Resources for the McMaster Community
These are some of the support services available to McMaster students, faculty and staff. If you or someone you know at McMaster is in need of help, please reach out or share this list.
If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Community safety
Contact Campus Safety Services when experiencing direct threats, physical harm or emergency situations on campus by calling 905-522-4135
Our safety app can be downloaded here and many other helpful resources can be found on the Campus Safety Services website.
DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE
The Equity and Inclusion Office can be contacted by phone: 905.525.9140 ext. 27581 or at equity@mcmaster.ca for an appointment. You can also visit the Equity & Inclusion Office website for other useful resources.
The Human Rights and Dispute Resolution (HRDR) Program in the Equity and Inclusion Office (EIO):
- Provides consultation for any students, staff, faculty, and other member of the University community on issues related to human rights.
- Acts as an Intake Office for formal complaints of discrimination, harassment or sexual violence.
- Oversees and, where required, investigates formal complaints lodged under the University’s Discrimination & Harassment Policy and/or the Sexual Violence Policy.
The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) in the EIO:
- Provides all McMaster community members with inclusive and trauma-informed support for concerns related to gender-based and sexual violence, including assistance with counselling and accommodation requests, referral to community resources, and information on reporting options under the Sexual Violence Policy.
- Provides prevention education and response training on a range of topics to diverse audiences of students, faculty and staff, using intersectional and anti-oppressive approaches.
- Can be contacted through the EIO or directly at (905) 525-9140 Ext. 20909 or at svpro@mcmaster.ca
Student Supports
STUDENT WELLNESS CENTRE (SWC) | PGCLL 210/201
If you are experiencing mental health concerns, book an initial Mental Health intake appointment to explore the best pathway to care. The SWC offers short-term solution-focused counselling to support your needs and same-day single-session appointments for pressing concerns, available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To book an appointment, please call 905-525-9140 ext. 27700 or visit the clinic in person in PGCLL 210.
SWC hours| July and August
- Tuesday and Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Monday, Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
SWC hours | September to June
- Monday to Thursday; 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Friday; 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
For resources regarding additional support and immediate help, visit the SWC website.
STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES | MUSC B101
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides academic accommodations and related supports for students with disabilities at McMaster. Visit their website to learn more.
INTERNATIONAL AND EXCHANGE STUDENT EXPERIENCE (IESE) | MUSC B118
The International and Exchange Student Experience team offers in-person drop-in support on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
International and exchange students can book personal one-on-one appointments, available either in-person or virtually, on OSCARplus. Appointments are confidential and take place in a welcoming, safe environment. General questions and support inquiries can be sent to iese@mcmaster.ca.
SPIRITUAL CARE AND LEARNING CENTRE (SCLC) | MUSC 212
The SLC is an open, safe space that supports all religious, secular and spiritual identities (RSSI). You can contact the SCLC leaders individually or drop by the office in MUSC 212.
OPEN CIRCLE: GRIEF SUPPORT SHARING CIRCLE | PGCLL Room 206
A mutual support group for students who are experiencing loss due to the death of a loved one. This group is a safe and confidential space for sharing experiences of grief while respecting each other’s questions, feelings, viewpoints, or spirituality as it relates to each person’s healing process. See dates and times at the link.
BLACK STUDENT SUCCESS CENTRE (BSSC) | PGCLL Room M07
The BSSC provides services that focus on building a sense of belonging and safety amongst McMaster’s Black students, including one-on-one support with the Black student wellness counsellor. Visit their website to learn more.
INDIGENOUS STUDENT SERVICES (ISS) | L.R. Wilson Hall 1811
Indigenous Student Services supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students at McMaster and provides personalized support through the Indigenous wellness counsellor. Visit their website to learn more.
If you are a part of or looking to support someone who is a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, click here for the Student Wellness Centre’s list of resources and supports.
EQUITY AND INCLUSION OFFICE | UH 104
The EIO offer support, consultation and education for students, faculty and staff. Click here to contact the office.
OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR: STUDENT SERVICES
If you have urgent financial need, please contact the Student Services team or book an online appointment.
If you are an undergraduate student in need of an academic accommodation during this time, please connect with your program academic advisor.
- DeGroote School of Business
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Health Sciences: Please contact your school or program directly.
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Arts & Science
- School of Nursing
If you are a graduate student in need of an academic accommodation during this time, please connect with your program or supervisor. You may also find resources on the School of Graduate Studies website.
The Student Case Management Office (SCM) provides support to students throughout their time at university, providing resources to manage issues as well as crisis prevention and intervention for students who may be experiencing difficulty on campus.
Staff and Faculty supports
EMPLOYEE AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Employee and Family Assistance Program is a free program that eligible employees and their dependents can use to access confidential counselling and resources. Telus Health, the provider of the program, can be contacted by phone toll-free or online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more.
PAUL R. MACPHERSON INSTITUTE FOR LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
The MacPherson Institute partners and connects with educators at McMaster through programs, workshops, services and supports aimed at advancing the teaching and learning priorities of the university. Learn more.
Human Resources Services provides a range of supports for employees from health, safety & well-being to learning and development opportunities. Learn more.
Community supports
OMBUDS OFFICE | MUSC 210
The Ombuds Office provides free independent, impartial and confidential dispute-resolution advice and assistance on student-related issues to all members of the McMaster community.
24/7 resources
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering self-harm, please reach out to Canada’s new suicide line, where a trained responder will listen without judgement, provide support and understanding, and can tell you about resources that will help.
If you or someone you know in Hamilton is experiencing a mental health crisis, please check out Hamilton COAST at their website or call 905-972-8338, toll-free 1-844-972-8338.
Refer to the SWC “Get Help Now” page Get Help Now – Student Wellness Centre