York University Mobilizes for Undergraduate Students’ Return and Successful Completion of the Academic Year

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TORONTO, January 11, 2001 – York University President Lorna Marsden today welcomed the ratification of the University’s offer by Teaching Assistants (Unit 1) and Graduate Assistants (Unit 3) in CUPE 3903. As decided by Senate Executive, remediation classes for the continuation of the fall term begin tomorrow at 8am.

"We are ensuring that all undergraduate students can now complete their academic year," said Deborah Hobson, Vice-President Enrolment and Student Services. "We are also providing additional services to students in need of academic and financial advice and assistance."

"We are acutely aware that for some students the unavoidable extension of the university year may cause financial or other hardship. The administrators are committed to dealing with each case individually with understanding," Hobson added.

"The University recognizes that there will be individual cases of financial hardship, and students in those circumstances can apply to the university’s bursary program for assistance. There is a large team of student service professionals across the university who are strongly committed to providing the services that York students need at this time. I believe we are all very dedicated – staff, faculty and teaching assistants – to ensuring that our undergraduate students achieve the educational goals they have set for the year," she said.

MEASURES TO ASSIST STUDENTS

  • Students can be assured that plans for remediation for Fall and Winter courses will maintain academic integrity and will allow them to complete their year. Those who are graduating will be able to do so this spring. The additional period of instruction is scheduled from Jan. 12 to Feb.12, with exams running from Feb. 13 to Feb. 23. The Winter term will begin Feb. 26 and end May 11. Exams will run from May 12 to May 26.
  • The Bursary Fund to assist students in financial difficulty will be extended to cover nine months and additional funds will be added as needed. The application form is on line and accessible from the York home page.
  • Residence students’ contracts will be extended to the end of the revised term.
  • Students’ parking decals will be extended to the end of the revised term.
  • The university has a variety of existing resources and support services for students experiencing academic and personal difficulty and students are encouraged to take advantage of these.

Students are asked to look at "Completing Courses: Guidelines and Options" and watch for updates on the Special Student Information Bulletin on the university’s home page www.yorku.ca.

For further information please contact:
Susan Bigelow
Media Relations
York University
416-736-2100, ext. 22091