York University is set to significantly enhance the experience of transfer students through two innovative initiatives, thanks to support from the Ontario Council on Articulation & Transfer (ONCAT). This effort is part of a broader investment by ONCAT, which is allocating more than $2.8 million across 39 projects throughout Ontario to support post-secondary learner mobility.
The funding at York will be directed toward two key projects – the Transfer Student Experience Hub: From Mobility to Success, and Set for Success for Transfer Students. These programs are designed to tackle the unique challenges faced by transfer students, offering them tailored resources and support to help them reach their academic and personal goals.
The Transfer Student Experience Hub aims to develop resources and programs that will include academic skill-building, career development and well-being components, all specifically crafted to meet the needs of the students. Set for Success for Transfer Students will introduce a course with comprehensive support for incoming transfer students. This course takes a proactive approach to address potential challenges, helping build essential academic skills and establish vital campus connections.
At an announcement event in June ONCAT executive director Adrienne Galway highlighted highlighted the importance of accessible educational opportunities. “Empowering learners with accessible pathways to navigate their educational journey is key to helping them achieve their professional and academic goals,” she said. Galway explained that the increased funding would promote improved transitions between institutions and programs, helping learners reach their desired destinations.
Present at the same function, Jill Dunlop, minister of colleges and universities, echoed this sentiment, affirming the Ontario government’s support: “By facilitating smoother transitions and recognizing the wealth of knowledge gained through previous experience, we are fostering a more inclusive environment to advance student success in Ontario.”
York President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton welcomed the funding, stating, “The student-centred access and mobility projects will help us deliver targeted support that many students need to succeed.” Lenton emphasized York’s commitment to strengthening university education pathways and expressed gratitude for the support from ONCAT and the Ontario government.
Established in 2011, ONCAT works to eliminate barriers for students transferring among Ontario’s public colleges, universities and Indigenous institutes. The organization’s recent call for projects received an unprecedented number of applications, underscoring the growing interest in supporting learner mobility and expanding access to post-secondary opportunities.
As these projects unfold, they promise to make a significant impact on the educational landscape in Ontario, offering transfer students the support and resources they need to thrive in their academic and professional pursuits.