University Launch 2026: A Virtual Readiness Summit
A 5-day virtual summit to reduce stress and build university readiness
University Launch 2026 is a 5-day virtual summit for students who’ve been admitted to university and want to start feeling ready: academically, personally, and practically.
Through expert-led sessions on academic skills, well-being, career planning, and essential life skills, students will leave with greater clarity, stronger systems, and significantly less stress about the transition to university.
Designed for Grade 12 students in Canada starting university in September.
Schedule
The summit runs from May 6-10, 2026.
Times listed are Eastern Time.
Wednesday, May 6 to Friday, May 8: 6:30-8:45pm
Saturday, May 9 & Sunday, May 10: 12:30-7:00pm
Because we’re welcoming students from multiple time zones across Canada, we’ve done our best to schedule live sessions at times that work for as many students as possible.
That said, we don’t expect students to attend every single session live. This summit is designed to be flexible — students can choose the sessions that feel most helpful for them.
All sessions will be recorded, and replays will be uploaded within 48 hours inside the course portal. Students will have 12 months of access, so they can watch on their own schedule and revisit sessions throughout their first year of university.
Meet the presenters!
Colleen Stevenson
Academic Coach & Founder of ChooseYourUni.ca
I've been on university campuses for the last 25 years or so, between being a student and working in student affairs. I've taught business communication courses, worked in admissions, academic advising, financial aid, and curriculum development. I'm currently a PhD Candidate at OISE, University of Toronto, where I'm researching EDI initiatives in higher education.
I started ChooseYourUni.ca in 2021 because I knew that students often had the same questions I'd had way back when I did my undergrad. But now that I'd spent so much time at university, I had the answers and knew I could help. I've put together this summit so students can start university feeling confident and prepared.
Halyna Zalucky
Wayfinder Coach
Halyna Zalucky is a Wayfinder coach and educator. She works one-on-one with clients to support them in “re-earthing” and coming back to their true nature. Collaborating with organizations, she helps them identify their purpose and heighten their positive impact on people and the planet. As an educator in institutions of higher learning, Halyna creates space for students to explore themselves and their role in shaping a flourishing future for all.
Noha Gerges
CEO & Founder of Foodies in the Kitchen
I help busy people who feel overwhelmed by cooking learn how to do it more at home quickly. With a PhD in genetics and a decade of corporate work experience, everything I do is science-backed and caters to those with a busy schedule. Having meal prepped for over 16 years, I have made ALL the mistakes so my clients don't have to :) Looking forward to connecting with you!
Mairin Barnabe
Post-Secondary Educator and Founder of Illuminate Consulting and Investigation Services
I am a post-secondary instructor and Master of Laws student, so I truly understand what it feels like to be a student at different stages. Before teaching, I worked in academic advising, helping students choose programs and navigate university life. I teach both introductory and advanced Business courses, and I hope to help you understand and manage expectations so you can start university feeling confident, prepared, and supported.
Hannah Schwartz
Founder of Start with Hannah and Connxcted
Hannah Schwartz is known for turning connections into business opportunities. Just six months into her career she was already on stage with CIBC speaking about networking and business growth. Since then she has worked with global brands including RBC, TD, Uber, and more.
As the owner of Start with Hannah and Connxcted, she has built her career around one core belief: It pays to be connected. Today she shares that message with students and entrepreneurs, helping them understand how the right connections can open doors and create opportunities for their future.
Katie Woodruff
Founder of Overthinking Always
Helping you work on your overthinking tendencies.
Podcaster & journaling tour guide.
More presenters announced soon!
Example Curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this summit for?
A: University Launch is designed for Grade 12 students in Canada who have been admitted to university and will be starting in September 2026. It focuses on reducing stress and building readiness for the academic, personal, and practical transition ahead.
Q: Is this summit for parents too?
A: The summit is designed for students as the attendees. Parents often purchase access and are welcome to review the schedule and information, but the sessions are student-focused.
Q: Can students attend if they are going to university outside Canada
A: The summit is designed primarily for students entering Canadian universities, though many skills are transferable.
Q: Is this the same as university orientation?
A: No. University orientation is institution-specific and often focuses on campus logistics. University Launch complements orientation by focusing on the broader academic, personal, and life skills that help students transition successfully. Students are recommended to also attend their campus orientation.
Q: My student feels academically strong—will this still be useful?
A: Yes. Readiness is about more than grades. Even strong students often feel unsure about managing independence, workload, expectations, and stress. The summit helps students build systems and confidence before September.
Q: Is this summit supportive for students with ADHD or learning differences?
A: Yes. Many students with ADHD, disabilities, or different learning needs find the transition to university especially stressful — and readiness support can make a big difference.
While this summit is not clinical or therapeutic programming, many of our presenters have professional experience supporting students with disabilities, including ADHD, through academic coaching, student services, accessibility work, and university transition programming.
Sessions will include practical strategies related to organization, study habits, self-management, and well-being that are designed to be broadly supportive and realistic for a wide range of learners.
Q: Is this delivered on Zoom or another platform?
A: Yes—live sessions will be hosted on Zoom. After registering, students will receive access to an online course-style portal, where each session is listed by date and time. Students will use the portal to access the correct Zoom links for live sessions, and all session recordings will be posted there afterward for 12 months of replay access.
Q: How do students access the summit?
A: After registration, students will receive access to the summit through an online course-style portal. Each session is listed clearly by its date and live start time, and students can click in to attend live or return later to watch the recording.
Q: What if a student is nervous or overwhelmed about university?
A: That is exactly what this summit is designed for. The goal is to reduce stress by helping students understand what’s coming and develop practical strategies before the semester begins.
Q: What if I can’t attend every session live?
A: That’s completely okay. We’ve scheduled sessions to be accessible across Canadian time zones, but we know students have busy schedules. All sessions will be recorded and available for one full year, so you can watch whenever it works for you.
Q: Are the sessions interactive?
A: Yes. Many sessions are designed to be interactive, with opportunities for live Q&A, discussion, and student participation. There will also be a few panel-style sessions where students can hear directly from experienced voices and ask questions in real time. Students are welcome to attend live to participate, or watch the replay afterward if they can’t join at the scheduled time.
Q: What is the cost of the summit
A: Ticket pricing is per student:
Early Bird Rate: $199 (available until March 10, 2026)
Regular Rate: $249 (from March 11–May 5, 2026)
Your ticket includes access to all live sessions, interactive elements, and 12 months of replay access through the online course portal.
Q: How long will replay access be available?
A: Students will have access to all session recordings for 12 months, so they can revisit key topics over the summer and throughout their first year of university.
Q: What time zone are the live sessions listed in?
A: All session times are listed in Eastern Time (ET). Students joining from other Canadian time zones are welcome to attend live when possible or watch the recordings later.
Q: Will this help with admissions or applications?
A: No. This summit is for students who have already been admitted. It does not cover admissions strategy, essay editing, or application support. The focus is on preparing for the transition into university.
Q: Can a parent purchase on behalf of a student?
A: Yes. Parents commonly complete registration for their student. Access and materials are intended for the student participant.
Q: Is this a one-time event or ongoing support?
A: The summit takes place live over five days in May, and students receive 12 months of replay access, making it an ongoing readiness resource through first year.