CLICK HERE FOR EXAM PREP CALENDAR April 2012

Once exams are over and the summer term begins, we can help you achieve your academic goals by improving your time management, organization and study habits.  Our Learning Skills Workshops begin again in early May. Check our website www.yorku.ca/cds/lss for the LSS calendar and register on-line.

In the meantime, here are a few study tips to help you succeed in your exams:
·        Find a good study space that works for you.
·        Make a study schedule and stick to it.
·        Break the work down into small, manageable tasks. Shorter, frequent sessions work better than last-minute cramming.
·        Make sure you understand the material well before trying to memorize it.
·        Create study questions from readings and lecture notes to test your understanding and memory.
·        Avoid study marathons by taking frequent breaks.
·        Don’t get lost in the detail. Pull back and look for the “big picture” – how do the pieces fit together? What’s a main idea; what’s a supporting detail or
example?
·        Start early. Study thoroughly over a reasonable period of time so you feel prepared and confident when you get to the exam.
·        Don’t forget to take a few deep breaths before you start the exam!

For more information on preparing for tests and exams check out our website at:  http://www.yorku.ca/cds/lss/skillbuilding.html

Once again, good luck on your exams and final assignments and we wish you a safe and enjoyable spring.

Questions? Contact Cathy Boyd-Withers & Mona Frial-Brown,
Learning Skills Specialists, Counselling & Disability Services
Tel: 416.736.5297

York is U started as Student Alumni program and our vision continues to grow and foster an inclusive environment. Students work to provide engaging campus-wide events and programing that foster York pride, spirit, leadership and a lifelong connection to York University. As we continue to shape York is U, these positions will be moving from a student organization model to a peer-led model under Student Community Leadership Development and become more invested in events and programming that are aimed at first year student experiences as well as moving towards serving the commuter population.  York is U Ambassadors will be serving students through the RED Zone services.

About Red Zone :

York’s RED Zone is an orientation/transition program designed with new students’ needs in mind. In the RED Zone, new students are greeted by a team of experienced peers who are trained and equipped to answer questions directly or seek out the required information on the spot as well as conversations online.

About York Is U Ambassador Position:

All positions are designed to promote York is U’s tradition of inclusivity and providing avenues for increased student participation through our signature events. The key event planning and volunteer integration will still be a focus and account for 60%  of this position. In addition the York is U Ambassador will be conducting its outreach work through the Red Zone, which will compose of 40% of the position’s duties in the Vari-Hall Kiosk.

York is U – Core Events Team (3 positions available)

The incumbent will …

• Take the lead on organizing York is U signature events such as Red/White Days & York Birthdays, Stress Buster Carnival, Terry Fox Run as well other SCLD related Orientation events
• Recruit, train and schedule volunteers within their event portfolio.
• Setup Event Action Plans and budgets 9 weeks prior to each event.
• Setup feedback/evaluations  post-event.
• Assist with other Ambassadors, by supporting their event portfolio and playing a coordination role under their direction.
• Promoting signature events through social media outlets such as YU Connect, Facebook etc
• Other administrative tasks as assigned may include data entry, research and administrative/clerical responsibilities, on-campus deliveries, checking stock levels for supplies etc.

York is U – Core Communications Team (2 positions available)

The purpose of the core communication team is the express the depth of York is U and offer a continous gateway for student involvement across campus, both physically and virtually.

The incumbent must demonstrate at least one of the following mediums for outreach:

Design/Print posters, photography and video in promoting and capturing student involvement and spirit in SCLD and York is U involvement

The incumbent will also:

• Act as the Marketing Coordinator for an event porfolia and working closely with other ambassadors to ensure information is delivered accurately on all mediums and materials.
• Use various communication tools for recruiting volunteers and promoting campus-wide events as well as specifically targeting participation on York is U signature events
• Write/Report on social-media as well preparing pre-media releases for event partners such as the Excalibur, yfile etc.
•  Actively participating in promoting York is U by writing for blogs, updating York is U websites, facebook, yuconnect and twitter
• Managing the smug-mug photo gallery and video archives

York is U Ambassadors –  applicable to All positions:

• Attend all mandatory training sessions in the summer term as well as bi-weekly meetings
• In addition to leading or promoting York is U events, all York is U ambassadors will be responsible to the RED Zone Lead and will be providing resources for students. i.e. student  finance services, res life, academic social orientation etc.
• Other duties include: Meet&Greets/membership socials, managing mailing lists, managing volunteer hours, organizing office cleanups etc, postering, tabling etc.

Summer hours: 16 hours a week x $12.00 hr

Fall/Winter hours: 10 hours a week x $12.00 hr

Note for ALL positions: preference will be given to students who have a demonstrated track record of sustained involvement in campus life and who have experience in blogging, writing, social media and/or online community building. This position is a commitment of both the summer & fall/winter term.

We require staff who are capable of communicating through writing and other creative means such as photography and video etc. Our staff must also have a working understanding of social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and blogging platforms.

Please submit a creative storytelling piece that tells the story of your life and involvement on campus, demonstrating your experience and skills as they relate to the position.. Feel free to create your creative writing piece using traditional mediums drawing, sketiching or any digital tools and social media platforms that you are comfortable with. For examples please visit RED Zone.yorku.ca

Bonus: If you have any graphic design skills and are familiar with Adobe Creative Suite you may wish to include samples of your work (or website) in your application in addition to the above assignment.

As this position will greatly focus on your ability to see the big picture as well as pay attention to the small details. The following assignment requires you build an Action Plan for the following scenario

Assignment : Action Plan

You are asked to build a ‘Commuter Event’ targeting first year students to stay engaged with the university. You have a budget of $2000. Please define the following in your action plan and be sure to include :

• Date/time of your event:
• Name of Your Event:
• Purpose of your event and how it ties with the values of York is U (max of 150 words)
• Define Your Target and how you plan to reach them:
• Create a work back schedule that counts 9 weeks prior to the event and include assignments for each week leading up to the event. Each week you can include assigning duties to yourself and your team members as well detail what tasks you wish to complete.
• Also include how will you solicit feedback /determine the success of your event?
• Budget: Define how you will be using the $2000 and breakdown the costs for expenses

Note *There is no right or wrong way to do this assignment in terms of specific format (i.e. table vs excel chart etc.) There might be gaps about your own knowledge in planning events at York, but this more of a creative way to gauge your thought process and what information you have included based on your best assumptions and intentions of your event.

Please send your applications to : shailak@yorku.ca no later than April 12 2012

Please indicate in the subject line : York is U Ambassador with the Position you are applying for.

If you have other other physical materials you would like to submit (art work, photos, projects etc). Please put them in an envelope and drop them off during 8:30-4:30pm to SCLD, S172 ROSS

We will only be contacting candidates we are interested in interviewing.

Thanks for your efforts

What is the Peer Review Board you ask?  The Peer Review Board (PRB) is a group of student volunteers who adjudicate Conduct Cases from Residence and, based on evidence presented, determine if the respondent’s conduct met or fell below the standards as outlined in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Residence Handbook.

The PRB Chair (3 positions – 2 Keele, 1 Glendon) is a Work-Study eligible student with previous PRB experience who has an interest in the judicial process and wants to lead the PRB in consultation with the PRB Advisor.  The Chair requires 5 hours of work per week and is paid at minimum wage.

See the attached poster for more details. Job descriptions and the online application are posted at www.yorku.ca/resjobs. Applications are due March 29th, 2012 by 4:30pm.

Do you know someone who did not finish high school, who is passionate about university, who will be devoted to their own success, and who is looking for the right opportunity?

TYP@York may be that perfect opportunity!

The Transition Year Program (TYP) at York University is a full-time, two-term (September – April) special access program for youth (19+) and adults who are passionate about attending university. TYP@York provides an opportunity to transition to undergraduate degree study for those who have previously experienced social and financial barriers to accessing the formal education system.

Interested in learning more about TYP@York?

Attend one of our upcoming information sessions! As seating is limited, please contact Ms. Lauren Hall to discuss reserving a seat.

Date: Thursday April 5, 2012
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: York University, Bennett Centre for Student Services, Lower Level, Rooms W020/W021. Click here for campus maps and directions.

Date: Friday April 13, 2012
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: York University, Bennett Centre for Student Services, 3rd Floor, Room N300. Click here for campus maps and directions.

Date: Friday April 20, 2012
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: York University, Bennett Centre for Student Services, 3rd Floor, Room N300. Click here for campus maps and directions.

Apply Now

TYP@York is pleased to announce the arrival of the Fall/Winter 2012-2013 application! We are now accepting applications for September 2012 admission.

The deadline to apply is May 1, 2012. Deadlines may be extended. Late applications may be considered.

Coaching and Support

If you or someone you know are interested in submitting an application, kindly contact Ms. Lauren Hall, TYP Coordinator, who will provide coaching and support.

Making university education equitable and accessible.

Transition Year Program
York University

We are hoping to get enough people out at this event so we can have a good discussion and dialogue about issues related to race/identity, anti-racism work and experiences of racial discrimination. Space is not often created to have these important conversations about race, and so we are hoping you will take this opportunity to get involved and participate!

The trailer can be viewed at www.colourmethefilm.com.  Thanks in advance for your support!

For questions contact:

Anita Balakrishna, Advisor, Education & Communications, Centre for Human Rights

abalakri@yorku.ca

March 26 Events

• 11am-4pm : Free cupcake/cake distribution at Glendon and various locations across Keele campus such as Vari Hall, East Bear Pit and Student Centre
• 11am-4pm:  Free face painting, henna, and birthday-button making in Vari Hall
• 11:30-12:30: Take pictures with the mascots in our photobooth Vari Hall
• 1-2pm: Join us in the Student Centre for our annual cake cutting ceremony with President Shoukri
• 2-4pm: Check out local  talent in the Student Centre‘s showcase of variety of stage performance including dancers and singers
• PRIZE PATROL ALL DAY! Show your pride. Get Free stuff.

“This is one party that cannot be missed!” says Sara G, Student Relations Director for York is U 2011-2012

Interested in volunteering for Red White Day celebrations?  Volunteers are needed on Monday March 26, 2012 beginning at  8:00 am. For more info contact Sara Gedera, Student Relations Director uconnect@yorku.ca

Check out pictures from York’s 52nd birthday last year.

We will be in founders college room 305 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm on March 15, 2012. There will be games, snacks, updates, opportunities,  and so much more.

This is one meet and greet that you do not want to miss out!

The second retreat takes place within the winter semester. This retreat is more intimate and professional development based. Members of York is U attend a three-day retreat outside of the York community.  Members retains skills such as professional resume writing, learning how to plan and execute events,  learning about about the goals and objectives of York is U and contributing to its mission and vision and shaping the future of the organization. It’s early mornings and late nights but you retain  transferable skills and learn more about people you see all year at a deeper level.  Members  or volunteers also get a glimpse of the kind of work and dedication that it takes to become an executive and helps them decide if they wish to apply to the leadership team for the next academic year.

“The York is U retreat gave me the opportunity to get to know everyone who attended and grow as a group. I had a really good time and I was able to learn about myself more as well. It taught me about York is U and the activities we were engaging in. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested”- Joey Banh, Internal/External Feedback Ambassador, 2011-2012

Check out this year’s winter retreat pictures which occurred at Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre.

1. Find out when our events are taking place
2. Find York is U
3. Ask to speak to an Exec
4. Sign in

It’s that easy!

We are looking for volunteers for the two following events:

1.   Orbis Charity Monday February 27  until Thursday March 1, 2012. This event is taking place in the lower/upper East Bear Pit located near Central Square 103 from Monday-Wednesday. Then on Thursday we will be in Vari Hall.  This event aims to generate and educate more people about preventable blindness around the world. We will be selling some goodies in addition to some fun interactive games.  Volunteering begins from 9:00 am until 6: 00  pm everyday.  Drop by and be a part of visual health awareness week. Check out our webpage for more information regarding the event. Email Vivan Ng, Student Community Director 2011-2012, at stucmty@yorku.ca if you are interested in volunteering for ORBIS. You can also drop by during setup or take-down of the event or even during the event.

1. York’s 53rd Birthday on Thursday March 26, 2012. On this day we will having  a York is U party on different areas of the Keele Campus & Glendon Campus. We will be providing free cake , performances by talented students, showcase York’s timeline, face painting, photo booth and hold fun games throughout the duration of the event along with a pub night to end the celebration. Volunteering begins at 8:00 am. If you are interested in volunteering for York’s Birthday and want to be a part of this memorable celebration email Sara Gedera, Student Relations Director 2011-2012 at uconnect@yorku.ca. Check out the webpage for information