Celebrating Welcome Week 2020

The class of 2024 will have a truly unique Welcome Week this year: for the first time ever, Welcome Week is being held virtually, as the university starts its online Fall term and continues to limit in-person gatherings because of COVID-19.

One thing remains the same, though – there will be lots of chances to make memories and build lasting friendships.

This year’s Welcome Week, which runs from August 31–September 9, features a wide range of online activities designed to foster community, teach new students all they need to know about university life – and even collect points that can be used to redeem McMaster swag.

And with students joining the campus community from more than 70 countries and six continents, a virtual Welcome Week means that the incoming class of 7,750 students – the biggest ever – can build a truly global community.

“Even though our campus and our world look a little different this year, and the learning environment has been dramatically changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, McMaster remains dedicated to providing you with the best possible learning experience,” says David Farrar, president and vice-chancellor. “Even in this virtual environment there are a myriad of resources, experiences and opportunities awaiting you.”

It’s important to remember, says Dean of Students Sean Van Koughnett, that there’s a place for everyone at McMaster – no matter where they’re studying.

“At McMaster, we are not just a single community — we are a welcoming and inclusive collection of communities that will support your academic, personal and life goals.”

Welcome Week will include more than 230 live events and on-your-own activities, spanning Faculty get-togethers, campus-wide socials, programs based on this year’s Strategic Themes and academic sessions on ways to survive and thrive at McMaster’s virtual campus.

To ensure that students living out-of-province and internationally can participate, programs and events will happen at many different times. Activities are also being offered in a variety of ways, including small group-based discussions and larger webinar formats.

“Your membership to the McMaster community comes with resources and tools that will aid you in becoming our next generation of powerful leaders,” says Giancarlo Da-Ré, president of the McMaster Students Union.

Students can browse and register for all the events and activities on the official McMaster Welcome Week platform.

For answers to frequently asked questions, information on this year’s Strategic Themes and tips on how to navigate the platform, students can visit the Welcome Week resources page.