Student Affairs: Together We Thrive 2024-2025 Annual Report

As a community of communities, McMaster offers many opportunities for students to connect in small and large-scale settings. Across Student Affairs, programs and socials are one way we support opportunities for students to build connections.

The University of British Columbia. (2025). Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey: Deployment report [Unpublished raw data]. McMaster University. 

Based on 945 McMaster University students’ responses, they indicated they “somewhat agree” to “strongly agree” with the statement.

Athletics & Recreation has observed the impact of this awareness firsthand through accumulating 850K+ visits to The Pulse Fitness Centre. Launch of new recreation website aims to increase student awareness of healthy living opportunities available on campus to support their physical wellbeing.

The University of British Columbia. (2025). Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey: Deployment report [Unpublished raw data]. McMaster University. 

Based on 806 McMaster University students’ responses, they indicated they “somewhat agree” to “strongly agree” with the statement.

Well-being remains a core pillar of Student Affairs, with one-on-one and small group options for support available across units.

The University of British Columbia. (2025). Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey: Deployment report [Unpublished raw data]. McMaster University. 

Based on 837 McMaster University students’ responses, they indicated they “somewhat agree” to “strongly agree” with the statement.

Students are critical to our service delivery model. From participating in volunteering opportunities to engaging in employment experiences, students give back to their peers and help make the campus a brighter place.

Brainstorm Strategy Group. (2025). Brainstorm Student Interests Report [Custom report for McMaster University]. https://brainstorm.ca/brainstorm-school-report/

Based on 432 McMaster University students’ responses.

Departments across Student Affairs help students navigate the top stressors impacting their success. From providing personalized support through one-on-one counselling to peer-led group workshops and collaborating with Faculty and Program partners, we meet students where they are and offer support that provides the greatest value to them.

Brainstorm Strategy Group. (2025). Brainstorm Student Interests Report [Custom report for McMaster University]. https://brainstorm.ca/brainstorm-school-report/

Canadian University Survey Consortium. (2024). CUSC 2024 Graduating Student Survey [Data set]. https://cusc-ccreu.ca/wordpress/?page_id=3327&lang=en

The University of British Columbia. (2025). Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey: Deployment report [Unpublished raw data]. McMaster University. 

Through collaboration, the Office of the Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning), the MacPherson Institute and Student Accessibility Services (SAS) launched a broadened Accessible Teaching and Learning Roadmap. This collaboration utilized a data-informed approach with academic accommodation analysis developed by SAS. This project is recognized and supported by the Associate Deans of the Faculties, whereby faculty members and course instructors have been nominated to participate in accessible teaching and learning course re-design groups.

Student Affairs collaborates closely with the McMaster Students Union (MSU) and the Graduate Students Association (GSA) to co-develop policies, programs and services that reflect students’ priorities. Through regular consultation, joint initiatives and shared decision-making, these partnerships ensure that student voices are embedded in developing a supportive campus environment. These relationships have helped us navigate challenging times and explore new and exciting opportunities to support students in their sense of belonging and well-being.

• Through the Student Life Enhancement Fund (SLEF), Student Affairs and the McMaster Students Union (MSU) empowered students to shape their university experience by submitting and voting on innovative ideas for campus improvement. This initiative not only amplified student voices but also directly invested in projects that enhance student life and foster a vibrant, inclusive community at McMaster.
• The Spiritual Care and Learning Centre (SCLC) worked with campus partners and MSU clubs with religious and spiritual status to expand access to prayer spaces across campus. These spaces were made more accessible with extended hours during significant times of the year, supporting students’ spiritual and cultural needs.
• To stay responsive to graduate student needs, the Student Success Centre (SSC), School of Graduate Studies (SGS) and Graduate Students Association (GSA) held monthly consultations on key trends such as academics, career development and financial wellness. These conversations enable targeted referrals and the co-creation of tailored supports that meet the unique needs of graduate students.

The Student Success Centre (SSC) and the Office of Alumni Engagement have built a longstanding partnership through Alumni Career Services (ACS), which recently celebrated 20 years of supporting McMaster graduates. This collaboration ensures that alumni continue to receive personalized career support — including counselling, networking opportunities and mentorship for up to five years after graduation. Through working together, the two teams help graduates navigate the transition from student to professional with confidence, reinforcing McMaster’s commitment to lifelong success.

Through nurturing strong relationships with all Faculty offices, Campus Safety, the Equity and Inclusion Office and all units within Student Affairs, Student Case Management (SCM) has been able to engage with at-risk students earlier through well-established referral process. These relationships enable SCM to, in many cases, avoid increasing hardship for both our students and other community members. It has also enabled SCM to respond to the needs and behaviours of students whose development appears to have been impacted by lockdowns and isolation more effectively.

In collaboration with graphic designer Joel Martin, Kanien’kehá (Mohawk) Turtle Clan, Six Nations of the Grand River, Indigenous Student Services (ISS) unveiled a new logo that reflects the diverse identities, cultures and traditions of Indigenous students. The logo is rich with symbolism representing the land, the teachings of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, and the journey of learning for Indigenous students. This visual identity reflects the relationship between tradition, education and community.

The Student Wellness Centre (SWC) works with community organizations and campus partners to enhance access to holistic health and well-being services. Through collaborations with St. Joseph’s Healthcare, the McMaster Students Union’s (MSU) Student Assistance Program and the Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA) Conversation in partnership with Dialogue, students receive 24/7 mental health support. A new mental health support page on the Student Affairs website ensures students can easily access diverse services and resources, reducing barriers and supporting overall well-being.

McMaster’s Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) received the Onyx Initiative’s Education Award for its pioneering work in advancing equity on campus through the establishment of new support, development and community resources.

This award recognizes the achievements and support of partners and allies and their work toward addressing inequities experienced by Black students by equipping them with the skills, networks and support they need to thrive.

In 2024, Mac’s Money Centre (MMC) celebrated its 10-year anniversary as a vital resource on campus supporting students’ financial literacy and wellness. Over the past 10 years, MMC has empowered thousands of students to manage their finances, reduce stress and build lasting skills for their personal and professional lives. In addition, MMC provides valuable experiential learning opportunities for 100+ student volunteers each year through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).

In Fall 2024, the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP), a paid research-based opportunity in Liberia or Ghana funded by Global Affairs Canada, celebrated its first cohort, with five McMaster students travelling abroad to participate in community-driven projects. IYIP is part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, providing Canadian youth aged 18 to 30, particularly those facing employment barriers, the opportunity to acquire professional experience abroad in international development, as well as skills for future employment or studies. IYIP is a partnership between McMaster University (Office of International Affairs, Student Success Centre, Black Student Success Centre and the African-Caribbean Faculty Association of McMaster), Empowerment Squared and Schools of Dreams.

The International and Exchange Student Experience (IESE) team in the Student Success Centre (SSC) worked in close alignment with partners from across campus, including Faculties, the Registrar’s Office and Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs, to provide an integrated and shared approach to support international student recruitment and transition experiences. Initiatives included providing immigration advising, transition support through the iCent app and collaborating with campus partners to tell institutional stories from a student’s perspective through ambassador and student content creator roles.

McMaster Marauders continue to make their mark globally. In 2024–2025, several Marauder athletes were signed to professional teams internationally, showcasing the strength of McMaster’s athletic development and the global reach of its talent. Beyond competition, Marauders are also contributing to international communities through sport-based outreach, coaching and mentorship programs. These achievements reflect McMaster’s commitment to fostering leadership, resilience and global citizenship through athletics.

Five McMaster students were named McCall MacBain International Fellows in 2024, joining a cohort of 19 undergraduate students from across Canada. This prestigious fellowship, valued at up to $30K, supports a fully funded year abroad, where students immerse themselves in new cultures through language learning, academic study and international work placements. The McMaster fellows will travel to France, Argentina, Chile and Japan. Through this experience, they will deepen their global understanding, build lasting international ties and develop the intercultural skills needed in an increasingly connected world.