Student Health Ambassadors (SHAY)

The application for the 2026-2027 team is now open! You may apply using the . The deadline to apply is May 7, 2026.

SHAY is a volunteer ambassador program for current Faculty of Health students.
SHAYs share their experiences in their program and as YorkU students with prospective students and their families.
The program is an opportunity for current Faculty of Health students to gain experience and skills in public speaking, leadership, professionalism, organization, adaptability, and more.
They assist with both online and in-person events such as open houses, the Ontario Universities’ Fair, online program information sessions, and drop-in Q&As.

The SHAY team consists of students who are:

In 2^nd year or higher of one of the six undergraduate degree programs within the Faculty of Health
- Global Health
- Health Studies (Management, Policy, Informatics)
- Kinesiology and Health Science
- Nursing
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Interested in attending events online and in person to share their experiences in the Faculty of Health and YorkU with future students and their families
Reliable
Proud to represent YorkU, the Faculty of Health, and its program

The SHAY program runs from September to April every year.

The Recruitment team schedules events and SHAYs choose which events to sign up for.
Events can be online or in person and are typically offered in the evening (usually Tuesdays-Thursdays, between 3:45 pm-7:00 pm) or on weekends (usually Saturdays, 8:30 am-3:30 pm).
We are looking for SHAYs to assist with at least 5 events (Which equals a commitment of at least 25 hours of volunteering) over the 8 months of the program.

Gain valuable experience for your resume
Network with professors, staff, and other students in the Faculty of Health
Develop personal and professional skills such as communication, leadership, organization, public speaking, and professionalism
Earn SHAY points for every event you assist with. These points translate into rewards including York apparel, YU Flex Dollars, or a letter from the Dean
Make friends and get involved on campus

The application for the 2026-2027 team is now open! You may apply using the .
The deadline to apply for the 2026-2027 SHAY team is May 7, 2026
Application Timeline:
- The application is typically open April-May each year for the SHAY program starting in September
- Interviews are typically completed in May-July each year. Only those candidates who are selected for an interview will be notified.
- Training for successful SHAYs is in August

Please contact our team at shay@yorku.ca

What SHAYs are saying about their experience

"Being a SHAY has allowed me to develop important skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership that I know I’ll carry with me beyond university. Overall, this experience has been really meaningful because it’s allowed me to grow as a person while also supporting others in ways that feel very rewarding and wholesome."

– James

“SHAY has been a fulfilling and grounding part of my university experience. It has helped me grow into a more confident communicator, leader, and mentor while building diverse connections across the Faculty of Health and beyond.”

– Pushti

“What I love most is being able to connect with others, share my experiences, and help students feel more confident and included in the York community. I enjoy being someone that others can approach for guidance, encouragement, and support. I also value the sense of community, leadership, and pride that comes with being part of a team that helps create a positive student experience.”

– Owen

“Being part of the SHAY program has pushed me out of my comfort zone to connect with faculty members, professors, and other students who are also in the same program as me, helping me build stronger communication and networking skills, gain confidence in professional settings, and develop a greater sense of belonging within the academic community.”

– Erica

“I love being able to connect with prospective students and pass on what I’ve learned through navigating university life myself. I love that it gives me the opportunity to reflect on my experiences and recognize their value for myself and in guiding others.”

– Eddie

“Academically, SHAY has strengthened my communication and critical thinking skills, especially when explaining complex information to different audiences. Professionally, SHAY has given me hands-on experience in leadership, public speaking, and outreach, all of which have prepared me for future opportunities in fields like law and advocacy.”

– Teniola

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Student Health Ambassadors at York (SHAY)

What SHAYs are saying about their experience

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What SHAYs are saying about their experience

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