In the race for MSU presidency,McMaster socialite Piper Plavins hopes to improve student advocacy, resource awareness and implement practical reform
McMaster Students Union 2025 presidential candidate Piper Plavins' platform is focused on three major pillars: improving the everyday experience of students, improving the student voice through advocacy and increased student involvement in campus politics, and improving the services of the MSU.
Enhancing Access and Awareness of Student Resources and Services
Recognizing the importance of student involvement and believing it important to address a lack of student awareness surrounding extracurricular opportunities and MSU services, Plavins proposes to create and implement an event called "MSU Week" to promote the services and events offered by the establishment.
The week would consist of five days of activities designed to highlight the various services, clubs and resources available through the MSU. Each day will focus on a specific theme. Plavins proposes that the first day would be a job fair for students to learn about MSU job opportunities, with the other days dedicated to MSU services and initiatives, student advocacy opportunities, financial management and the various support and resources available to students.
Plavin also wants to improve campus events and further utilize campus resources to improve campus life and student experience. These include ideas such as comedy nights and maintaining a commitment to Homecoming.
Her platform also proposes an expansion of the Holiday Market expansion, with the intention of having an artificial skating rink at the market and a focus on student-run small businesses and "a diverse range of cultural vendors."
Plavins' final point of her first platform pillar is to build a sense of community in the Student Representative Assembly. Plavins proposes an SRA exclusive retreat to encourage a more collaborative form of student governance. She believes an SRA with a stronger sense of community will foster a more positive atmosphere and greater cooperation within the assembly and the MSU.
Improving Student Advocacy
Plavins' platform proposes a restructuring of club policy aimed at enabling students to create "higher-level clubs" and encouraging student-run clubs to become more self-sufficient by implementing training to find sponsors.
Her platform also voices support for current McMaster MSU President Jovan Popovic’s Soup and Bread Initiative. In addition, she has indicated the program should offer different traditional options from various backgrounds to make the program more inclusive.
Her platform on food insecurity proposes an increase in the Food Collective Centre budget by $5,000. The FCC is the MSU's student-run food security resource, committed to alleviating food insecurity among students.
Advocating for accessibility is another component of her advocacy promises. Her platform includes advocating for classrooms to be made to be more accessible to all students. She suggests this would minimize the need for individual accommodations and foster a more inclusive learning environment for everyone.
Plavins' platform also advocates for continued support from the MSU regarding housing. She claims she recognizes the work of the MSU on this issue, but says in her platform she thinks the MSU needs to provide further support for students finding housing.
Operational Excellence of the MSU
Plavins claims the Lot M bus schedule is unreliable, so she proposes to collaborate with Parking Services to establish a consistent and reliable bus schedule. For those commuting to campus and in need of parking, Plavins proposes a more affordable parking pass option with a proposed student "flex pass" so that students can pay for a set number of hours to park in different locations. She indicates these platform points are aimed at improving life for commuter students.
The platform also suggests that the design and image ofTwelvEighty Bar & Grill should be changed to reflect what she says is The Grind's more casual atmosphere.
In the final aspect of her platform, Plavins proposes a new program pairing 2SLGBTQIA+ first-year students with upper-year mentors. She proposes this would be run through the Pride Community Centre. It would aim to address unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ students, such as issues in transitioning to university and feeling less connected to school and experiencing discrimination.
Overall, Piper Plavins' platform focuses on enhancing student life through increasing the MSU's advocacy efforts, student advocacy, along with proposals to expand and support student clubs and certain MSU services.
In his campaign for MSU president, Olami Olalere aims to introduce an MSUTV, create a back-to-school event day and promote housing accessibility
Olami Olalere is a third-year Honours Life Sciences, and one of three students running for the McMaster Students Union 2025 presidential election. The three main pillars of his platform emphasize improving student life, fostering student engagement and promoting student expression.
Olalere's refers to these pillars as the "iSee" framework. His campaign slogan is "this is on me, all for you!"
Student Life
The first pillar of Olalere's campaign focuses on improving student life. Olalere highlights four key areas of action under student life: bettering engagement with and access to MSU services by improving advertising, addressing housing accessibility, advocating for better transit and events designed for enrichment and fun.
Olalere proposes increasing access to MSU services through enhancing advertising. Olalere plans to raise awareness of the services and resources the MSU offers, ensuring that students are better informed. To achieve this, in his campaign platform he proposes "partnering more" with MSU affiliated centres, such as the Women and Gender Equity Network, the Pride Community Centre and the Student Health Education Centre, to drive more traffic towards MSU services.
With the goal of improving helping students find housing, Olalere proposes holding a housing fair where landlords would showcase their properties. He also plans to collaborate with the municipal government to uphold student tenant protections and establish a route of direct communication between students and the municipal government. He has indicated an intention to introduce a housing budget to fund these initiatives.
Olalere's next priority is improving transportation on and around campus. He plans to engage with Metrolinx to increase the frequency of GO busses during rush hours. He also wishes to arrange monthly buses for students to attend away Marauder sports games to foster school spirit.
Lastly, Olalere wants to introduce new events that enrich the student experience by planning additional events for homecoming, including a halftime show at the football game and to build on the night concert by including a fair featuring local vendors.
He also proposes a smaller "Back-to-School Day" event on campus, offering entertainment and activities to celebrate the return to campus at the start of the academic year.
Student Engagement
The second pillar of Olalere's campaign focuses on engaging students with campus events that promote inclusivity, empower student voices and encourage civic participation.
Olalere proposes introducing a culture festival or month featuring various cultural events, performances and exhibitions to address what he perceives as a lack of events that represent the diverse student body.
Olalere also proposes creating a "Maroon Wall," a place for students to express themselves and engage with peers. He intends to collaborate with McMaster Athletics to create a McMaster student-only stand for home games.
With the goal of showcasing student creativity, he proposes hosting a gallery and art exhibition where students can display their work, participate in a bidding process and win prizes.
With the goal of fostering engagement with MSU politics, Olalere proposes student town hall meetings in the McMaster University Student Centre atrium to discuss key issues with the MSU. He also proposes collecting the opinions of students through surveys, suggestion boxes and monthly MSU outreach booths in MUSC.
Additionally, Olalere wants to encourage civic participation by educating students on the importance of voting and providing peer support resources to what he refers to as "election anxiety."
Student Expression
The third pillar of Olalere's campaign focuses on student expression.
In his platform, Olalere proposes hosting a Halloween festival. The festival would feature events for both on and off-campus students, including a haunted house in the Hub.
If elected, he claims he would create "MSUTV", a student-run media outlet dedicated to showcasing the vibrant life of campus. The platform would live-stream sporting events, student governance coverage and highlights of campus events, allowing McMaster students to see their stories come to life.
More information on Olami's campaign can be found via Instagram.
Simon Mills’ MSU presidential platform aims to create a more connected, inclusive and supportive McMaster community
Simon Mills, a candidate for the 2025 McMaster Students Union presidential election, is running with goals of strengthening and building McMaster's student community, improving student life and addressing issues such as mental health support, athletics and student rights.
Mills, who has worked at TwelvEighty Bar and Grill for several years, has a platform focusing on five core pillars, which are student life, athletic events and support, club engagement and on-campus well-being and safety.
Enhancing Student Life
Mills' vision for student life at McMaster involves revitalizing popular campus events and spaces. His platform mentions enhancing Light Up the Night, an annual campus event, by bringing in more "dynamic and engaging" performers, improving crowd management and expanding food truck offerings.
Mills also expresses a desire to revitalize TwelvEighty and Union Market, suggesting that they are underutilized spaces on campus. He plans to introduce consistent student events like karaoke, trivia and live music at TwelvEighty and stock Union Market with healthier food options and improve its look with student art.
Mills platform proposes adding additional elements to Homecoming, such as interfaculty games prior to the main football game and beer gardens. He also proposes a four day long "MSU Cup" event, which he describes as being like a "faculty olympics," as students would compete in various sports representing their faculties.
Athletic Events and Support
In an effort to boost student engagement with athletics, Mills wants to create more exciting game-day experiences. He wants to introduce giveaways, raffles and tailgating to attract more to sports events. Proposing to collaborate with Athletics and Recreation, he hopes to make game days more engaging with "interactive fan zones" and celebrations for important events.
Mills is also advocating for better support for student-athletes. He proposes organizing opportunities for current student-athletes to network and learn from alumni who were student-athletes. Mills also proposes organizing academic support for athletes specifically, including tutoring and study sessions and workshops to help them balance their schedules.
Strengthening Club Engagement
Mills believes that clubs play a crucial role in student life. He proposes creating a "Club Vision Program," a matchmaking tool to help students connect with clubs that align with their interests. He also calls for more frequent club fairs, two to three per year, to ensure students have ample opportunities to engage with clubs beyond the first semester.
Mills states he wants to streamline the event planning process and simplify the event health and safety approval process, ensuring clubs can organize events more efficiently. Additionally, he indicates in his platform that he wishes to collaborate with Bounce to better the ticketing system for club events.
Improving On-Campus Well-Being and Safety
Mills platform iterates the importance of safety and well-being for students, particularly in terms of mental health and physical safety. His platform calls for more advocacy for increased mental health resources on campus to reduce wait times for appointments with the Student Wellness Centre. He also wants to advocate for better lighting in parking lots and pathways, increased funding and new equipment for the student-run Emergency First Response Team and additional emergency call stations.
Additionally, Mills wants to advocate for online information on parking availability and shuttle bus trackers to make commuting easier for students.
Advocacy Priorities
Mills' platform proposes advocating for students on the issues of housing and parking enforcement. He plans to advocate for the permanent implementation of Hamilton's Rental Housing Licensing Pilot Program to increase the quality of rental conditions for students. Mills also wants to advocate against what he claims to be "predatory" and disproportionate parking enforcement in the areas near McMaster.
Mills platform also mentions creating a new service that would be called the "Academic Integrity Guardians," whose role would be to support students accused of inappropriately using AI in their course work.
Mills additionally proposes collaborating with McMaster Library services to enhance library study spaces by increasing the number of power outlets and desktop monitor accessibility.
Finally, he also plans to collaborate with Hamilton Bike Share to establish more bike rack areas outside of and near the university with high numbers of students.
Overall
Simon Mills' platform focuses on enhancing student life, supporting athletes, improving campus safety, and advocating for better housing and parking policies.
Piper Plavins’ election platform for MSU president is wide ranging, but falls short on details and considering feasibility
Piper Plavins’ platform highlights the need focus on educating students about MSU services, advocating on behalf of students during a food insecurity and housing crisis as well as increasing what the MSU does for students. However, the candidate falls short on considering how to financially make her initiatives happen given the MSU's current fiscal state
Plavins' focus on student experience, especially as most of it relates to expanding old events and creating new ones, is without a concrete plan as to how to fund these events. When asked about this by the Silhouette, she referred to the upcoming Homecoming and Large Events referendum, which is not guaranteed to pass.
Without a clear plan to pay for these events, the current projected deficit in the MSU budget of $415,000 to $500,000 — in part caused by deficit spending on Homecoming 2024 — could be a major obstacle to the further large event spending the platform promises.
According to a December 2024 memo to the Student Representative Assembly from MSU VP Finance Declan Sweeney, the financial situation and deficit of the MSU is unsustainable.
Considering this, Plavins' platform is ambitious. Particularly as it relates to events, Plavins' plans do not align with the recent MSU initiative as outlined by Sweeney in his SRA memo: “considerable discussion about how to better reduce costs through integration of services & potential agreements with partners,” stated Sweeney.
"MSU Week," an event proposed by Plavins to raise awareness about the MSU near the beginning of the academic year, seems particularly fiscally irresponsible.
The first three days, the job fair, services day and advocacy showcase, resemble ClubsFest which nearly all of the MSU’s services already attend. Plavins suggested to the Silhouette that because ClubsFest can be “overwhelming,” having an additional event to promote MSU services would help raise awareness.
The choice of the name "job fair," Plavins admitted, may have been a mistake, as most MSU services hire between the start of the second term and the end of the academic year.
In her platform, Plavins’ promises to “continue the homecoming legacy” and expand the Holiday Market largely lack any details to distinguish her ambitions from current MSU initiatives, a pattern that resonates throughout the rest of the platform.
Plavins’ proposal for an Student Representative Assembly retreat, which she insisted in an interview could not meaningfully be replaced by team building exercises, concludes the first pillar by demonstrating its continued pattern of financial over-ambition.
Plavins’ first campaign pillar, while attempting to accomplish the necessary task of raising student awareness of available MSU services and spaces, risks falling short due to ongoing budget constraints. Considering the event that the Homecoming & Large Events referendum fail, she has not included any specific plans as to how she would otherwise finance her platform promises.
Even if the referendum succeeds, the redundancy of multiple proposals might prove a poor way of managing limited MSU funds.
Improving Student Advocacy
Plavins’ second platform pillar, student advocacy, in attempting to cast a wide net, finds itself lacking specific details in many areas.
When asked, Plavins admitted the lack of detail in some proposals was because she was going to be playing only one part in ongoing initiatives. Plavins’ reasoning here is solid, but in certain instances where the platform hints at larger ideas, her lack of detail is disappointing.
She could not clarify what she meant by “higher level clubs,” nor did she offer details on what advocating for “inherently accessible classrooms” would look like.
Plavins’ most concrete promise, a $5,000 funding increase to the Food Collective Centre, could be one of her most difficult to implement.
Sweeney shed light into how the current budgeting process works for the MSU in an email to the Silhouette: “Any budget adjustments would require careful consideration, as they may involve reorganizing existing allocations, increasing student fees, or making reductions in service operations elsewhere,” stated Sweeney.
The lack of detail about her own advocacy goals, in both her platform and interview answers was disappointing. However her repeated commitment to existing MSU and university level advocacy efforts suggests that Plavins’ could be an effective, if not particularly novel advocate as president.
Plavins’ shortest pillar, MSU excellence, is far less developed than her other two. Her proposal to revamp TwelvEighty was made without consultation with TwelvEighty's manager. Similarly, her parking plans lack the perspective a consultation with Parking Services might have provided.
In an email statement to the Silhouette, Rob Morrallee, director of parking services, confirmed that he had not been consulted by Plavins. He noted that her proposal for a Lot M bus schedule , as the service is already run at consistent intervals, and that her proposed flex passes are already being worked on.
These underdeveloped parking-related plans only serve to draw attention to the platform’s complete silence on assisting transit or cycling commuters.
While Piper Plavins offers students a very long platform full of promises, Plavins’ most developed proposals lack concrete plans to secure funding, while her less detailed statements lack much in terms of substance or consultation.
Simon Mills' presidential student-engagement-oriented platform raises some concerns about financial and logistical feasibility
Simon Mills, a candidate for the 2025 McMaster Students Union presidential election, has a platform focused on enhancing student events, supporting students, addressing affordability and various advocacy issues. However, aspects of his platform could benefit from additional clarity, structure and insight.
Funding
Mills shared with the Silhouette that his proposals for Light Up the Night, his proposed "MSU Cup," and integrating more campus-wide events depend on the upcoming referendum vote on Homecoming and Large Events to increase student fees by $20.00. Considering this, these points of his platform rely on the passing of a referendum, which has yet to be determined one way or another.
Mills claimed that the $20.00 fee increase for Homecoming would secure funding for the next five years. He also suggested that the MSU has the option of generating revenue through corporate sponsorships, for example, with Tim Hortons. However, he did not clarify how this partnership would be structured or outline a plan to generally increase advertising efforts. "We could potentially get Tim Hortons in here to advertise,” said Mills.
Mills himself acknowledged that the financial model for many of his proposals is still unclear. “I don’t know exactly the current financial state of everything,” said Mills. Recognizing this uncertainty of his own campaign points, his platform could benefit from greater consultation with the MSU accounting department or Vice-President (Finance).
Mills' proposal to revitalize TwelvEighty by creating a more social and vibrant space with events like karaoke and trivia nights aims to encourage students to gather. However, this idea could also benefit from further details on funding and sustainability. Mills suggested that student volunteers could help revamp Union Market by painting murals, which he argued would be a cost-effective way to add vibrancy.
Services
Mills' platform also focused on mental health support. He has promised to advocate for reducing the current wait times for non-life-threatening issues, which can range from two to three weeks. While Mills’ goal of advocacy for mental health is commendable, his approach to addressing the wait times lacks specific, actionable details.
Sean Van Koughnett, Associate Vice-President of Student Affairs, provided important context about the limitations of increasing staff. He mentioned that while McMaster has more mental health professionals than the surrounding community, "Increasing the number of mental health professionals requires fee increases beyond CPI adjustments, which must be approved by the Student Services Advisory Committee and the SRA," stated Van Koughnett.
Mills also raised concerns about the feasibility of peer support services, claiming past failures where volunteers were not properly trained to handle critical situations. His approach seems to be centred on professional staff rather than student volunteers. While his concern is valid, additional clarity on how he would collaborate with the university to secure the necessary funds for this initiative would strengthen his platform.
In his platform, he also mentioned his hope to work with library staff to increase the number of electrical power outlets and optimize study spaces. Lynne Serviss, Associate University Librarian, shared her insights on this in an email to the Silhouette,
"While the library cannot add additional outlets, we can work on optimizing access to the existing ones. The Libraries are willing to collaborate with Simon to explore ways to enhance easy access to chargers and electrical outlets," stated Serviss.
Club and Events
Mills also suggested that his proposed "MSU Cup," a team competition sorted by faculty, and smaller events like scavenger hunts could be held as a new annual event.
Keenan Jeppesen, the Athletics and Recreation Director, supported Mills' vision, noting that tailgating and giveaways at sporting events could generate excitement. However, he also cautioned, "Logistically, implementing such programs would require careful coordination with teams, facilities, and schedules," stated Jeppesen. This highlights the need for more strategic planning to ensure inclusivity and participation in campus events.
Mills acknowledged the challenge of engaging commuter students, who often feel disconnected from campus life. He suggested that supporting increased club involvement could help bridge this gap, providing commuters with a sense of community.
Mills proposed a new "Club Vision Program," a matchmaking questionnaire that pairs students with clubs that align with their interests, cultural and religious identities, or other preferences. It would serve as a tool to increase club membership numbers. Rene Hares, MSU club admin, stated that a program can be implemented after internal discussion and financial budgeting.
This approach also raises concerns about streamlining communication between clubs. Mills suggested increasing the use of Bounce and providing increased training for clubs.
Despite this being central to his goal, Mills did not fully provide details on how club events could be tailored to the unique needs of commuters or made more accessible for students who face logistical challenges attending after-hours events. For example, event times could be adjusted, and virtual participation options could be offered. Additionally, addressing transportation or parking challenges might also improve accessibility to club events for commuter students.
Simon Mills’ campaign for MSU President offers a passionate vision for McMaster’s student life. Mills' proposals have potential, though he has done little to clarify how we would approach logistical and financial considerations. Mill's platform could overall benefit from better addressing these considerations and collaborating more with key experts who would be involved in his proposal implementations.
Along with the approaching McMaster Students Union presidential elections, students will soon vote on three critical referenda that could impact campus life
McMaster students will soon vote on three referenda alongside the McMaster Students Union presidential elections, with the voting period running Jan 28. to 30. Depending on their outcome, these referenda could change the allocation of financial resources within the MSU. These referenda are for the Food Accessibility Initiative, Homecoming and Large Events and funding for Engineers Without Borders.
Food Accessibility Initiative
The Food Accessibility Initiative, proposed by current MSU President Jovan Popovic, seeks to combat food insecurity on campus by delivering a free soup and bread meal program to students. Initially presented in February 2024 with a proposed $5.00 increase to the MSU organizational fee to fund it, the first attempt at the referendum fell short of the quorum of 10 per cent, with voter turnout reaching 9.4%.
The updated proposal now requests a $6.50 increase, adjusted for the Consumer Price Index. If approved, the fee would fund the Soup & Bread Initiative, which would provide free soup and bread for two hours a day, four days a week, throughout the academic year in an effort to increase accessibility to food on campus.
The Food Accessibility Initiative, proposed by MSU President Jovan Popovic, seeks to combat food insecurity on campus . . . The updated proposal now requests a $6.50 increase, adjusted for the Consumer Price Index.
This initiative, modelled after the Loaded Ladle program at Dalhousie University, is projected to serve over 75,000 portions annually. When reintroducing the motion on Nov. 17, 2024, Popovic emphasized that the fee would be mandatory, with no opt-out option, to ensure the program's sustainability and maximize its benefits for students in need.
Kooper Zacharczuk is leading the campaign for the Food Accessibility Initiative. After learning about the proposal from Popovic last year, Zacharczuk became committed to addressing food insecurity. He emphasized the program’s affordability and universal benefit, pointing out that the one-time cost is less than the cost of a regular meal on campus.
Zacharczuk emphasized that supporting the initiative is a straightforward choice, describing it as "common sense" to vote yes. "We're just feeding students in need," said Zacharczuk, stressing that the program’s affordability and potential impact as a free meal service make it a solution to address food insecurity on campus.
Homecoming & Large Events
The referendum on Homecoming and Large Events proposes a $20.00 increase to the MSU organizational fee, also subject to Consumer Price Index adjustments. If approved, the fee is expected to generate over $500,000 in additional revenue annually, which would enable MSU to continue hosting large-scale campus events, such as homecoming which returned to campus in 2024 for the first time since 2019.
The referendum on Homecoming and Large Events proposes a $20 increase to the MSU organizational fee, also subject to Consumer Price Index adjustments.
The MSU aims to use the additional funding to maintain these events while ensuring affordability for students.
If passed, 50 per cent of homecoming tickets will be priced between $10.00 and $20.00, starting in Fall 2025 and continuing through Fall 2027. Popovic noted that the current $43,000 event allocation is insufficient to sustain the growing demand for such events.
McMaster Engineers without Borders
The third referendum concerns Engineers Without Borders' annual fee of $0.44. This fee supports Engineers Without Borders McMaster, which contributes $12,500 annually to EWB Canada's fellowship program. However, concerns over financial accountability have prompted the referendum. A November 2024 Student Representative Assembly review revealed that EWB McMaster's budget lacked clarity and did not include their actual spending from the previous fiscal year.
The third referendum focuses on the Engineers Without Borders' annual fee of $0.44 . . . A recent SRA review revealed that EWB McMaster's budget lacked clarity and did not include their actual spending from the previous fiscal year.
Additionally, funds allocated to the fellowship program are used to support students from other universities if no McMaster students are selected. While EWB representatives assured the SRA that financial oversight issues have been resolved, some members expressed their concerns about fees collected from McMaster students going to fund a fellowship program that does not always accept a McMaster student.
Jialiang (Kevin) Hu, leading the campaign to cancel the fee, emphasized these concerns, pointing out that EWB’s financial oversight issues include losing access to bank accounts and cancelled trips due to organizational restructuring. “This referendum sends a message that students will not tolerate the misuse of their money,” stated Hu to The Silhouette.
He argued that EWB McMaster could continue its activities, such as workshops and team-building events, through alternative funding sources like grants, sponsorships, or support from the McMaster Engineering Society, rather than relying on student fees.
Students will have the opportunity to cast their votes during the 2025 MSU presidential election period, deciding the outcome of these initiatives and their implementation on campus. Voting will occur online via the SimplyVoting platform from Jan. 28 to 30, 2025.
Join the McMaster community for a vibrant evening of performances, food and exciting volleyball action
On Jan. 24, 2025, the McMaster Students Union will host MSU Cultural Night from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Burridge Gym. This special event will serve as a platform for McMaster’s student cultural clubs to showcase their rich cultural backgrounds and foster a sense of community and inclusivity.
Rene Hares, clubs administrator of the McMaster Students Union, oversees all of the MSU's ratified clubs and is an organizer of the MSU Cultural Night. "This is an opportunity for all of these cultural clubs to come together and they get to see what everybody has been working on throughout the year, what they have to offer, what makes them proud about their culture," said Hares.
This is an opportunity for all of these cultural clubs to come together and they get to see what everybody has been working on throughout the year, what they have to offer, what makes them proud about their culture.
Rene Hares, Clubs Administrator McMaster Students Union
MSU Cultural Night will feature six MSU cultural clubs that were selected on a first come first serve basis.
"We have limited space because we're limited to the space that is near the gym. We reached out to all of the cultural clubs and we asked them to sign up if they were interested in participating . . . So we ended up working with the first six clubs that applied because that was what we could accommodate for of the clubs," said Hares.
The food at the event will be sold by McMaster Hospitality Services and will incorporate cultural elements to their menu. "We took a list of recommendations of food [from cultural clubs] and we submitted it to hospitality services to hopefully create a variety of options of things that maybe they would be interested in integrating into their menu," said Hares.
For those who enjoy friendly competition, the night will also feature volleyball games which will add an exciting element. The McMaster women's volleyball team will be playing at 6:00 p.m. and the men's volleyball game will begin at 8:00 p.m. while the cultural clubs are displayed at tables in a space near the gym. To kickoff the games, two members of macGEET will be performing the national anthem.
Hares discussed that all other cultural performances will be virtual and played on the video board in the gym. "Clubs have the opportunity to submit a 30-second clip about their club that could be played throughout the games," said Hares.
Beyond the competition and food, MSU Cultural Night will also serve as an opportunity for students to learn more about the cultural clubs at McMaster and how they can get involved. Four of the six clubs will have tables to showcase their club merchandise, answer questions and advertise their club to attendees.
Hares encourages students to explore the diverse range of clubs on campus and hopes attendees see what the clubs department has to offer.
"Obviously, not all of our cultural clubs are going to be at the game, but I hope that attendees can see, "wow, there is so many cultural clubs at the MSU. I should look into all of the other ones that I don't see here"," said Hares.
"I think it's really important to supplement focusing on academics with just social aspects of student life, and this is a really great way to do that. It's a way to find people that have similar values and visions as you and I think that that can help you become more successful academically if you have a well balanced social and academic career," said Hares when asked about the value of joining student clubs.
It's a way to find people that have similar values and visions as you and I think that that can help you become more successful academically if you have like a well balanced social and academic career.
Rene Hares, Clubs Administrator McMaster Students Union
Whether attending to enjoy the games, the food or to visit the clubs, students will have the chance to connect with their peers and experience the vibrant cultural life here at McMaster. Keep up with the MSU Clubs Department's Instagram for more engaging events that showcase the diversity on campus.
The new student market, located in the Hub, offers students easy access to fresh pastries and snacks between classes
In an interview, Jovan Popovic, the MSU president shared details about the recently opened student market on the second floor of the Hub. The market offers fresh pastries, beverages and snacks, catering to students looking for a quick bite between classes or while studying and socializing with friends.
Popovic mentioned that the goal of opening the student market is to enhance food accessibility by providing more options to students at an affordable price.
“Given how much time students spend in the student centre exploring food options, we understand that adding a food and beverage operation in the Hub isn’t necessarily replacing meals . . . It’s about having something available for students when they start to feel hungry, whether it's because they’re studying, hanging out with friends or playing ping pong, there’s something there for them,” said Popovic.
It’s about having something available for students when they start to feel hungry, whether it's because they’re studying, hanging out with friends or playing ping pong, there’s something there for them.
Jovan Popovic, President McMaster Students Union
Popovic emphasized that the student market is primarily focused on offering fresher food options, such as sandwiches, salads and bagels instead of simple snacks. He also noted that the market is exploring the inclusion of culturally diverse food options to better reflect and cater to the needs of the student body.
In 2017, the construction of the Hub was approved by full-time undergraduate students through a referendum. It was built to address the lack of student and collaboration spaces on campus due to a growing population. A survey conducted by the MSU in 2016 found that approximately 80 per cent of respondents indicated a desire for more space on campus to work on projects, eat and socialize with friends.
Additionally, Popovic mentioned that through the referendum and student consultations, there was a clear demand for expanded food and beverage operations, as well as more affordable food options on campus.
With the opening of the student market, Popovic mentioned that they are currently focusing on student feedback.
“What are they saying to our cashier? What is interesting to them? What are students actually looking for? Even within Union Market and the student centre, there are times where a student will come up and say "I was really hoping you’d have this product," and then two weeks later we now stock it. We’re really sensitive to student feedback and are always trying to hear more and see how we can improve,” said Popovic.
Popovic highlighted that, in a time where food insecurity has become a prevalent issue, the MSU has been actively addressing it by offering low-priced food and beverage options at Union Market and subsidizing TwelvEighty Bar & Grill to provide high-quality, large portion sizes.
“Hopefully, the market helps create a dent in this issue, where students feel a little more comfortable and realize they have more options on campus, without having to go to a specific place. We’re trying to address this as effectively as possible. And while it’s a much larger issue, every dent we make is significant right now,” said Popovic.
Hopefully, the market helps create a dent in this issue, where students feel a little more comfortable and realize they have more options on campus
Jovan Popovic, President McMaster Students Union
Popovic highlighted that the inventory of the student market would be shaped by purchasing patterns. He explained that if students express a demand for meal options like those at La Piazza Grab and Go and Union Market, those could also be added.
The student market will be open Monday to Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Grace periods can bridge the gap between deadlines and accessibility, streamlining and fostering equity and accessibility in education for all
When finals season is upon us, as dread and deadlines fill every crack and corner of the libraries, an extension is nothing short of a miracle. Grace periods, reformulating extensions into universal systems of accommodations built into assignment deadlines, can be a game-changer in creating flexible and accessible learning environments.
Grace periods refer to a window beyond the original deadline, during which students can submit assignments without incurring penalties.
Such in-built buffer periods streamline the daunting process of asking for extensions as students or having to coordinate back and forth as educators. Grace periods give students an equitable opportunity to display academic competency in a more forgiving manner. They allow students to maintain academic performance and flexibility, without added administrative duties like MSAFs.
Traditional deadline and assignment structures are often based on the assumption that students have equal opportunities, roles and responsibilities with equal barriers. In contrast, grace periods are a more realistic and streamlined way to alleviate the impact of unequal barriers while maintaining the integrity of assessments.
Grace periods are a more realistic and streamlined way to alleviate the impact of unequal barriers while maintaining the integrity of assessments.
Additionally, grace periods help reduce the pressure of hard deadlines which can significantly lower anxiety for students facing challenging circumstances. This flexibility fosters an environment where students can focus on producing quality work rather than rushing to meet deadlines.
While some might argue that grace periods are glorified or free-handed extensions, adhering to hard deadlines has never directly correlated to the specific learning goals of a course. This is especially true in a university setting, where a lot of learning is self-regulated.
Instead, hard deadlines primarily facilitate standardization for evaluation. This can still be fulfilled through grace periods while also accounting for students' diverse needs and circumstances.
Hard deadlines primarily facilitate standardization for evaluation. This can still be fulfilled through grace periods while also accounting for students' diverse needs and circumstances.
The flexibility that grace-periods offer also more accurately reflects how deadlines work in many professional settings. In many such cases, projects are aimed to be finished by certain set time periods, but when difficulties are encountered, a whole project is not shut down. Instead, work plans are adapted with the goal of still in the end producing a good product.
Grace periods overall maintain a level of objectivity and standardization for students to be evaluated according to while also recognizing the diverse circumstances of individuals. Considering this and how they streamline administrative duties for both students and faculty, the university is moving in the right direction by including these in more and more courses.
The McMaster Students Union conducted the 2024 Your City Survey to gather student input on transportation, housing and food security, helping to shape its municipal advocacy priorities
The MSU Your City Survey, which closed on Dec. 4, 2025, collected feedback about McMaster students’ perceptions and experiences in Hamilton, covering topics such as housing, transit, food security and policing. The survey is anonymous but participants have the option to provide their email for a chance to win a gift card to the Grind.
The MSU developed the survey in 2011, running every few years, to address students’ concerns about Hamilton. It asks students about their perceptions of Hamilton’s job market, cultural scene and their likelihood of living in the city after graduation.
In 2015, the Your City Survey was updated to assess whether students’ perception of Hamilton had improved since its launch. The most recent collection of data was in 2018. The questions in the survey shifted focus to transit and neighbourhood safety, while also asking commuter students about their perspectives in Hamilton.
This past year, the survey aimed to inform the MSU’s municipal affairs priorities, including advocating to city councillors and submitting feedback on students’ experience with the housing market, transportation, food security and policing in Hamilton for the upcoming pre-budget submission to City Council.
According to Kerry Yang, the associate vice-president of MSU Municipal Affairs, a document outlining McMaster students’ priorities and concerns for the budget and the city’s plan will be created and presented to city councillors at a later date.
Yang, whose role involves lobbying city councillors and engaging with students on municipal priorities, shared her thoughts on how the survey has evolved since 2018.
“I think how it’s evolved is this survey is probably the most comprehensive one to come out. It’s not just focused on housing, transit but has sort of all topics we typically want to know from students. Because it’s been so long since we did a survey, it was important that this one would be all encompassing and give us a really good snapshot of what the student experience is like,” said Yang.
... because it’s been so long since we did a survey, it was important that this one would be all encompassing and give us a really good snapshot of what the student experience is like.
Kerry Yang, Associate Vice-President of Municipal Affairs McMaster Students Union
When developing the questions for this year’s survey, Yang mentioned they reviewed previous surveys and made an effort to not only ask about students’ housing and transit experience. This survey also inquired about what would encourage students to stay in Hamilton, such as affordable housing options and having a vibrant community with public parks and trails.
“I think the diversity of the questions this year and also just how comprehensive it is, is definitely an improvement in the survey which will hopefully serve as a basis for future surveys. The benefit of asking the same questions year after year is that it makes the survey easy to compare over time,” said Yang.
I think the diversity of the questions this year and also just how comprehensive it is, is definitely an improvement in the survey which will hopefully serve as a basis for future surveys. The benefit of asking the same questions year after year is that it makes the survey easy to compare over time
Kerry Yang, Associate Vice-President of Municipal Affairs McMaster Students Union
Yang noted that she anticipates differences in the results compared to previous surveys, as the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the rental market and other aspects of student life.
Additionally, Yang mentioned that one potential policy recommendation, based on questions in the survey, to be brought to city councillors would be to pass a cooling bylaw that aligns with the existing heating bylaw.
Yang explained that there are currently regulations requiring heating to be turned on at certain temperatures during specific times of the year, but no similar rule exists for cooling. She noted that many students both on-campus and off-campus lack air conditioning which leads to uncomfortable living conditions.
“We are going to propose directly to the city that they implement the same or similar bylaw where students are being protected from the heat,” said Yang.
The results of the Your City Survey are expected to be released later this year.
