First of all, congratulations and welcome to our Marauder family! We’re committed to providing you and the entire incoming class with the best transition and orientation experience to get you ready for university life at McMaster. We’ve planned an exciting Welcome Week for you that includes academic and social programming, interactive games and activities, Faculty-based events and opportunities to connect with other incoming and upper-year students along with staff and faculty.
Check your McMaster email for updates and announcements, and follow us on Instagram, @MacSSC and @MacWelcomeWeek.
Plan your Welcome Week on Presence, the student experience platform and app
You don’t need to register in advance for most events. However, there are some things you need to do in advance to prepare and plan your Welcome Week experience. Here’s a quick checklist to help you get started.
Once you’ve been added to the Presence platform, you’ll get an email confirming that you have access to the Welcome Week schedule and all other information you need to participate. Then, visit the website and go to the top right corner to log in with your McMaster email (MacID). Next, explore all the events on the Welcome Week organization page.
Tip! Add your favourite events to your calendar to keep track of what’s happening. You can also use tags to customize your experience and filter by Faculty, program, residence, signature events and more.
Note: Residence and additional events will be added later in the week, so check back often.
Some Welcome Week events require you to sign a waiver to participate. These events have waiver forms attached to their event pages. You can also find all waiver forms on the Presence homepage by clicking the “Welcome Week 2023: Waivers and Informed Consent” button.
Note: After you complete each waiver, check your McMaster email for the confirmation and a copy of your signed waiver, which you’ll need to display at the event when you arrive.
Find the app on the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Log in to the app with your McMaster email to access to your unique QR code. You’ll need this code to check in at Welcome Week events.
McMaster Welcome
August 28, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | PGCLL 127, B138, M21
It’s time to officially start Welcome Week 2023 with McMaster Welcome! We’re excited for you to get to know the McMaster community, so we’re hosting an exciting roundup of university leaders and special guest performers, all coming to you live from the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL). Enjoy the performances, get to know the community, make friends, learn about this year’s Welcome Week activities and more. Plus, we’re hosting a free pancake breakfast before the event that you won’t want to miss.
Faculty Fest
August 28, 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Check Faculty schedule for locations
It’s time to get to know your Faculty! Meet the students and staff who make up your Faculty community at McMaster through various Faculty-specific events, activities and more.
Monday Light Nights
August 28, 7:00 p.m. tp 11:00 p.m. | MUSC, Mills Plaza, Arts Quad
Casino night, live DJ and more! Come to MUSC to discover a variety of events including casino games, a live DJ party, an outdoor movie, rock painting, photobooth and bingo. Events will be taking place simultaneously, so come check it out. We’re sure we have something for you!
Faculty Day
August 29, 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Check Faculty schedule for locations
It’s time to get to know your Faculty! Meet the students and staff who make up your Faculty community at McMaster through various Faculty-specific events, activities and more.
Faculty Fusion
August 29, 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Ron Joyce Stadium
Show your Faculty spirit! Cheer the loudest and support your Faculty’s reps on the field to earn points for Faculty cup! Reps will guide you into the football stadium for this awesome event.
Movie Night
August 29, 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | Westdale Theatre (meet in MUSC Atrium at 6:30 p.m.)
What’s “Up” first-years? Archway and Residence Life are bringing you our annual movie night like never before! Join us for a showing of the Pixar classic Up at the Westdale Theatre! Featuring free popcorn and water, a chance to win cool prizes, plus the chance to explore Mac’s closest movie theatre?
If you would prefer to stay on campus — don’t worry! We’ll also be having a chill board games night right here, in the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) atrium where you can interact with reps and take it easy.
Headphone Disco
August 29, 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | JHE Field
Throw on a pair of headphones and select which DJ you want to listen to! They’ll be playing the best songs they know to compete for your attention, so we’re sure you’ll hear all your favorites played!
Community Connections: Vibing and Thriving
August 30, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | BSB Field
Come vibe with us! Make some friends and build connections with McMaster communities during this interactive event. We’ll share some of McMaster’s services, resources and inclusive campus spaces. Participate in activities, have a snack and maybe even dance.
Faculty Night
August 30, 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | Check Faculty schedule for locations
It’s time to get to know your Faculty! Meet the students and staff who make up your Faculty community at McMaster through various Faculty-specific events, activities and more.
Seashells n' Smoothies
August 31, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | BSB Field
Hey, hey first-years! Has the end of summer got you feeling down? Don’t worry, cause Archway and SVPRO are bringing the beach to you! Come out to our beach day in your best beach-themed attire, and enjoy a day with arts and crafts, a photobooth, inflatable limbo, field games and free smoothies! To top it all off, complete our stamp card to be entered to win AirPods Pro or an Apple Watch! We can’t wait to “sea” you there!
Welcome Week Concert: Murda Beatz
August 31, 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | JHE Field
Come see rap icon and hitmaker Murda Beatz, creator of songs “Nice For What,” “Motorsport,” and “Butterfly Effect,” take his talents to an electric DJ set full of his hits and many others! With an opening performance by an upcoming house-rap duo, the Cartel Madras, this is not a show you’ll want to miss!
Athletics & Recreation Marauder Quest
August 31, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Meet at Sport Hall
Get to know Athletics and Recreation by joining us for Marauder Quest. Try a class or take a gym tour, climb the outdoor tower or take a hike! We have a huge range of options to get active and we want to be your happy place on campus! See the full schedule for details of available sessions.
Airbands Closing Ceremonies
September 1, 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | JHE Field
Come close out Welcome Week and watch your Faculties and residences perform a dance routine to battle it out for their last chance at winning the Faculty cup! We will end off the night with closing ceremonies, memories from the week and the presentation of the cup.
Being a University Learner
August 28, 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. | MDCL 1305/1307
Let’s get ready to transition to university learning. You’ve probably been told that university will have its challenges; attend this session to find out the main differences between secondary school and university. Plus, learn ways to manage independence and what it takes to succeed inside and outside the lecture hall.
Writing Lab Reports
August 28, 2:30 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. | MDCL 1305/1307
Writing lab reports might be new for you, and that’s okay! This workshop will introduce the overall structure of lab reports and the writing skills necessary for success.
Procrastination and Managing Your Time
August 30, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. | MDCL 1305/1307
This workshop explores why we procrastinate and teaches time management strategies to help you organize your schedule, improve efficiency and reduce academic stress. Learn how to balance your workload, prioritize your tasks and save time for fun.
Note-Taking in University
August 30, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. | MDCL 1305/1307
This workshop will prepare you for university lectures by introducing a variety of effective note-taking strategies and tools, including guided notes, concept webs and the Cornell method. You will learn how to pay attending for key points and summarize main ideas, preparing more meaningful and effective study notes.
What I Wish I Knew in First Year
August 30, 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. | MDCL 1305/1307
Even the most successful students reflect on their first year and wish they’d had certain habits and/or picked up on key pieces of information. At this event, upper-year students will share these insights with you so that you make the most of your undergrad experience!
Study Smarter, Not Harder
August 31, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. | MDCL 1305/1307
Have people told you that grades drop in university? Don’t fret! Join us as we learn about active learning techniques. Uncover invaluable strategies that will help you improve the way you study, enabling you to thrive this upcoming school year. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to achieve the grades you’ve always aspired to!
Writing Lab Reports
August 31, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. | MDCL 1305/1307
Writing lab reports might be new for you, and that’s okay! This workshop will introduce the overall structure of lab reports and the writing skills necessary for success.
Note-Taking in university
August 31, 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. | MDCL 1305/1307
This workshop will prepare you for university lectures by introducing a variety of effective note-taking strategies and tools, including guided notes, concept webs and the Cornell method. You will learn how to pay attention for key points and summarize main ideas, preparing more meaningful and effective study notes.
Communicating with Professors
August 31, 2:30 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. | MDCL 1305/1307
Scared to talk to a prof? Unsure how to email? As a university student, you will need to visit office hours, ask questions and send emails, and you need to do these things appropriately. Get advice from a panel of McMaster faculty about how to reach out and network effectively.
Being a University Learner
August 31, 3:30 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. | MDCL 1305/1307
Let’s get ready to transition to university learning. You’ve probably been told that university will have its challenges; attend this session to find out the main differences between secondary school and university. Plus, learn ways to manage independence and what it takes to succeed inside and outside the lecture hall.
Reading and Writing in University
September 1, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. | MDCL 1305/1307
Reading and writing in university — no problem, right? Join us for an invaluable session where you’ll gain strategies to conquer those lengthy texts and articles from day one. Discover the secrets to becoming an efficient reader and learn how to meet university-level writing expectations. Get ready to excel in your academic pursuits with newfound confidence and expertise.
Study Smarter, Not Harder
September 1, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. | MDCL 1305/1307
Have people told you that grades drop in university? Don’t fret! Join us as we learn about active learning techniques. Uncover invaluable strategies that will help you improve the way you study, enabling you to thrive this upcoming school year. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to achieve the grades you’ve always aspired to!
Procrastination and Managing your Time
September 1, 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. | MDCL 1305/1307
This workshop explores why we procrastinate and teaches time management strategies to help you organize your schedule, improve efficiency and reduce academic stress. Learn how to balance your workload, prioritize your tasks and save time for fun.
Come celebrate with us at the International Student Experience Open House
August 30, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | MUSC B118
The International Student Experience team’s here to support your journey at McMaster and in Canada. We’re happy to welcome your arrival with a fun and informative celebration on campus. The orientation will also give you an opportunity to meet new faces and friends including your International Student Experience staff, your go-to support for your transition to McMaster, as well as other first-year international students. You can also get a preview of our socials, workshops and programs for the year.
Light snacks showcasing Canadian delights will be provided!
Sign up for iCent, the platform for international undergraduate students
The iCent platform is here to help you get ready for life at McMaster. This platform will help you navigate the opportunities, services and resources available to you as an international student. We recommend downloading the app for instant updates!
McMaster Student Success Centre, McMaster Residence Life, McMaster Off-Campus Resource Centre, McMaster Equity and Inclusion Office, McMaster Student Accessibility Services, McMaster Student Wellness Centre, McMaster Indigenous Student Services, McMaster Athletics & Recreation, and Office of Alumni Advancement, and the McMaster Students Union (MSU), including the McMaster Science Society, McMaster Social Sciences Society, McMaster Humanities Society, McMaster Engineering Society, DeGroote Commerce Society, Society of Arts & Science Students, McMaster Kinesiology Society, McMaster University Nursing Students Society, Bachelor of Health Sciences Society, Society of Off-Campus Students
