Our Graduate Student Community will be welcoming its newest members very soon. The Orientation Hub is the place where you will find step-by-step information, as well as links to resources, supports, online activities, events and sessions to help you navigate your graduate journey. We update this page regularly, so please check back for the latest information!
Before joining our graduate community ...
Step 1: Register How to enrol
On-time registration opens July 5 and runs until August 2. To avoid late fees, please register before the on-time registration deadline.
Step 2: About your Mac ID Learn more about Mac ID
Your Mac ID is essentially your username for accessing services and systems at McMaster.
Step 3: Your McMaster email address
Once you have your MAC ID set up and have enrolled in your courses, your McMaster email will become active. A link to your McMaster email will be sent to your applicant email address. Please continue to monitor your applicant email address in the meantime.
Step 4: Upload your photo for your student card Learn more about photo upload
Image requirements and upload details are available on our site.
Upload your photo before July 16 to ensure you have timely access to campus services and offerings.
Step 5: Update your personal information Go to Mosaic now
It’s important to update your personal and contact information – especially your address – in Mosaic, so that you receive all important information. You can add a new address or revise an existing one. Your “Mailing Address” will be the address to which you receive any mail from the university.
Step 6: How to enrol in – and complete – SGS 101, 201 SGS 101 and 201
All new graduate students must complete SGS 101 and 201. Learn more about enrolling and completing the courses by the Fall deadline: September 30, 2022.
Step 7: Receiving your scholarship monies, research funds and TA pay Fees and payment
Make sure you update and/or set up your information to ensure you receive your scholarship and research funds when expected, as well as your teaching assistant (TA) pay on time (for those students have have a TA position).
Step 8: Review all dates and deadlines See dates and deadlines
Dates and deadlines to help you
- avoid late fees and interest payments
- receive your first grad pay on time
- more
NOTE: The Graduate Calendar is the most accurate source for sessional dates and deadlines.
Resources, supports, events and sessions to help you navigate your grad journey!
Visit the Back to Mac website
For all of the latest updates and news about our return to campus, including health and safety guidelines, vaccination requirements and masking.
2022 Orientation Calendar
Visit our calendar of online workshops, information sessions and virtual socials.
International / New-to-Hamilton area
Are you an international graduate student? Perhaps you are joining us from another part of Ontario or from beyond this province? Visit our International Students section for information about
- study permits, visas, UHIP
- travelling to and living in Hamilton
- more
Housing
Check out Mac Off-Campus Housing to learn more about
- finding a place to live,
- the new Student First Rentals program,
- Symbiosis, a co-housing program for graduate students,
- local rental listings.
Building a strong supervisory relationship
Learn more about expectations, communication and building a strong relationship with your supervisor.
Students with disabilities
McMaster offers many services, supports and resources for students with disabilities.
Orientation webinar library
A repository of past webinars for graduate students beginning their academic journey in fall 2022.
McMaster Library grad student support
The Library provides a number of services and resources to help you navigate academic sources and information you will need to complete your studies.
Resources for teaching assistants
The MacPherson Institute provides a wide range of teaching and learning resources for TA’s, including:
MS Office 365 Hub
All McMaster students have access to Microsoft Office 365 products and Zoom. Using your Mac ID, you will have access to:
- Word/Excel
- Outlook
- OneNote
- Teams
- more
Graduate Students Association
The GSA advocates for the graduate student community at McMaster, providing support and services, including
- health and dental benefits
- personal and professional development opportunities
- social events
- more
HSR Bus Pass
New and returning graduate students can learn more about getting their bus pass on the GSA website.
Setting up your remote work station
McMaster’s University Technology Services – UTS – has created a page to help all McMaster students learn more about setting up remote work stations – from the basic tools to remote teaching technologies, from device recommendations to staying secure in your remote workspace.
Student Wellness Centre
The Student Wellness Centre is the place on campus to address your wellness needs. Services include:
- counselling
- mental health supports
- medical care
- wellness programs and education
Open Circle McMaster
Open Circle McMaster is a diverse and consensus-based community where McMaster students can discuss life, spiritual and societal issues, as well as find volunteering opportunities available in the broader Hamilton community.
Graduate Wellness Newsletter
The Graduate Wellness team at the Student Wellness Centre, delivers information about programs, as well as tips and strategies to help you stay well during your graduate journey. The newsletter is delivered to your email inbox every two weeks.