Black Student Success Centre | McMaster University

5 black individuals posing a for a photo while all smiling

Join us for an enriching evening designed to set the stage for your success and well-being at McMaster. We look forward to seeing you there!

Check event info and register

Graduation Ceremony, McMasdter staff reading put graduate names

Black Grad feedback

Submit feedback here

One year ago, the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) — the first physical space at McMaster dedicated to supporting and championing the success of Black students — opened its doors.

Welcome to the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC)!

Our Vision - What We Aspire To Be And Do

The Black Student Success Centre is dedicated to supporting and championing the holistic (academic, personal and professional) success and overall well-being of Black/African descent students and fostering a positive Black student and athlete experience. The Centre is a safe space where students can meet, share, socialize and access specialized support and services.

Our Purpose – Why We Exist

Black students across Canadian universities sometimes feel isolated on campuses and are less likely to access student support services. The BSSC exists to connect Black students to the programs, people, and resources that will nurture their academic and personal growth. Our programmes and services focus on building a sense of belonging and safety amongst McMaster’s Black students.

Our Values & Approach to Work

We are guided by Ubuntu, an ancient African philosophy. Translated from the Xhosa language, Ubuntu means “I am because you Are.” Ubuntu emphasizes the importance of connection, community and collective empowerment and success.

Learn more about Ubuntu

Our Logo & What it Communicates

Designed by Aaron Parry, McMaster Graduate Student

Black represents the rich diversity of our shared stories and points of connection – embracing and including us all, across our intersecting identities.

Learn more about our logo

Our Programs and Services

Thank you to our partners in University Advancement, The Office of the Registrar, The Student Success Centre, and The Student Wellness Centre for their partnership. All programs and services are available to Black-identified students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program of study

Currently, the services we provide include:

Virtual and in-person General Check-in appointments (graduate and undergraduate) with Iyobosa, Faith Ogunkoya
Virtual and in-person Counselling appointments (graduate and undergraduate) with Ola M. Kuforiji
Virtual Black Faculty Office Hours with ACFAM (African Caribbean Faculty Association at McMaster)
Virtual and in-person RO, Financial Aid Literacy & Coaching with Leon Cox

Book an appointment

Black Student Success Centre Events

2 smiling black ladies posing for a photo

4th Annual Black Student Welcome 2024

4th Annual Black Student Welcome 2024 Event

September 05, 2024 @ 04:30 PM to 06:30 PM

Event Overview The Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) champions the holistic success and overall well-being of Black students at McMaster....

Welcome Week and Back to MAC 2024

Welcome Week and Back to MAC 2024 Event

August 26, 2024 to August 30, 2024

Welcome to McMaster University’s Welcome Week with the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC)! McMaster University is committed to providing you...

3 black individuals smiling at an event

Gear Up 4 Mac: Week in Residence – Participant Application

Gear Up 4 Mac: Week in Residence – Participant Application Event

July 21, 2024 to July 26, 2024

Hosted by: Black Student Success Centre (BSSC), McMaster University Event Dates: Sunday, July 21, 2024 – Friday, July 26, 2024 About the...

Black students at a previous event

Inaugural Black Alumni Celebration

Inaugural Black Alumni Celebration Event

June 25, 2024 @ 05:00 PM to 07:00 PM

Description We cordially invite you to an evening of jubilation and camaraderie at the Inaugural Black Alumni Celebration, a special...

An image of Black graduates smiling and interacting

Black Student Mentorship Program

An image of a Black hand above text of

Black Student Wellness

Request Black Wellness counsellors

Join our Group Session:

“You Belong In the Room”

An image of David Farrar shaking hands with a Black student

Scholarships, Awards & Bursaries Support

How to apply
Help editing/writing/proof reading
Understand application timelines
Choosing the right references

Financial Aid Literacy & Counselling

Access 1:1 counselling

An image of three Black individuals

Check-ins

Tell us how you are doing, navigating academic expectations, financial management, or the complexity of campus life.

An image of Black students in a room

Black Student Groups and Clubs

macbssc

Welcome Week is your time to connect, grow, and fe

Welcome Week is your time to connect, grow, and feel at home at McMaster University. Black students, this is your space to find community, build relationships, and start the year with confidence. Our team is ready to welcome you and support you every step of the way.

Check out our schedule and pre-register to be part of something special. Let’s kick off the year together, with pride and purpose!

Get ready to kick off Welcome Week with the BSSC!

Get ready to kick off Welcome Week with the BSSC!

We have an exciting lineup of events from August 26-30 that you won’t want to miss! From meet and greets, workshops, and game nights to wellness sessions, crafting, and our epic BSSC Olympics—there’s something for everyone!

Mark your calendars and join us for a week filled with fun, connection, and community. Pre-register now with the link in our bio or scan the QR code!

Let’s make this Welcome Week one to remember!

Check the link in our bio for more information and

Check the link in our bio for more information and how to apply!

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! Apply

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! Apply to the scholarships above with the link in our bio!

Reflecting on the inaugural Gear Up 4 Mac, we exte

Reflecting on the inaugural Gear Up 4 Mac, we extend our deepest gratitude to the BSSC Ambassadors, speakers, student staff, participants, parents, and our partners at RBC and McMaster Housing and Conference Services. This event was a groundbreaking step in creating a space where Black incoming undergraduates are welcomed and empowered from day one.

Gear Up 4 Mac is more than an orientation—it’s a pivotal moment where community meets opportunity. RBC’s support and our collaboration with McMaster Housing and Conference Services were crucial in making this vision a reality.

This achievement highlights the collective efforts of everyone involved. Your commitment has laid a foundation for the success of these students and will inspire future generations. We are proud to have launched this historic initiative and look forward to continuing to empower every Black student at McMaster to thrive. Thank you for being a part of this significant moment in our shared journey.

The Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) is hiring!

The Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) is hiring! We’re looking for driven individuals to fill two pivotal roles:

- Peer Mentor, Career & Post-Grad Assistant: Play a key role in guiding Black students on their career paths and post-graduate journeys, helping them succeed in and beyond university life.

- Marketing & Communications Associate: Take charge of our marketing efforts, craft compelling content, and amplify the voices of our community through strategic communication.

If you’re tech-savvy, detail-oriented, and passionate about empowering Black students, we want to hear from you.

Apply via Mosaic using IDs #64268 or #64248 Application Deadline: August 21, 2024

Join us in shaping the future of Black student success at McMaster!

The BSSC formally invites you to the Official Blac

The BSSC formally invites you to the Official Black Student Welcome on Thursday, September 5th, 2024, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at The LOFT, The Hub (4th Floor).

This event is designed to bring together Black students from all levels—(undergraduate, graduate, resident, and post-doc)—to connect with McMaster’s dedicated Black community. It’s an opportunity to meet your peers, faculty, staff, and student organizations in a supportive and engaging environment.

Join us for an evening of meaningful connections and conversations that will help you navigate your academic journey with confidence. We look forward to welcoming you and building a strong network that will support you throughout your time at McMaster.

Register with the link in our bio!

Check the link in our bio for more information and

Check the link in our bio for more information and how to apply!

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! Apply

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! Apply to the scholarships above with the link in our bio!

Are you a Black student or alumni at McMaster Univ

Are you a Black student or alumni at McMaster University ready to make a global impact? The Black Student Success Centre is excited to present an incredible opportunity through the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP)!

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, IYIP offers four-month internships in Liberia and Ghana that will empower you to drive meaningful change and develop as a leader. Engage in impactful research, support grassroots organizations, and enhance education while gaining invaluable global experience.

This program provides exceptional mentorship, builds your leadership skills, and opens doors to future career opportunities. We believe in your potential to make a difference.

Ready to take your place as a global leader? Apply now and transform your future. Link in bio!

August 1 marks a transformative moment in history—the day the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect in 1834, paving the way for freedom across the British Empire. Emancipation Day serves as a crucial call to action, urging us to reckon with the multifaceted and often painful narratives of Canada’s past. As Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard emphasizes, “Emancipation Day forces Canada to confront its full history.” This day compels us to acknowledge the brutal legacy of slavery while honoring the unyielding resilience and valor of Black and Indigenous Peoples who relentlessly pursued freedom and justice.

The Black Student Success Centre stands with Black and Indigenous students as we confront the ongoing impact of slavery on mental health and well-being. Our Black Student Wellness sessions with Ola offer tailored support to help you navigate these unique challenges, and our student lounge provides a safe space for connection and community. Together, we are committed to empowering you to heal, lead, and thrive.

Today, we celebrate the enduring legacy of those who paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse society. Let’s unite in reflection, education, and action to continue the fight against racism and discrimination.

CBC News. “Emancipation Day: What is it and why do people celebrate it? (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/emancipation-day-celebrations-canada-1.6124826.)

At the Black Student Success Centre at McMaster Un

At the Black Student Success Centre at McMaster University, we are at the forefront of fostering spaces that holistically empower Black students. Our recent visit from the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) team was a remarkable milestone in our journey.

Our commitment to leadership is evident through our proactive efforts in sharing our innovative programs and strategic approaches designed to uplift Black students. We are honored to guide and inspire other institutions by sharing insights and best practices.

Thank you to the UTM team for your dedication and eagerness to learn from our experiences. Together, we are not just envisioning a future where Black students thrive; we are actively making it happen. We look forward to many more moments of collaboration and shared success as we continue to build partnerships and expand our impact!

Check the link in our bio for more information and

Check the link in our bio for more information and how to apply!

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! Apply

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! Apply to the scholarships above with the link in our bio!

Day 5 at Gear Up 4 Mac was a transformative experi

Day 5 at Gear Up 4 Mac was a transformative experience filled with growth and connection!

We kicked off with an inspiring tour of the Pulse, followed by a powerful leadership discussion led by Dr. Alpha Abebe. Chinazo Okereke guided us through career development, while Ola Kuforiji focused on student wellness, ensuring we’re equipped for both professional and personal success.

We fostered teamwork and camaraderie with a lively Minute-to-Win-It social integration activity. The day concluded with a student-directed Movie Night, capturing the highlights and memories of our incredible journey together.

Day 4 at Gear Up 4 Mac was a deep dive into commun

Day 4 at Gear Up 4 Mac was a deep dive into community and culture.

We began at Hamilton City Hall, then explored Jackson Square, Nations Grocery Store, and the Hamilton Farmers Market, immersing ourselves in the local culture and flavors. A highlight was our session with Professor Kojo Damptey, discussing the Community Engagement and African and Black Diaspora Studies Minors, followed by a riveting mock lecture on Black-Canadian History. The day concluded with an exploration of the new Hub building, enriching our understanding and broadening our perspectives.

Let’s continue to lead, explore, and grow!

Day 3 at Gear Up 4 Mac was a masterclass in academ

Day 3 at Gear Up 4 Mac was a masterclass in academic and personal empowerment!

We honed our academic writing skills, explored essential student services like the Student Wellness Centre, Student Accessibility Services, and Student Success Centre. We then dove into impactful mentorship and networking with the Black Student Mentorship Program and Black Clubs Fair, building bridges and creating connections that will propel us forward.

The evening bonfire was the perfect capstone, symbolizing the spark of our collective potential. Let’s continue to lead, inspire, and achieve!

Check the link in our bio for more information and

Check the link in our bio for more information and how to apply!

Day 2 of Gear Up 4 Mac was all about discovery and

Day 2 of Gear Up 4 Mac was all about discovery and navigation! We empowered ourselves with the tools and knowledge to thrive at McMaster, diving into University online resources, exploring the Library space and academic research, and uncovering financial aid opportunities. Our campus tour provided a comprehensive look at what the university has to offer, preparing us for the road ahead.

We ended the night with introspection, creating vision boards and planning for our success as students. Together, we are ready to unlock our potential and achieve our goals.

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! Apply

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! Apply to the scholarships above with the link in our bio!

Load More Follow on Instagram