Student Success Centre: 2020–2021 in Review

Dear McMaster community,

We don’t need to tell you that the 2020–2021 academic year was full of surprises — surprise challenges to overcome, problems to solve and milestones to commemorate. What wasn’t surprising, however, was the resilience demonstrated by all McMaster students, staff, faculty and alumni.

We’re proud to belong to such a strong community, and we want to share our congratulations. While we spent most of the year apart physically, we remained connected by our core values.

This year at the SSC, we remained positive, focused on solutions instead of problems and worked creatively to expand our services for all students and alumni to thrive and succeed.

This report is our way of reflecting and celebrating all the successes and milestones from the past year. Read through to find out how we supported students and alumni and gave back to the larger McMaster community.

At the Student Success Centre, our vision is for all students and alumni to thrive and succeed. Our core community values uphold this vision, guiding our work and commitment to the McMaster community. As a community, we engage students and alumni in diverse learning opportunities that support academic, personal and professional growth.

Collaborative in our approach

Genuine in our interactions

Engaging and approachable

Continuous learners

Respectful of individuality and diversity

Committed to the student experience

Our commitment

University journeys are unique to every student, and every individual deserves the full access necessary to maximize their university experience. However, we recognize that barriers still exist. Our commitment to removing these barriers includes, but is not limited to:

Supporting the inclusive and equitable hiring of McMaster students and alumni through Career Access Professional Services (CAPS)
Amplifying campus equity, diversity and inclusion work through social media campaigns, community partnerships and staff events
Allocating professional development time on Friday afternoons for staff to research and discuss topics related to equity, diversity and inclusion and ways to create a more welcoming McMaster community

With help from our network of students, staff and community partners, we celebrated many milestones this year. Here are some highlights.

Redeveloped SSC website launches with 200+ student stories, new ways to access support (June 2020)

“Creating a powerful digital first impression to students that says, ‘we get you and we are here for you,’ was a primary objective with our new website,” says Gina Robinson, assistant dean of Student Affairs and director of the Student Success Centre. “It was about putting our best self forward and creating that genuine virtual connection with every student, so we are ready for when we return to campus.”

Read the story, Student Success Centre launches new website.

The SSC turns 10 (August 2020)

“Ten years ago, our goal was to establish a place where all students go for all their student service needs with a single director. I’m pleased that under the leadership of Gina Robinson, 10 years later, our goals were superseded. The SSC today has become the go-to place for an expanded host of student services for both domestic and international students alike. I couldn’t be more proud,” says Dr. Philip Wood, associate vice president (AVP), Student Affairs, when the SSC was founded.

Read the story, Reflecting on the past, moving forward: Celebrating 10 years at the Student Success Centre.

View the videos: 10 Years of SSC Stories.

@MacSSC grows to 10,000 followers on Instagram (February 2021)

Wow, 10,000 followers! We love what we do and we are thankful that each and every one of you has chosen to join our community on this platform. You are more than a follower number.

View the celebratory Instagram post.

Annual Mac’s Money Centre tax program moves online, completes 350+ returns (March, April 2021)

With more than 60 volunteer members, the Tax Squad provides consultation services for students and community members to complete their taxes and capture all the credits and benefits they deserve.

For Simon Pereira, Tax Squad volunteer and third-year Commerce Program student, “this community involvement is incredibly rewarding. It’s an amazing feeling to know that I am giving back to a community that I have fallen in love with,” says Pereira. “If I can help one resident of Hamilton alleviate some stress during these difficult times, I know it was worth the time and energy.”

Read the story, McMaster students provide campus and community with free, virtual tax services.

SSC director Gina Robinson retires after 22 years at McMaster (May 2021)

“I am so honoured to be a Mac alum and now a Mac retiree. I am truly grateful for all the opportunities I have had, my mentors, my entire family — and for the last 22 years spent with my wonderful colleagues and family at the SSC. We have supported one another through life’s personal challenges and celebrated many of life’s milestones and work successes. We accomplished such great things working together as a team.”

Academic skills programs support student development in key areas such as reading, writing and studying. Our services are for anyone who wants to become more efficient and effective, whether they’re experiencing challenges or getting straight A’s. Our services are informed by industry best practices, teaching experience and the appreciative advising model.

By the numbers

8,600+ page views for Online Learning Support
7,900+ combined page views for Academic Skills Prep Series
3,500+ first-year student attendees at summer academic skills programs
2,095 one-on-one peer tutoring sessions
80 academic skills workshops
76 writing contest submissions (3 contest winners)
16 Faculty-specific custom workshops

8,600+ page views for Online Learning Support

7,900+ combined page views for Academic Skills Prep

3,500+first-year student attendees

New initiatives

Virtual study sessions

Offered for general and course-specific studying support

Online Learning Support web page

Developed in collaboration with University Technology Services (UTS) and the McMaster University Library

The Writing Centre expansion

Including new support for graduate students

Student voice

“The most useful resource I have found so far at McMaster!”

— The Writing Centre participant

“[My coach] gave me much needed support and validation with my academic skills this COVID-19 semester.”

— Academic coaching participant

“My overall experience with the transfer student program was greatly rewarding. The program gave me a sense of belonging … which gave me the support I needed to excel in my studies this year. The charisma of those who helped run the program really made me feel as though I was genuinely important to the university.”

— Transfer student program participant

Campus and community partnerships

Research and Writing Week

A workshop series and campaign presented in partnership with the McMaster University Library

Thesis Thursdays

Virtual sessions for graduate students hosted in collaboration with Student Wellness Centre (SWC) volunteers

#DonutCheat contest and social media campaign

For International Day Against Contract Cheating, a collaboration with the Office of Academic Integrity

Did you know?

We launched the Academic Skills Animated Series with five episodes (3,500+ combined views) on topics ranging from note-taking to online learning.

Writing workshops were the most in-demand session type.

The weekly contests for the Academic Skills Prep Series received 200+ submissions a week on average.

#ExamCoffeeNeeded, a digital campaign, raised student morale during exam season, providing 339 digital Starbucks gift cards.

We recognize that a career isn't something you find — it's something you develop and manage over time. Our career and employment services follow a career development model that encourages flexibility, optimism, persistence and willingness to try new things.

We provide Career Access Professional Services (CAPS) for students and alumni who identify as a member of an equity-deserving group or have barriers to employment. The CAPS team provides individualized support to assist with all aspects of career development, including exploration, preparation and the building of skills and confidence.