students by having nearby staff on-campus wear a highly visible and identifiable YU Belong button for anyone in need of assistance.
As students delve into the first two weeks of September, the campus experiences an influx of thousands of new students from all around the globe. From local high school students, to transfer students, to mature students, to international students, all will be arriving towards the marvel that is university.
Some of these students will call York their home away from home. To get to this point, students will have to go through a slow, steady transition, and York plans on assisting them through this transition with their new programs.
There’s no doubt about it—a student’s initial university experience can be hectic. With these interactive, accessible programs, York intends to offer a high level of success in preparing students for some of the most
