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Supports 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

CAMPUS SECURITY

Contact Security Services when experiencing direct threats, physical harm or emergency situations on campus by calling 905-522-4135

McMaster SAFETY APP

Our safety app can be downloaded here and many other helpful resources can be found on the Security 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 response and support to sexual violence, including information on reporting options and, when appropriate, complaint intake. Drop-in Support is also available.
  • Offers information and guidance on the Sexual Violence Policy, procedures, programs, and referral to campus and community services and resources.
  • 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

Book an initial consultation appointment with a counsellor to explore your support options. The Please call 905-525-9140 x 27700 to set up an appointment. Walk-in appointments are also available on a first-come, first-serve basis:

  • Monday, Tuesday Wednesday: 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Thursday: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Friday: 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The SWC also provides resources for crisis support, peer support and other assistance programs.

Student Accessibility Services | MUSC B101

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides academic accommodations and related supports for students with disabilities at McMaster. Contact SAS for accommodations and support.

International and Exchange Student Experience (IESE) | MUSC B118

The International and Exchange Student Experience team offers in-person drop-in appointments:

  • Mondays and Thursdays: 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Tuesdays and Fridays: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

International and exchange students can email iss@mcmaster.ca to arrange a personal one-on-one appointment. Appointments are confidential and take place in a welcoming, safe environment.

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.

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. Contact ISS or click here for mental wellness resources.

Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) | UH 104

SVPRO serves all members of the McMaster community, including undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students; staff, faculty and volunteers. It offers empathic, non-judgemental and culturally relevant response and support, as well information on reporting options and complaint intake if appropriate Click here to make an appointment or to find drop-in hours

2SLGBTQIA+ resources

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.

Academic Advising

If you are an undergraduate student in need of an academic accommodation during this time, please connect with your program academic advisor.

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.

Student Case Management

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

Human Resources Services provides a range of supports for employees from health, safety & well-being to learning and development opportunities. Learn more.

Community supports

McMaster Okanagan Office of Health & Well-being

The McMaster Okanagan Office of Health & Well-being’s wide range of initiatives aim to support the physical, emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual, financial, environmental and occupational well-being of all McMaster community members. Learn more.

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.