The jumpsuits are back: Welcome Week reps are ready to roll

Last weekend, more than 1,100 student representatives participated in a full day of training ahead of Welcome Week.

The reps took part in mandatory sessions on everything from alcohol and campus safety to mental and sexual health.

Reps also chose one of four optional sessions: campus resources, fostering the McMaster community, how to interact with first-year students and self-care for reps.

After training, participants were treated to three scenes from the 2014 production of IRIS (Inspiration, Reflection, Integrity, Success) that mirrored the core themes presented in their training.

“This approach connects reps with a greater number of experts, resources and leaders from across campus,” said Jeremy Sandor, manager, student development, in the Student Success Centre. “It also allows for more intense training because students are placed in small groups.”

Staff from the Student Success Centre and McMaster Students Union helped direct participants, while individuals from the Student Wellness Centre, Parking & Security Services and the Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton Area (SACHA) led the workshops throughout the day.

“The range of contributors involved in the design and delivery of rep training reflects a collaborative, holistic approach to leadership that is essential for strengthening the McMaster community and enhancing the capability of student leaders,” added Sandor.

In 1994, there were approximately 800 reps, but that number has continued to grow each year — along with the number of students participating in Welcome Week activities. This year, some 5,000 first-year students will descend upon campus.

Welcome Week runs from Aug. 30 to Sept. 7. For more information and a full schedule of events, click here.

Read more: Welcome Week comes early for McMaster’s dedicated community advisors.