Wondering what campus looks like? Haven’t had the opportunity to visit the campus recently? Maybe you have been here before but haven’t ventured beyond your student’s residence. The brand new Virtual Tour offers you a way to check out the entire campus through a series of videos, still images and links, all tied together through an interactive campus map. Check it out at http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/tours/.
May is the next time that final course grades are released to students. This is a critical time for students since the Faculty/Program offices make decisions in regards to program applications, the ability for students to continue at McMaster, and graduation. Please note that your son/daughter may be under pressure during this critical time. The academic process can be confusing and intimidating, but Academic Advisors can explain the process, talk about options and help your son/daughter discover the correct path to success. Students should contact their Academic Advisor in the Faculty they are registered in if they have any questions or concerns at any time throughout the year.
The following paragraphs contain basic information about the academic process and McMaster University terminology. This may help you to understand course offerings and how students continue through their undergraduate degree studies.
McMaster University offers courses in two sessions within the academic year. The Fall/Winter session runs from September to April and the Spring/Summer session runs from May to August. Each session contains three terms. For example, the Fall/Winter session contains: Term 1 which runs from September to December; Term 2 which runs from January to April; Term 3 which runs from September to April. Students receive final grades for their courses at the end of the appropriate term.
Please note that students may complete courses in any term of any session provided that the courses are offered during the desired timeframe. McMaster University provides an online searchable Master Timetable (http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/scheduling/coursett.html) which contains course offering information. This information should be consulted before registration to ensure that timetable conflicts are avoided.
A “Review” is an academic assessment of a student’s performance to determine eligibility to continue in a program or to graduate. A “Reviewing Period” is the time between two reviews for a student. Reviewing will take place in May for the Fall/Winter session and August for the Spring/Summer session provided the student has attempted at least 18 units of work since the last review or is a potential graduand. A “Result of Session” is the statement of the academic standing of a student at the end of a reviewing period. “May continue in program”, “May not continue” and “Clear to graduate” are three examples.
This is only a brief overview of the academic process and Academic Advisors in each Faculty/Program office can provide more information that can help students discover options, make informed decisions and navigate the University.
Dear parents,
Where has the time gone?
It seems like just yesterday when you helped move your son/daughter into residence and wondered how all of his/her “stuff” was going to fit.
Well, as the school year ends and students clean out their residence rooms, they typically find that they have more “stuff” than they are able to take home. Encourage your son/daughter to pack‐up ahead of time and even bring loads home early whenever possible.
To help students plan for a successful move‐out, all residence students will be sent an e‐card outlining important dates and move‐out procedures in late March. This information is intended to make sure that a student’s final days in residence are spent studying for exams rather than packing or cleaning their rooms.
We have also created a brief move‐out information guide for parents (below) with answers to frequently asked questions about how you can help your student move out of residence.
Please read the following move‐out information carefully. These time-saving tips will help make the final move‐out smooth and stress‐free for you and your son/daughter.
If you have any questions or concerns about the move‐out process, please contact us at 905‐525‐9140, Ext.24223 or via email at housing@mcmaster.ca.
We are glad that you have been part of McMaster’s extended residence community, and we hope that your son’s/daughter’s residence life experience has been a memorable one.
See you at move‐out!
- McMaster Housing & Conference Services
Frequently Asked Questions:
What can I expect during move‐out?
Because the majority of students are moving out between April 23 and April 29, there will be lots of traffic in and around the residence buildings, elevators, and parking lots.
Arrive early and follow the instructions of the Move‐Out Parking Assistants (students who will be wearing orange safety vests) to avoid traffic congestion on the roads and on campus.
Peak move‐out times and heavier traffic congestion on campus are during late afternoon/early evening, Monday to Friday. You may want to plan with your son/daughter to avoid these times during move‐out.
Move‐Out Parking Assistants will be on duty from 10 am to 5 pm daily between Friday, April 23 and Thursday, April 29. Please follow their directions and all move‐out signs posted. Much planning goes into ensuring that the move‐out operation flows smoothly; please help us in this task by following the guidance of the assistants.
When is my son/daughter required to move‐out of residence?
Students are required to vacate their residence by 5:00 pm on the day following their last exam. This is done out of consideration for students who are still studying for exams as well as to assist with security in the building.
There is a $50 fine for every day that a student stays in residence past his/her designated move‐out date and time.
Please note: a student is only considered officially 'moved out' when they have returned both their access card and room keys back to the service centre (Commons Building or Mary E. Keyes Residence). If students realize they have failed to do so, they need to contact the University ASAP at 905‐525‐9140 x 24223.
Will the move‐out process be the same as the move‐in process?
The assistance you received during move‐in from our enthusiastic upper‐year students will NOT be available during move‐out, as these students will also be writing exams. Please plan accordingly for any help you think you will need with the move‐out process.
The flow of traffic may also be different. Please pay attention to move‐out signage and direction from the Move‐Out Parking Assistants.
Do I need to bring anything to help with move‐out?
Feel free to bring along any move‐out aids and equipment to help with your son/daughter’s departure from residence (i.e. dollies, trolleys, extra boxes, etc). If possible, we recommended that you bring a small vacuum and cleaning/dusting supplies to ensure your son/daughter has the tools they need to leave the space in an acceptable state before departure.
Where can I park at move‐out?
From now until April 22nd, parking will be as per usual. The following lots can accommodate visitor parking: B, C, D, E, G, H, I, M, P, and Underground Parking (see parking map for locations).
West Quad – Between 10 am to 5 pm daily between April 23rd and April 29th, please follow the direction of the Move‐Out Parking Assistants. You will be given a time stamped parking pass to put on your dashboard that will allow you to park for one (1) hour in a designated move‐out parking zone.
North Quad – A move‐out parking voucher is available free of charge from the Service Centre in the Commons Building when your son/daughter returns their keys at move‐out. Please ask for this voucher, as it will entitle you to one (1) hour of free parking in any of the following parking lots: B, C, D, E, G, H, or Underground Parking (see parking map for locations).
Parking Lot Instructions:
Push the button for an entry ticket, park, move‐out, sign‐in your keys and ask for your voucher from the Service Centre in the Commons Building. (Please note: In order to exit the lot, you will need to put in your entry ticket AND your voucher ticket.) Between 10 am to 5 pm daily between April 23rd and April 29th please follow the direction of the Move‐Out Parking Assistants, as they will direct you to your designated parking lots.
Westdale is the place to be September to April! The neighbourhood is full of familiar faces and the campus is a busy place. There are countless opportunities to get involved athletically and academically and there are a ton of jobs on campus – In my opinion there is nowhere I would rather spend these eight months. Last year I decided to stay in Hamilton for the summer, it wasn’t an easy decision and it wasn’t one I was really looking forward to, but since I was paying rent anyway and had found a great job working on campus in the Alumni Advancement office I figured I would give Hamilton in the summer a shot! My parents were supportive of me staying, as it kept me close to the school and allowed me to explore the city in a way that I would not have had time to do during the year. May was really difficult, all my roommates and friends were gone, so I spent most days going to work, coming home, making dinner and watching TV alone. This is not my ideal way to spend the summer days, so after a few weeks of boredom I decided to do some exploring! I decided to start with a class. Summer classes are great, they are only 6 weeks long (6 hours a week), there are less students, which means more one on one attention and taking one class will significantly reduce the workload for the upcoming year. Also, the campus libraries are all open and are much less busy than what they are the rest of the year. I can find a nice bright spot to read and work and even have time to check out their popular reading collection.
Once I got more involved, I realized that Mac and Hamilton are actually quite busy and beautiful in the summer. There is a ton going on in the community and on campus. I stumbled upon a “Pop the Bubble Campaign” which is run by a group of students on campus and encourages students to leave campus and explore all that Hamilton has to offer. Check out the blog (blog http://macpopthebubble.wordpress.com/) and encourage your son/daughter to do the same! I can also get one-on-one help whenever I need it without having to wait in a line! My summer passed so quickly and I was sad to have it come to an end.
As August wound down I began preparing for my friends and housemates to move back and get back into the routine of school. That summer was one I will never forget, in fact, I enjoyed my summer in Hamilton so much that I am doing it again this year. If your son/daughter is struggling to find a job back home or trying to decide what to do this summer, suggest they stay in Hamilton, get a job, take a couple extra classes and get more involved with the community – I promise it will be a summer they never forget.
Submitted by Lori Moulden
On January 26th from 6 am to 10 pm, McMaster’s Vice-President (University Advancement) Roger Trull and community leader Gary Santucci co-chaired the Haiti Media Telethon. The event was broadcast on CHCH and Cable 14. The day was a tremendous success raising $565,000 for two hospitals in Haiti that have long-standing ties to Hamilton. The two public hospitals in Haiti are affiliated with Hamilton's St. Joseph's Health system. With the confirmed government match from individuals this total is expected to reach at least $880,000 and this number continues to grow (slowly) as donations are still coming in.
The Office of Community Service-Learning and Civic Engagement has run a successful Citizenship Engagement Week over the past two years. Comprised of lectures and workshops, debates and conferences, the goal of the week is to get students to think about what it means to be an engaged citizen in Canada today.
As part of our week the President of McMaster University, Dr. Peter George, delivered his 'Last Lecture'. The “Last Lecture” is a tradition at many universities in which a professor is asked to prepare a lecture guided by the question: “If it were your last chance to give a lecture to students, what would you say?” This event made popular by Randy Pausch's last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University was particularly pertinent for McMaster because Dr. George is retiring this summer after a three-year term as President.
The week was a success and we look forward to planning Citizenship Engagement Week 2011!
The final lecture Peter George delivered on March 3 is available at http://www.thespec.com/article/740123. A condensed version can be found at http://www.thespec.com/article/740266. To listen to a podcast of Dr. George's Last Lecture please visit http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/worthmentioning.cfm?ID=5638.
It goes without saying that employers want someone with relevant experience, however not all of a student’s most desirable assets will necessarily be drawn from direct work experience. By looking critically at the skills they’ve developed during their university education and even through part-time or summer jobs, a student can greatly enhance their employability. The key to success is turning these indirect experiences into significant workplace skills. For example, a student could analyze a time when they worked on a group project as a source of building essential communication skills. Did the student take on a leadership role? How did they manage to incorporate the thoughts and ideas of each member? How did they resolve conflict within the group? Each of these elements of group work are universal, regardless of the context (school, workplace, volunteering, etc.) and thus can be easily transferred into numerous workplace situations. Even fundamental behaviours and attitudes formed during university can ensure that a student is well prepared for the working world. Strategies for coping with stress, work ethic, and commitment to quality work are all essential for success and will be viewed as positive assets by an employer. The skills that will make you successful in university are the same skills that will make you successful in the workplace; the only challenge is observing these skills with a fresh perspective and marketing them to potential employers.
In recognizing all of this it is critical for students to document these skills on their resume, cover letter and other employment documents as well as building them into their interview responses.
Submitted by:
Amelie Matte, First Year Experience Office
Danielle Stayzer, First Year Experience Office
Angela Fortino, Career Services
Encourage your son or daughter to visit the Career Services website and office in Gilmour Hall 110 where they will find an abundance of resources to help with resume, cover letter and interview preparation. Make sure they login to complete their profile on OSCAR (Online Student Careers And Recruitment) where part-time, summer and full-time jobs on campus and in the community are continuously posted. Once using OSCAR, students can sign up to receive job search alerts and stay informed about career and employment related events. If searching for summer employment ... it is not too late! Career Services continues to run Summer Job Search workshops and offers drop-in resume clinics each Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 – 4:30pm.
In addition to summer job search assistance, Career Services supports all McMaster alumni up to five years following graduation. If your new graduate would like to clarify their career direction or develop a strategic job search plan – career counsellors and advisors are available throughout the summer and academic year. For information on these services and more, please see our Alumni Career Services site.
The Department of Athletics and Recreation hires about 700 students in paid and volunteer work each year in a variety of positions and levels of responsibility. Encourage your son/daughter to view all the job postings online through Career Services or the Athletics and Recreation bulletin boards.
Almost all of the jobs give students valuable skills and experience in areas of leadership; time management (work-school-life balance); customer service; professionalism; health and safety; and risk management. In addition, program specific certifications and re-certifications are offered. Some examples of the generic training are: First Aid, AED (Automatic External Defibrillator training), Fire Safety and Ergonomics.
Many jobs require specific certifications prior to applying for positions and some positions only require a willingness to learn and we provide the training. The jobs available are listed below.
Academic mentors provide academic assistance to varsity athletes who have limited time for studying. Academic mentors develop excellent communication and teaching skills.
Lifeguards and instructors are able to continue to polish their first aid, lifesaving and teaching skills through regular training and certification workshops.
Each summer, over 3500 children attend Athletics and Recreation camps. Over 100 camp staff are hired to provide leadership, mentorship and supervision of the children in the program. Many camp staff use their experience to launch teaching and graduate school careers.
Many students are hired to provide information and registration assistance regarding Athletics and Recreation programs and services. Staff use a variety of software applications in their work.
Students assist Athletics staff during varsity game preparation – facility set-up, ticketing, scoring and announcers are just some of the jobs available.
With over 12,000 Pulse members, a large staff complement is required to provide leadership and supervision of the fitness program. Fitness instructors and personal trainers gain valuable experience teaching and leading programs and services.
Students with a strong sport, dance or martial arts background may be interested in sharing their passion by teaching in the instructional program. Many of the instructors are professional teachers, but students are also hired if they have some teaching background in their activity. Typically, many dance instructors are hired to teach styles such as hip hop, tap or jazz.
With over 20 sport choices offered, intramurals offers a multitude of students with a passion for sport to participate, officiate and organize intramural activities. Training is provided for officials and conveners.
With a wide variety of outdoor programming available to students, the department hires staff and volunteers to assist with trip guiding, high ropes programming, team building courses and climbing wall supervision. Many of the courses required to work or volunteer are offered through the Department of Athletics and Recreation. Staff receive training in risk management/safety protocols, group dynamics, facilitation techniques and other leadership programs.
A very popular and competitive volunteer opportunity in the department is the role of Student Athletic Therapist. Student therapists are paired with varsity teams to provide first aid and athletic therapy to varsity athletes pre/post and during practices and games. A very comprehensive training program is provided to all successful candidates and many use their experiences to launch health related careers.
An equally popular and competitive volunteer and work opportunity is the role of Strength and Conditioning Coach. Coaches are paired with varsity teams to provide strength and conditioning training both in and out of season. Intense, comprehensive and regular training in strength techniques gives Kinesiology students opportunities for the application of theory learned in class.
Don’t let your son or daughter miss out on applying for a great campus job at the library! This summer, watch https://oscar.mcmaster.ca/mcauth/ (usually in July) for Fall library job postings.
McMaster University Library employs nearly 100 students each academic year in a variety of different positions. The hours are great, ranging from six to ten hours per week, and are flexible enough to accommodate a student’s busy schedule. In the Fall, the campus libraries are open 7 days a week, with student shifts starting as early as 8 am and ending as late as midnight.
There are a number of different types of student jobs available. Some students gain customer service skills working at a library service desk; those with excellent IT skills might end up working at one of our IT help desks; and of course, some jobs will entail taking care of checking in and out library materials and shelving books. If your son or daughter has a particular strength or interest in maps, Geography, or Environmental Science, they may find a position in the Lloyd Reeds Map Library, located in Mills Library.
Students applying to most (but not all) of the library positions must be approved for the FALL/WINTER work program offered through the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships. Please see http://sfas.mcmaster.ca/work_study/jobs.html
Each year the McMaster Students Union and Student Affairs approve funding collected through student fees for “Special Projects”. This provides a great opportunity for staff to be creative in the way they deliver services to students, pilot new initiatives and collaborate on projects. In the spring 2009 issue we promised to update you on some of these initiatives.
Accessible Career Transition (ACT)
ACT is a very successful program that assists students with disabilities to develop “soft skills” that research identifies is often missing. The ACT/McWork Summer Pilot program provided students with disabilities with relevant work experience in their area of interest. Students were given support through workshops, one-on-one employment counselling and advising, and help in targeting employment opportunities.
AODA Customer Service Training
As part of the provincial legislation (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act), all staff at the University will receive customer service training to better serve persons with disabilities.
Athletic Academic Success Initiative (AASI)
Upper year student athletes received training to be ‘academic mentors’ for student athletes. Academic mentors meet regularly with athletes and support their academics through motivational coaching, learning strategies, instruction and advocacy.
Creating Leadership Among Youth Conference (CLAY)
150 delegates attended the successful conference from May 7-10, 2009. The conference promotes leadership and teamwork through a variety of fun, educational and inspirational avenues.
eCounselling & Telephone Counselling
The Centre for Student Development is exploring cyber counselling as an option for some students.
Financial Planning
Career Services developed a financial planning workshop to assist students with budgeting and planning for their future. Students learned the basics of financial management to help them reduce money stress. Students and parents attended the workshops. A workbook has also been developed that goes with the workshop and is available to all students via the Student Financial Aid & Scholarships and Career Services websites and can be downloaded by the students.
Government Career Week Events
The Government Career Fair was a great initiative in giving McMaster a competitive edge in the successful application and hiring into government positions. Several workshops and panel events were held. The CFIA panel event video will be also featured on the government and Career Services websites at http://careers.mcmaster.ca/tools/virtual-resources/videos/working-for-the-government-videos.
McMaster Marching Band
The Student Services Committee provided a small amount of start-up money for the McMaster Marching Band. The Band has proudly played at various campus athletic events in addition to local community events.
Quarters Inclusivity and User Friendly Development Project
Additional comfortable seating with better sound proofing and an espresso bar created a study environment for students in the TwelveEighty establishment.
Queer Students Community Centre Library
The QSCC library is a great resource to students, faculty, and staff at McMaster as well as for the greater Hamilton community. In particular, students often use it for research projects since many of the books give academic and up to date information in a less clinical style of writing.
Study Carrel Upgrade for MUSC Quiet Lounge - Completed
Additional study space was created in the Student Centre’s Quiet Lounge by installing study carrels.
Understanding Mental Health 101
These workshops provide a better understanding of the nature of mental illness, identifying mental illness, and the ability to respond appropriately to someone who may need assistance. This awareness allows individuals to respond confidently in situations where some understanding and effective strategies will go a long way to helping an individual by either dealing with the situation or referring them appropriately to necessary resources and services.
Titles Bookstore proudly took the Libris award for the Campus Bookseller of the Year from the Canadian Booksellers Association (CBA) and was nominated for the Reader’s Choice Award. http://www.cbabook.org/libris-currentwinners.html. Titles Bookstore ranked 2nd in the Globe and Mail survey. The Bookstore continues to outrank other university bookstores in terms of customer satisfaction and quality service.
McMaster Hospitality Services continues to provide a menu that caters to diverse needs. McMaster University was voted the most Vegetarian- Friendly University in the country for Bridges Café by Pita. http://www.peta2.com/COLLEGE/vegfriendlycollege-09/\. Hospitality was also the gold medal winner in the “Catering-Standard Menu” category of the Loyal E. Horton Awards of NACUFS (U.S. National Association of College and University Food Services).
Following last year’s introduction of Interac Online as a quick and convenient payment method for Canadian students, this year McMaster is proud to offer yet another payment method that is more convenient and affordable, but this time for our International Students.
By clicking the "Pay Now" button located on either the Payment Agreement, Account Statement or from MUGSI students will be given the Travelex option which will convert Canadian Dollars into the currency of your choice.
Travelex provides an exchange rate guaranteed for 72 hours, in order to give you the time to take the confirmation to your bank and initiate the payment. Your bank pays Travelex in your country, notification is sent to Travelex here and the money is transferred in Canadian dollars to your student account at McMaster the next day.
Travelex is a quick and convenient way to make international payments without incurring the service fees or delays of a conventional wire transfer.
View a screen shot of the entry page to Travelex.
If you have any questions or concerns about Travelex or student account, our friendly staff will be happy to help you. Feel free to email us at student.accounts@mcmaster.ca or call at (905) 525-9140, Ext.27779
The residents of the Ainslie Wood/Westdale community were asked to nominate student residents who, in their judgment, have demonstrated qualities and actions, which have enhanced the community and have made them good neighbours.
This program to recognize the positive contribution of students is an initiative of a partnership of the McMaster Students Union, McMaster University, Ainslie Wood/Westdale Community Association of Resident Homeowners Inc., the Westdale Business Improvement Area, Hamilton Police Services and the City of Hamilton.
Students receiving the award have gone above and beyond to help out their neighbours and exemplify the very highest standards of kindness and respect. They are working together to create a campus town that is the envy of other town and gown communities.
McMaster University is very proud of our award recipients:
Anna Kos
Ilana Horvath
Tarin Arenson
Tanya Stone
Amanda Schroeder
Raynanne Ragoonath
Venna Deekonda
Carrie Lau
Merissa Wiebe
On March 22nd, leaders in our campus community were honoured for their achievements at the annual MSU Student Recognition Night. The awards acknowledge greatness in areas such student life, dedication to student well-being, outstanding service to campus in areas such as athletics, academics, residence life, clubs, departments or student government.
For a full description of each award, please visit http://www.msumcmaster.ca/news/msuNews.htm
Honour M Award
Michelle Lanteigne
Andrew Richardson
Suparna Sharma
MSU Merit Scholarship
Heather Fisher
Asfand Minhas
Matt Wright
Rudy Heinzl Award
Professor Govind Rao
J. Lynn Watson Award
Asian FOCUS
Part-Time Manager of the Year
Torie Patterson –Emergency First Response Team (EFRT)
SRA Member of the Year
Matthew Tenenbaum - SRA Health Sciences Caucus Leader / Commissioner (Bylaws and Procedures)
Professional photographers attend Convocation to photograph each graduand as they receive their degree. In addition, graduates will pose for a second photograph in front of a McMaster back-drop at the side of the stage before returning to their seats. Colour proofs will be e-mailed, with no obligation to purchase, within two weeks of the ceremony. For order inquiries after proofs are received, or if you do not receive your proofs, please contact Chappell Graduation Images at service@chappell.com or at 1-800-261-2576. To provide a change of address, for further information or to opt-out of this service, please contact Lori Moulden at 905-525-9140, ext. 27255 or by e-mail at lmoulde@mcmaster.ca.
Titles has gift ideas for the McMaster graduate from cute and cuddly grad bears, crested giftware and keepsakes to official McMaster University degree frames and rings. Available, online, at the Bookstore or Convocation ceremony, Titles takes the guessing out of gifting.
Properly preserve and showcase life’s important achievements with an official McMaster degree or portrait frame. Our stylish frames are made from the finest materials and include McMaster University crested mat boards with acid-free cores that never fade or bleed.
Pre-order a degree or portrait frame for pick up at Convocation to save 10% on an individual frame or 15% on a degree and portrait frame package. Complimentary on the spot degree framing is included with each pre-order.
To Pre-Order a Frame Visit: http://titles.mcmaster.ca/convocation/
Few symbols of hard work, dedication, and achievement are more enduring than a school ring. While it should capture the tradition and pride of McMaster University it should also be a reflection of a student’s individual accomplishments and distinct personality.
A Jostens representative will be on hand at Convocation to assist in customizing a ring that reflects your student’s unique style with choices of metal, stone options, unique side panels, and custom engraving. Order a Jostens ring at Convocation and receive $30 off any gold ring or $20 off lustrium rings.
Please take a moment to update your profile indicating what type of parent you are currently. You will just require the email address via which you are receiving this newsletter. Updating your profile will assist us in better tailoring newsletter content to our readership.
Your feedback on each of our newsletter issues is very important to us. We are grateful to the parents who take the time to provide comments. This feedback allows us to enhance our website and newsletter and ensures we are providing the information you want to see covered. Parents who have questions about any aspect of university life may contact us at parent@mcmaster.ca.
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