![Principle 2: Enhance connections and collaborations](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2021/09/Principle-2-1536x430-1.jpg)
Principle 2: Enhance connections and collaborations
LA&PS has invested in creating inclusive spaces for the York community to gather and collaborate on meaningful work. LA&PS engages the community, from hosting donor events to partnerships with local employers, to build lasting connections that are integral to maximizing our students' academic potential.
By the Numbers
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Employer & Student Recruitment Events
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LA&PS Colleges Events
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Donor & Alumni Engagement Connection Events
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Vanier College Productions Activities & Events
2023-2024 Highlights
Advancing YU
![Three students posing on stage with their certificate of completion from the Advancing YU program.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/IMG_8440.png)
![Attendees sitting at tables for the Advancing YU connections event.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/IMG_8295.png)
![Student posing on stage with their certificate of completion from the Advancing YU program.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/IMG_8435.png)
In April, Advancing YU hosted their 2023-2024 Celebration event for Black students and women students. The event provided a platform for program participants to share their experiences, network with alumni mentors and collect their completion certificates.
LA&PS On-Campus Job Fair
![Student speaking with Experiential Education team representatives at their booth.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Student-speaking-with-Experiential-Education-team-representatives-at-their-booth.jpg)
![On-Campus Job Fair attendees gathered in Vari Hall.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/On-Campus-Job-Fair-attendees-gathered-in-Vari-Hall.jpg)
![LA&PS International representatives posing at their booth.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/LAPS-International-representatives-posing-at-their-booth.jpg)
This year LA&PS organized an on-campus Job Fair for students to learn more about paid opportunities on campus including the Work/Study program, co-op and more.
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.
Work/Study Appreciation Day
![Work study students posing together for a group photo.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Work-study-students-posing-together-for-a-group-photo.jpg)
![Lily Cho giving remarks at the work study appreciation day event.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Lily-Cho-giving-remarks-at-the-work-study-appreciation-day-event.jpg)
![Work study students posing with their certificate of recognition for a group photo.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Work-study-students-posing-with-their-certificate-of-recognition-for-a-group-photo.jpg)
LA&PS organized the Work/Study Appreciation Day event to recognize and celebrate all of the hard work and invaluable contributions of our work/study students.
Writer-in-Residence
![Attendees mingling during welcome reception.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Attendees-mingling-during-welcome-reception.jpg)
![Shyam Selvadurai and Deepa Mehta on stage with Ravi de Costa.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Shyam-Selvadurai-and-Deepa-Mehta-on-stage-with-Ravi-de-Costa.jpg)
![Shyam Selvadurai and Deepa Mehta sitting on stage, in conversation.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Shyam-Selvadurai-and-Deepa-Mehta-sitting-on-stage-in-conversation.jpg)
In Fall 2023, LA&PS hosted a Writer-in-Residence event with distinguished author, Shyam Selvadurai in conversation with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Deepa Mehta, as they viewed and discussed Mehta's latest documentary, "I Am Sirat."
Speed mentoring with RBC
![Students sitting at a table and listening to an RBC representative.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Students-sitting-at-a-table-and-listening-to-an-RBC-representative.jpg)
![Group shot of attendees sitting in groups and networking.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Group-shot-of-attendees-sitting-in-groups-and-networking.jpg)
![Students sitting at a table and listening to an RBC representative.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Students-sitting-at-a-table-and-listening-to-an-RBC-representative-2.jpg)
This year, the Work Integrated Learning team organized a speed mentoring event with representatives from RBC, who connected with students, shared their experiences and provided guidance as they navigate the early stages of their careers.
Employer Appreciation Event
![Audience listening to speaker on stage, with a presentation on employer benefits behind her.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Audience-listening-to-speaker-on-stage-with-a-presentation-on-employer-benefits-behind-her.jpg)
![Attendees sitting at tables conversing.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Attendees-sitting-at-tables-conversing.jpg)
![A panel of four guests sitting on stage and speaking to audience.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/A-panel-of-four-guests-sitting-on-stage-and-speaking-to-audience.jpg)
LA&PS organized the Employer Appreciation Event to celebrate our invaluable industry partners for providing impactful internship opportunities and work-related experiences for our students.
Vanier College Productions (VCP) Grad Choir
![Two grad choir members standing on stage singing.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Grad-Choir-1.JPG.png)
![Grad choir members standing together for a picture.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Grad-Choir-2.JPG.png)
![Grad choir members staking a selfie together.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Grad-Choir-3.JPG.png)
This year VCP & New College formed their newest performing group, Grad Choir, providing a space exclusively for grad students where they can unwind and connect with their peers over a shared love of singing and music. For their inaugural performance at Choir and Cookies, they sang songs to spread holiday cheer and to celebrate the end of the term.
Vanier College Productions (VCP) Events & Productions
![LA&PS Got Talent winner posing with award certificate and faculty and VCP members.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/LAPS-Got-Talent-winner-posing-with-award-certificate-and-faculty-and-VCP-members.jpg)
![VCP team hosting an Arts and Crafts tabling event outside for students.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/VCP-team-hosting-an-Arts-and-Crafts-tabling-event-outside-for-students.jpg)
![Group shot of VCP community members on stage.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/03/Group-shot-of-VCP-community-members-on-stage.jpg)
This year, the Vanier College Productions team organized numerous events, productions and workshops to connect LA&PS students across multiple disciplines who share a love for the arts.
Dean's Annual Reception
![Students posing with family and faculty members.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Students-posing-with-family-and-faculty-members.jpg)
![Students posing with family and faculty members.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Students-posing-with-family-and-faculty-members-2.jpg)
![Two female attendees posing for a photo together.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Two-attendees-posing-for-a-photo-together.jpg)
In October the Dean hosted the Dean's Annual Reception, an event that showcases our gratitude to donors, external partners and alumni for their collaborations within the Faculty.
Dean's Circle of Scholars
![Dean’s Circle of Student Scholars sitting at a long table posing for a picture with faculty members.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Deans-Circle-of-Student-Scholars-sitting-at-a-long-table-posing-for-a-picture-with-faculty-members.jpg)
![Dean’s Circle of Student Scholars recipient holding a certificate of recognition posing for a picture with Associate Dean MJ Maciel Jorge.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/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 cohort of Dean's circle of student scholars.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Associate-Dean-MJ-Maciel-Jorge-speaking-to-cohort-of-Deans-circle-of-student-scholars.jpg)
This year we invited the highest-achieving students across the Faculty to enhance connections within the York community as part of the Dean’s Circle of Student Scholars program.
National Bank Open
![Image of the National Bank Open match from the stands.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Image-of-the-National-Bank-Open-match-from-the-stands.jpg)
![Dean J.J. McMurtry speaking to attendees.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Dean-J.J.-McMurtry-speaking-to-attendees.jpg)
![Outside of the Sobeys Stadium and National Bank Open entrance.](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Outside-of-the-Sobeys-Stadium-and-National-Bank-Open-entrance.jpg)
In August 2023, York University hosted the National Bank Open, serving as a networking event for students, alumni, community partners and donors.
2023-2024 Achievements
![](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 where LA&PS students can go 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)
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)
We developed a comprehensive plan to launch LA&PS Life in 2024, a new student life platform and mobile app that will connect students to LA&PS Colleges, Student Council, Student Clubs, programming and events.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
This academic year, the Vanier College Productions team organized 31 events, with over 700 student engagement participant opportunities, for students across LA&PS who share a love for the arts and theatre, increasing student collaboration while building new skills, confidence and a strong sense of community.
![](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 academic year, LA&PS hosted two distinguished authors, Shyam Selvadurai and Emma Healey, through the Department of English's Writer-in-Residence program, providing students with access to a working, professional writer for feedback and support. Both writers also hosted a variety of events open to the York community.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
In the 2023-24 year, the Advancement team developed and managed 14 high-impact events, which engaged hundreds of donor prospects and alumni as mentors for students, expert panelists and focus group participants for new fundraising projects.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
In collaboration with the Career Centre, we transitioned to a shared platform to increase visibility of LA&PS employer events and career advancement opportunities. The collaboration resulted in streamlined communication, reduced redundancies and improved student engagement including greater participation rates and opportunities for students to connect to resources, in addition to, an enhanced employer experience.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
This year, the Work Integrated Learning team ran 32 employer events to connect partners with LA&PS students for recruitment purposes. The events ranged from employer branding events, speed mentoring sessions, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) events and more.
![](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/ChevRi_sw_rgb_x2.png)
Several LA&PS Colleges spaces including the Grad Lounge in Atkinson, Vanier 001 and Founders 305 have been revitalized and transformed this year to increase seating capacity and functionality to promote peer-to-peer collaboration and community building. LA&PS Colleges also increased the hours of operation in the Atkinson undergraduate study lounge to provide students with a safe place on campus where they can study, access academic support and connect with other students.
Success Stories
![Yasmin Anigozie profile photo](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Yasmin-Anigozie-350x350-1.png)
— Yasmin Anigozie
Advancing YU Student
My journey with the Advancing YU mentorship program in the last year of my undergraduate degree was truly enriching. Paired with a practicing lawyer, I discovered a nurturing environment where I could freely explore, brainstorm, and grasp the nuances of practicing law. This experience wasn't just about industry insights; it was about forging connections with fellow mentees who shared similar aspirations.
![Kiana Therrien-Tomas profile photo](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Kiana-Therrien-Tomas-350x350-1.png)
— Kiana Therrien-Tomas
Advancing YU alumni
Over my years at York University, Vanier College Productions (VCP) was the home of my undergraduate experience. VCP allowed me to meet some lifelong friends, allow me to work on shows that I had never had the chance to work on before, create incredible memories and allow me to call a part of York University my home. Without a doubt VCP was the best part of my York University experience and it will always be a part of who I am.
![Stefan Porfirio profile photo](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Stefan-Porfirio-350x350-1.png)
— Stefan Porfirio
VCP Alumni
My University experience has been defined and enriched by my involvement with Vanier College Productions (VCP). I met so many incredible people, some of which are still my closest friends. VCP gave me the kind of hands-on experience that I wouldn't have had anywhere else, I learned so many things about theatre both onstage and off stage and was lucky enough to have many industry networking opportunities.
![Paulina Luciani profile photo](https://www.yorku.ca/laps/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/04/Paulina-Luciani-350x350-1.png)
— Paulina Luciani
VCP Alumni
Unlocking University Success: Meet 4 LA&PS Students Embracing Advancing YU! 🚀 Hear Their Inspiring Stories!
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Had an incredible time exploring numerous opportunities at yesterday's Winter Career Fair! 💼🙌 Did you miss it?
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