The Atkinson Centre for Mature & Part-time Students (ACMAPS) is holding orientation events for new students on two days this year.
ACMAPS’ orientations will take place Saturday, Aug. 25, from 10am to 1pm – with registration starting at 9:30am – and Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 5pm to 8pm – with registration starting at 4:30pm, in Vari Hall A, Keele campus.
New mature and part-time students gather at the ACMAPS booth in Vari Hall Rotunda
“The event is meant to provide new mature students with information and resources to support their successful transition to University and help them make connections with us and with each other,” said ACMAPS director Brian Poser.
Poser will deliver a welcoming address, followed by a short overview of the program. Students will then be organized into small groups to attend each of the five themed rooms hosted by staff and volunteer peer mentors. The rooms are organized by the following themes:
- Navigating the (virtual and physical) campus
- Advising and academic planning
- Campus Services and Resources
- Making a Smooth Transition to University
- Atkinson Centre for Mature & Part-time Students (what we do)
This year is a little different, says Poser. Because in the past new students have really valued the opportunity to connect with an experienced peer, along with the breakout sessions, the event this 
time around is organized with those elements as the focus.
New student Shane Lee Outar listens intently during one of ACMAPS’ January orientation sessions
“Our peer mentors are engaged, successful mature students at York, all of whom have benefitted from our services at some point in their York experience,” says Poser.
The orientation helps students coming to University for the first time or returning after a number of years away, to significantly ease their transition to York and dramatically increase their chances of success.
ACMAPS, which opened in 2007, was established to provide a pan-University physical and philosophical home for mature and part-time students. The mandate of the centre, includes 
raising awareness of issues that affect mature and part-time students across the University, leading and facilitating initiatives responding to the needs of these students, and advocating on their behalf.
Students will have the opportunity to meet with peer mentors. Leigh Sanger, who graduated in June, met with many new students in her role as a mentor.
For more information, visit the ACMAPS website.
To register, click here for the orientation session registration form. In addition to the Orientation for Mature Students, click here for a list of orientation sessions offered by the various Colleges at York.