The Gear Up For Mac Program supports incoming Black students as they move from high school into university. The program creates space for students to build confidence, ask questions, form friendships, and begin their McMaster journey with a support network already in place.

The program focuses on:

• Academic preparation
• Financial literacy and aid support
• Career and employment readiness
• Community connection
• Wellness and self-care
• Social integration
• Mentorship and student life

Participants will take part in:

• Academic writing and university skills workshops
• Mock lectures and tutorial-style learning
• OSAP, scholarships, and budgeting sessions
• Career readiness and work-study information
• Campus tours and resource introductions
• Hamilton community experiences
• Social activities, games, music nights, and team challenges
• Connection with Black student clubs and organizations
• Mentorship through the Black Student Mentorship Program
• Family and Friends Celebration on the final day

This program is open to students who:

• Identify as Black
• Are recent high school graduates
• Have accepted their offer (without conditions) to McMaster University for Fall 2026
• Are entering undergraduate studies in Fall 2026
• Can commit to the full duration of the program from Sunday, July 19 to Friday, July 24, 2026

Gear Up For Mac gives students the chance to:

• Meet other incoming Black students before classes begin
• Build confidence navigating campus and university systems
• Learn about academic, financial, wellness, and career supports
• Connect with upper-year Black student mentors
• Explore McMaster and the Hamilton community
• Begin university with community, clarity, and support

Parents, guardians, and supporters are an important part of this transition. Selected students and their families will receive program details before the start of the week, including arrival information, packing lists, residence details, safety expectations, and contact information.

Families will also be invited to take part in the closing Family and Friends Celebration on Friday, July 24, 2026.

For questions about the Gear Up For Mac: Week In Residence Program, please contact:

General Inquiries: Black Student Success Centre

Email: bss@mcmaster.ca

Program-specific questions: chehoree@mcmaster.ca
Subject line: Gear Up For Mac Program

The Gear Up For Mac: Week in residence program offers 25 students that have accepted their offer to McMaster University the opportunity to experience a week at McMaster Residence. The program’s focus is supporting incoming Black first-year students with their transition to McMaster University through academic workshops, mentorship, campus tours and social networking opportunities over six days and five nights.

The program focuses on these pillars:

• Academic preparation
• Financial aid and career guidance
• Employment support
• Community and cultural engagement
• Social integration and mentorship
• Connection to Black student organizations and campus supports

The program will commerce from Sunday, July 19, 2026, with residence check-in beginning at 1:00 pm to closing celebration taking place on Friday, July 24, 2026 (departure at 3:00 pm). Daily programming takes place throughout the day and evening from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Programming takes place at McMaster University. Students stay in residence at the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL) and participate in activities across campus and within the Hamilton community.

Selected students will have the opportunity to share sleeping accommodations with one or more students. A maximum of two students will share a room with up to four people sharing a washroom. Rooms will be allocated based on students’ gender, faculty and accessibility.

The program is open to incoming Black undergraduate students who have accepted an unconditional offer of admission to McMaster University for Fall 2026. Participants must:

• (or have graduated from high school within 2 years and have not started post-secondary)
• Identify as Black
• Be an incoming First year undergraduate student at McMaster University
• Have accepted and fulfilled the conditions of their offer
• Available to commit to the full duration of the program (*this is mandatory*) from Sunday July 19,2026 to Friday July 24,2026.

No. The program is fully funded by and in partnership with RBC and free for selected participants. Accommodation, meals, program materials, and transportation connected to scheduled activities are included.

Students are encouraged to bring spending money for personal purchases and a loaded PRESTO card.

Applications open on Saturday, May 09, 2026, and close on Friday, June 19, 2026. You can apply through the or the application link shared through your school.

Applicants will be selected based on a short application process where students express their interest in the program.

Applications are reviewed by a selection committee made up of faculty, staff, and students, ensuring there is an equitable selection process.

Applicants will receive communication regarding decisions after the application period closes. Updates, timelines, and next steps will be shared by email by Monday, June 29, 2026.

Students who are not selected are encouraged to stay connected with the Black Student Success Centre. Opportunities designed to support incoming students to transition effectively to university including Welcome Week, Black Student Welcome, mentorship and BSSC programming continue throughout the year. In addition, students are welcome to book one-on-one check-ins with our Outreach and Transition coordinator.

Participants will engage in a variety of activities, including:

• Academic workshops led by faculty and student mentors
• Career development and financial aid sessions
• Mental health and wellness discussions
• A Black- Owned Hamilton tour
• Social events and networking opportunities
• Family and friends’ celebration on the final day (special invitation)

Yes. Participants are expected to attend all scheduled activities and remain engaged throughout the week to receive the full benefit of the experience.

Yes. Accepted participants receive a complete program package before arrival, including schedules, residence information, packing details, and program expectations. We will also be hosting a virtual information session for selected participants and their circle of care two weeks before the event.

Yes. Students selected for GUFM will automatically be enrolled in the Black Student Mentorship Program (BSMP) and paired one-on-one with an upper-year Black McMaster student mentor. Mentorship begins before the academic year and continues into first year.

Yes. Selected participants and their parent(s)/guardian(s) will be invited to a virtual information session before the program. This session will review schedules, expectations, move-in procedures, safety information, and provide time for questions.

No. To support safety and group supervision, participants are not permitted to have guests or visitors during the program unless approved by staff.

Because the experience is designed as a full residential cohort experience, students are expected to participate in the entire program. Exceptions for emergencies should be discussed with staff in advance.

Students stay in residence at PGCLL in shared accommodations. Most students will share a room and may share a washroom with one or more participants depending on room arrangements. Students will be selected into a Quad or double living arrangement.

Room assignments are made intentionally and may consider compatibility, accessibility needs, and other factors. To learn more about room layout visit: https://housing.mcmaster.ca/future-residents/rooms/

No. Room assignments are coordinated by the program team. Students participate in activities designed to help them connect and build relationships before move-in.

Yes. Students receive meal cards covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the week. Snacks may also be provided during programming. Dining locations include a variety of food options, and dietary needs can be accommodated.

Your energy, and willingness to engage. Additional suggested items include:

• Government-issued ID
• Comfortable clothing and shoes
• Toiletries
• Personal hygiene items
• Laptop or tablet
• School supplies
• Water bottle
• Personal comfort items
• Snacks

A full packing list will be shared before move-in.

Yes. Students are supported throughout the week by BSSC staff, student ambassadors, residence staff, and volunteers. Residence staff and program staff are available throughout the experience.

No. For safety reasons, students are expected to remain with the program group during scheduled activities. Any off-campus activities are supervised and organized by program staff.

Students should identify any needs during the application process. The program team works with university services and campus partners to support accommodations where possible.

Accepted participants and families will receive emergency contact information before the program begins.

Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from McMaster. Directions and arrival instructions will be provided before the program begins.

Yes, transportation will be arranged for off-campus activities, but students are expected to bring their own Presto card.

Yes! Participants will be connected to mentorship programs, student organizations, and campus resources to support their transition throughout their first year. Semester based check-in will be conducted by our Outreach and Transition team.