![Principle 1: Prioritize student learning, excellence and success](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2021/09/Principle-1-1536x430-1.jpg)
Principle 1: Prioritize student learning, excellence and success
Students are at the heart of all the work we do. This year brought many new student supports and opportunities designed to enhance academic excellence. From bridging gaps in learning to increased academic supports, peer mentorship for incoming international students to paid co-op opportunities, we strive to find innovative ways to help students thrive at York University.
By the Numbers
0 K+
Students Attended LA&PS Orientation
17,0
Undergraduate Students
3,0
International Students
2,0
Students Participated in Peer Assisted Study Sessions
2023-2024 Highlights
Fall Orientation
![Students posing with LA&PS letters and LA&PS flag.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/MG_4142-Enhanced-NR.png)
![Orientation attendees coming into Vari Hall.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/MG_3908.png)
![Attendee posing with LA&PS photo props.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/MG_3941.png)
This year’s Fall Orientation drew in over 2,000 prospective students to LA&PS program sessions, campus tours and faculty meet and greets.
Programs Fair
![Attendee speaking to departmental representatives sitting at their booth.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Attendee-speaking-to-departmental-representatives-sitting-at-their-booth..jpg)
![Associate Dean MJ Maciel Jorge and staff member speaking with attendee.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Associate-Dean-MJ-Maciel-Jorge-and-staff-member-speaking-with-attendee..jpg)
![Attendee speaking to departmental representatives sitting at their booth.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Attendee-speaking-to-departmental-representatives-sitting-at-their-booth-2.jpg)
In January 2024, we held the first LA&PS Programs Fair, an opportunity for existing students to speak with LA&PS program representatives and academic advisors to learn about program combinations including double majors, minors and certificates as a way to diversify their academic experience and enhance their career prospects.
International Orientation & Transition
![Students sitting at desks listening to a presentation by Associate Dean MJ Maciel Jorge.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Students-sitting-at-desks-listening-to-a-presentation-by-Associate-Dean-MJ-Maciel-Jorge..jpg)
![Pre-orientation cohort posing together with staff and faculty in LA&PS t-shirts.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Pre-orientation-cohort-posing-together-with-staff-and-faculty-in-LAPS-t-shirts..jpg)
![Students sitting at desks listening to a presentation by Associate Dean MJ Maciel Jorge.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Students-sitting-at-desks-listening-to-a-presentation-by-Associate-Dean-MJ-Maciel-Jorge.-1.jpg)
Before the Fall 2023 term, International Students new to LA&PS were invited to "Get Ready for Class," a pre-orientation program designed to help students transition into their first year at York University academically, socially and personally.
International Student Engagement
![LA&PS International Student Engagement team posing with the York mascot Yeo.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Basketball-Game-4.png)
![Student posing for a picture in Riverdale Park.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Riverdale-Field-Trip-3.png)
![Student selfie in front of the Art Gallery of Ontario.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/035ebb49-f964-4a4b-96e1-33cf7ba60a73.png)
The LA&PS International Student Success & Engagement team organized numerous student engagement activities this year to prioritize students and to foster a sense of community at LA&PS, including attending a Lion's basketball game, exploring Riverdale Park in Toronto and visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO).
Spirit Day
![Student sitting at a table putting together a LEGO creation with several different pieces.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Student-sitting-at-a-table-putting-together-a-LEGO-creation-with-several-different-pieces..jpg)
![Two students crouching down to pet a therapy dog on a leash.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Two-students-crouching-down-to-pet-a-therapy-dog-on-a-leash..jpg)
![Students sitting at a table painting on small canvases.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Students-sitting-at-a-table-painting-on-small-canvases..jpg)
Once a year, the York community is invited to participate in festivities where we celebrate and recognize the people who continue to make this University a success. This year's Spirit Day took place in October during wellness week and in an effort to celebrate and help our students unwind, LA&PS provided students with a variety of stress-busting activities ranging from Yoga to DIY crafts, art therapy and a movie night.
Dean's Circle of Student Scholars
![Group photo of the Dean’s Circle of Student Scholars with Associate Dean MJ Maciel Jorge.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Deans-Circle-of-Student-Scholars-sitting-at-a-long-table-posing-for-a-picture-with-faculty-members.jpg)
![Dean’s Circle of Student Scholars student receiving a certificate from Associate Dean MJ Maciel Jorge.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Deans-Circle-of-Student-Scholars-recipient-holding-a-certificate-of-recognition-posing-for-a-picture-with-Associate-Dean-MJ-Maciel-Jorge.jpg)
![Associate Dean MJ Maciel Jorge speaking to the 2023/2024 cohort of Dean’s Circle of Student Scholars.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Associate-Dean-MJ-Maciel-Jorge-speaking-to-cohort-of-Deans-circle-of-student-scholars.jpg)
This year we invited the highest-achieving students in the Faculty of LA&PS to become more engaged in the York community and develop leadership skills as part of the Dean’s Circle of Student Scholars.
Convocation
![Graduating student body in caps and gowns sitting on stands awaiting their graduation ceremony.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Graduating-student-body-in-caps-and-gowns-sitting-on-stands-awaiting-their-graduatuion-ceremony.-.jpg)
![Four female students in cap and gowns holding up the LA&PS flag and posing with peace signs.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Four-female-students-in-cap-and-gowns-holding-up-the-LAPS-flag-and-posing-with-peace-signs..jpg)
![Dean J.J. McMurtry standing behind a podium, speaking at Convocation](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/JJ-Convocation.png)
Convocation is the formal ceremony for the conferral of degrees, diplomas and certificates. A time-honoured tradition that celebrates every student’s academic accomplishments with family and friends, and a commemoration of student life at LA&PS and York.
2023-2024 Achievements
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
This year, we increased our targeted academic supports and numeracy programming within the Faculty. Our Student Success team delivered Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) to 2,500 students, including students in 16 historically difficult LA&PS courses, and one-to-one peer tutoring for over 275 students in numeracy adjacent courses.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
We piloted a targeted, intentional and proactive early alert communications and outreach strategy this year, which included academic coaching for at-risk students to help prevent failing grades and targeted exam review sessions for vulnerable LA&PS athletes.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
In the summer of 2023, LA&PS successfully developed, delivered and implemented a new summer pilot course, mathematics for Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, to assist students without Grade 12 math skills to acquire the knowledge they need to enter math-dependent LA&PS programs such as economics. The non-degree, 12-week online course drew in 61 students, with 60 students successfully passing the course. The 12U math waiver class will provide a framework for all non-degree programs moving forward.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
The Academic Advising team rolled out a new Advising Cluster model, which provides students with access to dedicated advisors based on their LA&PS program, to provide more tailored support for students in need.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
Beginning in September 2024, students in all programs in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies will have the option to choose to enrol in a paid co-op program in their second year of study, providing them with meaningful work experience and an opportunity to explore career paths, while offsetting the cost of their education. With the transition from internships to co-op, all students currently enrolled in the internship program will automatically be grandfathered into the new program.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
We also successfully transitioned the existing Internship Workshop sessions into a 12-week comprehensive asynchronous Co-op Prep Module designed to equip students with career readiness competencies in preparation for co-op. The curriculum covers a range of topics including relevant software skills, networking skills, refined job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, on-the-job success, professional communication, mental health and stress management and more.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
As we transition our internship program to co-op, we secured donations, $12,000 per student, to support 13 co-op placements in community agencies in the not-for-profit sector that can’t afford to pay students interested in a co-op placement at their organization.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
The Work Integrated Learning team received $50,000 from the Ministries of Colleges and Universities through the Ontario Micro-Credential Challenge Fund to scale the development of the Co-op Prep Module into an "Upskilling for Co-op: Preparing for the Workplace Micro-Credential," which will continue to support LA&PS students before entering the workforce. Informed by industry and employer partners, the curriculum addresses existing gaps in the labour market and will prepare students for success starting in September 2024.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
In 2023-24, we implemented a new curriculum for international students focused on delivering academic, career and social supports from acceptance through to graduation, with new orientation and transition support including Get Ready for Class: International Pre-Orientation event, YU Thrive events, Pre-Arrival Webinars, academic and career related activities. We also revised and delivered York's First Friend six-week program, which connects upper year international students to incoming international students prior to their arrival to the university.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
We launched a new Dean's Circle of Student Scholars (DCSS) program curriculum for over 1,000 high achieving LA&PS students, which included targeted monthly workshops on funding opportunities, extracurricular development, learning skills, wellness strategies and student leadership development. Above all, the events fostered a sense of community among the DCSS.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
This year, we advanced the implementation of the LA&PS Colleges re-envisioning by incorporating the Colleges throughout the student journey from orientation through to graduation. LA&PS Colleges are providing an enhanced Peer Mentor Program for first-year students through increased engagement activities, events and wellness resources. Additionally, they're providing upper year students with a series of Leading with LA&PS events focused on developing leadership skills. New College also launched a new Graduate Advisory Committee with regularly scheduled programmed Grad Cafe events where grad students can engage with their peers, provide academic support and explore career options.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
LA&PS launched a new Academic Support Hub within Founders College, which is a new learning community for LA&PS students to study, collaborate and connect with their peers.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
The Operations team worked closely with LA&PS’ 20 academic units this year to identify efficiencies and deliver on its commitment to service excellence. In collaboration with the Academic Process team, they developed and improved over 50 new and existing operating procedures and continue to monitor and evaluate operations that help increase student success.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
This year, the Operations team worked closely with LA&PS staff to support the delivery of the Becoming YU program, which provides LA&PS Work Study Students a rewarding and enriching earn and learn experience within the Faculty.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
This year, the Academic Advising team collaborated with LA&PS Communications to develop a communications calendar to support students throughout the year by highlighting important dates, deadlines and timelines to help them make more informed and timely decisions pertaining to their academic profile and degree plan. In April 2023, they also piloted a new Academic Advising automated booking system to better track and respond to student queries, capture student data and improve the student experience.
Success Stories
LA&PS paved my way to academic excellence and a thriving start to my career. From day one, I was matched with a peer mentor who introduced me to invaluable student resources. Whether struggling with Financial Accounting or polishing an essay, services like PASS sessions and the Writing Centre were there to assist.
![Ismaeel Mohamed profile photo](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Ismaeel-Mohamed.png)
— Ismaeel Mohamed
LA&PS Student
I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am and how pivotal my experience as a PASS leader for LA&PS has been. Being a PASS leader has enabled me to grow out of my shell, develop critical soft skills that I was able to speak to when interviewing for my internship and contribute to the success of others which is beyond rewarding.
![Thea Nguyen profile photo](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Thea-Nguyen.png)
— Thea Nguyen
PASS Leader
Co-op opens [students'] eyes to multiple career paths. They can also help students land full-time jobs. [Students] are often offered jobs by co-op employers; it makes their recruitment easier to hire a known candidate who does good work. For students, this can be a relief, because finding jobs is extremely stressful.
![Fahimeh Ehsani profile photo](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Fahimeh-Ehsani.png)
— Fahimeh Ehsani
Manager, Employer Engagement
Our experience with hiring and placing LA&PS students has been positive. They have been a valuable asset to our team. I had no prior knowledge or past experience with the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, but with this first engagement, not only have they met our expectations, they have also surpassed our expectations.
![Olayinka Akande profile photo](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Olayinka-Akande.png)
— Olayinka Akande
Employer, HR Manager, ventureLAB
I enjoyed the laid-back environment of connecting with Professors...the [Faculty Meet & Greet] was great!
![Anonymous profile photo](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/account-icon.png)
— Anonymous
LA&PS International Student
![Anonymous profile photo](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/account-icon.png)
— Anonymous
LA&PS International Student
With the overwhelming feeling of starting a new job and degree, [my advisor] Monika relieved me of my stress and ensured that this degree was something I could complete while pursuing full-time work… She has continuously fit my scheduling needs, whether over the phone, virtually, or in person... Monika made me feel that my concerns are of importance. I very honestly say that Monika was the reason I decided to continue with my education. I am extremely grateful to Monika and the time, dedication, and motivation she has provided me.
![Samantha Di Lieto profile photo](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Samantha.png)
— Samantha Di Lieto
LA&PS Student
Embracing the new cluster model marks a paradigm shift in our approach to student support, heralding a more efficient and tailored framework that meets our students' needs precisely when they need it most. As an advisor, I've witnessed firsthand the positive impact of this structured system. It ensures that students not only receive timely assistance and guidance but also benefit from personalized support tailored to their unique circumstances, nurturing a more conducive academic environment.
![Monika Makkar profile photo](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Monika-Makkar.png)
— Monika Makkar
LA&PS Student Success & Academic Advisor
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