‘Whomever you are, there’s a place for you here’: President Deane

Dear McMaster Students,

Welcome to McMaster and to the 2017/18 academic year. Whether you are a new or returning student, studying at the graduate or the undergraduate level, and joining us on a full-time or a part-time basis, you are welcome on our campus and as a member of our community.

Whomever you are, and whatever your race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity or sexual orientation, there is a place for you here and I am proud to welcome you as a McMaster student.

As an academic institution, McMaster is focused on the pursuit of knowledge and the development of understanding, and to equipping you, our students, with the skills you need to engage with the world around you as thoughtful and successful citizens. The intellectual work of our University encompasses a huge range of disciplines, subjects and areas of enquiry, and is supported by a vast array of formal and informal extracurricular clubs, societies and activities. Whatever your academic and personal interests, I have no doubt that you will find numerous ways to learn and grow during your time at McMaster.

Although we stand together as a community focused on academic endeavour, it is clear from recent violent and shocking events that universities cannot be immune from the currents of global conflict, nor from incidents of hatred, bigotry and intolerance. While our campus can and must be a place where a diverse range of opinions and perspectives can be held, and where respectful debate and critical enquiry is able to flourish, McMaster will not tolerate acts of discrimination, intimidation or hatred directed against any member of our community. We are deeply committed to building an inclusive community in which all members feel safe and empowered, valued and respected for their contributions, and in which diversity is actively promoted and celebrated.

As our students and as important members of our community, we are acutely aware that you need to feel supported and respected in the classroom, and in your extra-curricular and social activities on our campus, in order to succeed. You have my assurance that we will do all we can to provide the supports and services you need throughout your time at McMaster. Any student who has concerns or anxieties, or feels in need of guidance or assistance, should not hesitate to contact one of the many offices dedicated to your support, whether within the Student Success Centre, Student Wellness Centre, School of Graduate Studies, Equity and Inclusion Office, Security Services, McMaster Students Union, or elsewhere.

The faculty and staff of McMaster are invested in your success and dedicated to ensuring that you find a welcoming home on our campus. We are delighted to have you here and I look forward to all that you are going to achieve over the coming year.