This Week @ York for Week of June 2, 2020

Announcement

  • Message from President Lenton for Pride Month: “While we may not have the vibrant in-person celebrations that usually take place on our campuses, throughout the city and across the world this June, we still have the opportunity to recognize Pride Month and to affirm our dedication to creating a more diverse and inclusive society. As individuals and institutions, we must not only acknowledge the historical and contemporary challenges of 2SLGBTQIA people, but we must engage in our collective responsibility to be allies for equity. For York University, the heart of that responsibility lies in our dedication to education and scholarship that takes up these issues to better the world for all.”

  • York University stands together against anti-black racism: “York University recognizes the deep pain and frustration that members of the Black community feel as we continue to witness and experience the consequences of systemic racism that have permeated society for too long. We also know it is not enough to simply condemn anti-Black racism. We have a shared responsibility to uphold and promote the values of respect, equity, diversity and inclusion across our campuses and in the wider world.”

Money Matters

  • Virtual Information Session: Service Canada Programs and Services. Join this info session to learn more about programs, supports and services offered by the Canadian government, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB). Follow the link above to join the meeting. Friday, June 5, 11 a.m.

  • 2020-2021 OSAP applications are now open. If you are enrolling as a full-time student in Fall/Winter 2020/2021, York recommends that you apply and submit all required documentation through your OSAP application by Tuesday, June 30.

  • York has instituted a number of initiatives to address the increased financial need of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please refer to the new COVID-19 Financial Assistance webpage for more information regarding government support, new York University awards and bursaries, and temporary course completion and financial policy changes. In case you missed it, the May 21 financial assistance special edition of This Week @ York highlighted a series of financial supports and services to help you during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health & Wellness

  • YU GOT THIS. This fan-favourite event has gone virtual! Join other students and staff who can support you and help you navigate this new learning environment. You will learn stress-reducing activities and tips to upgrade your studying, writing and presentation skills. And in case you were wondering, yes, there will be therapy dogs that you can virtually snuggle and play with! Monday, June 8, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Drop in anytime.

  • Summer Programming Survey. Fill out this brief survey and let York know what types of virtual events you would like to see over the summer to help you out through this unique Summer term! Extended survey deadline: Wednesday, June 3.

  • REDI Workshop: Acknowledging and Addressing Racism. Attend this session and gain an understanding of the impact of racially-based microaggressions and implicit bias. You will learn strategies for recognizing and addressing these barriers to inclusive spaces on campus. Learn more about the Summer 2020 REDI Professional Development hereWednesday, June 3, 9 to 10 a.m. 

  • Free Virtual MUV Classes. Are you looking for a way to stay healthy and active while maintaining physical distancing as you help plank the COVID-19 curve? Why not try a FREE online MUV fitness class? Campus Recreation is bringing your favourite MUV class to you via Zoom. Check the schedule at the link above and use the Zoom code to join.

Academics

  • Fall/Winter 2020-2021 course enrolment. Course enrolment windows for Fall/Winter 2020-2021 have been revised and are now available online. Course enrolment will open at the end of June.

  • REMINDER: Check for available self-serve tools and resources on My Online Services. Get what you need, from wherever you are, at almost any time of the day. The list of available resources is growing daily as new online and mobile methods are introduced to deliver services and resources you need.

Student Support Services

  • Attention all Science, Health, Environmental Studies, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and Education students. You now have access to York University’s Student Virtual Assistant! York has partnered with IBM Canada, using the IBM Watson platform, to create a tool that will enhance your experience as a student. Interact with the tool, ask questions and help train it to provide better, more targeted answers. The virtual assistant was previously launched in January 2020 to AMPD, Glendon and Lassonde students. Chat with the virtual assistant on your Moodle/eClass page or use the web launcher from the Current Students home page. Learn more about the Student Virtual Assistant here.

Learning Skills

  • #YUBlog - Remote Learning 101: Learning Skills Services (LSS). Are you looking for help with some learning skills such as time management, note-taking or exam preparation? LSS provides online workshops as well as several resources that help you achieve your academic goals. Learn about LSS and their virtual services in the most recent #YUBlog post!

  • Writing Centre Workshop: Writing Thesis Statements. Join this session and get a straightforward definition of a thesis statement, loads of practical tips for creating them and some practical experience generating your own! Unlimited spots available! Find the Zoom link at the link above. Tuesday, June 2, noon to 1 p.m. Please join the zoom session before the noon start time.

  • Writing Centre Workshop: Paragraphing. Attend this session to learn about the parts of paragraphs, a clear model for a standard University paragraph and receive practical tips from an experienced writing instructor. Tuesday, June 9, noon to 1 p.m.

Careers Support

International Connections

  • Career Chats for International Students. Are you an international student feeling a little lost career-wise, or do you have career-related questions? This Career Corner session offered by the Career Centre is perfect for you! Join and speak with a professional about any of your career-related thoughts. Monday, June 8, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

  • York International’s Virtual Coffee Breaks. All students welcome! Join student leaders on Zoom and meet other students from various programs, Faculties, countries and cultures to connect and get to know each other while having fun. Some topics include: game night, Netflix watch party, microwave cooking, quarantine hobbies, exercising together and many more. Every day, Monday to Friday. Visit their calendar at the link above to see all events and how to join.