McMaster faculty reach out to students with encouragement, smiles, dogs and superheroes

Professor Sara Cormier (Physics and Astronomy) with her two superheroes...er, kids at home.

BY Sara Laux

April 9, 2020

Video greetings. Virtual cafes. Words of encouragement, poems and song lyrics. Photos with kids, dogs, home workshops, soap bubbles and gardens.

Even though in-person classes have been suspended since March 13, McMaster instructors are still finding ways to connect with students – and the messages right now are overwhelmingly on the theme of “We miss you. You got this.”

Early on, the Faculty of Engineering marked this year’s Kipling Ceremony – where graduating engineers receive their Iron Rings – with video messages from faculty.

“The celebration this year might look a little bit different from previous years, and maybe you might not have the same physical impact on campus as other years,” said Tim Davidson, chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, in his video.

“I want to let you know that your impact on the whole community has been outstanding, in the magical things that you’ve done in the clubs and teams, and the way that you have helped each other come to terms with what’s really been quite difficult material.”

Along with the Kipling messages, the Faculty of Engineering has been exploring ways to stay connected virtually, including a virtual capstone project showcase and an ongoing series of virtual cafes and townhalls.

The DeGroote School of Business has also been reaching out to students with video messages from professors, using their YouTube channel to highlight a series of videos from instructors and staff.

“Hello DeGroote students,” said Jennifer McCleary, DeGroote’s director of student experience, cuddling her dog on her front step. “We hope you are safe. We hope you are well. Please know that your DeGroote experience is not on pause – it hasn’t stopped. It’s just different.”

Along with their video series, DSB has also launched a Discord server, with dedicated channels for undergraduate, MBA, PhD, staff, faculty, and other groups.

The Faculty of Science started #MacSciCares, a series of instructor selfies and encouraging messages, shortly after classes were suspended.

“Students are greatly missed by everyone here in our Faculty of Science,” Maureen MacDonald, dean of the Faculty of Science, says. “We launched MacSciCares so students could get messages of hope and support directly from the faculty and staff who they know, trust and respect. Thanks to my colleagues who are sharing these messages and offering a behind-the-scenes look at their home offices and new pint-sized co-workers.”

The reaction from students has definitely been positive.

No matter what faculty the message is coming from, the overarching message is one of encouragement and support.

“…It’s SO HARD to be working in isolation, because I miss those face-to-face interactions and discussions. (Yes, I miss you),” said Michael Brook in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.

“You will inevitably be feeling a bit confused and ‘discombobulated’ – me too.  Life throws lots of stuff at us.  History teaches we’ll get through it. So, find comfort and contact in friends and family, even via ZOOM.”