An Inclusive McMaster Community

*As of Saturday, March 14 - Please check: https://covid19.mcmaster.ca/ for more details and updates

Posted on March 16, 2020

McMaster is a diverse community that deeply values inclusion and respect.

As the world manages the COVID-19 outbreak, it is important to remember that the virus is not connected to race but to geography. Fear and misinformation surrounding the transmission of COVID-19 can make people feel uncertain and vulnerable and lead to harmful prejudicial remarks or attitudes. Our commitment to inclusion and respect are even more important at times such as this. It is also important to reinforce the university’s commitment to accessibility and the duty to accommodate community members during this time. Instructors and supervisors are encouraged to work directly with students and employees to address any accommodation needs, particularly for individuals with disabilities, with compromised immune systems, who are older and who have children.

The Equity and Inclusion Office (equity@mcmaster.ca) is available to support any community members who may be experiencing any harassment or discrimination.

Below is a list of supports and services that will remain open to the McMaster community, and particularly for equity-seeking community members.

Employee Health Services

For employees seeking accommodations, visit: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/about-us/our-services/employee-health-services/.

Internet and Computer Access Support

For students who are concerned about lack of access to the internet or computers from their own residences, please be assured that McMaster Libraries will remain open: https://library.mcmaster.ca/

Indigenous Student Support

Indigenous Student Services will remain open during regular business hours for Indigenous students at McMaster, located in L.R. Wilson Hall, 1811: https://indigservices.mcmaster.ca/

Wellness and Disability Student Support

Students with disabilities will still be fully supported regarding academic accommodations for completing courses and taking exams. Please continue to connect with Student Accessibility Services, sas@mcmaster.ca, or your specific SAS counsellor directly, to discuss the implementation your accommodations if needed.

The Campus Accessible Tech Space (CATS) will remain open for students registered with SAS accommodations: https://library.mcmaster.ca/spaces/las

The Student Wellness Centre – PGCLL 210/201- is available to students through appointment on weekdays and also has walk-in times at 1:30PM every day, offering both medical care and supportive counselling: https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/
Student Support and Case Management – (MUSC 226) offers support to students throughout their time at university, providing resources to manage issues as well as crisis prevention and intervention for students. As well, the office provides guidance on the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Website: https://sscm.mcmaster.ca/; Email: sscmo@mcmaster.ca

Sexual Violence Support and Accommodations

The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) will remain open – please contact Hagar Akua Prah, SVPRO Consultant (prahh@mcmaster.ca) or visit: https://svpro.mcmaster.ca/ for more information and support

Student Success Support

All Student Success Centre services and programming will remain open and in operation for students, including alternate formats for student wishing to not come onto campus: https://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/

McMaster Part-Time Student Support

The McMaster Part-Time Students Association (MAPS) space will remain open for part-time students and students with disabilities, located MUSC Room 234: https://maps.mcmaster.ca/

McMaster Student Union Support

The HSR bus pass remains valid through August 2020. For information about the student bus pass, please visit the bus pass website. If you are experiencing difficulties with your PRESTO HSR bus pass, please email dgood@msu.mcmaster.ca: https://www.msumcmaster.ca/info/hamilton-street-railway-hsr-bus-pass
The MSU is monitoring the situation closely and encouraging everyone to put student safety first. Any student in need of financial assistance can access funding through the Emergency Bursary Fund, sponsored by the MSU: https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/aid-awards/emergency-financial-support
McMaster Student Assistance Program – MSU insurance plan offers undergraduate students access to 24 hour counselling services (along with other resources and supports, including nutritional and wellness support). To access, please call 1-877-234-5327.

Good2Talk – Provides 24/7 confidential counselling, information, and referrals to all post-secondary students in Ontario via phone at 1-866-925-5454. More information on Good2Talk can be found at https://good2talk.ca/