Hello ev
eryone, welcome to York University!
For those who don’t know me (or may have forgotten who I am) my name is Nicole and I am the Work/Study Communications Assistant at ACMAPS—I’m also a fourth-year Communication Studies major. I do my best to keep you informed and up-to-date with what is going on around the Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students (ACMAPS) and York University.
We’re into the second full week of school now. You’ve already been introduced to all of your professors and familiarized yourself with the material in your courses. You may be asking yourself, what should I do next? Besides the obvious—which is to start on your schoolwork and ensure that you complete your readings—I have some other suggestions for you (whether you’re a new or returning York U student).
1. Collect material for your courses
The syllabus’ that you received from your professors when you attended classes during the first week of school contains information about what you’ll need for your courses. Collect your course materials (books, lab materials, art supplies, etc.) as soon as possible. These items can be purchased from the York University bookstore located in York Lanes on the Keele Campus, and in the basement of the York Hall for Glendon.
For the month of September, the York University bookstore will have extended hours.
The bookstore is not your only resource. You can also visit the York University libraries across campus to borrow the textbooks that you need.
2. Familiarize yourself with York’s deadlines
Be aware of your deadlines! This is especially important for students who are still fidgeting with their timetable. You can find all of the York University deadlines on the Important Dates web page under the Current Students section.
Pay special attention to the add/drop date deadlines and the financial deadlines.
Visit the Current Students page and click on the 'Important Dates' link.
3. Look over the YFS Health & Dental Plan
Part of your tuition goes towards a health & dental plan that is offered by the York Federation of Students (YFS) and Green Shield. It may be a good idea to look over the benefits offered by the student health plan and speak to a YFS representative in the Members’ Services Office located in 106 Student Centre.
You do have the option to opt-out of this service and receive a refund if you already have your own comparable insurance. Check the YFS website for more information and click on the Services link. Remember that there is an opt-out deadline.
Don't put off speaking to an advisor.
4. Find out where you should go for advising
I recommend that you speak with an academic advisor at least once per academic term during your time at York. They play an integral role in helping you to stay on track when it comes to completing your degree.
Each faculty has its own advisor that can provide you with information about your program. Click on Faculty Advising to find out where you should go. ACMAPS also offers advising to mature students regardless of their program. If you need academic guidance, drop by our office and make an appointment to speak with our in-house advisor, Karen Tait.
5. Find out where you can get support:
I often mention York’s supportive academic resources in my blog posts because I think it’s important that students make use of them. They are there for you to take advantage of.
Want to improve your reading, writing and research skills? Visit:
Learning Commons
Learning Skills Services
Writing Centres
Need help with job search strategies or career advice? Visit:
Career Centre
If you are a student with disabilities or would like counselling visit:
Disability Services
Personal Counselling Services
For Financial advice you can visit:
Student Financial Services
Mature Students who need academic support or assistance with navigating York can come see us:
ACMAPS – 111 Central Square
6. Check the York University Events page
I strongly encourage students to glance at the events section on the York University homepage every now and again. There are numerous events that York holds throughout the year that may not be advertised on a poster or the LCD broadcast screens. You also have the option of searching through a calendar to get an idea of the events to come in the near future.
Click on the Events tab to find out what's going on at York.
If you want to take part in York’s community, the events page is a great place to start.
There will plenty more information to come, so make sure you check back with us and follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date. I wish you all the best this year!
Don’t forget that ACMAPS is here to support your success.
