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Student Affairs: Belonging and the Student Experience 2025–2026 Annual Report

Belonging and the Student Experience reflects our commitment to ensuring every student feels seen, valued, connected and supported throughout their journey at McMaster.

Belonging is foundational to student success, well-being, and growth. When students form meaningful connections, they are better positioned to learn, lead, and thrive. Across Student Affairs, belonging guides our work every day through opportunities such as student employment, leadership experiences, peer  networks, mentorship programs, and community-building initiatives. These experiences help students build relationships, find a sense of purpose, and grow their confidence within the university community.

As McMaster advances its Strategic Plan and the priority of Inclusive Communities Where All Can Flourish, Student Affairs remains committed to creating a community where every student can belong, become, and contribute.

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A sense of belonging grows through connection. Here are some of the ways Student Affairs created opportunities for students and our community to build relationships, get involved and participate in experiences that help them feel welcomed, supported and connected at McMaster in 2025–2026.

Access Program outreach expanded to 3,021 interactions with approximately 2,762 prospective students from priority high schools and communities. 

Black Student Success Centre facilitated 28 tutors across six Faculties to deliver approximately 1,200 hours of tutoring for Black high school students.  

Black Student Success Centre engaged hundreds of prospective Black students through day-in-the-life programs, school visits and parent/guardian information sessions.  

Student Accessibility Services conducted outreach to high school students with disabilities and educators on university learning, transition support, funding, accommodations and more.  

Indigenous Student Services connected with 150–300 Indigenous high school students through outreach and participation in six community powwows. 

(Based on 837 McMaster University students’ responses, they indicated they “somewhat agree” to “strongly agree” with the statement. 2025 Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey) 

Mac4U program cooking lesson (Access Program, Student Wellness Centre).

Student engagements through Student Success Centre events and sessions connecting students to university life.

Access Program supported 1,440 equity-deserving students through orientation, transition and retention programming. 

Student Accessibility Services supported 5,714 students with disabilities through academic accommodations. 

Student Success Centre supported 1,073 equity-deserving students through career services, resulting in 2,544 career-related interactions. 

Students at the annual Homecoming Festival (Homecoming is a partnership between the McMaster Students Union, MSU Campus Events and Student Affairs).

Elementary students attend U Sports Women’s Soccer Championship (Athletics & Recreation). 

Student Accessibility Services’ Accessible Course Redesign Pilot engaged more than 20 instructors across all Faculties in collaboration with MacPherson Institute.  

Student Accessibility Services embedded Faculty-specific program coordinators and academic accommodation specialists to build stronger relationships and ensure academic accommodations are implemented effectively. 

“The Make a Friend program has made me feel much more connected to McMaster as a whole. Seeing the impact the program has made, from the positive feedback to the community it has built, has been extremely rewarding… I feel more connected to resources through the various opportunities to collaborate with supports and services on campus.”

— Amelie, Student Wellness Centre Program Participant

Indigenous Graduate Celebration (Indigenous Student Services, Indigenous Studies Department, Indigenous Health Learning Lodge)

(Based on 837 McMaster University students’ responses, they indicated they “somewhat agree” to “strongly agree” with the statement. 2025 Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey) 

Athletics & Recreation connected more than 2,000 Hamilton elementary students with university sport through the Women’s Soccer Championship Extended Classroom Project.  

Athletics & Recreation strengthened campus and community connections through hosting major athletic championships — 2025 U Sports Women’s Soccer Championship, 2026 U Sports Swimming Championship and 2026 OUA Squash Championship.  

Student Wellness Centre added a new pathway to access services for gender-affirming care. 

Student Wellness Centre has expedited its triage for mental health services, with rapid, same-day access during peak periods such as exams, as well as a counsellor specifically working with varsity athletes. 

Student Wellness Centre enabled new process improvements, including requests for medical records.  

Staff and student connecting at campus fair (Student Accessibility Services). 

Analysis: Why I celebrate Black graduation magic: An anti-racist perspective 

Black graduation celebrations, which are complementary to academic convocations, remind students they are powerfully supported and offer a sense of empowerment and belonging, writes Clare Warner, director, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.

Read more

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Across Student Affairs, teams created welcoming spaces, strengthened connections and reduced barriers to participation for students. Together, these initiatives contributed to a more inclusive and engaging student experience where every student had opportunities to belong, become and contribute. 

Black Student Success Centre expanded its space for students in the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning.

Housing & Conference Services celebrated five years since opening the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning as a hub for student learning and connection.  

David Braley Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre hosted an open house to invite students, staff and community to visit the newly renovated space and learn about services for active living.  

Access Program opened doors to its new lounge space for students from equity-deserving groups in Mills Library.  

Indigenous Student Services renovated their space in L.R. Wilson Hall to provide more space for students to connect and access services. 

Unveiling of plaque in honour of Peter George by President and Vice-Chancellor Susan Tighe and members of George’s family (Housing & Conference Services).

Students connected through Residence Life programming 

Black Student Success Centre hosted Dr. Siyabulela Mandela in the Black student lounge to connect and share knowledge with students.  

Inaugural Mac4U: Summer Transition Program welcomed students from equity-deserving groups to foster belonging, preparation and confidence on campus before classes began.  

Student Accessibility Services and Student Success Centre expanded the  MacStart Transition Program for students with disabilities and integrated accessibility programming into Mac101 for all incoming students for additional awareness. 

Student Success Centre supported nearly 3,000 students through International and Exchange Student Experience programming, including social, educational and intercultural programming.  

“I joined the Ignite Program when I first came to Canada from Kenya. The program played a very meaningful role in helping me adjust to university life and feel more at home during my first year.“

— Hatim, Student Success Centre program participant 

Inaugural Mac4U program cohort (Access Program).

“I wanted to start off by expressing my gratitude for this amazing transition program. You offered many students like myself amazing experiences which will be core memories, playing a huge role in providing us with an easier transition to university… These events have helped me understand the inclusive community at McMaster more, giving me a sense of belonging which I initially did not feel.”

— Matthew, Mac4U (Access Program) participant

Welcome Week reps cheering for new students during move-in (Housing & Conference Services).

Of first-year students reported feeling welcome and included on campus during Welcome Week (1,617 survey respondents)

Black Student Success Centre launched a renewed website, enhancing digital access and belonging. 

Student Accessibility Services expanded MySAS Portal to include graduate students and further streamline accommodation processes at McMaster.  

Housing & Conference Services launched a new website for 10 Bay Residence, featuring key information on amenities, pricing, testimonials, how to apply and more.​   

Student Affairs added areas to the virtual Discover McMaster Campus Life Tour, enabling prospective and incoming students to explore spaces that support their well-being and success. 

Staff during open house (David Braley Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre).

Housing & Conference Services applied findings from the 2025 Move-In Study to improve welcoming campus environments and first-year student experiences. 

Student Wellness Centre used findings from the Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey to inform institutional planning and student support strategies. 

Check-ins at The Pulse Fitness Centre

Cohort of incoming exchange students (Student Success Centre).

Student Success Centre introduced the Neurodivergent Job Search Support Group, part of Career Access Professional Services, creating spaces for peer support and shared experience. 

Student Success Centre, in collaboration with Dr. Alex Sévigny (Faculty of Humanities), engaged in a study on student use, attitudes, behaviours and preferred service models related to GenAI, focusing on career development and job search services.

Indigenous Student Services’ Community Wellness and Nutrition Program supported student retention, addresses food insecurity and provides Indigenous learners with culturally appropriate supports through workshops and cultural activities. 

Student Wellness Centre’s nutrition and food programming like Food for Thought helped students learn practical kitchen skills and maintain a balanced diet. 

Two Feet in Your Canoe

Athletics & Recreation, Indigenous Student-Athlete Council and Indigenous Student Services produced Two Feet in Your Canoe, an authentic story of culture, identity, belonging and spirituality told through the voices of Indigenous student-athletes.

About student-athlete councils

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When students have opportunities to lead and be heard, they help shape a stronger campus community. Here are some of the ways Student Affairs created opportunities for students to lead, contribute their perspectives and strengthen their impact on campus and beyond.

High school students at NextGen Leadership Summit (Black Student Success Centre)

Black Student Success Centre hosted an inaugural leadership conference on campus, welcoming 200 Black high school students. 

Student Success Centre and Human Resources hosted the Student Staff Professional Development Conference, bringing together 86 student employees to explore personal development alongside peers. 

Raised through Athletics & Recreation’s Marauder Giving Challenge to support student-athlete success

Tax Squad student volunteers and staff during annual program celebration (Student Success Centre).

Student Success Centre and Housing & Conference Services engaged students as partners in the redevelopment of INSPIRE 3WW3, positioning students as co-creators of learning experiences. 

Student Success Centre, through the MacPherson Institute Student Partners Program, engaged students to redesign training materials for academic peer mentors (student staff). 

Student Success Centre’s Tax Squad volunteers prepare nearly $9M in student and community tax returns through hands-on experiential learning. 

Student Success Centre supported 220 McMaster students participating in exchanges across 24 countries, and 228 inbound exchange students coming from 25 countries.

From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in an environment that challenged me to grow academically, personally, and as a member of a community... Building relationships with upper-year mentors, alumni, and fellow students showed me that university is more than academics alone; it’s about the community you build along the way.

— Rimnso, Black Student Success Centre program participant

Sean Van Koughnett, Associate Vice-President, Students, presenting at the Student Staff Professional Development Conference (Student Success Centre, Human Resources).

Black Student Success Centre expanded its ambassador program, engaging approximately 225 student ambassadors.  

Student Wellness Centre health promotions staff trained 1,450+ student leaders. 

Student Success Centre trained 1,644 student leaders across its portfolios, supporting students in diverse ways. 

Celebrating crowd during the Marauders Giving Challenge (Athletics & Recreation).

Employers and community partners engaged by the Student Success Centre through pathways for recruitment, experiential learning, career exploration and volunteering

Students ready to connect with prospective peers during May at Mac (Black Student Success Centre).

Students working in paid positions across Student Affairs, supporting skill development, workplace readiness and collaboration on program and service design

Athletics & Recreation launched its Student Leadership Advisory Committee to uplift student-athlete voices, as well as the Director’s Advisory Council.

The impact of working in A&R as a student-athlete on my experience as a student-athlete is irreplaceable. The experiences of working at national tournaments and connecting with McMaster student-athletes and the surrounding community makes campus feel like a home away from home.

— Ethan, Men’s Soccer Team and Graphic Design Assistant, Athletics & Recreation

Men’s soccer game featuring jerseys with the Indigenous Marauder logo (Athletics & Recreation, Indigenous Student-Athlete Council, Indigenous Student Services)

McMaster Athletics & Recreation Black Graduate Internship

This documentary highlights the experiences, opportunities and impact of the internship, showcasing how interns gain valuable hands-on experience in university athletics while contributing to a more inclusive future in sport. Through personal stories, mentorship, and meaningful work, the internship provides a platform for growth in leadership. 

Watch now

Student Affairs is supported by a diversified funding portfolio, including student fees, allocations from the university’s operating framework, ministry funding, medical billings and other revenue sources.

In fiscal year 2025–2026, the operating allocation represented approximately 17.86% of the total funding sources for Student Affairs ($45.51M, excluding Housing & Conference Services). 

Student Affairs Total: $45.51M

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From McMaster to the world stage Learn more

‘Community is so important to who I am’ Learn more

In photos: Welcome Week 2025 Learn more

Q&A with Talon Singleton: Student behind this year's Orange Shirt design at McMaster Learn more

McMaster unveils Indigenous Marauder logo created by Cayuga Woodland artist Kyle Joedicke Learn more

In Photos: Harvest Dinner celebrates fall season and community Learn more

Alumni invest $2 million in Access Program for equity-deserving students Learn more

World Stage at Mac celebrates culture, creativity and connection Learn more

Rooted in Community: Black History Month begins at McMaster Learn more

Community, collaboration, confidence: Women in entrepreneurship event offers empowering insights Learn more

Opening Up Podcast | Season One: About Belonging

In the inaugural season of this Student Affairs podcast, we asked students about what it means to belong at McMaster. They answered with personal stories, experiences and perspectives that span the topics of people, place, purpose and power. The podcast has received support from the Inclusive Excellence Fund through the Office of the Provost and Vice President (Academic). 

Learn more

Moving Forward Together

Student Affairs is focused on creating the conditions for every student to thrive. In the year ahead, we will strengthen belonging and well–being, advance accessible learning experiences and support graduate outcomes, helping students build the skills, connections and confidence needed for success at McMaster and beyond. 

Advancing inclusive communities where all can flourish

The launch of the Strategic Plan, Bolder Together, provides an opportunity to align our work around a shared commitment to creating inclusive communities where all can flourish. We have re-envisioned several areas, including the newly established Equity, Access and Belonging unit, and will launch a Student Belonging Census and Survey, to advance this priority. We will also focus on strengthening student mental health support through enhanced resources, updated protocols for responding to students in distress, and new tools to support coordinated campus responses during times of need. The launch of Lincoln Alexander Hall is a significant opportunity in supporting student community and success.  

Supporting accessible teaching and learning

Accessibility in teaching and learning remains a priority for Student Affairs. Through Student Accessibility Services, we will prioritize collaboration with faculty and staff to advance accessibility across the institution. By actively participating in and contributing to the Accessibility Teaching and Learning Roadmap STEER/R project, sponsored by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning, we will help strengthen accessible learning experiences and reduce barriers for students with disabilities. A foundational goal of this project is to improve access to post-secondary education and support stronger academic outcomes through a comprehensive and inclusive approach. 

Preparing students for successful graduate outcomes

Graduate outcomes, including continuous learning, will continue to be a significant area of focus, aligned with Strategic Mandate Agreement 4. In collaboration with Faculty, campus, and career partners, Student Affairs will support students in navigating economic uncertainty, workforce transformation, evolving labour market needs, and shifts across industries. Results from a GenAI survey, conducted by the Student Success Centre in collaboration with Dr. Alex Sevigny (Faculty of Humanities), will help inform how GenAI can enhance career development while preserving the human connections that are essential to effective student support. This work will help us better understand students’ evolving needs and tailor our services, programs, and opportunities accordingly, ensuring we continue to meet students where they are and support their success in a rapidly changing world.