Coming back to university after a long break can be both exciting and daunting under normal circumstances. We understand how doing this during a pandemic presents unique challenges. That’s why York’s Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students (ACMAPS) has you covered! In today’s #YUBlog post, we are sharing York’s top resources for mature students.
What is ACMAPS?
ACMAPS provides numerous support services for mature students as they enter a new chapter in their life. These resources include:
Mature Student Transition Orientation
As a mature student myself, I wanted to meet like-minded people. I found that the easiest way of getting to know more mature students who were in a similar position as me was to attend the Mature Student Transition Events. This year, the events are being offered as a three-part session. You can view the past recorded sessions and register for the upcoming session on August 24 on the ACMAPS orientation page. This is separate from the Fall/Winter 2020-2021 Orientation that will be held on September 8 for all first-year students. While this event usually happens on-campus, this year it will be offered virtually via Zoom.
You can use YU START to RSVP to this event. The Orientation Registration Support will assist you in the registration process if you require additional guidance.
The Mature Student First-Year Experience Program (FYE)
The Mature Student First-Year Experience Program offers students a series of workshops that build academic skills and support mature students’ transition to university. You can get more information about the program by watching ACMAPS’s online presentation, “Navigating the First-Year Experience Program”.
Peer Mentorship Program
Another way of getting to know your peers is through ACMAPS’ Mature Student Mentors. Experienced, caring upper-year students are available to offer guidance, answer any questions you may have or just be there to chat.
If you are interested in becoming a Mature Student Peer Mentor in Fall 2020, keep an eye out on the YU Hire website.
York University Mature Student Organization (YUMSO)
YUMSO is an all-volunteer mature student organization that aims at helping York’s growing mature student and student-parent population. YUMSO has expanded its role from helping mature students understand the complexities of university life to include helping them adjust to and enjoy the back-to-school experience, offer mentorship and advice, and help establish a social network.
York International
At university, it is crucial that you understand and keep a track of your progress as you progress. Coming from a different country where academic life might be quite different, it took me a while to get used to the terminology and procedures here. If you are an International Student, I would recommend reaching out to York International (YI). YI will be able to assist you with student advising, your University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), immigration information and financial planning. YI has moved all their workshops and sessions online to help students connect with them virtually.
Check out the York International events calendar to find a session that’s suitable for you!
Learning Skills Services
If you have been away from school for a while, you may have not been studying, taking notes, writing essays, citations, and practicing other learning skills regularly. York has made this transition back into the academic swing of things simpler for its mature students! Learning Skills Services (LSS) can help you in the areas of studying, time management, exam prep and much more! LSS also offers one-to-one Peer Academic Coaching. You can book appointments with an experienced Learning Skills Peer and work with them on areas specific to your own needs.
To learn more about LSS, check out our #YUBlog on Remote Learning 101: Learning Skills Services.
The Career Centre
If you are wondering about how to enhance your LinkedIn profile, write your resume, draft a strong cover letter or prepare for an interview, York’s Career Centre is your destination. You can find various online workshops like Networking Strategies, Resume Writing, Interview Preparation to name a few on the Career Centre calendar! If you’re interested in specific career information or finding a job, keep reading, but you can also book an online appointment with a Job Search Advisor.
The Work/Study program
Many mature students want to work while pursuing their degrees to develop skills that will help them in their careers. The Work/Study Program at York provides eligible undergraduate students (domestic and international) with the opportunity to develop professional skills and contribute to the university through paid, on-campus employment opportunities. This program not only allows you to work but also helps you build your resume and gain valuable work experience while studying. Check out Experience York to find the Work/Study opportunities that you might be interested in!
The Writing Centre
I always knew that writing style varies from industry to industry, but at university, I realized that academic writing is a style of its own. I was quite overwhelmed when I received my first assignment. But then I found the Writing Centre, and the staff were there to help with whatever I needed! The Writing Centre offers programs ranging from writing courses and workshops to online and one-to-one support that will help you ace all your essays and research papers.
Student Papers & Academic Research Kit (SPARK)
There will be instances when you may not have enough time to attend a webinar or get someone to help you with research, taking notes or editing essays. Fear not! York Libraries have you covered. SPARK is an online resource provided by York Libraries that can help you with writing strategies, revising arguments, creating bibliographies and editing your final work.
These resources for mature students are great tools that will ensure you’re ready to make the most of your university experience!
Have additional questions about ACMAPS or being a mature student? Be sure to check out the ACMAPS FAQ for any information you may need!
If you have used any of these mature student resources or have any questions about these programs, be sure to comment below or tweet us at @YorkStudents.
To stay up to date on campus life and events, connect with York U on social media. You can follow us on Facebook @YorkUStudents, Twitter @YorkUStudents, Instagram @studentlifeyu and with our weekly This Week @ York emails.
Note: This blog is an update to Sophie Morgan’s post called York U Mature Student Resources
Deea Deb
Deea Deb is a third-year English and Professional Writing major at York University. She loves reading, travelling, being organized, and writing. She hopes to help York students succeed at university.
