York's RED Zone

First Things First

mikekas — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:56:55 +0000

First and foremost we want to congratulate you on your acceptance to York University and welcome you to the beginning of a new journey. Whether you are coming to York from high school, another university, the work force or, as we like to call it the outside world, this next step in your life is a big one. During your time here you’re going to learn a lot of things, in and out of the classroom. You’re going to have many opportunities for academic, social and personal growth. And most of all, you’re going to have fun! Don’t get us wrong, there are going to be challenges and big decisions too, but by the time you walk across the convocation stage we are going to do our best to make sure you’re healthy, happy and ready for your next adventure.

The summer 2012 RED Zone team

You’re probably wondering what the RED Zone is, which is a fair question. The RED Zone is a space for you to connect with other students and even staff. You can come to us and ask any and every question you have about York University and what it’s like to be a student here. Throughout the summer, we’re going to provide you with advice, helpful hints and links, and information that you will need to make the most of your time at York. As students, we’ve gone through the enrolment appointments and the residence applications and the continuous questions from friends and family about how you’re feeling and what you’re doing to prepare. We definitely remember what it’s like to be where you are right now, with a brand new journey about to unfurl before you. It can seem daunting at times, but that’s why we’re here for you. The RED Zone is your direct link to a team of senior students who want to share their first hand experiences and knowledge of the university with you and help get you off to the best possible start.

So, join us on this blog, through our Twitter or Facebook accounts, and if you’re in the area come see us in person. York is more than just a school, we’re a community and we’re in this together.

We can’t wait to meet you.

Have you heard about the Ontario Health Survey?

mikekas — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:51:10 +0000

The Ontario Health Survey is the largest population-based health survey ever conducted in North America, designed to help find common risk factors that lead to a variety of diseases. York University is the leading educational institution that is attached to the survey.

By taking 20 minutes you can fill out a simple questionnaire that will eventually lead to a better understanding of the health needs for all Ontarians. It is a great and easy way to help some of the leading health scientists improve health care and health care policy. It is also a good way to reflect on your own health and allows you to think about some of your personal habits.

You can fill the survey out online or come by Vari Hall in person any Monday between Noon and 4PM. If you come and fill it out here you will also receive a free pedometer!

Shivanni’s Wordless Wednesday

mikekas — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:59:12 +0000

Sometimes words just aren’t enough. These are the times when only a photo will do.

Who thought we'd ever need artificial ice in Canada? Apparently the YFS had some insight when they scheduled to have this plastic ice installed as part of Frost Week!

The Centre for Human Rights are sharing our space in Vari Hall and inviting everyone to Inclusion Day on January 18, 2012.

The Health Education and Promotion team are often on hand to keep the RED Zone team company in Vari Hall

I haven't been feeling all that well lately, but I really had to do a double-take when I saw these inspirational words on the wrapper of my cough drop!

I still can't help snickering whenever I read these cough drop words of inspiration.

Have You Heard about the NEW 30% Off Ontario Tuition?

mikekas — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:04:47 +0000

If you haven’t heard about the new 30% off Ontario Tuition, then I may have good news for you. The government of Ontario has announced that eligible students will be receiving a grant of up to $800 for the January 2012 semester. For a lot of us, that will be a very welcome cash boost at the beginning of the new year.

Some people may find the eligibility criteria a little confusing, so we’ll tackle that first. If you’re a full-time student at a public college or university in Ontario and you’re in a first entry program — that is a program you applied to and entered directly from high school -
it’s been less than four years since you left high school, your parents’ gross income is $160,000 or less, you’re a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a protected person
and you live in Ontario then you are eligible.

Even better news, if you’re already receiving OSAP you don’t have to do anything else. You’re automatically considered for the grant. Just keep an eye on your emails for more information.

If you don’t currently receive OSAP then you’ll have to apply. Fortunately, it’s a pretty simple application process. Click through to ontario.ca/30off and follow the steps.

Also on the ontario.ca/30off website is more information regarding the amount and eligibility criteria if you would like more details.

And if you still have questions you can’t find an answer to there is a convenient, toll-free hotline you can call: 1-888-449-4478

Use the Hypotenuse to Traverse the Pythagorean Platform

mikekas — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:56:43 +0000

If you spend enough time at York, you start to notice some things around campus that will likely cause you to raise an eyebrow. Keep reading to find out what Greg – guest blogger, current Leadership student and former RED Zone Student Ambassador – feels is one of the biggest curiosities on Keele campus.

Exhibit A - "little elevated area on campus walk"

Okay, so what is with that little elevated area on campus walk right by the Student Centre? You go up those three steps, walk across the little platform and then what? You go right back down three identical steps! What is the point of that? Is there some giant rock or tree root that we couldn’t dig out to make the thing flat? Is that why we had to build that seemingly pointless “bridge” of concrete over whatever it was that prevents the walkway from being flat?

Exhibit B - stutter step steps

And another thing, who designed those stairs? Do I take one step or two? They are the perfect length that everyone has to take those little stutter steps to get up and down.

And the ramps. If you are using the ramps, you have to go up on the extreme right side of the platform, and then down on the extreme left, which means on a crowded day, when everyone is walking in a straight line, you have to ride the hypotenuse and cut off about 500 people to go back down the other side.

Exhibit C - right side ramp

Exhibit D - left side ramp

The platform is built outside of the Behavioural Science Building, and there’s a security camera filming everyone who goes over it. I feel like this is just some project they are doing – “Let’s see how people deal with these awkward steps and our silly ramp placement on this totally pointless platform”.

What data could they be collecting anyway? Today, 205 people tripped on the stairs, 53 people were involved in a collision and 8 people looked at the platform, started crying and went back to where they came from.

Come on platform. Come on.

Exam Time = Quiet Time

mikekas — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:42:52 +0000

Vari Hall, home of York’s RED Zone, is usually the Grand Central Terminal of Keele Campus…

You can hear a pin drop in Vari Hall during exam time.

… not so much during exam time.

Good luck, everyone!

Help Stop Violence Against All Women

mikekas — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:16:46 +0000

Did you know that in 2004 there were 198 female victims of homicide in Canada? 62 of those were spousal homicides. 76% of women who sought refuge in a shelter in 2004 were escaping abuse. Startling figures.

On December 6 please take part in The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. York’s Centre for Human Rights along with Sexual Assault Survivor’s Support Line (SASSL), York Federation of Students, Men Talking to Men About Violence Against Women, Residence Life and the Diversity Peer Education Team at the Centre for Human Rights have organized a full day of events to educate and raise awareness. You can check the event Web site for complete details.

You should also get creative and enter the Create a Quote & Vote to End Gender-Based Violence contest on Facebook that is being run by the Centre for Human Rights.

Thinking about joining a student club? Check out YURT!

mikekas — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:24:17 +0000

Have you ever thought about joining a student club or organization at York? They are a sure fire way to get you involved and making new friends outside the classroom. And there are lots to choose from. Just surf on over to the YU Connect site – York’s hub for student clubs and organizations – create an account, and dive right in. I’m positive you’ll find something to suit your fancy.

Just the other day I got acquainted with YURT, the York University Rover Team. Check out my video interview of the team and their awesome rover robot after the jump.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IulNcQvxBwM

Create a Quote and Vote to End Gender-Based Violence

mikekas — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:16:35 +0000

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Tuesday, December 6 is the the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. What can you do to end violence against women?

York’s Centre for Human Rights has a unique way for students to commemorate this very important cause.

If you cannot scan the QR code go directly to the Facebook site with this URL: www.facebook.com/events/251576981566180/

Hidden Talent

mikekas — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:42:21 +0000

Have you ever had a friend that you magically discover has a hidden talent you had no idea about? Often times in University, when you are meeting people in residence or in class, it is interesting to learn new and exciting things about them.
When I was in residence in my first year I learned an array of awesome things about the other people in my building. My favourite was my one friend who painted amazing designs on her shoes. I was utterly amazed and did not realize that she had actually painted them herself until second semester. What if one of your friends creates mini buildings with toothpicks, is a professional finger painter, or a quilter, or a writer, or kazoo player and you don’t even know about it?

The point of all my rambling is that everyone has a hidden talent. Sometimes they are just too shy to share it. In fact, I have a secret talent and I’m going to step outside of the box a little in order to share it. I love to sing and many of my friends at York do not know this. Singing is one of the avenues by which I’ve gotten involved at York. I’m actually performing in a concert with the York University Gospel Choir on Friday and Saturday and would like to invite everyone to come check it out. If you like live music and want to see me dance on stage come to the CIBC lobby (ACE) on the 25th and 26th. The concert will commence at 7:30pm. Tickets are only 5 dollars for students, so take a break from studying and come out for a bit.

Hope to see you there!

PS – If you want a sneak peek here is the YouTube video of our last concert.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruWhfIubwN8