Back to Mac with the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC)
McMaster University is committed to providing you and the incoming class with the best transition and orientation experience to prepare you for university life at McMaster. As a community, we have 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. More information can be found here.
The Black Student Success Centre will be fully present during Welcome Week. BSSC Staff and Reps work alongside other Reps, including Faculty and the Indigenous Student Services Reps.
As part of our commitment to providing specialized programs, services and signature events, we have planned several events for you (students of all levels). During Welcome Week, visit us at the Black Student Success Centre in M07 at the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning.
*Please note: registration for our events is encouraged, though not required.*
BSSC Meet and Mingle 11 am to 12 pm, BSSC Lounge
Calling all Black students.
Join us at the Black Student Success Centre for any, or all of our daily Meet and Mingles. Step into our welcoming space, connect with fellow students, and dive into engaging conversations centered around one of our daily themes🗣️💫. Find us in the BSSC lounge (PGCLL, M07).
BSSC "Faculty Fest" 1:30 pm to 5 pm
Be sure to stop by the Black Student Success Centre booth at Faculty Fest (BSB Field).
Engage with our friendly reps, discover our range of services, and grab a chance to win fantastic free BSSC Merch and goodies🎁🎉
BSSC Faculty Meet and Greet 3 pm to 4 pm
Attention first years!
Get ready for the Black Student Success Centre’s Faculty Meet and Greet. Connect with Black professors, instructors, staff, upper-year students, and fellow Black first-years within your faculty. Make meaningful connections even before the first day of classes, and foster a supportive network for your academic journey🎓🤝🏾
We will be in various rooms in the Burke Science Building.
BSSC Games Night - 7 pm to 9 pm, PGCLL M12
Prepare for an entertaining Games Night at the Black Student Success Centre. With a Family Feud and Jeopardy inspired trivia game, and many other fun games to try out. Black students take advantage of this chance to forge new friendships, strengthen existing bonds, unleash your inner game-show champion, and potentially receive our winning prizes🏆💃🏾
BSSC Academic Workshops
BLACK FIRST-GEN STUDENT PANEL, BSB B142 10:40 am – 11: 20 am
The Black Student Success Centre is calling all Black First Generation students!
Do you want to learn from the success stories of those who came before you, and how they faced the unique journey of being the first in their families to go to university? Do you want to get some practical tips and guidance on how to thrive in your academic journey? If yes, then don’t miss this fun and interactive panel session featuring past, and present Black First Gen University students who will share their insights, advice and inspiration with you 👨🏾🎓🥇
WORKING IN FIRST YEAR, 11:20 am – noon, BSB B156
Are you a Black first-year university student who is thinking about working while studying, and want to learn how to balance that with your academic and social life? Do you want to discover the opportunities for on-campus and off-campus jobs that suit your schedule and interests? If that sounds like you, then join us at the Black Student Success Centre Working-Workshop where we will help you answer these questions and more🎒💵
ACCESSIBILITY/ACCOMODATIONS, 10 a.m. – 10:40 a.m., BSB B140
Starting university can be very exciting, but at times challenging. You may need some help along the way, and that’s okay. Join us at the Black Student Success Centre for a Support Workshop, led by a Black Student Accessibility professional to let you know the resources and services that can support your journey here at Mac. Remember it takes a village, you don’t have to this on your own!👩🏾🤝👨🏽🤝🏾
BSSC/Indigenous Student Services Movie Night - 8:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Join the Black Student Success Centre and Indigenous Student Services for a collaborative Movie night event for BIPOC 2SLGBTQIA+ students and allies! We will be watching the sapphic teen romcom “The Half of It”, and enjoying some classic movie snacks. Come in your comfy clothes, ready to meet some new people and connect with community🍿🎞️
Location: Indigenous Circle
BSSC Crafting Event - 1:30 pm to 3pm, BSSC Lounge
Get crafty with the Black Student Success Centre.
Come for our event filled with fun options of activities like mini canvas painting, clay charm necklace making, and album cover coloring. A great chance to create a keepsake, and connect with other Black students🎨🖌️
That’s not all! Also have a chance to write a letter to your end of first year self. Predict the year, send your future self some love, and more. The world is a Black student’s oyster🦪💌
BSSC Wellness Presentation -3 pm to 4 pm, BSSC Lounge
Join us at the Black Student Success Centre for a lively chat on self-care, led by our Black Student Wellness Counsellor, Ola Kuforiji. Discover what self-care means to you and others in your community, how to overcome the challenges you may face on this new journey, and get some free wellness themed goodies💗💗
BSSC Comedy Evening - 5 pm to 6:30 pm, The Grind
HAHAHA, don’t you want to get in on the joke? The Black Student Success Centre will be hosting a Comedy Evening full of laughs and fun. This is a great opportunity to connect with other Black students, enjoy a free meal, and unwind after your daytime activities. You’ll also get to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, a University essential🤣🎤
Take a break with the BSSC - 7pm to 11 pm (Monday - Thursday)
We know high energy events can get overwhelming. The Black Student Success Centre is open for you to come in, relax for a while, play games, enjoy some cool refreshments, and connect with other Black students😎☮️
Location: BSSC Lounge
BSSC presents "The Cookout" - 12pm to 3 pm, BSB Field
The Black Student Success Centre presents “The Cookout,” a self-explanatory event here to connect the community and satisfy some stomachs. Come ready for a day of celebrating Blackness, enjoying food, playing games, and creating new relationships. There’s no place like home🍴🏡
BSSC International Student Brunch - 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, The Phoenix
Calling all Black International students!
Join the Black Student Success Centre for a brunch just for you. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other students going through similar experiences, upper year international students who can offer support, and learn more about the Black International experience at Mac. Sign up today and bring your appetite! 🍽️🥞
BSSC Basketball Game - 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, East Aux Gym (DBAC)
Are you ready to show off your skills on the court? Do you want to meet other Black students who share your passion for basketball? Then join us for a basketball game hosted by the Black Student Success Centre, in partnership with the Black Student Athlete Council (BSAC)! Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, everyone is welcome to play and have fun. Sign up today and let the games begin. 🏀👟