Get introduced to university life at Mac101
Welcome to McMaster! This summer, join students, staff and faculty for Mac101, a series of sessions, discussions and activities to ease your transition to university life. Learn about strategies, skills, programs, tools and campus resources to support your success at McMaster.
Thank you for joining us this year!
Access the session recordings any time to check out any sessions you missed. And please take a few minutes to complete the survey to tell us about your Mac101 experience.
International Student Panel Q&A
July 22, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Virtual)In this interactive webinar, you have the opportunity to learn from upper year international students about their experience at McMaster. There will be lots of opportunity to asks your questions!
Your First Year at McMaster
July 22, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Virtual)Meet the team that is here to make sure you’re supported throughout your first year at McMaster! Join this webinar to learn more about what you can expect during first year, how you can stay connected to your upper-year peers, and how you can make friends and thrive during your first year and beyond.
How to: Be a University Learner
July 22, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Virtual)What does it mean to be a university learner and set yourself up for success? Attend this session to explore differences between high school and university, manage independence and learn what it takes to succeed inside and outside the lecture hall.
Marauder Meet Ups
July 22, 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. (Virtual)We can’t wait to get to know you! Let’s meet up each afternoon, Monday–Thursday, so you can make friends with other first-year students and make the most of your day.
Academic Advisor Panel
July 22, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Virtual)As a student preparing to come to university, you probably have a lot of questions. What is an academic advisor, and how can they help? How is my GPA calculated? How can I transfer out of my program and into another program? Join a panel of academic advisors to get answers to your questions
How to: Get it all done
July 22, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Virtual)The one thing you’ll hear the most from upper-year students is that they wish they knew how to manage their time, stop procrastinating and find a balance earlier. In this session, our experts will share proven ways to get it all done and have time left for fun!
You Belong at Mac: Yes, You! (Access)
July 23, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Virtual)What if I’m not smart enough? What if I don’t make new friends? What if my cover is blown? Together we will explore strategies to navigate common doubts and fears you may have about surviving and thriving at McMaster. This workshop will be a space where folks are encouraged to be vulnerable and discover tangible ways to build community, overcome imposter syndrome, and embrace uncertainty.
How We Can Help: Tech Talk
July 23, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Virtual)In university, you develop your digital literacy skills by using different technology platforms inside and outside the classroom. Attend this session for an overview of these platforms and tips on how to increase your individual and group productivity, collaboration, self-management and content creation. Our presenters will help take the stress out of tech and show you the possibilities that platforms can provide.
Marauder Meet Ups
July 23, 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. (Virtual)We can’t wait to get to know you! Let’s meet up each afternoon, Monday–Thursday, so you can make friends with other first-year students and make the most of your day.
How We Can Help: Beyond the Classroom
July 23, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Virtual)Join this session to meet many of the offices on campus that can support your successful transition to student life in university. It’s important to get to know your support network and find out how to get help now instead of waiting until you need it later.
Transfer Student FYI
July 23, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m (Virtual)Have you transferred to McMaster from another university? Will September be the first time you’ve been to McMaster’s campus? Do you have questions about transfer credits? Join this webinar to learn about orientation programs that are available for transfer students, how transfer credits work, tips to help you discover what McMaster has to offer, and resources that can support you throughout your first year here.
Marauder Evening Social
July 23, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Virtual)We can’t wait to get to know you! Join us on Tuesday for an evening of social and games so you can make friends with other first-year students.
English Language Support at McMaster
July 24, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Virtual)Living and studying in an English language environment can be challenging. If English isn’t your first language, join us to learn about supports, resources and tips to enhance your language abilities during your time at McMaster.
Secrets to Success with Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
July 24, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Virtual)Upper year students invite you to “ask us anything”! These panelists will share their secrets to success and answer your questions about SAS and supports available to students with disabilities.
Building Your Resume
July 24, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Virtual)Join this webinar to learn how the Student Success Centre’s employment and experiential opportunities can enhance your academic journey through work-integrated learning opportunities (paid and volunteer), career exploration activities and more. These experiences will help you learn and develop in-demand skills that employers value.
Marauder Meet Ups
July 24, 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. (Virtual)We can’t wait to get to know you! Let’s meet up each afternoon, Monday–Thursday, so you can make friends with other first-year students and make the most of your day.
How to: Research & Write in University
July 24, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Virtual)Come learn about how to meet university expectations for research and writing. Experts from the Library and Writing and Academic Skills will guide you through finding and evaluating scholarly work, incorporating and properly citing sources, and making the best use of research and writing resources at McMaster
How to: Write Essays
July 24, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Virtual)In this session, experts will break down essay writing and provide some strategies and techniques for mastering this genre. From brainstorming to revision, let us help you prepare for the more rigorous expectations of writing essays in university courses.
Studying at a Canadian University
July 25, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Virtual)Is university different than high school? Learn about the undergraduate classroom experience, how to be a successful student in Canada and ways to access valuable resources and support.
Mastering the Student Budget Game
July 25, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Virtual)Creating a functional student budget can empower you to navigate the financial challenges of student life successfully. Join us to learn more about how to begin building toward financial independence in your undergraduate journey.
How to: Take Notes in Lecture
July 25, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Virtual)Notetaking might be a new skill for you — and that’s okay. Come to this session to learn different note-taking strategies for university and how to use your notes while studying and reviewing content. This is always one of the most popular sessions. We will be joined by a McMaster professor who will be doing a mock lecture, so students can practice note-taking methods
Marauder Meet Ups
July 25, 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. (Virtual)We can’t wait to get to know you! Let’s meet up each afternoon, Monday–Thursday, so you can make friends with other first-year students and make the most of your day
Student Life Panel
July 25, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Virtual)University is about more than just academics. Come and meet a panel of upper-year McMaster students from a range of campus services, academic programs and student groups. Learn more about the McMaster community so you can discover opportunities to make connections at Mac.
How to: Write Lab Reports
July 25, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Virtual)In this session, experts will cover the purpose, structure, and components of lab reports. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of what to expect when you receive your first lab report assignment.
Making the Most of Welcome Week
July 26, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Virtual)Whether you are living off-campus or in residence, we are here to connect you. Join us for an interactive session with upper-year student leaders, including a Q&A and breakout rooms. Discover exciting Welcome Week events, opportunities and meet your faculty Welcome Week leaders.
Supporting Your Student: Information for Parents and Families
July 27, 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. (Virtual)Join administrators for a panel discussion and live Q&A session where they’ll discuss how McMaster is prepared to help your student thrive in university. We invite you to share your questions and comments when you register.
Parents and family members of international students are encouraged to attend this session.
Financing Your Education
July 27, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (Virtual)There are many resources at McMaster to help you finance your education, in addition to your personal and family contributions. Join this session to learn about government aid, scholarships, bursaries and campus work opportunities. Our financial experts will share the many resources available at McMaster to help you along the way.
Residence FYI
July 27, 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. (Virtual)Come meet staff from Housing and Conference Services who will be sharing information for students living in residence this year and answering your questions.
OSCARplus is your appointment, registration and job posting system
OSCARplus is an online platform you can use to engage with Student Success Centre services. These services include events, appointments and workshops to support your academic, personal and professional development and success. You will need to register for each Mac101 session, through OSCARplus.
McMaster Zoom account activation
Follow the instructions below in order to activate your McMaster Zoom account. You will need to use this account to access any McMaster events hosted on Zoom, including Mac101 sessions.
Step 1: Go to the Zoom sign-in page. Click “SSO” (Single Sign-On).
Step 2: Type “McMaster” into the company domain.
Step 3: Enter your McMaster email.
Step 4: Enter your password.
Step 5: You have now activated your McMaster Zoom account. Please ensure that you are signed into your McMaster Zoom account when attending all Mac101 sessions.
MAC101 BLOGS
10 favourite food spots, on and off McMaster campus
On campus Off campus Food places that accept student card off campus Nabeelah (she/her) is the program support assistant for...
Interviewing a professor
Learn more about Dr. Cadieux’s journey navigating post-secondary and now teaching at McMaster University.
My residence experience: a quick guide on what to expect
Move-in day What really surprised me was how fast and organized move-in day was. There were so many students helping...
University on a budget
Here are some strategies for university students looking to save money. Easy and quick healthy recipes Sometimes you don’t have...
Join us to learn everything you need to know to manage your finances as a university student with confidence. Sessions open to student, parents and guardians.
Topics include:
- Sourcing funds
- Summer checklist
- Paying tuition and managing your account
- OSAP
- MSU supplementary fee package
- Important dates and deadlines
- Financial responsibilities
- Budgeting and banking
Choose a date and register:
Transitioning from high school to university is exciting, but there can also be a lot of adjustments. We offer orientation and transition programming to help you adapt to university life in the classroom and beyond. Discover how you can get started in the summer before classes start. Then, you’ll know how to get involved and seek support throughout your university journey.