
- SHAY is a volunteer ambassador program for current Faculty of Health students.
- SHAYs share their experiences in their program and as 91ÑÇÉ«U students with prospective students and their families.
- The program is an opportunity for current Faculty of Health students to gain experience and skills in public speaking, leadership, professionalism, organization, adaptability, and more.
- They assist with both online and in-person events such as open houses, the Ontario Universities’ Fair, online program information sessions, and drop-in Q&As.
The SHAY team consists of students who are:
- In 2nd year or higher of one of the six undergraduate degree programs within the Faculty of Health
- Global Health
- Health Studies (Management, Policy, Informatics)
- Kinesiology and Health Science
- Nursing
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Interested in attending events online and in person to share their experiences in the Faculty of Health and 91ÑÇÉ«U with future students and their families
- Reliable
- Proud to represent 91ÑÇÉ«U, the Faculty of Health, and its program
The SHAY program runs from September to April every year.
- The Recruitment team schedules events and SHAYs choose which events to sign up for.
- Events can be online or in person and are typically offered in the evening (usually Tuesdays-Thursdays, between 3:45 pm-7:00 pm) or on weekends (usually Saturdays, 8:30 am-3:30 pm).
- We are looking for SHAYs to assist with at least 5 events (Which equals a commitment of at least 25 hours of volunteering) over the 8 months of the program.
- Gain valuable experience for your resume
- Network with professors, staff, and other students in the Faculty of Health
- Develop personal and professional skills such as communication, leadership, organization, public speaking, and professionalism
- Earn SHAY points for every event you assist with. These points translate into rewards including 91ÑÇÉ« apparel, YU Flex Dollars, or a letter from the Dean
- Make friends and get involved on campus
- The application for the 2026-2027 team is now closed. If you have any questions, please email shay@yorku.ca.
- Application Timeline:
- The application is typically open April-May each year for the SHAY program starting in September
- Interviews are typically completed in May-July each year. Only those candidates who are selected for an interview will be notified.
- Training for successful SHAYs is in August
Please contact our team at shay@yorku.ca
What SHAYs are saying about their experience

One of the things I value most about my studies in the Faculty of Health is the close-knit community in the Neuroscience program. The friendships I have made here have become one of the most meaningful parts of my university experience.
— Austin, BSc Neuroscience

My time in the Faculty of Health has helped me build confidence in my voice, strengthen my critical thinking, and deepen my commitment to mental health, equity, and community care.
— Cheyenne, BA Psychology and Indigenous Studies

The sense of community I found from aspiring colleagues and supporting professors became a main driver for my academic and research pursuit.​
— Drake, BSc Kinesiology and Health Science

My favourite part of my classes were guest lectures. I got to listen to many different types of researchers and their experiences and get fascinating behind the scenes information, helping to inspire more curiosity within myself.
— Eddie, BA Psychology

My favourite course is probably the Costa Rica course that explored health and aging. The class went beyond traditional learning; we were immersed in experiences that you couldn't learn in a classroom. ​
— Hanna, BSc Global Health

Choosing to add the Digital Health Certificate reinforced my interest in gaining concrete, industry-relevant knowledge alongside theory. Studying digital health has shown me that improving health outcomes is not just about innovation, but about designing systems that are ethical, inclusive, and accountable.
— Jordyn, BHS Health Studies and Digital Health Certificate

After living through the COVID-19 pandemic, I gained newfound curiosity and interest in the world of infectious disease control and global governance.
— Lisa, BSc Global Health

The program helped me get two different internships in healthcare settings that helped in increasing my work experience and employment prospects.
— Mehak, BHS Health Informatics & Digital Health Certificate

What makes clinical placements so interesting was seeing how classroom knowledge translates into practice in real time. I learned about noticing changes, prioritizing care, educating patients, and adapting to each person’s needs.
— Sana, BScN Direct Entry Nursing

What made me love my program were the passionate professors I had that help me share their enthusiasm and interest in their field in Psychology.
— Shifra, BSc Psychology

Throughout my time at 91ÑÇÉ«, I’ve had the privilege to sit in on many guest lectures, learning about experiences from all over the world, from individuals who have had experiences with the things we learn about such as the World Health Organization, public health programs, grassroots organizations etc.
— Talisha, BSc Global Health

Courses like Psychology and Law and Forensic Psychology have allowed me to lean fully into my interests. Instead of treating law and psychology as separate worlds, these courses helped me understand how deeply interconnected they are.
— Vaidehi, BA Psychology
