It’s 2017 and like every New Year, the McMaster community is returning to campus re-energized and more motivated than ever.

This year, The Student Success Centre (SSC) will channel that energy into motivating students during FROST Week. To do so, the SSC will host New Year’s Resolutions: #Goals Week, six days of events and programs dedicated to helping students set tangible goals for their academic, personal, and professional success.

“The New Year can provide us all with a ‘reset’ button,” says Gina Robinson, Director of the SSC.

“It is a great time to reflect on our prior challenges and successes, and make our own blueprint for the next year.  We have learned that managing stress plays a big role for all of us. The other areas we reflect on include our health, our career, our contributions to society, and our financial situation. Setting goals and being intentional about them makes a difference.”

Each day of the week will follow a different theme related to the SSC’s programs and services. The week will begin with #MotivationMonday, a day of workshops and destressors centered around academic success and wellness; and, #TransformationTuesday, a day for uncovering professional pathways and goals. #TransformationTuesday will also feature an interactive fair on how to explore career options, make an impression, and land a job. The events this day will be especially useful for those interested in attending Connect to Careers, Hamilton’s largest job fair in February.

The week will then explore goals for personal success. #WanderlustWednesday will focus on goals related to going abroad and becoming more culturally aware. Students can participate in a networking social and human library, where they can ask questions and hear stories from former exchange students. On #Thursdate, the SSC will host a hot-chocolate social and kindness campaign for students interested in becoming more involved on-campus and in the community. Those who attend can pick up a “kindness challenge,” which they can then pay forward to another McMaster community member.

Mac’s Money Centre will also take part in the week’s festivities. On #FunAndFrugalFriday, students can explore ways to save money and set goals. They will also have the chance to take part in a money personality workshop and a budget-friendly grocery shop, where they will learn tips on ways to shop healthy on a budget.

The SSC’s #Goals week will end with the Student Leadership Conference on #ShakeItUpSaturday. Bringing together hundreds of students, the conference will be an opportunity to develop leadership skills, learn from inspiring speakers, ask questions, and unpack social justice issues. This year’s theme is “Shake It Up,” as the activities will focus on challenging traditional understandings of leadership by approaching the topic from different angles, perspectives, and points of view. The Student Leadership Conference is open to all students who are looking to be inspired and think outside the box.

New Year’s Resolutions #Goals Week will take place from January 9 -14, 2017. For those interested in learning more about the events, visit the Student Success Centre’s website. Events are also available for sign-up on OSCARplus.

For the days leading up to New Year’s Resolutions #Goals Week, the SSC will be hosting a goals contest through their student blog, Water Cooler Gossip. Students who submit their New Year’s goals on the Water Cooler Gossip Think Tank will be entered to win a #goals-themed prize. Visit the blog for details. Start the New Year off on the right foot and participate!

For those interested in learning more about other events taking place during FROST Week, visit www.msumcmaster.ca/frostweek.