Over the course of my career as a pilot, I have flown several different types of aircraft. Every pilot knows how to fly, but additional type-specific training is required when transitioning to a different model. This training, which pilots refer to as “ground school,” is where we learn all the nooks and crannies of that type of airplane. Analogously, newly admitted students know how to learn, but may not be familiar with the inner-workings of York. Consider Academic Orientation as your York ground school.
What can I expect?
Like any aircraft ground school, you should show up ready to take notes. Instead of aircraft manuals, you will be issued information packages outlining various university services. Your orientation session will begin in one of York’s lecture halls where you’ll hear from not the chief pilot, but your College Master. 
At some point, you will break into smaller groups where you will learn about the various supports provided by your college and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and speak to upper-year students. My program, Atmospheric Science, is very small. Orientation gave me the opportunity to meet my program peers so that I was able to spot them amongst the hundreds of people in the first week of class. We have been studying together for 3 years now. For more information about your college’s orientation or to sign up, click here.
Mature Student Academic Orientation
The Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students (ACMAPS) offers a separate orientation designed not to replace, but rather to supplement your college orientation. Our goal is to help you make a smooth transition into university by highlighting key 
supports and services beneficial to mature students. You will hear from members of our Peer Mentor team, mingle with other mature students, and learn about a couple clubs on campus that may be of interest to you, such as YUMSO (York University Mature Student Organization) and SASP (Student Association for Single Parents). The Mature Student Academic Orientation is offered on 2 dates:
- Wednesday, September 4th, 6 – 9pm
- Saturday, September 7th, 9:30am – noon
For me, the Mature Student Orientation was a nice prelude to my own college’s orientation the following morning. I met other mature students that evening that I’m still in touch with today. For more information or to sign up, click here.
Campus Tours
At some point during an aircraft ground school, we leave the classroom and go to the airplane to see the various aircraft systems first hand. Likewise, Academic Orientation is a great way to explore the campus. As it is impossible to see more than a small part of the campus during your session, you may want to consider a campus tour. For more information on campus tours, click here.
RED Zone
A final resource I want to highlight is York’s RED Zone. The Student Ambassadors who work there are trained to answer questions about all things York! Whether you need information about one of the university services, have questions about life at York, or need help finding your way on campus, you should check them out! Link to their website here, or drop by their booth in the middle of the Vari Hall Rotunda.
Sign up for Academic Orientation and watch your York experience take flight!
