McMaster University’s commitment to providing health and well-being services for the campus community was strengthened in 2017 when the university became a signatory to the Okanagan Charter.  

Signing the Charter reinforced McMaster’s pledge to embed health and well-being into all aspects of campus life.  

This commitment was supported through the work of the Okanagan Committee and, later, the Okanagan Office of Health & Well-being, which brought together initiatives from across campus under the Okanagan banner.   

Since its launch in 2023, the Okanagan Office has played a valuable role in fostering a campuswide culture of mental health awareness and support.

While McMaster remains a signatory to the Okanagan Charter, the office itself will wind down its operations by the end of June.  

The programs, initiatives and values promoted by the Okanagan Office will continue through the campus partners already delivering direct support to students, faculty and staff. These include the Student Wellness Centre, Athletics and Recreation, Student Accessibility Services and Human Resources Services, among others.   

“We are grateful for the positive impact that the Okanagan Office has had in supporting our community,” said Jeremiah Hurley, acting provost and vice-president (Academic).  

“While this initiative was always time-limited, McMaster remains committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of all members of our community through accessible, frontline resources.”  

The Professor Hippo-on-Campus program, which teaches faculty and staff about student mental health, will remain available online for current participants.   

Other initiatives promoted by the Okanagan Office will continue, such as Thrive Week, facilitated  by McMaster Human Resources Services and the Student Wellness Centre, and The Working Mind, offered by McMaster Human Resources.   

Click here for a full list of resources and supports for the McMaster community.