Fire at Brandon Hall
Brandon Hall to reopen to all students January 4th
There's good news for students displaced by the fire in Brandon Hall. Beginning January 4th, the building will be ready for occupancy and all students who have opted to remain in the residence system will be able to move back to campus to start the second term.
Brandon residents are receiving direct e-mail communication about individual details and timelines for moving back to campus.
Since the October 18th fire, McMaster's team of staff, engineers and fire restoration specialists and technicians has worked to prepare the building for re-occupancy.
The three elevators in the building received the most severe damage and one elevator will be operational when the building re-opens to students on January 4th.
In each residence room, new mattresses and blinds have been installed and carpets have been replaced or cleaned. Walls and ceilings in rooms and hallways have been painted or sanitized. All furnishings and fixtures, including refrigerators that were left behind, have also been cleaned.
Over the past few weeks all of the building's smoke detectors have been replaced. Heat sensors have been inspected and replaced where necessary and all exit signs have been either cleaned, repaired or replaced. A complete fire safety and security audit is also being conducted.
The University has finalized a system for moving students and their belongings back to campus. Prior to the end of next month's exams, packing boxes will be delivered to hotels where students have lived since the fire.
Before leaving for the holiday break, students should pack and label their belongings. The University has hired bonded movers to pick up these boxes and keep them in secure storage prior to delivering them to individual residence rooms in time for the January 4th move-in.
Specific timelines based on individual student's exam schedules are being e-mailed directly to each Brandon resident.
A separate Frequently Asked Questions document regarding move-back procedures can be downloaded here
Nov. 4 Update
New dates have been made available so students can access the Frid Street warehouse to collect their belongings.
The warehouse will be open:
Friday November 7 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday November 8 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
These are the final dates students will have access to the warehouse. After Saturday, remaining items will be inventoried and prepared to be returned to campus once the building is ready for occupancy.
Nov. 3 Update
Brandon Hall residents will have one final opportunity to retrieve items now being stored at the Frid Street warehouse.
The warehouse will be open:
Saturday November 8, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Students must present their McMaster ID and be in attendance to pick up items. After Saturday, items left in the warehouse will be inventoried and shipped back to campus once Brandon Hall is ready for occupation.
Oct. 29 Update
Reimbursements
The process has begun to issue reimbursements to Brandon Hall residents who have either temporarily or permanently withdrawn from the residence system.
Students who have chosen one of these options must visit the North Quad Service Centre in the Commons Building where they will sign out of their Brandon room and return their residence room key(s). They will retain their access card.
Details on reimbursement amounts will be emailed directly to individual students once these steps have been taken.
Brandon Hall Lounge Open House
The Brandon Hall student lounge is now open. An Open House for all Brandon students is being held Wednesday October 29 from 4:30 to 7:00 pm.
Refreshments will be available. This is a great way for the Brandon community to reconnect in their new lounge space. The lounge features work areas, couches, computers, a print station, small kitchen and satellite televisions. It is accessible by swiping your Brandon Hall access card and is located in the first floor of the Refectory building on Scholars Road.
Frid Street Warehouse
Brandon students continue to retrieve items stored at the Frid Street secure warehouse.
Hours of operation for this week are:
Wed. Oct. 29, 2008 – 12:00 to 7:00 – Floors 3,6,11
Thurs. Oct. 30, 2008 – 12:00 to 7:00 – Floors 4,8,9
Fri. Oct. 31, 2008 – 12:00 to 7:00 – Floors 1,5,7,10
Students need to attend in person and present Student ID when retrieving items from the warehouse. Students have the option of leaving items in storage at Frid Street until Brandon Hall is ready for occupancy. At that time, the University will move those belongings back to your residence room.
If you require access to the Frid Street warehouse on Saturday November 1st, please email daily@mcmaster.ca and an appointment will be finalized.
Commuter Allowance
Brandon Hall students continue to pick up their commuter allowances. Students living off campus can pick up the first installment of the allowance. Students are receiving payment for the period October 18-November 1.
Brandon students who were placed in on-campus housing are also eligible for a one-time allowance for the week of October 18th.
Beginning this Thursday, Brandon students living off campus will be able to receive their next installment. Instructions will be emailed to students.
October 28 – 4:30 pm Update
Brandon Hall Student Lounge Opens
Brandon Hall residents displaced by last week's fire now have their own lounge that provides on-campus work space and helps retain their sense of community.
The lounge is located in the first floor of the Refectory building (on Scholar's Road). Accessible to Brandon residents only, it includes group work space, computers, Internet access, a printing station plus a small kitchen, couches, chairs and two satellite televisions. The lounge is also equipped with the Residence Information System.
All Brandon Hall students can access their lounge by swiping their Residence Access card. This space is provided for members of the 2008-09 Brandon community to meet and re-connect. Whether you chose housing option 1, 2 or 3, you are welcome to use and enjoy this space until Brandon re-opens.
The lounge is considered residence space and therefore all applicable rules and regulations apply. Residence Code
All Brandon Hall residents and Residence Life/Housing Staff are invited to attend the lounge Open House on Wednesday, October 29 from 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Food and refreshments will be served.
Reimbursements
The University is finalizing the plans and processes for the distribution of reimbursements due to the fire. Prior to the finalization of these processes, it is important for students who have yet to confirm their housing option do so immediately (either remaining in residence, temporary withdrawal or withdrawal).
You can log in to finalize your choice by visiting: https://resapp.mcmaster.ca
If you have questions about your option choices email resadmissions@mcmaster.ca
Students who have confirmed their choice with the University and have decided to either withdraw or temporarily withdraw from the residence system should visit the North Quad Service Centre in the Commons building to complete next steps.
Students intending to academically withdraw from McMaster have until November 7th, 2008 to do so and remain eligible for reimbursement of tuition. Additional information is available in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Meal Plan Update
McMaster has made arrangements with several hotels participating in the interim housing program to honour student meal plans.
The Crowne Plaza, Sheraton and Staybridge Suites hotels will soon be equipped to accept McMaster meal plan cards. The Daily News will update students when these hotels are ready to begin accepting the meal plan cards.
To assist students in budgeting for the full academic year and to ensure compliance with tax legislation, we've set aside next terms meal plan funds for you to use beginning in January.
If you have questions about the meal plan, visit the Mac Express Centre located in the Commons Building. You can also find more information about McMaster's meal plan by visiting McMaster Meal Plan Information
Commuter Allowance
Brandon Hall residents living off campus are eligible to receive a weekly $200 commuter allowance until their spot in residence is available (excluding the period from the end of first term exams through to the beginning of second term classes). Students have begun picking up these cheques today. On Thursday, they'll be able to pick up the second instalment of $800 to cover expenses in the month of November. A third instalment will be available next month.
Brandon students who received housing on campus are eligible for one week's allowance of $200, to cover the week of October 18th. They began picking up those payments today.
October 27 1:30 PM Move-In Update
Brandon Hall residents displaced by last week's fire are settling into their interim hotel accommodations. Approximately 400 students moved into hotels Sunday, October 26.
Teams of volunteers including McMaster students, staff and colleagues from several other universities banded together to help make the move-in as efficient and effective as possible.
McMaster housing services staff worked to ensure floor mates were kept together wherever possible. Upon check-in students received a “comfort bag” containing items meant to make their stay as comfortable as possible. Area businesses and the University donated gift items and coupons to fill the bags.
McMaster's Crisis Management Group is reviewing feedback received from parents and students. There have been questions about Internet access, meal plans and specific queries regarding rooming assignments.
Students who have specific questions about their hotel room can contact the Commons Help Desk at ext. 27222.
Students who have specific questions about housing options (ie. changing from one option to another) should email resadmissions@mcmaster.ca
Brandon Hall Lounge
The Brandon Hall Lounge will open Tuesday morning. Located on the first floor of the Refectory Building (on Scholar's Road), the lounge features couches, Internet access, satellite televisions, computers, printers and other amenities. It is open to Brandon residents only and can be accessed by swiping your Residence Access card at the door. The lounge will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is one of the ways Brandon's sense of community can be sustained as we prepare the building for re-opening.
Commuter Allowance
The first payments of the weekly $200 commuter allowance will be issued starting at noon Tuesday. The first installment of $200 covers the week of October 18-25. Details around distribution of that payment will be emailed directly to students. Students are not required to save or submit transportation receipts in order to collect the allowance.
All Brandon residents who are living off campus are entitled to receive the commuter allowance from October 18th until their space in residence is available (excluding the time from the end of first term exams through the beginning of second-term classes).
Bus Information
Bus routes, timetables and maps are available at the Compass Service Desk in the McMaster University Student Centre, or by visiting:
Hamilton Street Railway Web Site
Telephone Access for Hotel Residents
Brandon Hall residents still have access to their McMaster voicemail extensions during this period. If you are trying to call a Brandon resident, you can continue to access their voicemail box using their extension number. Students have been given instructions on how to edit or change their voicemail recorded greeting.
Frid Street Warehouse Hours of Operation
This week's hours of operation for the Frid Street warehouse have been finalized. The warehouse is located at 70 Frid Street, Unit 6.
Hours for the week are:
Wed. Oct. 29, 2008 – 12:00 to 7:00 – Floors 3, 6,11
Thurs. Oct. 30, 2008 – 12:00 to 7:00 – Floors 4, 8, 9
Fri. Oct. 31, 2008 – 12:00 to 7:00 – Floors 1, 5, 7,10
Students need to attend in person and present Student ID when retrieving items from the warehouse.
Students have the option of leaving items in storage at Frid Street until Brandon Hall is ready for occupancy. At that time, the University will move those belongings back to your residence room.
If you require access to the Frid Street warehouse on Saturday November 1st, please email daily@mcmaster.ca and an appointment will be finalized.
October 25 – Move In Instructions Update
Sunday October 26 is move-in day for Brandon Hall residents who are staying in the Residence system and have received their hotel accommodation assignments. Students received their housing assignments beginning Friday evening. Details of move-in procedures are now available.
Times
Students can begin checking into their assigned hotels after 3:00 pm Sunday.
Getting to Hotels
The University recommends students arrange transportation to their hotel with family, friends or other students. Do not arrive at the hotel until after 3:00 pm. You will not be able to check in until after that time. You may pull your vehicle to the front of the hotel and unpack your car.
If you cannot arrange transportation, the University is providing a shuttle bus service between campus and participating hotels. Students using this service should arrive at the Donaldson Family Marketplace at the McMaster University Student Centre between 2:30 – 7:00 pm on Sunday afternoon.
After signing in, students will be directed to the appropriate bus.
Teams of volunteers will also be available on campus to assist students transport their belongings to the bus departure area. On-campus shuttle buses will transport students from Mary Keyes residence and the Commons Building to the Student Centre. On-campus shuttles will operate 2:00 – 7:00 pm.
Checking In
Once at the hotel, students should look first for the special McMaster information desk. The location of these desks will vary by hotel. There, you will be given the information and forms required to register. Depending on the hotel, you may have to get your room key activated at the hotel front desk.
A Residence Controller will be at each hotel information desk. The controller will be assisted by a team of McMaster volunteers who will provide guidance and assistance to students and their families.
Students will require their Student ID to complete the check in process.
Personal Belongings
Most Brandon Hall students (excluding those on Floor 2) had several opportunities during the past week to retrieve clothes, books, laptops and other personal belongings. You may bring those items with you on Sunday. Over the last few days, a private restoration firm hired by the University has catalogued, packed and moved remaining items to a secure warehouse on Frid Street.
Students will not be able to move larger items like refrigerators, televisions, bicycles, mattresses and furniture into hotels. You may leave those items in storage until its time to move them back to campus.
Because second floor residents did not have an opportunity to personally remove any items from their rooms, the restoration firm will deliver those retrieved items to hotels. Details on those delivery times will be forthcoming.
Meal Plans
The University continues to work with hotels to allow meal plans to be honoured at each property. Those details will be made known shortly.
Amenities
Students are able to use most hotel amenities. These include using pools and fitness facilities (where applicable). Most of the partner hotels provide Internet service in guest rooms. Check your room or at the front desk for instructions to connect to the Web.
Questions
If you have questions during the check-in phase, please ask one of the volunteers at your hotel. If you have further questions you may call the Commons Help Desk at 905-525-9140 (ext. 27222).
October 24 – 10:30 PM
All Brandon Hall residents who have opted to remain in the Residence system have now been assigned interim housing. Students received an email Friday evening with a link to a secure site where they can log in and receive their housing details.
Students can access the secure site by visiting:
Housing Assignment Web Site
Move-in details will be available Saturday.
October 24 5:00 pm
Matching Process Continues
Teams from McMaster Housing Services have spent the day matching Brandon Hall residents choosing to remain in the Residence system with their interim hotel accommodation.
They've been addressing special needs, confirming rooms and trying their best to ensure floor mates are located together whenever feasible. Distribution of housing assignments notification will begin this evening.
Students will receive an email containing a link to a secure site where they can log on to learn their assignment.
Students and parents will receive instructions on move-in procedures on Saturday October 25. This information will be emailed to the resident's university email accounts and also posted on the Daily News. A separate Move-In FAQ will also be posted.
Sunday October 26 is move-in day.
Comfort and Commuter Allowances
Nearly all Brandon Hall residents have picked up their one-time $100 Comfort Allowance. For those who have yet to pick up their allowance, instructions will be forwarded next week.
Details are also being finalized for the initial distribution of the $200 per week Commuter Allowance. Information regarding these details will be emailed next week.
Frid Street Warehouse Hours of Operation
Next week's hours of operation for the Frid Street warehouse have been finalized. The warehouse is located at 70 Frid Street, Unit 6.
Hours for next week are:
Fri. Oct. 24 – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm – Floor 2
Sun. Oct. 26 – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm – Floor 2
Wed. Oct. 29, 2008 – 12:00 to 7:00 – Floors 3, 6,11
Thurs. Oct. 30, 2008 – 12:00 to 7:00 – Floors 4, 8, 9
Fri. Oct. 31, 2008 – 12:00 to 7:00 – Floors 1, 5, 7,10
Students need to attend in person and present Student ID when retrieving items from the warehouse.
Warehouse hours of operation for future weeks beyond October 31 will be forthcoming.
Ongoing Police Investigation
The police investigation into the fire continues. Police need to speak to every Brandon Hall resident and to date many residents have done so. If you have yet to speak with police, please contact McMaster Security (24281) to arrange for a short interview.
Feedback
Parents and students can ask questions and provide feedback by clicking on the Daily News Feedback link at the bottom of this page, or by emailing:
daily@mcmaster.ca
Be sure to check the FAQ document which is updated as more questions or comments are received.
October 24 – Noon
Accommodation Matching
Brandon Hall students choosing to stay in the Residence system will begin receiving their housing assignments later today. The process to match students with accommodation continues and we thank parents and students for their ongoing co-operation and patience.
Housing assignments will be delivered to the student's individual McMaster email account. A secure, password-protected web site will also provide individual students with their accommodation details. Once available, the link to this secure site will be posted on the Daily News.
Students and parents will receive instructions on move-in procedures on Saturday October 25. This information will be emailed to the residents university email accounts and also posted on the Daily News.
Sunday October 26 is move-in day.
Frid Street Warehouse Hours of Operation
Next weeks hours of operation for the Frid Street warehouse have been finalized. The warehouse is located at 70 Frid Street, Unit 6. Hours for next week are:
Fri. Oct. 24 – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm – Floor 2
Sun. Oct. 26 – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm – Floor 2
Wed. Oct. 29 – 12:00 to 7:00 – Floors 3, 6,11
Thurs. Oct. 30 – 12:00 to 7:00 – Floors 4, 8, 9
Fri. Oct. 31 – 12:00 to 7:00 – Floors 1, 5, 7,10
Students need to attend in person and present Student ID when retrieving items from the warehouse.
Warehouse hours of operation for future weeks beyond October 31 will be forthcoming.
Ongoing Police Investigation
The police investigation into the fire continues. Police need to speak to every Brandon Hall resident and to date many residents have done so. If you have yet to speak with police, please contact McMaster Security (24281) to arrange for a short interview.
Feedback
Parents and students can ask questions and provide feedback by clicking on the Daily News Feedback link at the bottom of this page, or by emailing:
daily@mcmaster.ca
Be sure to check the FAQ document which is updated as more questions or comments are received.
October 23 – 6:00 pm
Accommodation Matching and Timelines for Weekend Move-In
The process to match students with University-secured housing continues. Last night, each Brandon Resident received an email listing housing options. As of this afternoon, a large majority has let the University know of their choice.
On Friday students who have notified the University they are staying in the Residence system will receive their rooming assignment.
On Saturday move-in instructions will be posted. On Sunday students will move into their accommodation.
If you are a student who has yet to complete the housing option form, you must do so immediately by visiting:
https://resapp.mcmaster.ca/
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
The Brandon Hall Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document is online at:Brandon Hall FAQ
It will be updated as new information is known. If you have a question, the FAQ may provide some helpful information.
Frid Street Warehouse
Starting Friday, October 24 second floor residents can begin retrieving their items from the Frid Street warehouse. Hours for the warehouse are:
Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Second-floor students must attend in person with student ID to retrieve their items. Hours for all other Brandon Hall residents will be posted shortly.
Comfort Allowance
Today was the first day Brandon Hall Residents could pick up their one-time $100 comfort allowance. Students may continue to pick up their allowances tomorrow and there will be further opportunity to pick up the allowances next week.
Commuter Allowance
Brandon Hall students will receive details early next week about the distribution schedule for the Commuter Allowances. Students will be receiving $200 per week retroactive from October 18th and will continue until the student's space in residence is ready for occupancy (excluding the time between the end of the first term examination period and the beginning of second term). Details on picking up the first installment of this Allowance will be forthcoming.
Brandon Hall Lounge
Final preparations are nearly complete for the on-campus Brandon Hall Residents lounge to be located on the first floor of the Refectory building. The new lounge will be opening Monday afternoon. It will provide Brandon residents with their own exclusive social and work space, and include televisions, computers, Internet access, printers and couches etc. Hours of operation will be available in a future update.
The next Update will be posted Friday at noon.
October 23 Noon Update
Brandon residents must complete the Housing Options form available online at: https://resapp.mcmaster.ca/.
It is vitally important students indicate their housing choice so the University can begin matching the students with housing.Students who do not inform us of their housing choice, cannot be matched with housing. Students who decide to remain in the Residence system and receive interim housing accommodations, may decide at a future date to withdraw from Residence but must notify the University at that time.
On Friday, students who have completed the housing options form will receive their housing assignment. Details on move-in procedures will be made available on Saturday. Move-in will begin on Sunday, October 26.
Frid Street Warehouse
Second Floor residents will be able to begin retrieving their belongings from the Frid Street warehouse beginning Friday October 24. The warehouse is located at 70 Frid Street, Unit 6. Hours of operation for second floor residents only are:
Friday, October 24 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, October 26 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hours of operation for all other Brandon residents will be posted when confirmed.
Students must attend in person to collect their belongings and must present Student ID.
Comfort Allowance
Brandon Hall residents can begin picking up their $100 comfort allowance today. It has been a difficult week for them and we continue to appreciate the patience and understanding they have demonstrated. Students have been contacted by directly by their university email with details of when and where they can pick up their allowance.
Student Counselling
Any students who feel they need should contact the Centre for Student Development. Crisis appointments are available. The Centre is located in the McMaster University Student Centre, Room B107 ext. 24711 or through csd@mcmaster.ca.
Wednesday, October 22 – 5 p.m.
Accommodation Matching
Progress continues to be made in the process to match students displaced by the Brandon Hall fire with interim accommodation.
Yesterday, the University confirmed it had secured enough hotel and off-campus Residence accommodations to house displaced students.
Last evening, students received an email outlining the housing options. There are three housing options:
1) Remain in Residence System and Relocate to Off Campus Interim Housing
2) Temporary Withdrawal from Residence System and Return to Campus when student's space in Residence is ready
3) Withdraw from Residence
Later today, Brandon residents will receive a second e-mail that will link students to a secure online portal where they can select and confirm their housing option choice.
Students have until Thursday at 12:00 noon to make their housing option choice known. Once this is done, those choosing to remain in the Residence system will be matched to a room that has been secured by the University. Students will learn the location of their housing assignment Friday.
Details about move-in procedures will be available Saturday.
Students can access the online portal to confirm their housing option choice by visiting:
Students wishing to remain in the Residence system must complete this important phase of the process in order to be matched with housing.
Weekend Hours of Operation – Frid Street Warehouse
As of 6:00 pm Wednesday, controlled access to Residence rooms will conclude. Beginning Thursday October 23, a private restoration firm hired by the University will begin cataloguing, packing and transporting all remaining personal items left in Brandon Hall rooms to a secure facility at 70 Frid Street, Unit 6.
Students from the second floor of Brandon Hall will be able to retrieve their items beginning Friday October 24, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
and on Sunday October 26, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Times will be available for the remaining Brandon Hall students the week of October 27th. These times will be posted shortly. Students must attend in person to pick up their items and have student ID with them.
Feedback
Students or parents wishing to send along feedback or ask questions during this process can do so by clicking on the Respond to this Article link at the bottom of this story, or by emailing daily@mcmaster.ca
Wed. October 22 – 10:00 am
Evacuation Centre Update
The evacuation centre located in the Ivor Wynne Centre has been relocated, to provide students using the facilities more privacy and comfort.
The women's evacuation centre is now located in the Ron Joyce Stadium team rooms (104,105 and 106). The men's evacuation centre is located in the Ivor Wynne Activity Centre (IWC-B108).
The main registration desk is located at the main entrance to the David Braley Athletic Centre.
Students have access to bedding, washrooms, showers, laundry services and other amenities.
Controlled Access to Rooms
Brandon Hall residents will have controlled access to their rooms again today to retrieve personal belongings such as clothing, textbooks and laptops.
Starting Thursday, a private restoration firm will begin cataloguing, packing and moving larger items from all rooms. Those items will be warehoused in a secure facility at 70 Frid Street, Unit 6 in Hamilton.
Second floor residents will be able to begin retrieving their items from the Frid Street location starting on Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Brandon Hall Lounge
The University is working to create a lounge area on campus for displaced Brandon Hall residents. The first floor of the Refectory will be converted to lounge space that will feature couches, televisions, computers and printing stations. It will be available next week. Watch the Daily News for specific information about operating hours.
Tuesday, October 21 – 7 p.m.
Building update
The city has let the University know that if it is possible to make one elevator in Brandon Hall operational than we would be allowed to move all students back into the building at that time.
Our engineers are now working to assess what equipment and repairs would be required to make this possible. We don't yet know how much this could accelerate the timeline to have students back in Residence but we are committed to having students back on campus as soon as possible. We are doing whatever we can to have one operational elevator in place as quickly as we can.
Accommodations
The University has secured sufficient hotel rooms and off-campus residence space to accommodate all residents of Brandon Hall. We have been trying to find space that will help as much as possible to continue the residence experience for students and we are hopeful that these accommodations will help us to achieve that goal.
The off-site locations will have community advisors and normal residence supervision.
If a student is currently staying in a hotel as their short term accommodation, please email your name, student number and the hotel you are staying in to resadmissions@mcmaster.ca so that we can contact the hotel to arrange payment.
Brandon Hall students will be receiving an e-card shortly with detailed information on housing options and next steps.
Comfort Allowance
Students living in Brandon Hall have experienced a difficult week and we continue to appreciate the patience and understanding they have demonstrated.
A one-time $100 comfort allowance will be provided to students starting on Thursday. Students will be contacted directly by their university email with details of when and where they can pick up their allowance.
Wednesday Controlled Access to Rooms
Students will continue to have controlled access to residence rooms on Wednesday October 22 from 11:30 am – 6:00 pm. Students will be able to retrieve personal belongings such as laptops, books and clothing. The University has hired a private restoration firm to inventory, package and transport heavier items to a secure facility on Frid Street. This work begins on Thursday.
Frid Street Warehouse Access
Second floor students can begin retrieving their belongings this Friday from the secure facilty located at 70 Frid Street, Unit 6. Second floor students can begin picking up items Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Students from other floors should keep visiting the Daily News for updates for information about their pick up times.
Police Update
Police have been in touch with most Brandon Hall students. Officers continue to canvas students for information that will lead them to the person or persons responsible for the fire. Hamilton Police ask those Brandon Hall students who have not yet been interviewed to contact Detective Marco Delconte at 905-540-5085 or McMaster Security at extension 24281. Crime Stoppers at 905-522-TIPS can also be called.
The next update will be posted Wednesday morning.
Tuesday, October 21 – Noon
It is important for Brandon Hall students who have not yet completed an information and accommodation form do so immediately. The forms were available for completion at last night's student and parent information meeting and during Monday's student access to Brandon Hall.
You can complete the form by visiting the Commons Help Desk.
Frid Street
Second floor students can begin retrieving their belongings this Friday from a warehouse rented by the University. It's located at 70 Frid Street, Unit 6. Second floor students can begin picking up items Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Students from other floors should keep visiting the Daily News for updates for information about their pick up times.
Police will be on the scene at Brandon Hall today. They are interested in speaking with everyone who was in the building at the time of the fire and anyone who might have information that will help in their investigation. Please call McMaster security at 905-525-9140, ext. 23371 who will help to arrange contact with police.
Any students who feel they need counseling assistance should contact the Centre for Student Development. Crisis appointments are available. The Centre is located in the McMaster University Student Centre, Room B107, ext. 24711 or through csd@mcmaster.ca.
Mid-term examinations are continuing at the University. If a student feels able to write his or her exam they should attend the exam as scheduled. Those who require any academic accommodation for missed work or missed exams or any other academic assistance should contact the associate dean in their Faculty office.
Tuesday, October 21 – 10 a.m.
Brandon Hall residents will continue to have controlled access to their rooms to collect personal belongings Tuesday and Wednesday.
Controlled access will be granted both days 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. . Students who were living on the second floor will continue to be able to retrieve items from the first floor meeting room at Les Prince Hall.
The next update will be posted Tuesday at noon.
Monday October 20 – 9 p.m.
Students and parents attended a special meeting tonight to learn about next steps after the fire this past weekend in Brandon Hall.
Karen Belaire, vice-president Administration provided an update and answered questions. On Tuesday, a question and answer document and other updates will be posted on The Daily News.
For those wishing to view the power point presentation, please click here.
October 20 – 5 p.m.
There will be a meeting tonight for parents and students regarding the fire in Brandon Hall. The meeting will be held on:
Monday October 20, 2008 at 7 p.m. in the Michael DeGroote Centre for Learning – Room 1305.
For those wishing to access the meeting via Webcast, please following these instructions:
Meeting Link: https://maclive.mcmaster.ca:443/join_meeting.html?meetingId=1224519582957
To join the meeting, click on the appropriate link above (or cut and paste into your web browser).
Enter your name at the login prompt. This meeting does not require a password to join so leave the password field blank.
Information for first time Elluminate users
You may be prompted to download some software which may take anywhere from 2 to 20 minutes depending upon your Internet connection speed.
Pre-configure your system with the required software by going to the support page located at: https://maclive.mcmaster.ca:443/support.help.
Please view the participant orientation (6-7 minutes) at: http://elluminate.com/support/docs/8.0/participant.jsp
If you are having difficulty accessing the Webcast call the UTS Service Desk 5:30 – 7 p.m. at 905-525-9140 (24357)
Monday, October 20 – Noon
Limited access to Brandon Hall will be available today for students to retrieve essential items from their rooms. Students who have not yet had access to the building can retrieve essential items by meeting at the front of Brandon Hall according to the following schedule:
First floor students
Third floor students
Students from other floors (except for the second floor) who have not yet been able to enter the building
Second floor students – arrangements have been made to collect essential items from your rooms.
Please go to Les Prince Hall, first floor meeting room to pick up these items. Staff will be available to assist.
The meeting for parents and students is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Michael DeGroote Centre for Learning, Room 1305. Updated information on the housing plan for students will be available. The class normally scheduled for that room has been relocated. Students in SocSci 2P03 (instructor Geraldine Voros) have been moved to HSC 1A1.
Police will be on the scene at Brandon Hall today. They are interested in speaking with everyone who was in the building at the time of the fire and anyone who might have information that will help in their investigation. Please call McMaster security at 905-525-9140, ext. 23371 who will help to arrange contact with police.
Any students who feel they need counseling assistance should contact the Centre for Student Development. Crisis appointments are available. The Centre is located in the McMaster University Student Centre,Room B107, ext. 24711 or through csd@mcmaster.ca.
Mid-term examinations are continuing at the University. If a student feels able to write his or her exam they should attend the exam as scheduled. Those who require any academic accommodation for missed work or missed exams or any other academic assistance should contact the associate dean in their Faculty office.
The next update will be available at 5 pm.
Update for second floor residents of Brandon Hall
Limited and supervised access to the building will be possible on Monday. Students from the second floor of Brandon Hall will not be able to enter the building but secure arrangements have been made to collect essential items from your rooms. These items will be available for pick at 4 p.m. The location will be available in the noon information update on the Daily News and will be posted at the Commons help desk. If you cannot be available at 4 p.m. please visit the Commons help desk earlier in the day to make alternate arrangements. Items will not be available for pick up before 4 p.m.
Sunday, October 19 – 6 p.m.
Brandon Hall has now been turned back over to the University by the Ontario Fire Marshall. The process of analyzing the state of the building and the extent of damage can now begin.
After the preliminary investigation by the Fire Marshall it has been determined that the fire was deliberately set and an arson investigation continues by Hamilton Police.
Three students were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. Two of the students have been released and the third student is improving.
Limited and supervised access to the building will be possible on Monday. Students who have not yet had access to the building can retrieve essential items by meeting at the front of Brandon Hall according to the following schedule:
First floor students
Third floor students
Students from other floors (except for the second floor) who have not yet been able to enter the building
Second floor students arrangements have been made to collect essential items from your rooms. These will be available for pick. The location will be available in the noon information update on the Daily News.
Access to the building will be done under supervision.
Damage to the building is extensive and while the investigation by electricians, engineers and other experts is only now able to get underway it looks like the impact on the building will be long term. The University is committed to developing the best long term plan to provide students with accommodation and to ensure their academic year is not disrupted.
Mid-term examinations are continuing at the University. If a student feels able to write his or her exam they should attend the exam as scheduled. Those who require any academic accommodation for missed work or missed exams or any other academic assistance should contact their Faculty office Monday morning to speak with the associate dean.
The evacuation centre is located in the Smith Gym at Ivor Wynne Centre. Cots are available along with personal care items. Residence life staff will be on duty at the evacuation centre and students in need of assistance, who would like to access university counseling or other services are encouraged to speak to residence life staff for help.
An information meeting for students and parents will be held Monday October 20 at 7 p.m. The location is still to be determined.
The next update will be available Monday, October 20 at 12 noon.
Sunday, October 19 – 12 noon
The Ontario Fire Marshall is back on the scene today at Brandon Hall continuing his investigation into the fire at the residence that broke out early Saturday morning. Damage from the fire is extensive with significant damage to the elevators.
Brandon Hall is closed for the day and it's not yet known when investigators will turn the building back over to the University. Once the investigators turn over the building the clean up will be extensive. The University's immediate priority is to get students back into the building to retrieve essential items particularly those students from the first to third floors and those who may be returning after the weekend. Students from floors 4 to 11 were able to retrieve some personal items Saturday afternoon.
While some students did spend last night in the emergency evacuation centre in the Smith Gym at the Ivor Wynne Centre, the majority found other accommodation. Students who can find alternate accommodation are advised to do so until further notice.
Updates will continue to be provided on the Daily News, on message boards at the Commons and the evacuation centre and through the Commons help desk at ext. 27222.
The next update will be provided at 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 18 – 7 p.m.
Brandon Hall will remain closed throughout the day on Sunday.
The Ontario Fire Marshall is continuing his investigation and has not yet determined how long the building will be out of service.
The residence building was evacuated early Saturday morning after a fire just before 4 a.m. More than 400 students were evacuated. There is extensive damage and experts will continue to assess the safety of the building and the clean up that is required.
Students living from the 4th to 11th floors were able to enter the building briefly Saturday afternoon to retrieve essential items.
An emergency evacuation centre was opened Saturday afternoon in the Smith Gym at the Ivor Wynne Centre and it will continue to provide shelter, cots to sleep and assistance to students. The Red Cross is operating the evacuation centre. Students who can find alternative accommodation are advised to do so until further notice.
Four students were injured. Three suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital.
Updates will be provided on Sunday as new information is available.
Saturday, October 18 – 2 p.m.
The fire marshall has informed the University that Brandon Hall will be closed for the rest of the day following a fire that broke out just before 4:00 Saturday morning.
Students will be allowed to re-enter the building to retrieve any essential items starting at 3 p.m. Students should first go to the Commons service desk as the entry will be done in a controlled manner with the assistance of officials.
An evacuation centre for students will be open starting at 4 p.m. at the Smith Gym in the Ivor Wynne Centre. Cots will be available along with assistance for students with any special needs. The Red Cross will be running the evacuation centre. Please enter Ivor Wynne through the front doors to access the evacuation centre.
Information updates will continue to be available to students at the Commons Buildings as well as in the evacuation centre. Students from Brandon Hall who require any type of assistance should go to the Commons service desk or call ext. 27222.
Four students were injured and three of them were taken to hospital by ambulance. All but one are expected to be released later today. The parents of the students who were injured have been notified.
This information will be updated at 7 p.m. Saturday evening.
Saturday, October 18 – 10 a.m.
A fire broke out in Brandon Hall just before 4:00 Saturday morning. The building was evacuated and remains closed as the Fire Marshall investigates.
Four students were injured and three of them were taken to hospital by ambulance. All but one are expected to be released later today. The parents of the students who were injured have been notified.
Students who were evacuated were moved to the Commons Building where they were provided with food and assistance. Communication updates for students are being provided at the Commons and through the Commons service desk at ext. 27222.
This information will be updated at 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
