Picture a first-year lecture hall. Now think about the people in that hall — are they all fresh out of high school, the same age, with similar first-year experiences? I hope your answer is no, and here’s why.  

York University is home to over 6,000 mature students, adult learners who bring stories of courage, resilience, and determination that challenge traditional expectations of who a student is. After all, who puts a timeline on learning? 

Mature students often walk a different path to university than most: some are parents, some return after years in the workforce, and many balance full-time jobs or other demanding roles. What unique challenges do mature students face that traditional-age students might not? Beyond just academics, mature students may seek a “student experience” that looks different from the typical idea of campus life. How do they find community, friendship, and balance? 

In this episode, our host Susu B sits down with Samantha Maxwell, Employment Consultant, Job Developer, and Student Success Lead at the Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-Time Students (ACMAPS), as well as Vice President of the York University Mature Student Organization (YUMSO). 

Together, they explore the emotional landscape of mature students; the empowerment, the feelings of being out of place, and how to reframe these experiences. They also discuss how mature students are perceived by younger peers and how all students can foster more inclusive, respectful campus interactions.  

Whether you’re a mature student or a traditionally aged one, this episode is for you; a conversation that shows how we can all can learn from and support each other to create a stronger, more inclusive campus community. 

Resources:

• Connect with other mature students at York: York University Mature Students Organization (YUMSO) is the heart of York’s mature student social activities. CONNECT WITH YUMSO 
• Mature Student Orientation: There is a specific orientation offered for mature students new to campus. The session is tailored to the needs of adult learners/mature students. You’ll build connections with staff, faculty, and you and your fellow students will learn how Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students (ACMAPS) can be a valuable asset to you throughout your years of study. 

https://acmaps.info.yorku.ca/orientation/ 

• Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-Time Students (ACMAPS): The Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-Time Students responds to the unique needs of mature students from admission to graduation. Programming is focused on orientation, mature student success series workshops and mentoring. This is a great resource for mature students on campus. https://students.yorku.ca/acmaps 
• Mature Students Guide at York U: https://mature.students.yorku.ca/ 
• Mature Student Housing: Did you know that as a mature student at York U, you have access to mature student housing? York apartments or Passy Gardens apartments are options for you. 

https://www.yorku.ca/housing/keele-campus/p-york-apartments/