The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) is committed to fostering a healthy and inclusive environment that promotes mental health and well-being by providing easily accessible tools and resources for all members of the York community.
FGS recognizes the pandemic has made it difficult to explore personal growth, community building and conduct research due to social and physical restrictions. To support students, staff, faculty and alumni of York University, there are a variety of resources and services available through Graduate Wellness & Counselling:
Wellness Consultation & Counselling Services
Attending a Wellness Consultation & Counselling session can act as a starting place for graduate students seeking to enhance, maintain, or address concerns related to their mental health and well-being. The service is offered by trained counsellors and can assist in addressing a variety of needs and concerns. The sessions are confidential and last 50 minutes.
Certificate in Personal Wellness and Learning Skills
The Faculty of Graduate Studies partnered with Learning Skills Services to offer a certificate in personal wellness and learning skills. The program is free and open to all York graduate students. The focus of the certificate is developing strategies to enhance personal wellness and learning skills while building social connections with other graduate students. Learning and wellness skills addressing academic reading, procrastination, motivation, time management, and stress reduction will be discussed within the context of the global pandemic.
Building Meaningful Connections in an Online World (Bell Let’s Talk Day)
This virtual event will take place on Jan. 26 from noon to 1 p.m. In partnership with Bell Let’s Talk Day, we will discuss what our personal understanding is of a “meaningful connection,” explore the current research related to the pandemic and the ways in which it has impacted how we relate to one another, and the small (but important) steps we can take to cultivate and nurture a sense of belonging with our communities and/or supports. This virtual event is open to all students, staff, faculty and alumni of York University, and will feature Student Wellness Counsellor Aziza Kajan.
If you are not able to attend one of the sessions provided, Wellness Webinars on a variety of mental health and wellness topics can be arranged and tailored for graduate student associations, groups, clubs, or programs. Additionally, the Graduate Student Wellness Initiative Fund allocates up to $1,500 to subsidize the costs to develop or implement initiatives related to the promotion, awareness, or enhancement of mental health and well-being for the graduate student community at York University.