Black Student Success Centre | McMaster University

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!

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An initiative is designed to support incoming Black first-year students at McMaster University, offering a week-long, overnight residential experience to help transition into university life.

Check info and apply here

Black Grad feedback

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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

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....

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...

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...

3 female black graduates smiling

3rd Annual Black Excellence Graduation Celebration

3rd Annual Black Excellence Graduation Celebration Event

May 23, 2024 @ 02:30 PM

SAVE THE DATE! The McMaster Black Student Success Centre is excited to announce the 3rd annual Black Excellence Graduation Celebration...

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

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!

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate t

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the vibrant cultures, enduring resilience, and invaluable contributions of Indigenous peoples across our lands. At the Black Student Success Centre, we acknowledge and honor the shared histories and intersections between Black and Indigenous communities. We stand in solidarity, committed to fostering understanding, equity, and empowerment for Indigenous students within our inclusive community.

During Indigenous Heritage Month, we joyfully cele

During Indigenous Heritage Month, we joyfully celebrate the rich contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples. At the Black Student Success Centre, we honor the interconnected histories of Black and Indigenous communities, united in our commitment to equity, empowerment, and solidarity. We proudly support Indigenous students, recognizing and celebrating their heritage as integral to our shared community fabric.

Pride Month is a reminder to reflect on the divers

Pride Month is a reminder to reflect on the diverse experiences and intersecting struggles within the Black 2SLGBTQAI+ community. It holds profound significance as we honour the resilience of Black individuals who courageously navigate the dual challenges of systemic racism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. By embracing this history, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting each other and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

The BSSC commemorates Pride Month as a critical celebration of our history, recognizing its profound impact on 2SLGBTQAI+ rights, acceptance, and community. The Black Student Success Centre takes concrete action to support 2SLGBTQAI+ students through essential services like mental health support with Ola, and fostering community in our Black student lounge. We stand in support of Black queer members within our community, aiming to empower every 2SLGBTQAI+ student to achieve academic success and personal growth.

While not an official holiday in Canada, Juneteent

While not an official holiday in Canada, Juneteenth is profoundly significant for reflecting on our shared history of race, racial relations, and education with the United States. As former parts of the British Empire, Canada and the U.S. share a complex settler-colonial past where ideas about race were formed and spread.

Today, we honour Juneteenth as a vital part of our history, acknowledging its deep relevance to discussions on race, racial relations, and education. At McMaster University, the Black Student Success Centre stands as a beacon of support and empowerment for Black students. From Black Student Wellness services offering crucial mental health support with Ola, to the welcoming Black student lounge fostering community and connection—we're committed to championing the holistic success and well-being of every Black student.

Click the link in our bio for more information and

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

Prepare to embark on an unparalleled academic jour

Prepare to embark on an unparalleled academic journey with the Gear Up 4 Mac: Week in Residence program at McMaster University!

This exclusive, week-long residential program, held in July, is designed to support the transition of incoming Black first-year students. Facilitated by the Black Student Success Centre, this comprehensive introduction to university life is offered at no cost, inclusive of accommodations, meals, and local transportation.

Key program components include:
- Mastering the transition to the university environment,
- Enhancing writing proficiency within an academic context,
- Building connections with Black undergraduates and faculty,
- Navigating the McMaster campus and the Hamilton community,
- Accessing critical on-campus resources,
- Engaging with the dedicated BSSC staff and Black student organizations.

To participate, you must be an incoming Black-identifying undergraduate student who has accepted and fulfilled the conditions of your offer to McMaster. You must also be available to commit to the full program duration from Sunday, July 21 to Friday, July 26, 2024.

This program is designed to lay a strong foundation for your future achievements at McMaster University. Join us and take the first step toward a successful and enriching university experience. Your path to academic and personal success begins here!

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!

@__sonniaa__ well done.

@__sonniaa__ well done.

Thank you for making the 2024 Black Excellence Gra

Thank you for making the 2024 Black Excellence Graduation Celebration truly memorable! Your support and participation are deeply appreciated.

To help us enhance future Black Grad events, we kindly request your feedback. Your insights are invaluable in our efforts to continually celebrate and support our Black community at McMaster University. Thank you for your time and contributions.

Please take a moment to complete our feedback survey, link in bio!

Check the link in our bio for more information and

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

The BSSC invites you to an evening of jubilation a

The BSSC invites you to an evening of jubilation and camaraderie at the Inaugural Black Alumni Celebration. This occasion is dedicated to celebrating you, our distinguished Black alumni from McMaster University. We are thrilled to commemorate your remarkable lives, your noteworthy achievements, and the significant impact you’ve made on our community and beyond.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 25th, from 5 to 7 PM, and join us at the state-of-the-art Student Hub. We look forward to welcoming you to an evening that promises to be as extraordinary as you are.

We hope to see you there!

RSVP with the link in our bio.

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!

Designed by our African and Caribbean faculty, MAC

Designed by our African and Caribbean faculty, MACLeads breaks barriers and diversifies study destinations to the Global South. With comprehensive support—covering visa fees, flights, meals, accommodations, tours, and travel insurance—our “Get Ready, Go Globally Engaged” and “MACLeads Leadership Workshop” modules enrich student learning and foster Black student success.

Ready to embark on this journey? Deadline to apply is Sunday, June 9th! Any questions can be directed to Alex at montagua@mcmaster.ca for more information.

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!

Join us on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 1:00 PM in t

Join us on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the BSSC Lounge, PGCLL M07, for an inspiring session with Dr. Abdul Alkalimat. As part of the inaugural ABLD Conference at L.R Wilson Concert Hall on May 31st, Dr. Alkalimat, a civil rights activist and founder of Black Studies in the US, will visit for a Meet & Greet. Don’t miss this chance to interact, gain insights, and be inspired by his wealth of wisdom and experience. 🌟📚🙌

Instagram post 18010530767454233

Instagram post 18010530767454233

You miss 100% of the scholarships you don’t appl

You miss 100% of the scholarships you don’t apply for! Find the link in the bio to access all these scholarships.

Saturday, May 11 was @McMasterU’s May @ Mac Open

Saturday, May 11 was @McMasterU’s May @ Mac Open House for high school students. It only seems fitting that our next #MeetTheTeam feature is a staff member who decided on McMaster after his May @ Mac experience.

This week, we are delighted to introduce Kobina Baiden, the Program Coordinator for the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC). As a previous McMaster student Kobina brings a wealth of experience fostering inclusion and equity in student engagement spaces. As Program Coordinator for the BSSC, Kobina’s position plays a pivotal role in overseeing the successful coordination of events throughout the year.

With oversight over core administrative functions, the role ensures the Centre’s smooth day-to-day operations.

Kobina’s first visit to McMaster was the May @ Mac open house and he was completely in awe. A reminder that the Black Excellence Graduation Celebration is 10 days away; May 23rd, 2:30 PM, at the First Ontario Concert Hall. Even if you are not graduating, you are encouraged to attend. Support your peers, send them off in community.
Looking forward to seeing all of the BSSC family there. #McMasterU #BlackExcellence #CommunityMatters

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