Events and Programs

What’s Happening at the BSSC

We host a wide range of cultural, academic, wellness and professional events throughout the year. Our events are spaces to connect, learn, celebrate, reflect and build community — whether you’re dropping in for the first time or have been part of the BSSC for years.

Some events are entry points into our ongoing programs, while others are moments of celebration and collective joy. All are grounded in belonging, care and Black excellence.

Signature Events and Programs

These are cornerstone moments in the BSSC calendar. They are events that define our community and bring Black students together throughout the year.

A diverse group of people seated in a well-lit conference room, attentively listening to a speaker. The atmosphere is focused and engaged.

Black Student Welcome

Black Student Welcome Event

Welcome to McMaster The Black Student Welcome is one of the first major gathering points for incoming first-year Black students...

A group of smiling students in maroon McMaster Marauders shirts hold pink bags, standing outdoors in a city square with brick buildings in the background.

Gear Up for Mac: Head Start for University

Gear Up for Mac: Head Start for University Event

A Powerful Week-long Campus Experience GU4Mac empowers incoming first-year students to see themselves as future Marauders and a cohort who...

A large group of students in graduation gowns and stoles stand on stage, smiling. A crest is projected above them. The atmosphere is celebratory.

Black Excellence Graduate Celebration

Black Excellence Graduate Celebration Event

Black Excellence Graduate Celebration | Honouring the Class of 2026 The Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) warmly invites you to...

Three people smiling, holding a "Hamilton is Home" sign in front of a school bus. Around them, a diverse crowd stands under a clear sky, giving a sense of community and belonging.

May at Mac | Black Applicant Meet and Greet

May at Mac | Black Applicant Meet and Greet Event

Registration Deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Event Overview  The Black Student Success Centre welcomes prospective Black students...

A group of five young adults smiling outdoors on a sunny day. They

Day in the Life at McMaster: High School Experience

Day in the Life at McMaster: High School Experience Event

Join a Day in the Life at McMaster The Day in the Life experience invites Black high school students to...

A lively gathering of diverse alumni engaging in animated conversations indoors. The atmosphere is warm, with people smiling and laughing against a backdrop of red curtains.

Elevate and Empower | Black History Month

Elevate and Empower | Black History Month Event

Elevate and Empower Elevate and Empower is a partnership between the BSSC, the Black Student Association and McMaster’s Alumni Association....

A man in a colorful shirt speaks to attentive students in a lecture hall. They are seated in a semi-circle with laptops open, creating an engaged and educational atmosphere.

NextGen: Black High School Leadership Summit

NextGen: Black High School Leadership Summit Event

Welcome to McMaster The NextGen Summit is the BSSC’s signature leadership development experience for Black high school students in Grades...

A group of young people sit at a table in a bright room, engaged and smiling. One person stands, showing something on a phone to the others. Friendly atmosphere.

Black Student Mentorship Program

Black Student Mentorship Program Event

In Partnership with the African Caribbean Faculty Association of McMaster (ACFAM), our four-tier mentorship model helps you navigate each stage...


In addition to major signature events, the BSSC (in partnership with student groups and campus partners) hosts recurring gatherings throughout the year, including:

  • Black faculty office hours
  • Wellness circles and peer support sessions
  • Career and graduate school workshops
  • Film screenings and discussion nights
  • Game nights and social mixers
  • Study sessions and exam-time support spaces

These events offer flexible ways to stay connected and engaged throughout the semester. Check our Instagram (@MacBSSC) to stay up to date on all this programming and more.

Follow @MacBSSC on Instagram