Student Affairs: Together We Thrive 2024-2025 Annual Report
Together We Thrive is more than a theme; it captures the spirit of what makes McMaster’s student community so special.
Over the past year, we’ve observed students lead, innovate and collaborate in ways that continue to make our campus a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone. Through peer-led initiatives, mentorship, co-creation and global fellowships, students have been a driving force in helping us shape services and experiences that reflect the evolving needs of McMaster’s diverse student community.
Our commitment to meaningful partnerships with students continues to grow and transform. Across Student Affairs, we embrace a model of collaboration that empowers students to design and evaluate the programs and services that contribute to their university experience. These partnerships are central to what we do, and they remind us that our greatest impact happens when we work together.
Our work is also deeply enriched by the strong partnerships we’ve built with Faculties and campus departments across the university. These collaborations are essential to creating a seamless and supportive student experience. Whether through joint programming, shared initiatives or integrated support services, our campus partners are integral to helping students thrive academically, socially and personally.
As we continue to work together and build a campus where every student can flourish, I invite you to explore the stories, achievements and collaborations that made this year memorable.
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| Sean Van Koughnett Associate Vice-President, Students |
McMaster participates in a range of sector-wide student surveys that provide valuable insights into the student experience. These surveys, administered across post-secondary institutions, offer a comparative lens through which we can assess institutional strengths, identify areas for improvement and align our Student Affairs initiatives with broader sector trends.
The following section presents findings from the Brainstorm Student Interests Survey, Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey (CCWS), and the 2024 Graduating Survey, Canadian University Survey Consortium (CUSC).
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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 2024–2025, the operating allocation represented approximately 18.67% of the total funding sources for Student Affairs ($44.08M, excluding Housing & Conference Services).
Total Sources of Funding Student Affairs
Student Affairs Total: $44.08M
McMaster’s focus on research, collaboration, creativity and innovation fosters an environment where students can thrive in all aspects of their lives. In Student Affairs, we encourage students to explore their interests, take on challenges and engage in experiences to create a Brighter World.
These are a few stories that celebrate McMaster students and their impact within the university and beyond. It is our privilege to have been a part of their journeys.
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Life Sciences graduate Melinda Meleki created McMaster’s first yearbook for graduating Black students, celebrating Black joy and community. With support from the Black Student Success Centre, the yearbook was published in time for the third annual Black Excellence Graduate Celebration.
First-generation graduate Andy Nguyen completed a transformative annual internship through the Community Development Leadership Program (CDLP) and, in his final year, led the DeGroote Consulting Association to guide peers through consulting recruitment processes. The CDLP is a partnership between McMaster’s Access Program, Empowerment Squared and KPMG.
McMaster students Deena Al-Sammak and Rooaa Shanshal, co-founders of Power of Play Innovations, won $15K at Startup Survivor for their creative dinosaur-themed diagnostic tool for kids. Startup Survivor is an annual pitch competition that caps The Forge’s four-month student entrepreneurship accelerator.
With more than 120 student volunteers, the Student Success Centre’s Tax Squad has become Canada’s largest tax volunteer program. McMaster student volunteers received professional training and hands-on experience through the program, processing 2,540 returns with $7M+ in benefits for students, alumni and low-income community members in Hamilton.
Eight McMaster Science undergraduates spent two weeks at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, a teaching and research facility on the west coast of Vancouver Island, gaining hands-on research experience in marine biology. This experiential opportunity was supported by the Office of Undergraduate Research, the Student Success Centre and Experience Ventures.
Indigenous McMaster student Darci Debassige, from M’Chigeeng First Nation, presented her fourth-year thesis at Indigenous Research Day, chronicling the challenges Indigenous students and residents face in medical education. She contributed to community and campus life through the Indigenous Health Movement, Indiginerds and beading nights at Indigenous Student Services, and served on the search committee for McMaster’s first Vice-Provost, Indigenous.
McMaster student Khushi Chauhan wrapped up three years of service as the public announcer for Marauder home games, lending her voice to volleyball, basketball and soccer. Starting without a background in sports, the Life Sciences graduate brought dedication, energy and representation to the games, leaving the role as a standout presence in McMaster Athletics & Recreation.
Two McMaster students, Alador Bereketab and Emily Nobes, are among 20 Canadians selected to join the fifth cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill University. The McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies.
Students are more than participants in the programs and services we provide. Oftentimes, they are co-creators. Working alongside students enables us to amplify diverse voices and build a culture where we can learn and grow together. It also holds us accountable and helps us meet students where they are in their journey while being responsive to the evolving landscape of the student experience.
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Student Art Exhibits and Installations Learn more
In 2024, we celebrated our community’s rich diversity through artistic expression. The Student Success Centre’s (SSC) International and Exchange Student Experience (IESE) team and the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) launched exhibitions featuring the work of student artists.
Student Employment Opportunities Learn more
Each year, Student Affairs provides students with valuable employment opportunities. In 2024–2025, we invested $5M+ in student staffing across our departments.
Living Learning Communities Learn more
Living Learning Communities (LLCs) at McMaster bring students together through shared interests, identities or academic goals to live and learn in a supportive residence environment.
Student-Athlete Groups, Councils and Committees Learn more
Athletics & Recreation has established four student-led groups, councils and committees to support equity, advocacy and community-building within varsity sport.
Academic Peer Mentor (Volunteer) Training Program Learn more
Facilitated through MacPherson Institute’s Student Partners Program, the Writing and Academic Skills team in the Student Success Centre (SSC) received grant funding to develop a training program for upper-year volunteer mentors.
Peer Educators Learn more
The Peer Educator Program is a wellness initiative for undergraduate and graduate students overseen by the Student Wellness Centre’s Health Promotion team.
A holistic student experience requires commitment across the university and beyond. Through strong partnerships with Faculties and Programs, campus departments, community organizations and global networks, we foster students’ potential and support their success during university and after graduation.
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Campus Collaborations: Working Together Across Campus
Collaborating to Create a More Accessible Campus Learn more
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.
Partnering with Student Governments to Enhance the Student Experience Learn more
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.
Working Together to Support Alumni Career Success Learn more
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.
Nurturing Relationships to Support Students at Risk Learn more
Through nurturing strong relationships with all Faculty offices, Campus Safety, the Equity and Inclusion Office and all departments within Student Affairs, Student Case Management (SCM) has been able to engage with at-risk students earlier through well-established referral processes.
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Community Partnerships: Extending our Impact
Strengthening Representation Through a New Visual Identity Learn more
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.
Reducing Barriers Through Holistic Mental Health Support Learn more
The Student Wellness Centre (SWC) works with community organizations and campus partners to enhance access to holistic health and well-being services.
Addressing Systemic Gaps in Recruiting and Selecting Black University Students for Corporate Roles Learn more
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.
Empowering Student Financial Literacy While Providing Valuable Experiential Skills Development Learn more
In 2024, Mac’s Money Centre (MMC) celebrated its 10-year anniversary as a vital resource on campus supporting students’ financial literacy and wellness.
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Global Connections: Creating a Brighter World
Fostering Global Citizenship Through the International Youth Internship Program Learn more
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.
Integrated Approach to Supporting the International Student Experience Learn more
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.
Elevating McMaster’s Global Presence Through Sport Learn more
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.
McMaster Students Embark on Transformative International Journeys Learn more
Five McMaster students were named McCall MacBain International Fellows in 2024, joining a cohort of 19 undergraduate students from across Canada.
Throughout the year, departments across Student Affairs hosted and supported a wide range of events, strengthening partnerships across campus and beyond. These events are more than the dates on the calendar. They are places where belonging and connections are fostered. They are moments when achievements — big and small — are recognized and celebrated. They are shared experiences that bring our campus together.
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Graduate Celebrations: Honouring the Achievements of Black and Indigenous Graduates
Unforgettable moments are shared at the Black Excellence Graduate Celebration and the Indigenous Graduate Celebration honouring the hard work, resilience and accomplishments of the Class of 2024. These events recognize the accomplishments of the graduates and the communities that supported them on their journeys to graduation.
Welcome Week 2024: Rooted in Partnership
Welcome Week is the start of incoming students’ journey to McMaster. In 2024, more than 1,200 student leaders — alongside Faculty and Program partners, central departments and the McMaster Students Union (MSU) — collaboratively planned and delivered a week of events to welcome and support first-year students.
Homecoming: A Celebration of Community
Homecoming 2024 brought together students and the broader McMaster community in a vibrant celebration of school spirit and belonging. The McMaster Students Union (MSU) was central to this on-campus initiative. An estimated 10K people participated in Homecoming activities.
Taste of Home: Sharing Culture and Comfort
In late November, when students may feel homesick, the Taste of Home initiative, in partnership with Hospitality Services, reminds them that home is never too far away. As voted on by the McMaster community, four international and exchange student recipes were featured in La Piazza. More than 2,000 Taste of Home menu items were sold in five days.
Marauder Student-Athlete Awards: Honouring Excellence on and off the Field
The annual Student-Athlete Awards celebrate the achievements of McMaster’s varsity athletes, recognizing not only athletic excellence but also academic success, leadership and community involvement. Approximately 500 McMaster student-athletes, coaches, staff and guests attended for an evening of celebration.
Made at Mac: Showcasing Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The second annual Made at Mac event, hosted in partnership with the Office of the Vice-President, Research, celebrated innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. More than 200 campus and community partners gathered to discover McMaster’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Across Student Affairs, we are committed to collaborating with students, campus partners and community organizations to meaningfully contribute to McMaster’s strategic priorities in tangible, student-centred ways. In this model, we rely on strong collaboration with the McMaster Students Union, Graduate Students Association and colleagues from the Office of the Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning), Office of the Registrar, School of Graduate Studies, Office of International Affairs, Equity and Inclusion Office, and Faculty, School and Program partners.
