The Nest was founded by Sarah Merghani, a third-year student in global health, and Sophia Bryan-Carbonell, a fourth-year student in psychology. Both serve as lab coordinators with the (WIL).

The idea emerged from their experiences with climate cafĂ©s – peer gatherings where students share their emotional experiences of the climate crisis – that had been offered through WIL. When Merghani attended her first climate cafĂ© in 2024, she was struck by how powerful it was to give voice to her own feelings.

“It was the first time I openly processed and talked about the climate crisis, and I realized I was carrying a lot of anger due to the fact that the Global South, where my family is from, is experiencing the worst impacts,” she says.

Bryan-Carbonell, who has attended and co-facilitated climate cafĂ©s through WIL, noted a similar response, underscoring to her how valuable it is for students to have space to process climate anxiety, which often goes unacknowledged. “Conversations about climate change often focus on policies, protests or global impacts. But for many students, the most immediate reality is how it feels: sitting with uncertainty, fear and hope for the future,” says Bryan-Carbonell.

As both the co-founders became more involved with climate cafés, they often noticed a shift: students wanted to go beyond emotional processing toward action.

Together, they envisioned an initiative that would allow students to process emotions while also feeling empowered to act. With support from York’s Agents of Change program – which provides funding, mentorship and training through Calumet and Stong Colleges – and mentorship from Professor Harvey Skinner in the and Community Scholar Susan Harris at the Wellness Impact Lab in the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, The Nest was created.

The name reflects the dual purpose of sanctuary and growth. “It’s a safe space for students to come together, connect and find grounding. But like a real nest, it’s also a place from which you eventually take flight; spreading what you’ve learned, starting conversations and creating action in your wider community,” says Merghani.

Drawing inspiration from WIL’s climate cafĂ©s, The Nest hosts gatherings called circles where students can feel validated, supported and empowered.

Circles will take place throughout the year at both indoor and outdoor locations, including . Each circle combines sharing, reflection and grounding practices with a small collective action, so students leave with lighter emotional burdens, stronger community ties and the empowerment that comes from acting together. Currently, circles are being piloted at York’s Keele Campus with long-term plans for expansions across other York and even Canadian campuses.

The Nest’s inaugural circle in September featured circle sharing and seed planting, as well as a meditation led by Harris and a closing session of qigong led by Skinner.

Students shared openly, many for the first time, and feedback confirmed the value of creating this kind of supportive space on campus. “The Nest’s Opening Circle was a welcoming and supportive space. It allowed me to express my eco-emotions freely," says Mahnoosh Jalilzadeh, a fourth-year psychology student.

Looking ahead, circles will be held every other week through the academic year, each organized around a theme, from arts-based expression to civic engagement. “Organizing circles around a theme helps give focus and intention to the practices, discussions and creative activities,” says Bryan-Carbonell. “Themes also help connect each circle to a sense of purpose, which makes the gatherings more meaningful and encourages students to build on their experiences over time.”

The long-term vision is to grow The Nest into a sustained peer-led community at York, expand its practices and form collaborations across the Greater Toronto Area with partners committed to climate wellness and student engagement. At the heart of that vision is a simple belief: that sharing climate emotions together can transform them into something constructive.

“Climate emotions can feel heavy. But shared in community, they become seeds of strength, hope and change. With each circle, The Nest is growing a community of students who transform their climate emotions into resilience and action,” says Merghani. “Together we can shape a more just and sustainable future.”

Students interested in joining The Nest can attend an upcoming circle or connect with the team at thenestyu@gmail.com. Updates about future events will be shared through The Nest’s upcoming website and current social media channels ().

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He is not a faculty member or a counsellor, but a fourth-year information technology student who has quietly built a reputation as a mentor and advocate for accessibility.

Leung did not arrive at York along the usual path. He transferred from another institution, enrolled as a mature, part-time student and balanced work with his studies. Originally from Hong Kong, Leung manages schizoaffective disorder, a mental health condition that is rarely discussed openly among students. “You get used to filling out forms, explaining your situation and hoping someone will listen,” he says. “Sometimes, you just want to get through the day without extra hassle.”

His experiences led him to mentorship and advocacy. Leung volunteers with New College, the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies and the . He also works with Project ADVANCE, which helps high school students transition to university. He’s been active in organizing mental health workshops and peer support groups, collaborating with Student Accessibility Services and student organizations such as ActiveMinds @ York and the żìČ„ÊÓÆ” Mature Students Organization (YUMSO) to create a more inclusive campus culture.

Leung’s advice is direct and pragmatic: use assistive technology, break assignments into smaller tasks and don’t wait too long to ask for help. “I show people the tools I use – Livescribe for notes, Dragon for dictation, Kurzweil for reading. It’s not glamorous, but it works.” He also shares stress management strategies and encourages students to build routines that include mindfulness and regular breaks.

And, he does not shy away from discussing setbacks. “I’ve had semesters where I barely made it through,” Leung says. “But I also know what it’s like to have someone in your corner, even if it’s just to say, ‘You’re not the only one.’” His approach to mentorship is grounded in sharing what he has learned through experience, not offering pep talks. Students come to him with questions about accommodations or how to communicate with professors. Sometimes, they just need to hear from someone who has managed to carve out a place at York while juggling more than coursework.

Leung is focused on the day-to-day realities students face. He is interested in the conversations that happen outside official channels, where students talk honestly about stigma and the fear of being seen as less capable. “There’s still a lot of silence around invisible disabilities,” he says. “People worry about being judged, or about being seen as less capable.”

National AccessAbility Week (May 25 to 31) brings these issues into focus, but Leung’s work continues year-round. He isn’t waiting for policy changes to make a difference. “I want students to know that support is there, and that it’s OK to use it,” he says. “Most of us are just trying to get through the semester. If I can make that a little easier for someone, that’s enough.”

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Look at the end of this story for the snappy answer to this riddle from McLaughlin College’s Monday morning announcements. It’s just one of the many steps the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies’ (LA&PS) four colleges take to create a sense of community and make students feel at home. 

“They really like the riddles. A bunch of them will respond,” says Vanessa Otello, the team lead for McLaughlin College’s peer mentor program. “It’s something we do for first-year students, letting them know the events we have going on that week.”  

“Home, well, that's what we see ourselves as,” said Stevie Bell, college head of McLaughlin College and associate professor in the Writing Department, LA&PS. “I think we put that in our vision documents. The colleges are a home.” The four colleges are McLaughlin, Vanier, New and Founders.  

LA&PS has re-envisioned the role of its colleges; students are still connected to the college affiliated with their program, but they also have their needs, according to where they are in their university careers, met by various colleges. For example, McLaughlin College caters to early-year students. 

“When we started thinking about this, we thought maybe the better thing to do would be to address the students by their student journey,” said Michele A. Johnson, associate dean students for LA&PS and a professor in the Department of History.  

“First-year students have particular needs. They need to be welcomed in. They need to be shown the ropes. But upper-year students don't have those needs. What they need is to prepare to leave the institution. As we talked with students more, they said what they wanted were things that cut across programs but were more about the stage they were at in their academic journey.” 

McLaughlin College is the early years college. That’s Bell’s college. Vanier is the upper years college, headed by Eric Kennedy, associate professor in the School of Administrative Studies. 

New College – formerly Atkinson College and originally created for working people who attended night school – is home to graduate students. Zachary Spicer, associate professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration, is head of New College.  

Founders College is for diverse groups of students, including those who identify as international, Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, first-generation, women and student-athletes. Daniel Kikulwe, an associate professor in the School of Social Work, is the head of Founders College.  

The plan for each college to be a refuge for its students sprang from the results of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), which showed a need to address equity issues and gaps in student experiences, Bell said. The NSSE is a survey that targets first-year and senior students and measures student participation at universities and colleges in Canada and the United States. 

Informed by NSSE, the role of the colleges changed three years ago to improve equity and student experiences. 

The colleges create community by offering programs to support the students. McLaughlin has a peer mentor program that matches early-years students with students further along in their studies, as well as the First-Year Experience resource for new students.  

Vanier College focuses on leadership training programs, and hosts Pizza with Profs events where students and professor can discuss careers and research. 

Programs for Indigenous students are available through Founders College, which also offers the Advancing YU mentorship program which features York alumni. One stream is for Black alum and students, the other for female alum and students. 

“They come back and do a mentorship quartet, so three students meet with one mentor. They meet once a month to talk, to strategize about the students’ post-graduation plans and to support each other as they address the challenges they might face,” said Johnson. 

New College caters to grad students with monthly cafes, themed discussions, a student choir and a lounge with toys for children of grad students.   

“One thing York does is seriously believe in the promise and potential of radical inclusion,” Bell said, with a nod to the original vision of York as a university for everyone. “It’s a value system, right? We value inclusion, we value belonging. How do you show that you value that? You bring people into community.”  

And that Monday morning riddle sent to first-year students? What am I? I am a joke. 

With files from Julie Carl

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Throughout the repositioning process, faculty, staff, students, alumni and other community members have been actively engaged in a thoughtful consultation process about the future direction of Glendon College. Town hall events, community conversations, meetings with Senate and Faculty Council, and polls were regularly held as community touchpoints over the past three years.

The future direction for Glendon includes the restructuring of academic units to promote greater interdisciplinarity and to support research, teaching and the student experience. The revised structure also focused on embracing efficiency in the delivery of Glendon’s programs and strengthening enrolment.

“This new structure presents an opportunity to establish an environment that supports the kind of academic renewal that is needed among today’s universities, where new and innovative ideas are born at the intersection of disciplines,” says Marco Fiola, principal of Glendon College. “I would like to thank all Glendon and żìČ„ÊÓÆ” community members who have participated in this process to create a vibrant future at Glendon.”

On April 30, 2024, York’s Board of Governors approved the restructuring of Glendon’s academic units, bringing into place the following new departmental structure as of September 1, 2024:

• Glendon Department of Global Communication and Cultures;
• Glendon Department of Science;
• Glendon Department of Economics, Business and Mathematics; and
• Glendon Department of Global and Social Studies.

“A more integrated structure supports creativity in thinking across disciplines when it comes to renewing our curriculum and building our research culture. Above all else, academic programs must remain responsive to the changes we are seeing across higher education today,” says Lisa Philipps, provost and vice-president academic. “I want to recognize the Glendon colleagues who will ultimately ensure the success of the repositioning. This new structure supports sustainability and enables us to deliver the best learning experience possible for our students.”

In the coming months, changes will continue to unfold, including adjustments to academic programming to enhance the student experience, creating co-ordinated recruitment efforts that align with the University-wide strategy and modifications to Glendon’s administrative service model. All these efforts will support the delivery of an enhanced educational experience for students at Glendon starting this fall.

“We have the know-how and we have the ingenuity to be a bold and forward-thinking part of żìČ„ÊÓÆ”," says Fiola. "This new, streamlined academic structure will help us make better use of our resources, for the benefit of our students and faculty members.”

Une nouvelle orientation pour le CollĂšge Glendon

Depuis l’automne 2021, Glendon se prĂȘte Ă  un exercice de repositionnement pour s’assurer que ses offres de programmes sont non seulement pertinentes et en rapport avec une carriĂšre professionnelle, mais aussi durables et axĂ©es sur les besoins de la population Ă©tudiante.

Tout au long de ce repositionnement, le corps professoral, le personnel, la population Ă©tudiante, des diplĂŽmĂ©s et d’autres membres de la communautĂ© ont participĂ© activement Ă  un processus de consultation approfondi sur l’orientation future du CollĂšge Glendon. Des conversations communautaires, des rĂ©unions avec le SĂ©nat et le Conseil de la facultĂ© et des sondages d’opinion ont Ă©tĂ© organisĂ©s rĂ©guliĂšrement au cours des trois derniĂšres annĂ©es afin de rester en relation avec la communautĂ©.

L’orientation future de Glendon comprend la restructuration des unitĂ©s acadĂ©miques afin de promouvoir une plus grande interdisciplinaritĂ© et d’appuyer la recherche, l’enseignement et l’expĂ©rience Ă©tudiante. La structure modifiĂ©e privilĂ©gie aussi l’efficacitĂ© de la prestation des programmes de Glendon et le renforcement des inscriptions.

« Cette nouvelle structure nous donne la possibilitĂ© de crĂ©er un environnement qui favorise le renouveau acadĂ©mique essentiel aux universitĂ©s d’aujourd’hui et dans lequel des idĂ©es nouvelles et innovantes voient le jour au croisement des disciplines, dĂ©clare Marco Fiola, principal du CollĂšge Glendon. Je tiens Ă  remercier tous les membres de la communautĂ© de Glendon qui ont participĂ© Ă  ce processus visant Ă  assurer un avenir prometteur au CollĂšge. Â»

Le 30 avril 2024, le Conseil d’administration de York a approuvĂ© la restructuration des unitĂ©s acadĂ©miques de Glendon qui met en place la nouvelle structure dĂ©partementale suivante Ă  compter du 1^er septembre 2024 :

• DĂ©partement de la communication et des cultures mondiales de Glendon
• DĂ©partement des sciences de Glendon
• DĂ©partement des sciences Ă©conomiques, des affaires et des mathĂ©matiques de Glendon
• DĂ©partement d’études mondiales et sociales de Glendon

« Une nouvelle structure simplifiĂ©e plus intĂ©grĂ©e favorise la crĂ©ativitĂ© dans la rĂ©flexion interdisciplinaire en vue du renouvellement de nos programmes d’études et de la consolidation de notre culture de la recherche, explique Lisa Philipps, rectrice et vice-prĂ©sidente aux affaires acadĂ©miques. Les programmes doivent notamment demeurer trĂšs rĂ©actifs aux changements que nous observons aujourd’hui dans l’enseignement supĂ©rieur. Je tiens Ă  reconnaĂźtre les collĂšgues de Glendon qui assureront au bout du compte le succĂšs de ce repositionnement. La nouvelle structure favorise la durabilitĂ© et nous permet d’offrir la meilleure expĂ©rience d’apprentissage possible Ă  notre population Ă©tudiante. Â»

Dans les mois Ă  venir, des changements continueront Ă  ĂȘtre apportĂ©s aux programmes acadĂ©miques pour amĂ©liorer l’expĂ©rience Ă©tudiante, entraĂźnant des efforts coordonnĂ©s de recrutement conformes Ă  la stratĂ©gie globale de l’UniversitĂ© et des modifications du modĂšle de service administratif de Glendon. Tous ces efforts appuieront une expĂ©rience Ă©ducative amĂ©liorĂ©e pour la population Ă©tudiante de Glendon dĂšs cet automne.

« Nous possĂ©dons le savoir-faire et l’ingĂ©niositĂ© nĂ©cessaires pour devenir une composante dynamique et avant-gardiste de l’UniversitĂ© York. GrĂące Ă  cette nouvelle structure acadĂ©mique rationalisĂ©e, nous pourrons mieux utiliser nos ressources au profit des membres de la communautĂ© Ă©tudiante et du corps professoral Â», ajoute Marco Fiola.

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Reporting to the dean of the Faculty of Health, the successful candidate will provide administrative and educational leadership and contribute to inspiring learning, leadership and citizenship within an engaged and diverse community of students, staff, faculty, fellows and alumni at Stong College. The head of Stong College works in partnership with the Calumet & Stong Colleges' Student Success team, including the head of Calumet College, to enhance the experience of Faculty of Health students and support both the Faculty of Health Strategic Plan and the Calumet & Stong Colleges' Strategic Plan. Stong College is affiliated with and serves the students in the School of Kinesiology & Health Science and the School of Nursing in the Faculty of Health.

The role

The Head of Stong College contributes to an engaged community by working collaboratively with students, staff, faculty, fellows, key campus partners (e.g. Division of Students), and alumni to build and maintain a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community. The colleges play a crucial role at York, and the college head position requires a commitment to the University, Stong, and Calumet Colleges and, most importantly, the desire to enhance the lives of students and to strengthen the student experience.

The college head actively engages within the colleges’ community by supporting and attending key colleges’ community events and meets regularly with college-affiliated student organizations, staff, units and key campus partners throughout the academic year. The college head role provides a faculty member the opportunity to provide strategic vision and mentorship, and contribute to supporting the success of students and enhancing their experience at both the Faculty and university levels.

The successful candidate will be committed to enhancing the student experience, through the delivery of student-centred programs and services, and to engaging members of the żìČ„ÊÓÆ” community as well as the wider community. They will engage and support students of diverse heritage and backgrounds, including: equity-deserving, under-represented, international, first-generation, 2SLGBTQIA+, mature and part-time, place of birth, etc. The college head will support the University’s commitment to decolonizing, equity, diversity and inclusion (DEDI) through the development and implementation of initiatives designed to foster inclusivity and sense of belonging.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about advancing student success and contributing to building a sense of community among students, staff, faculty members, fellows and alumni. College heads receive a stipend, course release and sabbatical top-up.

Application/nomination process

Tenured faculty members interested in becoming the head of Stong College can apply directly. Members of the żìČ„ÊÓÆ” community who know a tenured faculty member who would make an exceptional college head are welcome to submit a nomination.

Applications and nominations should be submitted to Professor Mazen Hamadeh, Chair of the search committee, c/o Lesia Facey, administrative assistant to the search committee, at lfacey@yorku.ca no later than Friday, Feb. 23. Applications are welcome from faculty members from across all programs, schools and departments within the Faculty of Health and the University, and should include:

• an up-to-date resumĂ©;
• a Statement of Interest in the Head of Stong College role (maximum two pages); and
• a brief (one-page) statement of approach to DEDI in an academic environment.

The position commences July 1 for a period of three to five years.

Applicants and nominees who are interested in learning more about the position are welcome to contact Jennine Rawana, head of Calumet College, at rawana@yorku.ca; or Mazen Hamadeh, former Head of Stong College, at hamadeh@yorku.ca.

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York’s official Winter Orientation kicks off on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. The official website lists a wealth of information for new and incoming students, with programming to welcome community members through a mix of fun and informative events.

Academic Orientation: Jan. 5, 2024

College/Faculty Orientation will take place on Jan. 5, 2024 and includes a variety of college-/Faculty-specific events, during which time students will get a chance to meet other first-year students as well as upper-year students in their respective colleges and Faculties. Students who are uncertain of which college or Faculty they belong to can use the tool for help. The sessions are Faculty-specific and free to attend, but registration is required.

International Student Orientation: Jan 6, 2024

As the designated support office for international students,  offers crucial services and programs tailored to the unique needs of international students. The York International team will host a dedicated orientation day, designed specifically for new international students, on Jan. 6, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For students who arrive late, an alternate orientation day will be offered on Jan. 20, 2024. More information can be found on the .

Other events hosted during the week of Jan. 8 to 12, 2024 include:

• Frost Week, Jan. 8 to 12, 2024 – Organized by the nine college councils with support from Student Community & Leadership Development, Frost Week will be a week of social programming open to students based on their college affiliation. Early activities will focus on integrating new students into their respective communities.
• Winterlicious, Jan. 5 to 12, 2024 – Student will be able to visit specific food vendors on the Keele Campus to get a meal for $10 or less.
• Winter Orientation 2024: Transitioning to York, Jan. 9, 2024 – This virtual event gives an insider's look at the diverse and accessible student experience at żìČ„ÊÓÆ”. Crafted for incoming students to żìČ„ÊÓÆ” who would like to learn more about campus life, the event includes a panel of speakers sharing first-hand experiences of campus life. Register .
• Campus Services Fair, Jan. 10, 2024 – New and current students can meet campus partners from across the Division of Students, Ancillary Services and York Libraries to learn about available resources. Register .
• żìČ„ÊÓÆ” Winter Keele Campus Tours, Jan. 5 to 11, 2024 – Register for a tour and get to know the ins and outs of campus such as where to eat, how to find classes, how to get to the gym, where all the important student services and supports are, and more. Register .

For more information, including dates, times and registration links, visit the website.

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Reporting to the Faculty of Health dean, the successful candidate will provide administrative and educational leadership and contribute to inspiring learning, leadership, and citizenship within an engaged and diverse community of students, staff, faculty, Fellows and alumni at Stong College.

The head of Stong College works in partnership with the Calumet and Stong Colleges Student Success Team, including the head of Calumet College, to enhance the experience of Faculty of Health students and support both the Faculty of Health Strategic Plan and the Calumet and Stong Colleges Strategic Plan.

Stong College is affiliated with and serves the students in the School of Kinesiology & Health Science and the School of Nursing in the Faculty of Health.

Head of Stong College role

The head of Stong College contributes to an engaged community by working collaboratively with students, staff, faculty, Fellows, residence life, key campus partners (e.g. Division of Students), and alumni to build and maintain a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community. The colleges play a crucial role at York, and the college head position requires a commitment to the University, Stong and Calumet Colleges, and most importantly, the desire to enhance the lives of students and strengthen the student experience.

The college head actively engages within the colleges’ community by supporting and attending key colleges’ community events and meets regularly with college-affiliated student organizations, staff, units and key campus partners throughout the academic year. The college head role provides a faculty member the opportunity to provide strategic vision and mentorship, and contribute to supporting the success of students and enhancing their experience at the Faculty- and University-level.

The successful candidate will be committed to enhancing the student experience, including the first-year experience, through the delivery of student-centred programs and services, and to engaging members of the żìČ„ÊÓÆ” community, as well as the wider community. The successful applicant will also be engaging and supporting students of diverse heritage and backgrounds, including equity-deserving, under-represented, international, first-generation, 2SLGBTQIA+, mature and part-time, place of birth etc. The college head will support the University’s commitment to decolonizing, equity, diversity and inclusion (DEDI) through the development and implementation of initiatives designed to foster inclusivity and sense of belonging.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about advancing student success and contributing to building a sense of community among students, staff, faculty members, Fellows and alumni. College heads receive a stipend, course release and sabbatical top-up.

Application/nomination process

Tenured faculty members interested in becoming the head of Stong College can apply directly. Members of the żìČ„ÊÓÆ” community who know a tenured faculty member who would make an exceptional college head are welcome to nominate an individual.

Applications/nominations should be submitted to Professor Mazen Hamadeh, Chair, Search Committee, c/o Lesia Facey, administrative assistant to the Search Committee, at: Office of the Dean, Faculty of Health, no later than Friday, Oct. 20. Applications are welcome from faculty members across all programs/schools/departments within the Faculty of Health and the University and should include: 1) an up-to-date resumé; 2) a statement of interest in the head of Stong College role (maximum two pages); and 3) a brief (one-page) statement of approach to DEDI in an academic environment. The position commences Jan. 1, 2024, for a period of three to five years.

Learn more about the role

Applicants or nominees who are interested in learning more about the position are welcome to contact Jennine Rawana, head of Calumet College, at rawana@yorku.ca; or Mazen Hamadeh, former head of Stong College, at hamadeh@yorku.ca.

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In addition to the social and educational programming all residents are invited to partake in, LLC residents (selected based on interest indicated through their housing application and a series of questions to determine candidacy) participate in a sequenced set of learning opportunities tied to the community theme or topic.

The sustainability LLC, housed in Founders Residence, will engage 35 residents in a series of workshops, events and dialogues with the aim that all participants will be able to act upon principles of sustainability. The well-being LLC, in Bethune Residence, will foster 35 residents’ abilities to engage in behaviours that contribute to their mental, spiritual, sexual, emotional and physical health.

Over the course of the next eight months, LLC participants will have the opportunity to engage in two educational programs, workshops or events per month tailored to support them with their respective LLC’s learning outcome.

Additionally, participants will engage in three reflective activities over the course of the year to solidify their learning and reflection throughout their experience in the program.

Each community has a work-study Living Learning Community leader to foster connection, facilitate peer programming and engage in intentional one-on-one conversations to support participants in achieving their respective goals for the LLC program.

“I wanted to get involved with the Living Learning Community at York because it’s a great way to practice immersive learning, in the sense that we get to constantly be at one with a community that shares similar values and is constantly striving to learn and grow from their surroundings," shares Ramisa Mustafa, student leader for the sustainability LLC. "I believe it’ll not only help me engage more with York, but also help me grow as an individual and allow more room for holistic knowledge acquisition.”

Melanie Sit, student leader for the well-being LLC, adds, “I originally was interested in becoming a don, but the application to be an LLC piqued my interests, as I enjoy learning about the topic of well-being and I had some experience with it in high school. I also love planning and running different activities and events that bring joy to other people.”

In April, the sustainability LLC pilot project was one of four applications awarded funding through the , which will support the sustainability LLC in fostering student leaders equipped to role model sustainable behaviours and foster a more sustainable culture across the żìČ„ÊÓÆ” community.

Mustafa notes, “Ultimately, experiencing a sense of community helps people hold themselves accountable for their actions and decisions, academics and a lot more, which I believe is important while living alone. These students who participate in the Living Learning Community will most likely have a more fulfilling experience at York because of the values and knowledge base they’ll have exposure to. This will help them step out as more socially aware individuals at the end of the program.”

The sustainability and well-being LLCs formally launched Sept. 6 with a welcome and orientation event for each community. Applications for the 2024-25 academic year will open in February 2024 as part of the housing application process for students.

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In addition to the for Black, mature, transfer and international students, here are the details about the remaining 2023 Orientation events – all with a focus on decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure all students feel welcome and supported at York.

Open Doors York

Open Doors York will bring the entire University community together in a large, festival- and exploration-style day, on Sept. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Key partners on the Keele Campus will open their office doors for new and returning students to visit, learn and maybe even walk away with some freebies. And that’s not all – in the żìČ„ÊÓÆ” Commons, expect a carnival-style atmosphere featuring music, games, snacks and giveaways.

Yorklicious

From Aug. 26 to Sept. 8, York students, staff and faculty can enjoy specially priced meals from participating campus food vendors. Yorklicious is a great opportunity to explore the wide variety of food options on campus and get a great meal for $10 or less. Participating vendors include:

• Sushi Shop
• Campus Bubble Tea
• Z-Teca
• Great Canadian Bagel
• Mac’s Sushi
• Break CafĂ©
• 416 Grill
• Rasoi
• ChopD and WrapD
• Grill House
• Chef’s Table
• Crepe Delicious
• Chungchun Rice Dog
• Insomnia Cookies
• Basil Box
• Osmows
• Orange Snail

Indigenous Student Orientation

The Centre for Indigenous Student Services (CISS) will welcome incoming Indigenous students to York with three days of specialized events and activities from Aug. 23 to 25, including a harbourfront boat cruise. Students will meet CISS staff and learn about the services and programs offered by the centre. For more details and to register, visit the .

Move-in Day and Parents & Family Orientation

Aug. 26 is the official residence Move-in Day. Parents and/or guardians can drop students off at their specific residence, where student volunteers will be waiting to help them move in. More details are available on the Housing Services website.

As the move-in is happening, parents, guardians and family members can attend the Parent and Family Orientation. There, they will receive a welcome from University staff and students, and they can take in a play performed by Vanier College Productions. The performance offers a humorous but heartfelt glimpse into the first-year university experience, while simultaneously introducing the audience to many of the supports and services that are on offer for students.

Afterwards, a services fair will allow parents and guardians to speak directly with University staff and learn about the resources that will be available to their students. There will be additional sessions available for parents of international students, plus a generic session on student finances that is open to everyone.

Orientation Week

This year, Orientation Week will run from Aug. 27 to Sept. 4. The week will include a variety of events, workshops and icebreakers designed for first-year students to get to know each other, as well as upper-year students in their colleges and Faculties.

For complete details and to register, visit the Orientation Week Events page. Students can use the college finder tool to determine which session they should sign up for based on their academic program’s college affiliation. Participating colleges and Faculties include:

• Bethune
• Calumet
• Founders
• Glendon
• Lassonde
• McLaughlin
• New College
• Schulich
• Stong
• Vanier
• Winters

Academic Orientation Days

Academic Orientation Days will take place on Aug. 29 and 30. These mandatory sessions for all new students introduce their specific degree program and the resources available within their affiliated college and Faculty. They also touch on academic services, financial support and other vital tools to help facilitate a smooth transition into university life. Students can refer to the Transition and Orientation Events page for complete details and registration information.

YorkFest 2023

Each year, the York Federation of Students (YFS) aims to make YorkFest the largest back-to-school orientation festival held on a Canadian university campus. Details for this year's YorkFest haven't yet been released, but keep an eye on the for updates.

For more information about what's happening at York in the lead-up to September and beyond, visit the Transition and Orientation 2023 website, which includes a schedule of events, the new student checklist, a college finder tool, student support services, information for parents, housing details and more.

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Orientation Week for thousands of new students to żìČ„ÊÓÆ” continues through to Sept. 6. The week brings an energetic blend of social and academic orientation programming planned by the Faculties, the Lassonde School of Engineering, the Schulich School of Business, York International, the Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students, the University Libraries and York's 11 colleges. Events are presented both online and in-person and are open to resident and commuter students.

Energy will be high and guiding incoming students through Orientation Week are hundreds of upper-year student leaders who are volunteering their time and experience to make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. The Orientation leaders will be ready and waiting on Saturday to help students and their parents move into their residence rooms. Move-in day also includes a parents’ orientation, tours of the campuses, cheer offs, games, BBQs, parties and more.

One of the highly anticipated events of Orientation Week is York Orientation Day, a full-day event on Sept. 6 where students connect with peers and faculty in their program, explore the campus and attend the welcome ceremony in the York Lions Stadium at Keele Campus.

Visit the Orientation website for more details.

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