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Academic Orientation

Welcome to York University. As a new student in one of the academic programs affiliated with the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), the following per-arrival guide has been created to provide you with information and resources to help you make a successful transition to your studies.

We invite all LA&PS students beginning their studies during the Summer 2024 term to also participate in LA&PS Fall Orientation on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, to attend in-person sessions where you can meet fellow students and faculty members and learn more about your academic program as well as the resources available to you at the LA&PS Colleges, the Faculty of LA&PS, and across the University.

group of students pose with the York University mascots during orientation.

LA&PS Orientation Day!

Wednesday, August 28, 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free Event
Registration: Save the date! Registration opens the first week of August 2024.

Kickstart your academic journey at this essential event filled with information and fun. Life-long friendships begin here as you bond with peers in your department, program, college and across the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.

Schedule of the Day

Join fun activities, meet new friends and learn about York.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Learn what to bring and what you'll be up to at Orientation!

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Arrival Locations

Find out exactly where to kick off your day based on your program.

Schedule of the Day

11 a.m.Spirit KickoffArrive at your designated arrival location and connect with upper-year students to make some new friends and learn your college cheer! LA&PS students are divided into four colleges, each run by a student council and faculty Head.
12:30 p.m.Program Sessions
  • Take a seat in your first university classroom for an exciting introduction to your chosen field of study delivered by professors you’ll be working with over the next four years!
  • Meet your dedicated academic advisor(s)!
  • Hear more from the student club associated with your academic program! We have over 25 LA&PS College-Affiliated Clubs.
2 p.mSocial Fair
  • Make friends who share your love for either sports, yoga, crafts, board games, competitive challenges or karaoke!
  • Founders, New, McLaughlin and Vanier each have their own Student College Council. Visit their lounge to connect with your council executive and get a preview of the fun they have planned for you this year!
  • Explore the student services and the variety of academic supports that will have your back for the next four years!
4 p.m.Inspirational ClosingBecome inspired by the motivational words from JJ McMurtry, Dean of LA&PS, and end the day with a college cheer off!
Don’t miss out on this kickstart to your university career!

Frequently Asked Questions


What should I bring to LA&PS Orientation?

  • Snacks (light snacks will be provided and food-for-purchase will be available)
  • Comfortable clothing and shoes (you can choose to play sports and/or engage in yoga in the afternoon. Equipment will be provided)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Sunscreen and other things you may need for a safe and fun day

Additional Orientation Events

LA&PS’ four college student councils offer a week of social experiences ahead of the beginning of classes. These fun student-designed experiences will ensure that you forge strong friendships with which to begin your university career.


Can I bring a friends or family with me to LA&PS Orientation?

LA&PS Orientation Day is designed for our incoming first-year students. We have staff, student volunteers and faculty available to support you throughout the event. It will be a great opportunity to meet friends you will be studying with for the next four years!

If you require in-person support and/or service animals for accessibility reasons, they are more than welcome to join you.


Parents & Caregivers

Orientation is designed to serve as an independence-building experience for first-year students, helping them transition smoothly into university life. Learn more about student support & activities while visiting the Keele Campus.

Arrival Locations

Accolade East (ACE)

Business Economics
Economics
Financial & Business Economics
Social Work

Accolade West (ACW)

African Studies
Business & Society
Criminology
Health & Society
Interdisciplinary Social Science
International Development Studies Program
Law & Society
Work & Labour Studies

Vary Hall (VH) &  Central Square (CSQ)

Anthropology
Commerce (BCom)
Disaster & Emergency Management
French Studies
Gender & Women’s Studies
German Studies
Human Resource Management
Human Rights & Equity Studies
Information Technology (BA & BCOM)
Italian Studies
Linguistics
Portuguese & Luso-Brazilian Studies
Sexuality Studies
Spanish
Speech & Language Sciences
Undeclared Majors

Victor Phillip Dahdaleh (DB)

Children, Childhood & Youth
Classical Studies
Classics
Cognitive Science
Communication & Media Studies
East Asian Studies
English
English & Professional Writing
Global Political Studies
Hellenic Studies
History
Humanities
Indigenous Studies
Individualized Studies
Jewish Studies
Philosophy
Politics
Professional Writing
Religious Studies
Sociology