[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/OCSCD.jpg” caption=”Off-campus students will receive copies of the Welcome CD on Tuesday, Sept. 30.”]Tomorrow, members of the Off-Campus Experience Centre, a collaboration between the Off-Campus Resource Centre, the Society of Off-Campus Students and the Student Community Support Network, will deliver a “Welcome CD” to the homes of McMaster students living off-campus.

The over-arching goal of this project is to welcome students while equipping them with the information they need to become productive members of the community.

“The CD provides essential information to students while encouraging them to get out and explore what Hamilton has to offer,” says Mike Ferguson, assistant, Off-Campus Experience Centre. “We also want students to remain connected to the University. There are many activities administered by McMaster for off-campus students to enjoy.”

The CD is filled with valuable information to assist students unfamiliar with the responsibilities of living off-campus. The CD provides information on the rights of tenants and landlords, encourages commuting, recommends safety tips and provides maps to help familiarize students with the area.

“A key aspect of this initiative is distributing the CDs door-to-door,” says Ferguson. “Students are usually surprised, but pleased to be welcomed personally to the neighbourhood. This fosters responsibility because students feel more connected to where they live.”

Other features of the “Welcome CD” include:

On Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m., students and community members will meet to distribute the CDs to students around McMaster. Interested volunteers can gather by the fireplace in the MUSC atrium.

Please contact Mike Ferguson at 905-525-9140, ext. 27200 or at macoffcampus@mcmaster.ca for more information or to request a copy of the CD.