A Little Update...

I know... it's been a while! With exams, work, and training its been hard to find time to write a blog! I hope you can forgive me (insert puppy face). To make it up to all our RED Zone readers, I'll let you know that all of us at the RED Zone have got great ideas, tricks, and magic up our sleeves :)

It's Day 9 of RED Zone Training! We are hard at work gaining knowledge, and coming up with ideas in order to serve all YOU better! We're super excited with some of the great ideas everyone has been coming up with, and we can't wait till we are open (May 15) to meet some NEW incoming students who are starting their journey at York University! 

I am especially excited for some of the changes my blog will be undergoing! Keep checking back, cause in the next few days my blog will be sporting a different look, and... wait for it... I will start bringing in some VIDEOS into my blog- Stay tuned!!

For Your Information:

• Frosh Boss Applications are out! Interested in becoming a Frosh Boss for Frosh Week 2013? Contact your College Council for an application! Hurry though, applications are due soon!
• Summer school is in full swing at York, and campus looks B-E-U-TIFUL!
• Date for enrolling into classes for Fall/Winter 2013 is out! Check here: http://www.registrar.yorku.ca/index.php (under "find out when I can enrol) to find out when YOU can enroll in classes (date depends on program, and year)
• First day of school is September 9, 2013!

Hope everyone has an amazing summer and looking forward to meeting some of you!

Until Next Time, I'll be Yorking Around, 

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Fun Facts about York University

I believe that fun facts are awesome, interesting, and cool. So how about I share some awesome, interesting, and cool facts about York, the university we know and love...

- York libraries are visited by over 3 million people annually! 

- Rachel McAdams is an Alumni of the York University Fine Arts Theatre Program!

- Other notable alumni's include Jack Layton, Dina Pugliesi, and Steven MacLean

- York is the 3rd largest university in Canada

- York's motto "tentanda via" means "the way must be tried"

- Over 6000 cups of coffee are sold on campus every single day!

- York University owns a rainforest in Costa Rica called Las Nubes

There are many more facts where that came from! Stay tuned as I share more fun facts in future blogs!

Until Next Time, I'll be Yorking Around, 

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YFS HEALTH and DENTAL PLAN!

You may or may not know this but, every single full-time student is automatically IN the health and dental plan! This means that you will be charged $241.49, for 12 months worth of health and dental coverage! I know, I know... "what does this mean!?", "what if I don't want it?!", "what does it cover?!". Hold. Onto. Your. Horses. People. I'm going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions right in this blog, so you can be in the know about this plan!

What if I don't want the plan?
If you don't want the plan, and you are already covered under a different plan you would want to "opt-out". You can opt-out here.  Just follow the steps, and it'll guide you. Make sure to opt-out by October 5 or else you will be charged and kept in the health and dental plan.

What does the plan cover?
The plan actually covers a variety of things! Some of these include:
- $100/24months for vision care
- 80% prescription drugs, for up to $1000
- $25 per visit for up to $300 for dietician, chiropractic care, acupuncture, physiotherapy, and other services
- The plan covers many other things as well, click here for the full list

Can my family be covered?
You can add your children and/or spouse onto your plan, but it will cost more:

$241.39 is charged to all students or to individual student who enrolls manually.

$468.84 to add ONE dependent (note: this is in addition to $241.39 paid as a student)

$579.65 to add more than one dependent (note: this is in addition to $241.39 paid as a student)

How do I use the plan? Do I get a card to prove I am covered?
You do not get a card with the YFS health and dental plan. Instead you can provide the following information to your health care provider:

Benefit Provider: GREEN SHIELD CANADA

Drugs: (Prescription) YFS + Student Number +00

Dental: Group Policy/Plan No: 11111

Division/Section No: YFS

Employer: York University

Certificate No/ I.D. No: Student Number

That about covers all the questions we have been getting here at the RED Zone! 

Remember: If you DO want the plan you don't have to do anything as you are automatically going to be placed in the plan! 

For more information feel free to contact the YFS through their website or give them a call at 416-736-2100 ext. 58066

Until Next Time, I'll be Yorking Around, 

 

 

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Classes That Are Fun? I Thought I Was in University?!

So, here you are. At University. An institution of higher education and research. A community of scholars, and teachers. A place where the courses are prestigious, hard, and boring... wait... rewind. That is not all completely true.

There are classes here at York University that you can take that are interesting, (maybe) easier, and have less paperwork. I know, I know your thinking "What?! How could this be?!""Fun course at a University? Unheard of!", but with thousands of different courses that you can take as an elective, it makes sense that there are some crazy courses out there!

I've asked some of my friends what courses they took that were fun, and interesting, and I have also looked through the course timetables, and have compiled a list of some potential "cool" courses you can take while your here! (Courses with a "*" beside it note a first-year level course).


Books and Bookmaking in the 21st Century (AP/WRITE 3720 6.0)
- Perfect for those interested in reading, books, and how it all comes to be!
- This class looks at the role of books now and in the future
- How publishers affect the content, appearance, and reception of the books that are published


American Sign Language: Level 1 Intro to Sign Language Studies (AP/ASL 1000 6.0)*
- Yup, a class where you learn sign language- found out about it this summer!
- Activities in this class focus on the movement of hands, mouth, and other body parts to represent aspects of the American Sign Language (ASL)
- There is also ASL Level 2 and ASL Level 3 if you wish to continue learning more!


Sport in Canadian Society (GL/CDNS 2612 3.00)
- Calling all athletes (or even those interested!)
- A class where you examine the cultural, social, economic, and political trends the influenced the evolution of sport in Canada
- Also explores how Canada has been shaped by sports and physical activity


Elementary Modern Standard Chinese (AP/CH 1000 6.00)*
- Don't know about you, but I've always been interested in different languages, and been amused at how others communicate in a way I can not understand!
- A class for those who are English speaking and have no knowledge in the language of Cantonese
- Similar "elementary level" courses in different languages are also offered if you were interested in another language!

Porn Studies: An Introduction to Cultures of Sexual Representation (AP/SXST 3604 3.0)
- Now I know what your thinking, but no you don't just watch porn in this class
- This class explores debates, texts, and moments in this time in history surrounding porn

Minds, Brains, and Machines (AP/COGS 2160 3.0)
- Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto! (this is awkward for those not familiar with the song...)
                        
- This course explores questions such as "What is artificial intelligence?" and "Is it possible that we will someday create machines that think?"

Retailing, Shopping, Society, and Space (AP/GEOG 3140 3.0)
- No, unfortunately you don't get marks for finding the best deals!
- This class does explore shopping behavior, process of retail location, and the geographic, economic, and social issues associated with retail

Guitar for Non- Majors (FA/MUSI 2012 3.0)
- Those who never got the chance to learn the guitar, here's your chance now!
- Learn the basic techniques, introductory theory, etc.
- No previous experience required
- Other instruments are also available for non-majors
- Lindsey took Caribbean Ensemble, and Gospel Choir (yupp, another 2 cool courses). Feel free to ask her about her experiences with these classes!

Life Beyond Earth (SC/NATS 1880 6.0)*
-X -Files anyone?
                       
- Yes, this class essentially explores aliens!
- Explores various factors required for life to exist beyond Earth, both life that may have evolved elsewhere, and what would be necessary for humans to live beyond Earth!


Sexuality, Social Practices, and Modernity (AP/SOCI 4075 3.0)
- This course explores sexuality in the context of society processes and practices, and critically examines a number of major contemporary social theories concerning sexuality

Acting for Non-Majors ( FA/THEA 1520 3.0)*
- For those who have a passion for acting, and wish to pursue it further, but aren't in Theatre have no fear!
- This course introduces students to to concepts like breathing, voice work, improvisation, monologues, and other basic techniques associated with acting

So, there you have it. Keep in mind this was only a small list of the hundreds other courses that are offered! Hope you all enjoyed it and keep in mind of these courses (and more) when enrolling throughout your University years! Why not have fun with your courses, and take something more "out there", and not commonly associated as a University course.


Note: Course codes may change.


P.S. Courses are still courses. Although they may be more interesting and seem more easy than other courses, you still have to put in the work and try your best! There is no such thing as an "easy A". 

Until next time I'll be Yorking Around, 

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My Journey To Involvement at York

Back in high school I was not involved in any clubs, organizations, charities, nothing what so ever. As my high school years were coming to an end, I saw University as brand new life. A life where I would be involved with everything I could, meet as many people as I could, and do as much as I could in my limited amount of time here at York.

I spent countless hours searching different clubs at York (even e-mailing a few about how to get involved with them), I remember trying to find out more about this mysterious, and so called "college system" that existed within the parameters of the University, and I even remember looking at the cheer leading and dance teams to find out when they were holding their try-outs (I didn't end up trying out, ending my dreams of staring in the 8th Bring It On).

My campaign poster
(real original)

As you can see I was reeeaaalllyyy keen on being involved. I was probably the first one to sign up for frosh week, and dreamed of once being the organizer of this exciting week that I had heard so much about. Once September rolled around, so did my involvement.

Frosh week was a BLAST, and shortly after I found out there were gonna be elections, so I took the risk and ran for First Year Rep for Vanier College Council! Luckily I got it! :)

Me and my good friends who I met thanks to frosh week
(being a little silly in the Vanier College Council office)

Me becoming involved with Vanier College Council was one of the best decisions I made here at York! Through the position as First Year Rep. I met a huge group of amazing people, learned a ridiculous amount (meetings, minutes, constitutions, etc). and thus was the start of Monika becoming an involved student at York (her dream come true)!

My first year flew by (sadly) but it was awesome, and I'm so glad I made the decision to run for Vanier College Council because it sparked a social, and involved life on campus like no other!

  

Rock Climbing FOR FREE!

In my second year I became Director of Social and Cultural Affairs for Vanier College Council through another election! It was just as awesome as my first year, and I continued to meet more people, and learn more about York! The cool thing is college's run tons of events throughout, and I got to be a part of the planning and participating of all these events!

Me and my council for the 2010/2011 year! 

Me and a friend at a York football game!

Me and my team for RADGE DODGEBALL
(ask me if you wanna know more about this sport!)

As my second year came to and end, and the
elections for the following year were approaching I was deciding whether or not to run for council but then I though really hard and decided... OF COURSE! Being on council was a awesome experience so why in the world would I not be part of it for a third year?! Thankfully I decided to do so, because my dream going into University came true... I became the O-CHAIR for Vanier College Council (O-Chair=person planning frosh week).

A group of us on the last day of frosh week!
(Fancy dinner before the legendary boat cruise!)

First year me would have been so proud! Because I was the O-Chair for Vanier, working at the RED Zone came with the job. Therefore not only was I an O-Chair, but was also a RED Zone Ambassador (another dream of mine when I was an incoming student and came to the RED Zone). The summer flew by but as with every year of involvement, I met even more awesome people, got to plan more events, and attend these awesome events. Frosh week was wicked fun, and so was the school year.

Still making silly faces, 3 years after meeting
all because of frosh week! :)

My third year ended off with the legendary, annual, and ever-so-awesome formal, and yes, I do plan on being involved with Vanier College Council for another year! Thanks to my involvement last year with RED Zone, I got the awesome chance to come back again this year and become the RED Zone Assistant Lead (it is truly the best place to work on campus). I know what you are all thinking: why am I telling you this, and why should you care? Well, take it from me: DO NOT LET YOUR 4 YEARS HERE FLY BY! Involvement is the BEST, and with a school with 400 clubs, organizations, and councils HOW CAN YOU NOT BE A PART OF SOMETHING AWESOME?! DO IT!

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Bike to Work Day

So for those who know me, know I've been getting into biking this summer. It's an AWESOME way to travel around Toronto for the following reasons:
1. It's free!
2. It usually takes around the same time as transit anyway.
3. You don't have to wait for a bus/subway/streetcar. You just jump on your bike and off you go!
4. It is a great way to fit in exercise in your day (for those who don't know me, I like to try and be active too)
As I got more, and more into biking I found out about something that got me even pumped: Bike to Work Day! The day was today, and as you guessed it, I BIKED TO WORK TODAY! Smart Commute had a station set-up in front of Vari Hall with some awesome stuff, so I decided to check it out!

Me on my way!

Some of the useful pamphlets, info, and maps I got!

They had a bike tech. from Curbside Cycle, who tuned-up my bike for free!

The awesome bike Curbside Cycle brought! 

 Lastly, FREE Tees!

The Bike to Work Day was a success! I got to talk to people about biking, and got more information! I totally recommend everyone, and anyone to bike to work, school, friends house, etc. (even from downtown- it's possible... trust me!). Happy biking everyone! :)

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