Amid the return of official on-campus homecoming, unsanctioned street gatherings continued but saw improvements with smaller crowds and fewer arrests
On Oct 5., unsanctioned homecoming gatherings this year near McMaster University were smaller in size than previous years, according to statistics released by the Hamilton Police Services this year and last.
This coincides with this year's return of an on-campus and university-sanctioned homecoming, a key campaign promise of McMaster Student Union President Jovan Popovic's election platform for his current term. This was in an effort to both curb the disruptive nature of large street parties by drawing students away from these and to improve student life on campus.
Despite the on-campus homecoming events, over 6,000 people gathered in the Westdale and Ainslie Woods neighbourhoods, continuing the long-standing history of unsanctioned street celebrations.
Despite the on-campus homecoming events, over 6,000 people gathered in the Westdale and Ainslie Woods neighbourhoods.
In 2023, the Hamilton police reported that the unsanctioned gatherings drew 8,000 to 9,000 people, resulting in 49 calls to the police. The event resulted in five arrests under the implemented Nuisance Party Bylaw and the issuing of 10 provincial offence notices. Additionally, two individuals were hospitalized for intoxication.
This year's reports showed that attendance dropped slightly, with an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 people participating. Calls to police also decreased to 43 and three charges were laid under the Nuisance Party Bylaw. However, there was an increase in medical incidents, with paramedics responding to 21 calls and transporting 13 people to the hospital for intoxication.
While the official event provided a structured and legal homecoming alternative, it did not entirely eliminate the appeal of unsanctioned street parties.
The superintendent of the Hamilton Police Service, Robin Abbott, publicly stated that the enhanced coordination between Hamilton Police, McMaster Security, and emergency services helped improve controlling the unsanctioned gathering. There was no mention of the bylaw's efficacy.
Despite the persistence of off-campus gatherings, the MSU deemed the on-campus events a success and in an Instagram post implied its commitment to continuing the initiative in future years.
As midterms lurk in the dark, spooky season is the perfect time for students to take a mental break and recharge with creativity and community
It is no surprise that most students feel overwhelmed and overworked during midterm season as assignments, tests and other commitments start to pile up. With a to-do list longer than the Tim Hortons line at MUSC, Halloween offers the perfect opportunity to take a well-deserved break and indulge in light-hearted traditions with those around you.
While your academic commitments might take priority, Halloween is the perfect excuse to schedule social time and prevent burnout from a hectic time at university. Short and intentional breaks away from academics have proven to be an effective strategy in maintaining good cognition and comprehension long-term.
Short and intentional breaks away from academics have proven to be an effective strategy in maintaining good cognition and comprehension long-term.
Although taking a day off might seem disruptive to your academic routine, it ultimately enhances knowledge retention and mental health, benefiting students in the long run. Breaks such as Halloween allow students to recollect and organize themselves for any upcoming academic demands, improving well-being, productivity and performance.
Aside from academics, the most obvious perk of Halloween is the social events that allow students to interact with the McMaster community. Halloween socials and activities across campus are an opportunity to reconnect with friends and meet new people in creative settings. Themed-social activities such as costume contests, movie nights and scavenger hunts foster social interactions and bring students together.
Halloween socials and activities across campus are an opportunity to reconnect with friends and meet new people in creative settings
These events are particularly impactful for first-year students. While working to solidify study strategies and survive their first round of midterms, they can often feel isolated, especially during stressful times when they are away from home.
Halloween also serves as a creative outlet for many. Planning Halloween costumes, decorating your dorm, or simply walking past the Halloween decor in William's Fresh Café at the Health Sciences Centre brings a sense of festivity. It encourages students to partake in campus events and savour these little moments throughout university life.
With academics being a constant part of a student's life, Halloween offers students more than just a holiday. It is a reminder for students to take a break, connect with others and tap into creativity outside of academic commitments. Taking a small amount of time to enjoy Halloween on campus can make all the difference to help students balance their well-being alongside the academic grind. Take the time off to recharge for the remainder of the semester and enjoy the full scope of university life beyond academics.
Zero Waste McMaster’s Hike and Halloween workshop encouraged students to enjoy the season and adopt practical, sustainable habits both for Halloween and throughout the year
Zero Waste McMaster organized a Hike and Halloween workshop to promote sustainable practices among students on Oct. 29, 2024. The event consisted of a hike through Cootes Paradise, followed by a workshop focused on reducing waste during Halloween festivities.
Co-president of Zero Waste McMaster Sonia Chernov spoke to the Silhouette about the event before it occurred. Participants learned ways to repurpose pumpkin scraps, with a pumpkin scrap cookbook available on the Zero Waste McMaster website. “Our goal is for students to leave with sustainability-related skills that are easy to implement and can be used in the long run,” said Chernov.
Our goal is for students to leave with sustainability-related skills that are easy to implement and can be used in the long run.
Sonia Chernov, Co-President
Zero Waste McMaster
To minimize waste this Halloween season, Chernov urges students to use thrift stores or DIY methods for costumes, noting that full costumes are often available for reuse. For those interested in creating their own costumes, Chernov highlighted resources available at the Makerspace in Thode Library, where students can make and sew costumes.
Regarding decorations, students are encouraged to use natural, biodegradable materials like leaves and corn husks. The workshop promoted using heirloom or deformed pumpkins for decoration, which can serve the same purpose as conventional pumpkins but result in less waste.
In addition to the Hike and Halloween workshop, Zero Waste McMaster has planned a series of future initiatives. Chernov mentioned that future plans include a mending workshop at the Thode Makerspace in November, a sustainable holidays workshop in December and various campus cleanups. Other events will focus on topics such as cooking with food scraps and making Valentine’s Day cards from homemade paper.
Students interested in participating in these events or becoming involved with Zero Waste McMaster can sign up as general members through the organization’s Linktree.
Incoming McMaster president Susan Tighe will assume role with goals of securing the university's financial future and maintaining its reputation
On Oct. 24, 2024, McMaster University announced the appointment of Susan Tighe as its next president, effective July 1, 2025. Currently serving as McMaster's provost and vice-president (academic), Tighe will succeed David Farrar, who has served in the role since 2019.
Her appointment follows an extensive search that began in early 2024 to identify a leader capable of guiding McMaster forward. The Committee for Recommending a President, comprised of members from McMaster's Senate, the Board of Governors, student representatives and staff, was tasked with identifying a leader who could carry the university's mission forward.
As part of this process, McMaster's asked for input from faculties, departments, staff, students and other community members during a consultation period. This input shaped the role description for the next president, reflecting the attributes the university community felt were critical.
After considering numerous candidates, the committee unanimously recommended Tighe for the role, a decision that was subsequently approved by McMaster's Senate and Board of Governors on Oct. 24, 2024.
Prior to her time at McMaster, Tighe held a faculty position at the University of Waterloo, where she became known for her research in sustainable infrastructure and transportation systems. Her contributions to the field earned her a fellowship in the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the Sanford Fleming Award.
With the transition set for July 2025, Tighe has the goal of ensuring McMaster's financial security and maintaining and building its reputation both locally and globally.
McMaster’s Engineering Society and McMaster’s Relay For Life host a Halloween-themed fundraising event to support the Canadian Cancer Society
McMaster’s chapter of Relay For Life and the McMaster Engineering Society came together to host their first Haunt for a Cure event on Oct. 26, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event was held at the John Hodgins Engineering Field and aimed to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Co-president of McMaster's Relay For Life, Emma Detomasi, expressed excitement about the collaboration ahead of the event.
“In a sense, it’s a mini Relay for Life event. All the funds that are raised go through McMaster relay directly to the Canadian Cancer Society … There’s going to be a luminary ceremony which is meant to honour survivors. There’s going to be cancer survivors coming to speak at the event and alongside that all the people attending the event are going to be doing different activities,” said Detomasi.
Chloe Ko, the survivors and ceremonies coordinator of Relay For Life, highlighted that her favourite part of the event is the luminary ceremony held on the John Hodgins Engineering Field. “Everybody gets a bag, it's called a luminary and they get to write why they relay ... we put a candle in it, and w light them all up and line the track with them. We just get to have a solemn moment around the track,” she said.
The main part of the event was the luminary walk-a-thon to honour lives affected by cancer. Attendees also enjoyed live music and activities including sports, line dancing and games. Tickets were sold through Eventbrite at $15 for general admission and $10 for McMaster students.
The planning for the event was a joint effort between McMaster Relay for Life and the engineering society, made possible through Kristina Siiman. Siiman is the other co-president of McMaster Relay for Life and a community integration coordinator for the McMaster Engineering Society.
“It’s our first time running it [Haunt for a Cure]. It’s in association with the McMaster Engineering Society … but all the funds go to McMaster Relay ... We’re hoping to make it an annual thing,” said Detomasi.
Both Detomasi and Ko noted the significance of including stories from cancer survivors at this event. “That’s another great way for people to feel like what they’re doing has an impact because they’re hearing it from a survivor, someone who’s walked through this journey themselves ... It’s also really great for survivors who attend the event," said Ko.
As they look to the future, both leaders expressed hope for the event’s growth. “It’s our [Relay at Mac's] 20th year and we’ve raised over 1.25 million dollars,” said Detomasi.
It’s our [Relay at Mac's] 20th year and we’ve raised over 1.25 million dollars.
Emma Detomasi, Co-President
McMaster Relay For Life
Detomasi and Ko encouraged students to get involved, emphasizing that even small contributions can lead to significant change. “Even though you are one person attending the event, just showing up, it does make a huge difference,” said Ko.
“Life is bigger than cancer. Together, we are bigger than cancer,” concluded Ko, summarizing the spirit of the event.
Life is bigger than cancer. Together, we are bigger than cancer.
Chloe Ko, Survivors and Ceremonies Coordinator
McMaster Relay for Life
The inaugural Haunt for a Cure event provided both a fun and festive atmosphere and reinforced the importance of community support in the fight against cancer. Keep up with McMaster Relay for Life and the McMaster Engineering Society through their social media platforms for future events, information and more!
Organized by the Spiritual Care and Learning Centre, the harvest dinner stems from a long-standing tradition of welcoming international students
This year's harvest dinner on campus was held during reading week on Oct. 17, 2024 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at The Buttery in Alumni Hall. Students who attended the dinner enjoyed an evening of food, conversation, and friendship.
This dinner was primarily organized by the Spiritual Care and Learning Centre, one of the services of the Student Success Center, along with the McMaster Chaplaincy Centre. It was supported by the International and Exchange Student Experience office. The SCLC was founded in 2021 to provide accessible and comprehensive spiritual care.
Andy Crowell, the SCLC director, explained that the harvest dinner evolved from an annual thanksgiving dinner that the ecumenical chaplaincy held for nearly thirty years. “The heart behind it is to provide hospitality for any students, but particularly identifying international students. The heart behind it was to provide a little hospitality at a time when Canadians are celebrating in a traditional way,” said Crowell.
The heart behind it is to provide hospitality for any students, but particularly identifying international students. The heart behind it was to provide a little hospitality at a time when Canadians are celebrating in a traditional way.
Andy Crowell, Director
Spiritual Care and Learning Centre
The ecumenical chaplaincy falls under the umbrella of groups supported by the SCLC. Crowell noted that he advocated for the SCLC to help host the dinner to sustain the tradition without relying on volunteer support. “The original dinner through the ecumenical chaplaincy would involve at least 50 volunteers … That kind of organization, you can imagine, was wide and arduous,” said Crowell.
The dinner is held during reading week to provide a social opportunity for international students. “A lot of students go to their homes … [but] many are still on campus, most of whom are international students,” added Crowell.
Crowell also spoke to the decision to rename the event. “Thanksgiving is a perfectly appropriate word for a human expression of something, but it has a connotation at that time of year,” said Crowell.
Elder Katherine Knott, who works with the SCLC, was invited to speak at the dinner to honor the significance of this change. The harvest dinner included traditional thanksgiving and Indigenous dishes. “The repositioning is sought to try and decolonize a little bit out of the Canadian, sort of Euro-thanksgiving concept to one that is no less grateful,” said Crowell.
The evening began with opening remarks from Crowell, Knott, ecumenical chaplain Marlice Simon and dean of students Sean Van Koughnett. Each table had a host who facilitated icebreakers and friendship bracelet making. Door prizes were given out throughout the event and winners were encouraged to introduce themselves.
Crowell shared that the event was at full capacity, with over 100 students attending. Many students stayed and continued their conversations after the event officially ended.
Speaking about what he hoped students would take away from the event, Crowell said, “If they’ve not had many points of contact with other students to help build a small sense of community, they could and did find it that night."
If they’ve not had many points of contact with other students to help build a small sense of community, they could and did find it that night.
Andy Crowell, Director
Spiritual Care and Learning Centre
The harvest dinner provided an opportunity for students to find community and express gratitude. To connect with the SCLC and their programs and services, you can visit their website or drop in to their office, located in room 212 of MUSC.
With the blackout period now over, McMaster students are encouraged to review their coverage details and submit any outstanding claims to ensure reimbursement
The blackout period for McMaster undergraduate students’ health and dental insurance, provided by the McMaster Students Union, has officially ended.
The blackout period is a temporary pause in insurance services at the beginning of each academic term. During this time, students may experience delays in accessing coverage as the insurance provider updates enrollment information for eligible students.
Health and dental insurance are provided as part of supplementary fees through the MSU, administered by ClaimSecure. The plan offers a range of benefits such as prescription coverage and extended healthcare, covering vision care and ambulance services. Dental coverage includes cleanings, exams, fillings and some major procedures.
Each full-time McMaster student enrolled in 18 units or more pays $136 for the dental insurance plan and $110 for the health insurance plan. All students are automatically enrolled but have the option to opt out of the plan each year before September 30 to receive a refund of the fees.
These benefits aim to supplement the Ontario Health Insurance Plan for domestic students. International students not covered by OHIP can use these services for more comprehensive healthcare access.
These benefits aim to supplement the Ontario Health Insurance Plan for domestic students. International students not covered by OHIP can use these services for more comprehensive healthcare access.
Now that the blackout period is lifted, students can submit electronic claims to be reimbursed for any expenses incurred during the blackout period through ClaimSecure. To take advantage of all their coverage, students are encouraged to review the guidelines outlined by the MSU and ClaimSecure.
Zero Waste McMaster cleans up neighbourhoods surrounding campus following homecoming parties
On Oct. 7, members of McMaster's Zero Waste club gathered on campus to collect waste and clean up the Westdale and Ainslie Wood neighbourhoods following the events of homecoming on Oct. 5. The student-led club is committed to promoting a low-waste lifestyle to students and community members both on and off campus while raising awareness about pressing environmental issues.
Jessica Prevost, co-president of the Zero Waste Club, spoke about the motivation behind the cleanup and the event’s turnout.
“Zero Waste tries to do a cleanup every semester and we usually try to do the fall one around homecoming because with the street parties, it can get pretty gross on the street … so we wanted to help clean that up as quickly as possible … the goal was to help clean up the [surrounding] neighbourhoods, especially for the people who live there who are not responsible for the garbage,” said Prevost.
The goal was to help clean up the [surrounding] neighbourhoods, especially for the people who live there who are not responsible for the garbage.
Jessica Prevost, Co-President
Zero Waste McMaster
Despite fewer attendees participating in the cleanup than expected, the club managed to collect three bags of garbage and two bags of recycling.
Prevost noted that all supplies, including garbage and recycling bags and gloves for the cleanup, were provided through the City of Hamilton's 'Team Up to Clean Up' community program. "You can sign up a group of people or friends for a cleanup initiative and they provide all the materials for free … If you dispose of [the garbage and recycling bags] at your house, they do not add to the total garbage or recycling bag count, which is super convenient,” said Prevost.
The Zero Waste club also plans sustainability-focused workshops and campaigns, advocating for students, faculty and community members to adopt less wasteful, low-impact lifestyles. Zero Waste has made a map showing the locations of all compost bins across campus.
Zero Waste is also collaborating with small sustainable businesses to create a discount program for McMaster students, offering a range of sustainable and eco-friendly products at an affordable price. Local businesses such as "That Planted Fork", "Audstruck Expression" and "The Casual Gourmet" are participating in the program, where students receive a discount code that can be applied at checkout.
Prevost noted that one of the club’s key goals is to emphasize that reducing waste should not be overwhelming and that every student’s impact can be significant. “Zero waste [living] is not as hard as it sounds … it is not about [achieving] zero waste, just reducing waste … it can be as simple as composting, as long as you have the resources, or turning the lights off when you don’t need them … there are many little things that you can do that really matter,” said Prevost.
Zero waste [living] is not as hard as it sounds…it is not about [achieving] zero waste, just reducing waste…it can be as simple as composting, as long as you have the resources, or turning the lights off when you don’t need them…there are many little things that you can do that really matter.
Jessica Prevost, Co-President
Zero Waste McMaster
The next
You can visit the Zero Waste Club's website and Instagram for more details and to sign up for their events.
McMaster's African and Black Diaspora Studies hosted a transformative discussion exploring the vital intersections of decolonization, creativity and cultural expression
The African and Black Diaspora Studies interdisciplinary minor at McMaster University kicked off its seminar series on Oct. 8 with a session called Decolonizing Arts, Music And Communications. This session featured a panel of three Black-identifying professors that engaged in an in-depth discussion about the significance of representation in the arts.
African and Black Diaspora Studies is an undergraduate interdisciplinary minor that offers courses spanning various departments at McMaster. These courses provide an understanding of African and African/Black-diaspora peoples and societies in an international context.
Decolonizing the arts involves talking about the importance of including diverse perspectives into the arts, as well as the audience that artwork and media caters to and how it is received.
Hosea Patrick, a postdoctoral fellow and the chair of the African and Black Diaspora Studies seminar series committee, provided information about the seminar to the Silhouette via email.
“The rationale is to have a platform for academic and non-academic engagement on issues that affect the Black and African diaspora. This is an opportunity for people doing various work on black studies and experiences to share their work as well as allow others to collaborate with each other,” stated Patrick.
The session took place on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in The Hub. The panel featured associate professors Alpha Abeb and Selina Mudavanhu and assistant professor Syrus Marcus Ware.
The session was split into two main parts: a discussion and social. The discussion began with each panelist presenting their own artwork or other pieces they've encountered firsthand, highlighting the intersections of Black creativity, culture, and communication.
This was followed by the social portion for networking. This itinerary allowed students to engage with panelists to question their perspectives and foster an insightful conversation.
“It means a lot to me … I think it’s really important that there are more of us [Black professors] and that we are connected to each other,” expressed Abebe, who is an associate professor in the faculty of humanities and the lead for African and Black Diaspora Studies.
It means a lot to me … I think it’s really important that there are more of us [Black professors] and that we are connected to each other.
Alpha Abebe, associate professor and lead
Faculty of Humanities, African and Black Diaspora Studies
For the first part of the event, the three panelists were introduced along with their works and backgrounds. This was followed by a discussion where the panelists were asked questions regarding decolonization in the arts by the panel moderator and later the audience.
The networking session that followed allowed the panelists, students and other McMaster staff in attendance to meet and discuss the topics with each other. "What you have access to in your classroom is only a sliver of the activity that’s happening on university campuses,” said Abebe, commenting on the importance of networking opportunities such as the seminar.
What you have access to in your classroom is only a sliver of the activity that’s happening on university campuses
Alpha Abebe, associate professor and lead
Faculty of Humanities, African and Black Diaspora Studies
Decolonizing Arts, Music And Communications was the first of four seminars in an ABLD series that showcases insightful conversations and networking opportunities for students. “The central theme for the year is "Exploring Black Experiences in Canada." This particular seminar happening eighth October 2024 focuses on decolonizing arts, music and communications. Others will look at other areas of decolonization from science and technology (21st November 2024) to decolonizing history (6th Feb. 2025) and decolonizing business (13th March 2025),” stated Patrick.
“What we’re trying to do here is not replicate the institutional structures that have always alienated us [people of colour] . . . I hope they [students] come and know they are welcomed with open arms and that they feel a sense of ownership and entitlement to be part of this process of dreaming up what this community looks like,” said Abebe.
I hope they [students] come and know they are welcomed with open arms and that they feel a sense of ownership and entitlement to be part of this process of dreaming up what this community looks like
Alpha Abebe, Associate Professor
Faculty of Humanities
Students are encouraged to keep up to date with this seminar series and explore other opportunities through the ABLD minor's Instagram.
McMaster's downtown Hamilton 10 Bay Residence has opened to undergraduate students, despite being originally intended for graduate students
McMaster's new 30-storey downtown residence building on 10 Bay Street, known for its modern design and student-focused amenities, was initially intended as a residence for graduate students only. Beginning this year, it is now open to undergraduate students.
In an email statement to the Silhouette, Jason Bianchi, the residence manager of 10 Bay Street, stated that the decision was made in an effort to provide more housing options in an increasingly insecure student housing market. "Our goal is to provide more safe and supportive housing options for all students," stated Bianchi.
Our goal is to provide more safe and supportive housing options for all students.
Jason Bianchi, Residence Manager
10 Bay Street
Since opening in September 2023, the residence has had low occupancy rates. According to The Hamilton Spectator, 10 Bay Street had difficulty filling its rooms earlier this year due to issues regarding water quality, privacy and maintenance. High rent prices were also seen as unsustainable for many students, raising concerns about the residence's long-term viability.
McMaster made efforts to address each issue, and the residence was completed in the spring of 2024.
As McMaster's enrollment continues to grow, so does the need for more student housing. Whether 10 Bay's opening to undergraduates will resolve its vacancy issue remains to be seen, but Bianchi did state that an unspecified number of undergraduates have already moved in. "We now have a number of undergraduates living at 10 Bay, and we hope more will consider it as time goes on," stated Bianchi.
Bianchi expressed optimism about the residence's ability to build a strong sense of community. In addition to academic study spaces, a fitness centre and lounges, 10 Bay has introduced a variety of social programs to engage students. The residence also has a shuttle service running Monday to Thursday, providing direct transportation from 10 Bay to campus.
Bianchi also stated that integrating graduate and undergraduate students has yet to present any significant challenges. The residence has hosted community meetings specifically for first-year students and plans to organize programming tailored to both groups' unique social and academic needs. "We've had excellent turnout at our events, with participation from both groups," stated Bianchi.
The mixed-residency model has also fostered mentorship opportunities, with graduate students offering guidance to undergraduates. "Graduate students provide a great source of mentorship and support for our undergraduate students. Our 10 Bay community is diverse, inclusive and collaborative and we hope to build more supports and run more events to continue to ensure our community thrives here," stated Bianchi.
Our 10 Bay community is diverse, inclusive and collaborative and we hope to build more supports and run more events to continue to ensure our community thrives here.
Jason Bianchi, Residence Manager
10 Bay Street
With the future opening of Lincoln Alexander Hall residence right beside campus in 2026, Bianchi acknowledged that demand for 10 Bay may shift. However, Bianchi maintained that it will help to provide additional housing options in the present.
"At a time when finding safe, affordable housing is becoming harder, we're happy to provide a home for more students in our community," Bianchi stated.
While 10 Bay has taken steps to address last year’s issues, it remains to be seen if these steps along with opening to undergraduates will fully resolve its occupancy challenges.
