You may hear certain terms without fully understanding what they mean or how they relate to the York University experience. That's why we’ve created this quick reference guide, or mini “dictionary” of key terms that are typically used at York!
The terms below are divided into four main sections: academic, financial, campus life and administration.
Academic
Double major
A double major is a degree option that allows a student to concentrate your studies in two main areas. This flexibility gives them the chance to combine two related (or unrelated!) areas of interest.
Elective
An elective is a course where the subject matter is typically outside a student’s declared major, minor and general education courses. This is an opportunity for students to study something outside of their chosen field. I took a Communications and Media course in my third year which was a fun change of pace to my other mandatory courses.
Enrolment
Enrolment is how you sign up for and “enrol” in courses that you need to take. Each student will be given a date in which they have access to do so.
Pro Tip: check out Student Online Services for your enrolment date by the end of May to make sure you don't miss it.
Major
A major is your chosen program of study; it is what you will get your degree in. For example, you could be pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History, Anthropology, English, etc.
Minor
A minor is an area of secondary study or concentration. It is a collection of five courses completed in an area other than your major. For example, a student could be a Communications major with a minor in Marketing, or a Political Science major with an African Studies minor.
Pro tip: Check out the Future Students website to learn more about how majors and minors work.
Reading week
Reading week is a one-week break that occurs during the Fall and Winter semesters. It is there to allow students the opportunity to catch up on coursework and readings or prepare for midterms. It can also be used as a chance for students to rest so they feel refreshed for the second half of the semester.
Financial
Paying for course vs. paying for program
Most undergraduate students pay per course credit, but there are some programs (e.g. Design, Juris Doctor) where you pay a “flat” tuition fee, regardless of the number of courses or credits the student would like to take.
Registration deposit
A registration deposit is a one time a payment a student makes once they have accepted their offer at York. It confirms their spot and will go towards their tuition.
Administrative
UHIP
UHIP is the University Health Insurance Plan. All international students are automatically signed up for it unless they have a comparable plan, and domestic students are also welcome to apply (although most are enrolled in the YFS Health & Dental Plan). UHIP provides comprehensive medical coverage for students and any dependents who accompany them to Ontario.
YU-card
The YU-card is York’s official student identification card that can also be used for campus-wide payments. The card is used to identify you for exams. It also acts as a means of access to services across all three campuses, including the library, recreation facilities, exams, food and dining plans, shopping, events, discounts and more.
Campus life
Accessibility services
Accessibility services provide academic accommodations to York students with documented temporary and permanent disabilities and/or medical conditions. Academic accommodations help address disability-related barriers to learning. Contact the Student Accessibility Services office to determine your eligibility.
Tait McKenzie Centre
The Tait McKenzie Centre is York University's main athletic facility located on the Keele Campus. It offers student memberships that provide access to the gym, as well as a variety of fitness classes included with the membership. The centre also hosts games and events for several varsity teams and college sports teams throughout the year.
Every student will likely visit York Lanes at least once to buy their textbooks!
York Lanes
York Lanes is an indoor mall on the Keele Campus with 30 dining, shopping and student services. Students with dining plans or Flex dollars on their YU-card can use their card at dining options and in the York Bookstore.
Looking to learn more? Find out about York's acronyms in our post The ABCs of acronyms at York.