The Student Wellness Center is more than just a safety net, it's a proactive tool for building resilience and fostering a supportive community

With the increasing emphasis and research on mental health in recent years, the Student Wellness Centre has expanded its role to offer a variety of wellness programs. these programs work to support students at every stage of their wellness journey.

However, many mistakenly view these resources as a “last resort” for severe cases, overlooking the SWC’s primary role as a preventative and ongoing support system.

Balancing overall health can be extremely challenging while actively growing as a student.

Mental health is often neglected at the expense of deadlines and desires like staying up late to scroll on social media. With this neglect comes the misunderstanding that our mental well-being does not need to be consistently worked on. 

Similar to how we try to stay physically fit through consistent efforts like working out, students need minimal effort ways to keep their mental needs met. The SWC is an underrated resource of the McMaster Student Union that is there to be part of your university journey. 

Misconceptions and stigma around preventative care hinder the SWC’s aim to provide consistent and accessible support for students to thrive. Beyond counselling services, the SWC incorporates diverse therapeutic approaches like psychoeducation to help students manage emotions and stress effectively.

This approach shifts wellness from being something we think about only when we are particularly stressed to a long-term strategy. This can help students build resilience and maintain a balanced life alongside their university coursework.

Such preventative strategies engage students in actively identifying key stressors within their lives and building coping skills to adapt. This can prevent the buildup of challenges that might otherwise lead to burnout or severe stress.

This approach shifts wellness from being a one-time solution to a long-term strategy, helping students build resilience and maintain a balanced life alongside their university coursework.

The SWC’s reach goes beyond traditional mental health therapies, it includes sessions where students discover tools for self-expression and foster a sense of community. This supportive network is designed to empower students in their personal growth and well-being, emphasizing that help is there for everyone, no matter where they are on their journey.

This supportive network is designed to empower students in their personal growth and well-being, emphasizing that help is there for everyone, no matter where they are on their journey.

During the challenging transitions of university life, where students might be far from family and familiar support systems, the SWC is a place that students can turn to. It provides various community platforms for different backgrounds like women of colour and 2SLQBTQ2IA+ folks and works to foster an affirmative space to explore various aspects of your identity.

By engaging with the SWC early, students can build lasting habits that help them balance personal wellness with academic demands. Ultimately, the SWC is there for every student, nurturing a supportive environment where students can learn to thrive both academically and personally.

Making plant-based foods on campus affordable for everyone can empower both students and the university as a whole to reduce our environmental impact

As plant-based diets gain popularity worldwide, many people are embracing these choices for their health benefits and positive environmental impact. Yet, for many students, adopting a plant-based lifestyle feels out of reach due to the perceived high cost of vegan and plant-based foods.

With more students than ever concerned about climate change, it seems counterproductive to make these sustainable choices financially inaccessible to students. By making plant-based meals more affordable, McMaster University and other institutions could help students take small, impactful steps to reduce their environmental footprint.

Reducing animal-based foods helps cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly. According to Oxford University, shifting globally to plant-based diets could reduce food-related emissions by up to 70 per cent. 

Yet, the costs of vegan meals are high on campus and elsewhere, often exceeding the prices of conventional meat-based meals. This high price tag is due in part to high marketing costs and limited availability, keeping plant-based foods in a price category that’s out of reach for many students.

One reason for high prices is the limited access to affordable plant-based ingredients. Industry analysts explain that smaller demand and fewer large-scale suppliers lead to higher costs at checkout. 

Additionally, many retailers add high markups to vegan options. Market data shows that plant-based meat can be up to 38 per cent more expensive than traditional meat. This means students are often priced out of sustainable choices, even though they may wish to support more ethical and eco-friendly options.

If McMaster’s food services prioritized affordable plant-based options, the university could make a powerful impact. 

Case studies from other universities and studies show that small changes, such as reducing markups or offering vegan specials, have made plant-based eating accessible to all students. Lowering these prices could enable students to make healthier and more sustainable food choices while staying within budget.

When vegan food options are cheaper, students are more likely to include them in their diets. Making these foods financially accessible encourages more people to choose them, which can contribute to reducing the university's overall environmental impact

As McMaster students push for more sustainable dining options, the university has a unique opportunity to empower students to reduce their own environmental impact through their diet. Lowering the price of plant-based foods could make a lasting impact on both the student body and the environment. 

A University of Toronto student set out to break personal walking record, trekking 80 km from U of T’s downtown campus to McMaster University in Hamilton

Vittorio Wang, a first-year humanities student at the University of Toronto and self-proclaimed marathon walker, claimed in a Reddit post that he walked 80 kilometres from the University of Toronto to McMaster in 23 hours.

Wang reportedly walked over 107,000 steps with only a water bottle, phone charger and his headphones tuned to a playlist of Radiohead. Guided by Apple Maps, Wang set off at 2:30 p.m. and arrived at McMaster the following day around 2:00 p.m., stopping only briefly along the way.

“I’ve always wanted to visit your beautiful campus,” stated Wang in his post, explaining that he took an additional detour to visit U of T’s Mississauga campus along the way, which increased his total distance to 80 kilometres.

Wang claims he has walked between Malaysian cities before moving to Toronto. Past walks have included crossing into Singapore to access pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, but this trek from Toronto to Hamilton was his longest yet. “I just wanted to beat my record and see if I could do it again,” said Wang in an interview with The Silhouette.

I just wanted to beat my record and see if I could do it again.

Vittorio Wang, first-year humanities student
University of Toronto

His route took him through suburban areas in Oakville and Burlington, avoiding highways but navigating quiet, late-night streets. Wang said that he kept breaks to a minimum, stopping only once around 6:00 a.m. at a Tim Horton’s in Oakville for a brief nap.

During the final stretch, he said that he began to feel the exhaustion set in. Wang recalled the overwhelming sense of accomplishment he felt upon reaching McMaster's main campus. “When I finally saw someone wearing a McMaster shirt, I knew I had made it. It felt surreal,” said Wang.

When I finally saw someone wearing a McMaster shirt, I knew I had make it. It felt surreal.

Vittorio Wang, first-year humanities student
University of Toronto

During his visit, a student in Thode Library helped him log onto a computer. After resting on campus, he took a GO bus back to Toronto. “Some people asked if I’d be walking back, but there was no way I could do that,” said Wang.

Reflecting on the journey, Wang shared that marathon walking provides a unique form of introspection. Friends and Reddit patrons responded enthusiastically to his story, suggesting he take on his next trek for charity, an idea he is now considering.

“If I could inspire others to try something like this, I’d be thrilled,” said Wang. While future plans aren’t concrete, Wang hinted at the possibility of another endurance challenge soon, perhaps this time with a group of like-minded walkers.

New policy aims to prioritize local students and address physician shortages by reserving medical school admissions for Canadian applicants

The Ontario government has announced that, beginning in 2026, international students will no longer be eligible to enroll in Ontario's medical schools. Premier Doug Ford stated that this measure aims to prioritize Ontario residents in medical school admissions to help address the province's ongoing physician shortage, especially in underserved regions.

Ontario has faced a persistent shortage of physicians, particularly in rural and remote communities, where healthcare access remains a significant issue. Sylvia Jones, Ontario's health minister, remarked that the policy aims to ensure that medical education slots are allocated to Ontario residents more likely to stay in the province and work within the province's healthcare system.

International students currently represent less than one per cent of admissions in Ontario medical schools in the 2023-2024 school year, with the remainder being Canadian residents. The policy shift intends to reallocate these seats exclusively to Canadian students to address the province's healthcare needs. The province will reserve 95 per cent of seats for Ontario residents, with out-of-province admissions accounting for the remaining five per cent.

The province will reserve 95 per cent of seats for Ontario residents, with out-of-province admissions accounting for the remaining five per cent.

With this ban, many international pre-med students will need to seek alternatives. Riya Patel, an international undergraduate student at McMaster, spoke to the Silhouette about how this will effect international students with aspirations of applying to medical school in Canada. "I know so many people who are crushed by this because what are [they] supposed to do now? They went into these good schools [for] pre-med and now, what are their chances, what are their future paths?," said Patel.

I know so many people who are crushed by this because what are [they] supposed to do now?

Riya Patel, international undergraduate student

Alongside the new ban, the Ontario government is introducing a series of programs to encourage Ontario-trained physicians to work in Ontario as family doctors. The government will cover the cost of 1,000 of these students' tuition for those who agree to stay and practice family medicine in Ontario, costing the government $88 million. This subsidy is expected to be put in place starting in 2026 along with the ban on international students.

While activism might seem daunting, students should embrace it to help shape meaningful identities, build character and drive change in their communities

The recent surge of student-led protests serves as an example of the impact that student activism can have on oneself and one's community. Though we are all just individuals, our collective efforts to make change for issues that we care about do not only have a greatly meaningful impact on these issues, but also on our identities and our character.

Considering this, I think that students should get involved with activism at least once in their academic career as a way of understanding their community, campus culture and to become a more upstanding and confident person. 

McMaster has faced its share of challenges regarding racism and social injustice, but students' commitment to ongoing protests has helped hold the institution accountable. Recently, the voices of hundreds of students and Hamilton community members echoed through campus as they protested together as a symbol of solidarity. 

The protests not only demanded institutional divestment and support for victims of the war in Gaza, but also raised broader questions about why the community felt the university's values were misaligned with those of the majority of the student body.

Students and members involved with activism can have an impact both on campus culture and can effect real change in the world.

Students and members involved with activism have a monumental impact on campus culture and what students value as social progress.

In addition, student protest and other forms of activism form and strengthen ties within communities across campus and the greater Hamilton area. They prompt members of the university community to re-evaluate how interconnected our role is as global citizens. Protests also bring to light how collective inaction further oppresses the voices and concerns of those marginalized.

Getting involved in activism doesn't just strengthen communal ties but also build's character. Activism and advocacy are great ways to apply ourselves to effect change on the world while we are still students.

Through activism, we often reflect on the privileges we hold, reminding ourselves of the stark realities faced by others around the world who are less fortunate. I think that this keeps us grounded and fosters a deeper personal connection to the causes we support. 

I understand the norm to lie low and voice neutrality is more comfortable, as I once found it to be my refuge from reality. But, stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging social norms by getting involved in activism allows you to embrace reality and build character.

So, I invite you to take inspiration from the generations of McMaster students who built the stepping stones for impact by protesting various issues, from the colonization of Turtle Island to the Black Lives Matter movement. I think that getting involved in advocating for a cause you are passionate about is one of the most meaningful things you could do in your life as a student and a young adult.

The collective efforts of upstanding individuals are instrumental in driving the change that holds institutions like McMaster accountable and extends support and a sense of community and solidarity to those who are marginalized. 

How does one go about getting involved? Activism could simply start by setting clear with yourself your intentions and thinking deeply about your beliefs. What values and morals do you hold? How do you intend to represent and uphold them as you progress through your academic career as an advocate in your field?

Overall, I think activism creates a unique opportunity for students to get involved in creating meaningful change within their communities. This involvement helps them gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural dynamics around them, contributing to a more grounded and empathetic perspective and sense of self.

93.3 CFMU has been voted the best radio station in Hamilton in this year’s Hamilton Spectator’s Readers’ Choice Awards 

93.3 CFMU, McMaster University’s campus and community radio station, has been voted the best radio station in Hamilton in this year’s Hamilton Spectator’s Readers’ Choice Awards. CFMU received the Diamond award, the top winner in the Best Radio Station category, followed by K-Lite FM 102.9 winning Platinum and 92.9 The Grand winning Gold. 

CFMU was nominated by the community in the summer, with voting beginning on July 29 and concluding on Aug. 16. The annual Reader's Choice Awards provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate their favourite local businesses. Community members nominate and then vote for their preferred businesses across a variety of categories, one of which is for the best radio station in Hamilton.  

CFMU is a 24-hour radio station which operates out of the basement of the McMaster University Student Centre. It serves as a platform to bring together the voices of both the Hamilton community and McMaster students. According to the station's mandate on their website, their goal is to redefine radio within the local community. 

CFMU's content and programming is developed specifically for local audiences and created by student volunteers and community members. The station features a variety of local music, hosts various shows and discusses a broad range of topics including local news, politics and other affairs. 

Jamie Tennant, the program director of CFMU, discussed the recent award and why he thinks the station won. "We do something different that no one else does. It's very unique whereas commercial radio isn't always unique . . . there are probably a lot of stations that you can get in the Hamilton area that are playing similar stuff, whereas we are all over the place musically and in terms of information," said Tennant.

We do something different that no one else does. It's very unique whereas commercial radio isn't always unique...there are probably a lot of stations that you can get in the Hamilton area that are playing similar stuff, whereas we are all over the place musically and in terms of information.

Jamie Tennant, CFMU program director

Tenant acknowledged that while the station may not have as many listeners as mainstream radio, it offers interesting and diverse programming that people enjoy and appreciate.

"[W]hat you're gonna hear is stuff that is directly of interest to the Hamilton and McMaster communities. Listeners are not going to hear most of what we broadcast, whether its spoken word or music, from anywhere else," said Tennant.

One of the challenges Tenant mentioned that CFMU faces was working with a smaller budget. "We have a smaller profile than many mainstream stations because we don't have the budget and also because we are mandated by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunication Commission to represent content that is not commercial . . . This award is helpful and it means a lot to us because it will hopefully bring our name to some new people," said Tennant.

Tennant also noted that this recognition will help shine a light on McMaster and the MSU. "People should know about all the great things that are happening on campus, all the great things that the MSU is doing and we help highlight that as well as support local artists too, which I think is really important," said Tennant.

People should know about all the great things that are happening on campus, all the great things that the MSU is doing and we help highlight that as well as support local artists too, which I think is really important.

Jamie Tennant, CFMU program director

Tennant and the CFMU team acknowledged on their website that the award is also a reflection of the hard work put in by the volunteers and community members who run shows and help create video and blog content. "It's really an award for everybody, which is really exciting as well," said Tennant.

For more information about the station and its programs, you can visit their official website.

Residents urged to mask and get vaccinated amid rising risk of COVID-19, flu and other respiratory viruses

With the onset of colder months, Hamilton Public Health Services is advising residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from common respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

According to a news release from Hamilton Public Health Services, increased indoor gatherings in the fall and winter raise the risk of these illnesses spreading. To address this, the city is urging residents to adopt a multi-layered approach to prevention, which includes vaccination and masking.

In a public statement, Hamilton’s medical officer of health, Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, emphasized the importance of protecting the community through preventative actions. “We encourage everyone, especially those in high-risk groups, to get both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines,” said Richardson

Public health officials advise all residents aged six months and older to get both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time to maximize protection. Additionally, they recommend regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when unwell and frequent hand sanitizing.

COVID-19 and flu vaccines are now available at participating pharmacies and Hamilton Health Services vaccine clinics.

The McMaster Student Wellness Centre is offering flu shots by appointment for students on Nov. 4, 11 and 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students must book in advance and bring their student ID and a valid UHIP card.

For more information on nearby pharmacy vaccine locations, visit the Government of Ontario’s website.

Despite the many spots available for a quick bite, the vegetarian and vegan food options at McMaster are very limited and leave many of us hunting for greens  

By: Maya Elfizy, Opinion Contributor

It is safe to say that, at one point or another, most of us have found ourselves famished on campus and not really sure what to eat. The food options vary from a $5.00 pizza slice from Pizza Pizza to a $20.00 bowl from The Chopped Leaf. This does not offer much variety for those trying to eat healthy while on a student budget.  

Not to mention the difficulty in finding plant based vegetarian and especially vegan options. Many students cannot eat animal products for religious or ethical reasons. The few vegan and vegetarian options on campus tend to cost more and few of the vegan options have a decent amount of protein.  

A reoccurring frustration in the realm of campus food is the price. McMaster claims to care about student mental health, but makes it so hard to access healthy and affordable food as prices have increased since last year. This is especially significant considering research showing the relationship between a healthy diet and mental health.  

A study done at the University of Middlesex discovered that what we eat now is strongly linked to our health later in life. Researchers at the University of British Columbia also found that poor eating habits specifically in post-secondary students are linked to poorer health throughout their lives. For these reasons, the university should ensure that healthy and religiously considerate food options are accessible.  

An obvious solution would be to bring food from home. But this argument does not consider students with busy schedules, a lack of culinary skills and a lack of cooking equipment. Not to mention, the increasing grocery prices that force many students to opt for the cheaper fast food or instant noodles.  

It is only fair to assume that a university for which we pay thousands in tuition could put more effort into ensuring students can access affordable, healthy and vegan options.

Fortunately, in the meantime, there is an MSU affiliated organization, called the Food Collective Centre, which is a food security resource. Students can access an on-campus food bank and cooking workshops, to provide them with the skills and ingredients to make healthy meals themselves. This is a great way to solve some of the limitations to bringing your own food on campus. 

However, the general student body might not access this resource due to stigma surrounding food assistance. So, the responsibility falls back to McMaster University to ensure that students can eat healthy while also observing their religious and/or ethical convictions. The food options on campus should both be affordable, inclusive and equitable for both students who do and do not eat meat and dairy products. 

McMaster's second annual Cultural Fest held in the MUSC atrium celebrates McMaster's diverse student groups

Cultural Fest took place on Oct. 30, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. as part of the programming for International Education Week. Seventeen different clubs had tables set up in the atrium of the McMaster University Student Centre. This event was organized by the McMaster International and Exchange Students Club in partnership with the Student Success Centre.

Each club showcased their culture and club events with poster boards, flags, books and slideshows. Some clubs also offered cultural foods to students.

Attendees were given a bingo card with all the clubs’ logos to encourage interaction. To complete the card, attendees had to participate in the activity offered by each club. These activities included trivia, drawing and trying on traditional clothing. MIX, the McMaster International and Exchange Students Club, provided treat bags or cupcakes as prizes for completing at least eight activities.

Humphrey Erizo, the co-president of MIX, explained that the idea for the event was modelled after Clubs Fest, which is held by the MSU during the first week of school.

“A lot of cultural clubs get to hold their booths [at Clubs Fest] but we have to kind of divide the attention of the people. Usually people who come to our booths or the booths of specific [cultural clubs], they come there because they are from that specific culture and so we don’t necessarily get that kind of a broader audience,” said Erizo.

Cultural Fest offers an opportunity for clubs to engage with students in a more focused setting. This event also emphasizes education about the cultures represented in addition to promoting club activities and events.

“Having culture fest concentrates it a little bit. When people who are not necessarily from any of the cultures that we have present in the event, when they see the crowd . . . they become interested . . . they get to learn about all of the clubs that are there,” said Erizo.

When people who are not necessarily from any of the cultures that we have present in the event, when they see the crowd . . . they become interested . . . they get to learn about all of the clubs that are there.

Humphrey Erizo, co-president
McMaster International and Exchange Students Club

Matt Min, one of MIX’s events coordinators, said that his favourite part of the event was meeting people from the various clubs. “I really enjoyed the fact that I got to like just talk with a lot of other clubs that I didn't know even existed. It’s really cool seeing how much I’m missing out on . . . I think talking to people with different cultures is a really cool thing. It helps me educate myself,” said Min.

Erizo shared that the Student Success Centre provided financial support and managed registration for the event. “Because it was so successful last year … the Student Success Centre caught wind of it and a sub-department of SSC which is McMaster’s international and exchange office. They coordinated a lot with us this year,” Erizo.

Min said that the number of clubs involved increased from 12 to 17 since last year. “Maybe it’ll just keep increasing. Maybe we’ll eventually have not enough space to help everybody. Seeing that diversity was really really cool,” said Min.

Maybe it’ll just keep increasing. Maybe we’ll eventually have not enough space to help everybody. Seeing that diversity was really really cool.

Matt Min, events coordinator
McMaster International and Exchange Students Club

Erizo further commented on Cultural Fest’s success and shared that roughly 450 people attended the event.  “We hope to keep holding it. Even though it’s only been held two times, it’s quickly become a staple for our club,” said Erizo.

Although MIX is targeted towards international and exchange students, Erizo said they encourage domestic students to attend their events as well, especially if you are interested in going on exchange. MIX holds a variety of events throughout the year, including an upcoming pub night which will be held on Nov. 7, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Phoenix.

This past Homecoming, the Black Student Success Centre offered free vendor tables for student entrepreneurs to sell their unique creations

The Black Student Success Centre provided free vendor tables, located at 10 Acre Field, for student entrepreneurs on Oct. 5, 2024 during Homecoming this year. The BSSC invited makers, artists, and entrepreneurs to sell and display their creations on campus. 

This provided students with the opportunity to network, market their businesses and gain significant visibility during one of the busiest days on campus. As advertised on the BSSC’s Instagram, interested students were encouraged to fill out an application form a week prior to Homecoming due to the limited spots for vendor tables.

Omolade George is a third-year student in the psychology and human behaviour program. George sold jewelry at one of the vendor tables that the BSSC offered student entrepreneurs. “My business name is Jewels by George … My business actually started earlier this year, I believe in March,” said George.

George shared that her business was inspired by her mom. “Growing up, I watched my mom dress up to go to events, parties, even church. She had this huge chunky chain necklace on her neck . . . I thought that this was very fun and that started my love for jewelry. When the opportunity arose for me to open my business here in Hamilton, I thought it would be nice to recreate that moment with other people to make them feel lovely and beautiful,” said George.

Growing up, I watched my mom dress up to go to events, parties, even church. She had this huge chunky chain necklace on her neck … I thought that this was very fun and that started my love for jewelry.

Omolade George, third-year psychology and human behaviour student

Initially, George started selling her jewelry at her church, focusing on the Nigerian community. When she learned about the vendor tables offered by the BSSC, she was eager to seize the opportunity to showcase her work on campus.

“Last year [in MUSC], I had seen that there were some vendors. I thought if that opportunity arises this year for me, I would really like to grab onto that. I had seen the posting on Instagram and I had written my bio, my name, email and everything. Then somebody reached out to me from the Black Student Success Centre to tell me I got the spot,” said George.

George was very excited to be featuring her business on campus. “I couldn’t even focus on my midterm, I was too excited . . . McMaster is a very huge campus and to have the opportunity to show students this is a part of my culture, this is a part of me that I’m showcasing on the table, was very exciting,” said George.

McMaster is a very huge campus and to have the opportunity to show students this is a part of my culture, this is a part of me that I’m showcasing on the table, was very exciting.

Omolade George, third-year psychology and human behaviour student

George felt the impact of Homecoming on her business was significant. “I feel like the black community really stepped out for me . . . I got to meet so many people. I got to hear feedback on what people really wanted. People were leaning towards bracelets and rings . . . it shifted my perspective on where my business would go,” said George.

When asked about the BSSC’s role in her entrepreneurial journey, George expressed gratitude. “I would say this support was huge . . . I definitely will be reaching out to them to see if they could support me more in the future,” said George.

I would say this support was huge . . . I definitely will be reaching out to them to see if they could support me more in the future.

Omolade George, McMaster
psychology and human behaviour student

George also acknowledged some challenges, particularly pertaining to cultural appropriation. “I feel like non-black individuals feel that when they buy my pieces it’s appropriation. I would say it’s open to everybody. The pieces are definitely formal wear. So even if they don’t feel comfortable wearing it everyday I would say to still purchase it, it will make you feel lovely,” said George.

Ultimately, George’s goal is to spread joy through her jewelry. “Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they purchase the item definitely reinforced me . . . I want people to feel beautiful when they wear my pieces and that definitely inspired me to keep going and find time for my business,” said George.

As she looks to the future, George is excited about expanding her reach and establishing a more accessible online presence. “From this experience, I definitely learned that packaging and advertisement is huge,” said George.

The BSSC's vendor tables during Homecoming 2024 was a significant event for student entrepreneurs, particularly for those like Omolade George, who showcased their talents and connected with the campus community. The BSSC's initiative to provide free vendor tables not only created networking and visibility but also fostered a sense of cultural pride and creativity among participants.