TORONTO, September 2, 2015 – It’s the start of a new academic year with new challenges for students, parents and teachers. York University experts are available for media interviews on various topics related to student success, including how parents and teachers may help children and young adults achieve their goals.

Janet Morrison, York University Vice-Provost Students, is available to offer tips on adjusting to new surroundings, setting priorities, and fully embracing the student experience. She is also available to offer advice to both students who are first in their families to attend university and their parents.

Professor Jen Gilbert in the Faculty of Education is available to comment on sex education in curriculum and LGBTQ issues in schools. She is also available to offer tips to teachers on how to address sex and sexuality related questions from students.

Professor Thomas Klassen in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies is available to offer advice on mastering the day-to-day tasks that help students to thrive in the classroom and succeed in the labour market after graduation. He is co-author of the recently published book  How to Succeed at University (And Get a Great Job!): Mastering the Critical Skills You Need for School, Work and Life.

Professor Jonathan Weiss in the Faculty of Health is available to offer tips for students with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities on dealing with anxiety, stress and loneliness, and on the importance of friendship, social inclusion and skill building.

Professor John Ippolito in the Faculty of Education is available to offer tips and strategies for school teachers on how to establish supportive relationships with parents as well as students, including those from non-English speaking households. [Not available September 2 & 3]

Professor Jodi Letkiewicz in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, who teaches personal investment management, is available to offer tips on managing personal finance, including how to help young people learn budget basics, manage money and stretch resources when away from home.

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York U’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre. York U is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York U’s 11 faculties and 25 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 280 leading universities worldwide. York U’s community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 275,000 alumni.

Media contact:

Gloria Suhasini, Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca