As the saying goes, time goes by fast when you’re having fun.  Today marks the end of my two months adventure at A&R – what a thrilling ride it has been! 

As I wrap up my 2nd month, I am not only synthesizing everything that I have heard from our individual or group conversations, but I've also been thinking how we can bolster our impact and relevance within the broader University community.  To that end, I would like to share with you some reflections that will hopefully guide our thinking and planning initiatives in a holistic manner: 

Athletics and Recreation at York University: 

• Students-first: recognizing that we are an academic institution, we prioritize a student-centric approach to planning frameworks.  A&R is primarily funded through students’ ancillary fees, coupled with a strong revenue-generating business unit.  Therefore, A&R is has the capacity for growth and reinvestment towards a sustained student experience. 

• Student Success is a Journey – from students to future global citizens:  A&R is a catalyst towards everyone's health, fitness, and athletic journeys; we are also part of the broader student's journey.  We strive towards synergies and alignment within student affairs and academic programming, as well as supporting students to achieve their goals beyond YorkU 

• Serve one, open to all, and breaking down barriers:  YorkU has a diverse student population.  We champion to remove barriers, increase participation, and improve accessibility for groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in sports and recreation.  We provide a customized experience for individuals but balance programming that are accessible to all YorkU stakeholders. This includes multiple modalities, individual goal -settings, team sports, recreation and competitive programming – for all ages and groups. 

• Resource distribution - we recognize that A&R resources are finite, but will distribute it based on our Mission for the long-term future guided by established plans. Our sports model is a balance of provincial/national governing frameworks, while being transparent about the resources available within A&R for each team sports.  

• Spaces - We co-exists in a mixed-use space with multiple user groups. We plan for the future, guided by the Master Plan and Campus A&R Precinct Study. We balance space needs for a diverse student population. Business opportunities for space aims to improve our commitment to the student body through strategic reinvestment. 

What's Coming Up? 

As we transition into the new school year, 2023/2024, we will be moving towards a refresh of our A&R Strategic Plan.  There will be some 15+ planning sessions involving smaller groups of 8-15 people such that your voices will be heard as we develop key priorities for the next two years.  

Over the course of the school year, I will be hosting multiple Round Table sessions for staff, student-staff or work study students, and the broader student body.  The main objectives for these Roundtable sessions are threefold: 

1. Develop a feedback loop whereby voices can be heard from our internal staff, student staff, and program participants 

2. Discuss topics around Staff Engagement and cultivating a strong Lions Pride

3. Create a culture of open and safe dialogue for everyone 

In closing, I share some photos that were taken over the past four weeks.  There were many fantastic moments of course, but these were the ones that made the cut.