The Black Student Success Centre welcomes new wellness counsellor to support Black students in overcoming mental health barriers
Foluke Akinboyo, the Black student wellness counsellor at the Black Student Success Centre, recently transitioned into her new role. Previously, she was a wellness counsellor in student affairs in Undergraduate Medical Education.
Akinboyo is a registered psychotherapist with over a decade of experience in community mental health, student support and culturally considerate care. In this new role, she focuses on providing a supportive space where Black students can address their mental health needs and feel understood.
The BSSC is a dedicated space for Black-identifying students, aiming to support and uplift their academic, personal and professional success. It is a space that aims to combat racial isolation and connects Black students to resources, peers, programs and faculty to foster their academic and personal growth.
Akinboyo currently offers individual counselling and group wellness programs for Black-identifying students.
Akinboyo’s motivation to take on this role at the BSSC came from her own experiences as an immigrant student. She reflected on the difficulties she faced, such as feeling isolated, struggling with unfamiliar systems and lacking adequate support. Her own journey led her to realize the importance of creating spaces that help students overcome these barriers.
“Even if I cannot impact everybody, even if it was just one little tear at a time that we could change, let me try,” said Akinboyo.
Even if I cannot impact everybody, even if it was just one little tear at a time that we could change, let me try.
Foluke Akinboyo, Black Student Wellness Counsellor
Black Student Success Centre
Akinboyo discussed the stigma surrounding mental health within the Black community. According to her, mental health concerns are often viewed as a sign of weakness.
“How dare you not have that mental toughness to be able to function? What is really bothering you that you cannot function?” said Akinboyo, describing some of the thought processes behind this stigma.
She explained that these attitudes can discourage individuals from seeking help. She further elaborated that the cultural expectation that Black individuals should remain strong and resilient in the face of adversity often leads to mental health issues being minimized or ignored.
The 2017 Pan-Canadian Health Inequalities Data Tool found that between 2010 and 2013, 64 per cent of young Black women aged 12-17 reported their mental health as excellent or very good. However, this was significantly lower than the 77.2 per cent of young white women who reported excellent or very good mental health.
Akinboyo also pointed to a long-standing mistrust in health care systems among many Black communities, stemming from historical injustices such as unethical medical experimentation.
“When we look at the history of unethical experimentation, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study . . . our parents and our ancestors raised us to be wary of things that are like that because we could be thrown into spaces that we don't understand,” she explained.
When we look at the history of unethical experimentation, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study . . . our parents and our ancestors raised us to be wary of things that are like that because we could be thrown into spaces that we don't understand.
Foluke Akinboyo, Black Student Wellness Counsellor
Black Student Success Centre
In addition to stigma and mistrust, Akinboyo noted that mental health issues in Black individuals are often overlooked or misunderstood, as they may be seen through a lens shaped by
“Some women may show aggression—quote-unquote this ‘aggressive Black woman’ type of talk. However, what if she's actually depressed?” said Akinboyo.
Akinboyo also pointed out that Black men in particular face barriers to seeking therapy and are less inclined to reach out in comparison to Black women. The cultural expectation of Black men to be strong, protective figures can make it difficult for them to embrace vulnerability.
“Black men are supposed to protect, provide, serve, you know, be the person that we women or society could lean on,” said Akinboyo, detailing the cultural and societal expectations of Black men.
This societal pressure leads to emotional challenges being viewed as a sign of weakness, creating additional obstacles to accessing mental health support.
“We’re all emotional beings. So why can't they be emotional?” said Akinboyo, emphasizing that creating safe spaces for Black men to express their emotions and seek support is essential.
Akinboyo emphasized that her role now focusing on Black students is not meant to exclude other students or invalidate the work of other counsellors. Instead, it is aimed at helping Black students who feel vulnerable or misrepresented and combating the unique barriers they face in accessing mental health support.
“The work that we're doing is tapping into the minds who are very vulnerable, who are questioning, who are scared to raise their hand up, who don't have a voice, who are afraid to even use their voice, because their voices have been misrepresented many times,” she said.
Akinboyo has several initiatives in mind to support Black students. One of her upcoming services is titled Power Emotion, a wellness group designed to help Black men connect with their emotions and seek mental health support.
Akinboyo also hopes to introduce a program titled Success Beyond the Degree, which would help upper-year and graduate students transition from academic life to their professional careers, while maintaining a strong sense of self.
“You can still be you beyond that degree that you have,” she said.
Ultimately, Akinboyo believes that the presence of Black wellness counsellors is essential for creating inclusive and supportive environments for students who may feel overlooked. She argued that without adequate representation, universities risk failing to provide the quality of care their students deserve.
“There is a lack of not just representation, [but] a lack of voices on tables that matter . . . And when we continue to remove voices or not create spaces for the voices that are represented in the student body, especially on those types of tables, then we run the risk of pretty much failing our students. We take the money, but we don't give the quality,” said Akinboyo.
There is a lack of not just representation, [but] a lack of voices on tables that matter . . .
Foluke Akinboyo, Wellness Counsellor
Black Student Success Centre
For anyone who connects with Akinboyo, she wants to leave them with the following message:
“Stop bullying yourself . . . Be gentle with yourself as you forgive yourself . . . You have to start forgiving yourself so you can actually love yourself again.”
Akinboyo’s role at the BSSC focuses on supporting Black students’ academic, emotional and mental well-being. Through initiatives aimed at fostering safe and inclusive spaces, she works to help students navigate challenges and build resilience.
To learn more about the work that Akinboyo and the BSSC are doing, visit their Instagram and website. Students interested in booking a session with her can email [email protected].
In a weekend with both volleyball and basketball games occurring, McMaster Black Student Athlete Council spotlights Black student-athletes and local businesses
On Feb. 8, the McMaster Black Student Athlete Council hosted its Super Saturday event for Black History Month, coinciding with four Marauders sports games on campus. The event is one of McMaster BSAC’s most prominent and included a range of vendors from the local community.
The day started with a women’s basketball game, followed by men’s basketball, then women’s and men’s volleyball.
McMaster BSAC’s president, Haben Yohannes, emphasized that when planning the event, his team wanted it to make an impact on both students and the community.
“As for the event itself, the idea was we didn't want to make it performative. It was like, how can we have value and impact? We're not going to just have a game just to have a game. We're gonna do it so we can have some sort of impact,” said Yohannes.
We’re not going to just have a game just to have a game. We're gonna do it so we can have some sort of impact.
Haben Yohannes, President
McMaster Black Student Athlete Council
One key feature of the event was the playing of a video by Tayo Smith and Mice Cibangu, members of BSAC’s executive team. The video provided a narration and visual about the weight of expectation that can be felt by Black student-athletes and how their presence inspires future generations.
“So the video we made was very intentional. I'd like to shout out Tayo Smith. . . he did an amazing job leading that project with one of our executives,
Along with showing the video at the game, the event brought Black-owned businesses to campus.
“We had a Black market and club showcase in the mezzanine. These small vendors came in and they sold their products, and those products are informed by their culture. So we don't need to sit in an assembly and be like, ‘Black culture is this.’ You can just see it live in action—that was the intention,” said Yohannes.
You can just see it live in action—that was the intention.
Haben Yohannes, President
McMaster Black Student Athlete Council
McMaster BSAC also aimed for this event to create a space for wider community engagement. They sent out invitations to local sports clubs and community sponsors to attend.
“We reached out to STA, which is the Steeltown Athletic Club. They have a basketball program, and we provided them with some free tickets to engage some of our community sponsors. The women's basketball team, they brought in teams that they've worked with. So we really tried to engage the community and have that impact,” said Yohannes.
As the Super Sunday event for Black History Month came and passed, BSAC is proud that they successfully brought together McMaster students and the sports and athletics community in Hamilton, while highlighting Black-owned businesses and student-athletes. For future events and information about BSAC, you can visit their Instagram.
MSU's Diversity + Equity Network releases the findings of its research on student perspectives on racism and belonging at McMaster University
On Jan. 31, 2025, the McMaster Students Union’s Diversity + Equity Network announced the release of findings from its research study titled Understanding Student Perspectives: Racism, Belonging and Discrimination in an Ontario University Environment.
The study was conducted in collaboration with DEN’s student research team and professor Jeffrey Denis from the faculty of social sciences. It examined student experiences with racism at McMaster to inform efforts to create a more inclusive campus.
In the fall of 2023, DEN ran an Instagram poll asking followers if they had experienced discrimination on campus. Of the approximately 120 students who responded, 43 per cent reported experiencing racism.
Leilani Xue, a third-year sociology student and assistant director of DEN who worked on the research study, told The Silhouette that first-year students reported the highest instances of racism.
Xue noted that, upon reviewing other research studies on university campuses, the team identified a lack of open discussion and information about racism and discrimination at the undergraduate level. This, combined with the poll results, prompted the development of a larger research study examining how students of diverse backgrounds experience belonging, perceive discrimination and racism, and how these perceptions shape their overall comfort and sense of safety on campus.
From March 1 to 22, 2024, DEN’s research team collected 283 survey responses. The survey explored participants’ demographics, personal experiences with racism or discrimination, instances where they had witnessed racism, and their awareness of and satisfaction with campus services and resources.
The finalized report found that 16 per cent of students reported personal experiences with racism, while 37 per cent reported having witnessed it on campus.
Middle Eastern or West Asian students, followed by Black students, were most likely to report experiences of racism. Black, Middle Eastern, Latin American and South Asian students were most likely to report witnessing it.
Among religious groups, Jewish and Muslim students were the most likely to report experiencing discrimination, followed by Sikh and Hindu students, who reported feeling more affected than Christians or those without religious affiliations.
Most students who experienced racism said it significantly impacted their mental health, while many were unaware of campus resources. Those who knew about them often did not use them or report incidents.
Most students who experienced racism said it significantly impacted their mental health, while many were unaware of campus resources.
The report also provides recommendations for McMaster University to foster a more inclusive campus. These include increasing diversity among faculty, staff and university leadership and encouraging instructors to diversify curriculum content and discuss available resources. The team also suggested evaluating anti-racism and cultural competency training initiatives and raising awareness of the reporting process for racial discrimination.
Now, DEN’s research team is preparing for a second phase of research, set to launch between March and April 2025. This new study will collect qualitative data through focus groups, allowing researchers to engage directly with students, particularly those who identify as Black, Indigenous or as people of colour.
“Our first study helped us get a general understanding of [racism and discrimination on campus] . . . but now we want to actually talk to students and hear about their experiences on a lived experience level,” said Xue.
Our first study helped us get a general understanding of [racism and discrimination on campus] . . . but now we want to actually talk to students and hear about their experiences on a lived experience level.
Leilani Xue, Associate Director
Diversity + Equity Network
Their goal for this second study is to collaborate with students, faculty and staff on campus to inform inclusive, student-centred policy changes.
The full study, published earlier this year, can be read online. For more information about DEN and the work it does, interested students can visit its website and Instagram.
Support local and grab a treat at The Grind’s second market, featuring over 15 student vendors
The Grind, McMaster University’s campus coffee spot, will host its second student-run market on March 25, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event was founded by Margaret Qin, a third-year human behaviour student, Union Market employee and jewelry maker. The market provides a platform for students to connect and sell their work.
The market offers a variety of student-made goods, including jewelry, candles and service-based offerings.
“We have candles, lots of jewelry. So, earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets. I have a component where we started doing something called service-based vendors,” said Qin.
The second market builds on the success of the first, which took place on Jan. 28, 2025.
The service-based vendors include student business owners who sell on-site services. There are 22 confirmed vendors, including four service-based vendors. These services include live tarot readings, live drawings, henna and a live poet.
“My first service vendor I had was a live poet and so she brought her typewriter with her. She set up and you would sit down with her, have a chat with her and she writes you a poem right there,” said Qin.
The idea for the market came from Qin’s experience selling her own jewelry.
“I remember where all my nerves were; going out to art crawls by myself, bringing a table with me, everything,” said Qin.
After facing challenges with outdoor markets in the winter, she wanted to find an alternative for student vendors during colder months.
“After homecoming and after the other events happened, looking at the next couple of months of the winter, it was a little harder to find events,” said Qin.
She spoke with her manager at Union Market and pitched the idea for The Grind Market in November 2024.
“I asked him for that one chance. I said, ‘Just let me try this. Let me see how this can go,’” said Qin.
Once she received approval, she planned the event from November to the first market in January and is now preparing for its second iteration in March.
The Grind Market prioritizes financial accessibility for student entrepreneurs.
“There's no cost to vendors. There's nothing that they have to pay, it's entirely free. We don't take any money that they make, all their money is theirs,” said Qin.
There's no cost to vendors. There's nothing that they have to pay, it's entirely free. We don't take any money that they make, all their money is theirs.
Margaret Qin, Founder
The Grind Market
By removing the financial barrier of fees for vendors, Qin aims to make it easier for students to participate and succeed.
For Qin, the best part of The Grind Market is the sense of community it creates.
“Sales is one thing, but to just be in a space—it’s warm there, like you feel all connected and you can look at other people's art . . . You're just amazed,” said Qin.
Sales is one thing, but to just be in a space—it’s warm there, like you feel all connected and you can look at other people's art . . . You're just amazed.
Margaret Qin, Founder
The Grind Market
The market also aims to create a welcoming environment for first-time vendors.
“I can now extend this branch and have stuff covered so new vendors might not even have to go through bringing your table and having to set it up . . . These are my first-timers. I'm gonna check on them, I'll stop by every hour, see how they're doing,” said Qin.
The Grind Market is an opportunity for student vendors and attendees to be inspired by others' entrepreneurial journeys and support small businesses.
As the second market approaches on March 25, people are encouraged to attend and discover student creators. Updates can be found on The Grind's Instagram or Qin's business Instagram page.
With rising living costs and poor job security, Gen Z refuses to be chained to a paycheck-driven life in an economy in which it is increasingly difficult to succeed
Generation Z is the next cohort entering the working-age group, but our approach to work is dramatically different from the generations before us. While previous generations followed a simple path—finish school, get a degree, find a job and then work your way up—Generation Z faces a much different reality and set of challenges. The dream of a stable job, a good salary and a comfortable life after obtaining a degree is no longer as certain as it once was.
The economy today has changed dramatically, largely because of technology. With the rise of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, many jobs have become less secure.
Having a degree no longer guarantees a stable career, and in some cases, it doesn’t even guarantee a decent job. Because of this, Generation Z is looking for new ways to make money and create job security. Some of us are turning to remote work, others are exploring social media careers like being influencers and many are looking into marketing and digital jobs.
Having a degree no longer guarantees a stable career, and in some cases, it doesn’t even guarantee a decent job.
Another challenge we face is that the job market is becoming increasingly saturated. According to the Government of Canada, the number of job openings in the first quarter of 2024 was 3.6 per cent lower than in the previous quarter. In comparison to the first quarter of 2023, job vacancies fell in eight of the 10 broad occupational groups. The biggest drop in job openings from 2023 to 2024 was seen in sales and service jobs, which decreased by 33.6 per cent.
As a Generation Z university student, I know firsthand how easy it is to feel pressured to take on jobs outside of your career path and field. During the job-hunting season, typically from January to May, you can spend countless hours perfecting your resume and applying to as many jobs as possible, hoping to secure summer work.
But as the season winds down, especially for those of us about to graduate, frustration and desperation start to set in. After weeks of job applications, resume updates and a few interviews with no results, the pressure to just find any job grows.
In the end, many of us end up applying for positions outside our field or settling for part-time or temporary work simply because we need to pay the bills. This happens especially when inflation increases at a faster rate than the minimum wage, making it harder for us to maintain our expenses.
For example, in Ontario, the cost of living has been rising much faster than wages, making it harder for young people to afford basic living expenses. When inflation is higher than wage increases, it becomes much more difficult to make ends meet.
Besides the financial pressures, individuals of Generation Z also have a tendency to question old methods and traditions. Many of us are not convinced that working a traditional nine-to-five job is the best way to live. Many in this generation don’t want to spend most of their lives working just to pay off debt.
In today’s world, it’s not uncommon for people to be trapped in debt, working long hours without the chance to really enjoy life. The 2019 Canadian Financial Capability Survey found that 73.2 per cent of Canadians have some type of outstanding debt or have used a payday loan at some point over the past 12 months.
For some, this means sacrificing time with family or missing out on personal goals, like having children or spending time with them as they grow up. Many of us want to find a better balance between work and our personal lives. I personally worry at times about raising kids in a world where technology often replaces in-person connections.
Older generations may criticize Generation Z, labelling us as lazy or entitled, especially when comparing us to people in the past who worked traditional jobs. However, these criticisms don’t consider the many unique challenges we face today, such as rising living costs, job insecurity and a job market that is dynamic and complex like never before. While hard work, education and determination are still important, it’s clear that the traditional model of success no longer always applies.
While hard work, education and determination are still important, it’s clear that the traditional model of success no longer always applies.
It’s important to recognize that we are simply adapting to the world we live in. It is not that we are refusing to work; we are finding new ways to make money and seek security in a changing economy. The traditional idea of a job and career has changed, and it’s time to adjust to these new realities.
So, to those who criticize us, Generation Z does not want to work. Rather, we are facing unprecedented dynamics in the job market and challenges in making ends meet that are uniquely difficult to navigate. In light of this, our goal should be to find a balance between hard work and enjoying life while also exploring new ways to be successful and financially secure.
From puppy yoga to delicious, affordable eats, discover wellness escapes in Hamilton as the semester winds down and exams approach
As the end of the semester approaches and stress levels rise, it's important to take a step back and recharge. The City of Hamilton features a variety of relaxing spots that can help you break free from the hectic school bubble.
Whether you’re looking for physical activity, creative expression or simply a peaceful escape, the city has something for everyone. Here are some suggestions to help you unwind as the semester comes to a close.
Unwind with a one-of-a-kind experience at Studio 35’s weekly puppy yoga classes. By booking in advance on their website for $50 per person, you’ll get a one-hour session with puppies roaming freely around the room. After 35 minutes of yoga, enjoy 25 minutes of cuddling, playing and snapping pictures with the puppies. As the class wraps up, guests are offered an ice cream treat.
Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa experience at Joie Day Spa, where you can indulge in services ranging from massage therapy to facials. While the services are on the pricier end for students compared to other activities, the experience could be worth it for a self-care day. You can book your appointment in advance through their website or by phone to ensure a relaxing and personalized visit.
Tap into your creativity at the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s monthly paint nights and open studio events. These free, drop-in sessions offer a space to explore your artistic side with plenty of supplies and guidance from talented artist educators. Whether you’re creating something new or seeking inspiration, it’s a welcoming environment to express yourself.
Two programs you can check out are QUARTZ: Queer Art Hang and the Youth Arts Collective Drop-in Open Studio.
For a taste of authentic Jamaican cuisine, head to Ellis Kitchen. As a Jamaican myself, I know how challenging it can be to find good Jamaican restaurants without having to leave Hamilton. After trying several places in the city, I can vouch for the flavourful, comforting dishes they serve, making it the perfect spot for anyone craving home-style Jamaican food.
The variety of food offered is great as well—from jerk chicken to patties to mackerel, this spot offers a genuine taste of the island.
If you’re craving birria tacos, look no further than Amigos Tex-Mex. This spot serves up tasty Tex-Mex dishes, including birria tacos, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Open late until 2 a.m. on weekends, it’s a great place to satisfy your cravings and enjoy flavourful food and great service.
Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the school season is essential for maintaining balance and well-being. Whether you’re looking to unwind with some puppy yoga, indulge in a spa day or enjoy a delicious meal, these spots in Hamilton offer the perfect escape to recharge.
So, take some time for yourself and explore local gems to destress and refresh before exams begin.
Faculty of Science introduces five new courses, giving first- and second-year students an early introduction to research
The Faculty of Science is introducing five new research-based courses, developed by the faculty’s Office of Undergraduate Research. These pass/fail credit courses will be available starting in May 2025.
Established in 2023 with support from the Office of the Provost’s Strategic Alignment Fund as a three-year pilot, the OUR aims to enhance undergraduate research opportunities in the early stages of science students’ academic careers. The OUR is primarily focused on providing opportunities for first- and second-year students.
The five courses will be open to first- and second-year students in the Faculty of Science. The first-year courses include SCIENCE 1SC1: Graduate Student Shadowing, SCIENCE 1SB1: Science Research Volunteer and SCIENCE 1SA1: Science Seminar.
Second-year students can enroll in SCIENCE 2SA1, 2SB1, 2SC1: Scientific Research Skills Workshop as well as SCIENCE 2SG1: Scientific Research Group. In this course, groups of five students will participate in 12 hours of a hands-on experiential research project under the supervision of a professor.
Professor Sunita Nadella, a professor in the Faculty of Science and the experiential programming and outreach manager for the OUR, said these courses were inspired by students who expressed difficulties in securing research placements in their third and fourth years.
“. . . The Strategic Alignment Fund aims to increase the number of research opportunities for all science students, with a particular focus on creating pathways so that students can get involved with research early in their academic journey, like in first and second year. This way, when they do come to third and fourth year and are looking for research placements, they have a skill set,” said Nadella.
...The Strategic Alignment Fund aims to increase the number of research opportunities for all science students, with a particular focus on creating pathways so that students can get involved with research early in their academic journey...
Sunita Nadella, Experiential Learning and Outreach Manager
Office of Undergraduate Research
She noted that the skills these courses aim to build are intended to make students more competitive and appealing to research supervisors for project or thesis opportunities.
Since the launch of the OUR, the first summer research opportunities for first- and second-year students were offered in summer 2024. Nadella noted that there were 17 available projects and around 450 applications, highlighting strong demand and enthusiasm for research among students.
Feedback following the summer research opportunities has been consistently positive, with the graduate student shadowing program—where students are paired with graduate-student mentors in research—being particularly successful. Participation from graduate students continues to grow.
Although the summer research program was successful, Nadella pointed out that it only provided opportunities for a select few students. As a result, the OUR has sought ways to extend this experience to a broader group.
“We had been offering seminars and workshops before, so we decided to combine them into courses so that students could earn course credits and we could allocate our limited funds more effectively towards resourcing these workshops,” said Nadella.
We had been offering seminars and workshops before, so we decided to combine them into courses so that students could earn course credits and we could allocate our limited funds more effectively towards resourcing these workshops.
Sunita Nadella, Experiential Learning and Outreach Manager
Office of Undergraduate Research
One of the new courses, SCIENCE 1SA1, is a science seminar that features research seminars offered by departments within the Faculty of Science.
“As science researchers, we know that most undergraduate students often think of research as something that happens in the lab. However, for those of us within the research field, attending seminars is a critical component. It’s where you learn about the latest developments in science, how researchers generate questions and the process they go through to identify the right questions for their research projects,” said Nadella.
The five new courses will be available starting in May 2025. For more information on the OUR, visit their website.
As financial barriers to higher education limit key opportunities, it's important to reflect on what can be done to create a fairer system
By: Dawn McKee, Opinion Contributor
Education is often seen as the gateway to opportunity—a way for individuals to improve their circumstances and contribute to society in a meaningful way. However, for many, the cost of higher education presents a major obstacle, making access difficult due to circumstances largely out of their control.
If we want everyone to have the same equality of opportunity, it is clear that something must change to make education more economically accessible and less financially stressful. But what solution should we strive for? Should tuition be free, or should student loans be fully federalized?
In the current system, students from low- and middle-income families often find themselves at a disadvantage. High tuition costs and reliance on private loans—or even government programs like OSAP, which are available but still require students to take on debt—can be stressful and may discourage some from pursuing post-secondary education. Some students also work multiple jobs while at university to afford tuition and living costs each semester, further adding to the challenge of balancing academics and finances.
Meanwhile, students from wealthier families who can pay for their tuition pursue higher education without the same financial worries. This creates an unfair system where a person’s access to education—and therefore their prospects—depends, to some degree, on their socioeconomic background rather than their abilities or ambitions.
One solution is to make tuition free and covered by a government fund. This would remove financial barriers entirely for domestic students, allowing all students within the country, regardless of income, to pursue higher education. In most cases, however, international students would still be required to pay tuition, though potentially at a reduced rate. Countries like Germany and Sweden have already adopted this model and seen positive results, including increased enrollment and reduced inequality in access to education.
Beyond benefiting individual students, this approach could strengthen the country as a whole by creating an increasingly educated workforce, driving economic growth and reducing dependence on social welfare programs in the long term. When higher education is accessible, more people can contribute meaningfully to society and earn more for themselves, leading to greater innovation, productivity and overall stability.
When higher education is accessible, more people can contribute meaningfully to society and earn more for themselves, leading to greater innovation, productivity and overall stability.
Some argue that free tuition could lead to overcrowded schools and higher taxes, but these challenges can be addressed through careful planning and resource management within the higher education system.
Another option is to federalize student loans. Under this system, the government would handle all loans, offering lower interest rates and more flexible payment plans based on income.
Currently, in Canada, student loans are split between federal and provincial programs, leading to inconsistencies in interest rates, repayment terms and eligibility for assistance. Some provinces have eliminated interest on loans, while others still charge it, creating an uneven playing field for borrowers depending on where they live.
A fully federalized system would standardize these conditions, ensuring that all students, regardless of their province or their parents' income, have access to the same repayment benefits and financial assistance. It could also reduce or eliminate the need for private loans, which often have higher interest rates and stricter repayment conditions.
A fully federalized system would standardize these conditions, ensuring that all students, regardless of their province or their parents' income, have access to the same repayment benefits and financial assistance.
By making student loans more accessible, manageable and equitable, federalization could reduce financial stress and allow students to focus on their studies and careers. While this option doesn’t eliminate tuition costs, it would significantly reduce and equalize the financial burden on students, making education more affordable in the long run.
Both approaches have their strengths, but they share a common goal: ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their family's financial background. For both individual students and society as a whole, access to education should not be determined by pre-existing economic circumstances beyond students' control.
DeltaHacks celebrates 11 years of empowering students to innovate and create positive change across various fields through hackathon
On Jan. 11 and 12, 2025, DeltaHacks hosted its 11th annual hackathon for change in the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning, dedicated to empowering students to create positive change in their communities through projects in health care, sustainability, education and technology.
This year, approximately 500 people participated in the 24-hour hackathon, developing innovative projects while engaging in networking opportunities and workshops. After the event, participants presented their projects the following day to a panel of judges who evaluated them based on social impact, technical skill, originality and presentation.
DeltaHacks organizes four main hacking challenges, each focusing on a broad category such as best environmental hack, best productivity hack, best health hack and best community-building hack. Participants are encouraged to create projects that align with these categories.
Additionally, DeltaHacks hosted sponsor challenges, where sponsors organized specific hacks. In an interview, Parisha Nizam, co-president of DeltaHacks, mentioned that the National Society of Black Engineers and Procter & Gamble partnered on a challenge aimed at creating a financial app to help students in the Black community overcome biases when seeking financial assistance and resources.
In addition to the hackathon, DeltaHacks organized a variety of workshops, including sponsor-led sessions like the Dyson Fan Event, Apple Swift Challenge and an Introduction to Cohere workshop. Professional development opportunities were also offered, such as a Resume Roast and a guide to preparing a strong hackathon presentation. To foster community, DeltaHacks hosted fun activities, including a Fire Noodle challenge, karaoke night and late-night games.
Nizam highlighted that the hackathon kicked off with an opening ceremony featuring speeches from key sponsors, including Reserve Power, Swift, Manulife and Procter & Gamble, along with a performance by the McMaster Marching Band.
“Our team really worked hard on elevating the hacker experience. We worked hard on just making the overall organization better. I think our food choices were really good too. This year, we were also able to get an actual photo booth, where we had our own themed photo prints,” said Nizam.
Our team really worked hard on elevating the hacker experience. We worked hard on just making the overall organization better.
Parisha Nizam, Co-President
DeltaHacks
Nizam noted that DeltaHacks focuses on catering to the local community and collaborating with sponsors. According to Nizam, unlike many other hackathons that have a more general focus, DeltaHacks is specifically dedicated to creating positive social impact.
“We’ve seen people coming out of the hack saying they learned something new from the workshops they attended, or they gained new friendships, or they actually landed internships because of the sponsors that are there. There's a lot of opportunities for people to actually get something out of the hackathon while also having fun,” said Nizam.
We’ve seen people coming out of the hack saying they learned something new from the workshops they attended, or they gained new friendships, or they actually landed internships because of the sponsors that are there. There's a lot of opportunities for people to actually get something out of the hackathon while also having fun.
Parisha Nizam, Co-President
DeltaHacks
The project titled WhaleBeing won first place and the Dyson Innovation Challenge with their web app, which features a prediction model that maps how ship routes interact with blue whale habitats.
Nizam shared that, for the first time this year, DeltaHacks aimed to give back to the community by allowing the first-place winner to select a charity to receive a $500 donation. WhaleBeing chose to donate the funds to a whale conservation organization.
Nizam noted that while the hackathon is their main event, DeltaHacks encourages students to participate in club events and workshops held throughout the year. For more information, interested individuals can visit their Instagram page.
Fourth-year McMaster student campaigning to be Member of Provincial Parliament for nearby riding in upcoming provincial by-election
Joshua Bell, a fourth-year political science student at McMaster University, is running to be the next member of provincial parliament for Flamborough-Glanbrook in the upcoming provincial by-election on Feb. 27, 2025. Bell, the Ontario Liberal Party candidate for the riding just outside of Hamilton, is campaigning on issues of healthcare, education and affordability, running against incumbent PC MPP Donna Skelly.
Bell, who has lived in the area his entire life, said his decision to run stemmed from long-standing community involvement and concerns over public service funding cuts.
“We have teachers and schools that are not being looked after and we have funding being cut left and right from our social and public services . . . We need schools to be adequately funded. Heating should be working during the winter and ACs during the summer and in some of our schools that’s not the case,” said Bell.
We need schools to be adequately funded. Heating should be working during the winter and ACs during the summer and in some of our schools that’s not the case.
Joshua Bell, Fourth-Year Political Science Student
McMaster University
He also emphasized addressing challenges with the healthcare system, including emergency room closures and staffing shortages, as key issues his campaign is focused on.
Bell has been involved in mental health and wellness advocacy and supported the implementation of Canada’s national 988 suicide crisis helpline, which was launched in November 2023. He believes there is a lack of adequate healthcare services in the province.
“ERs should not be closing or having to reduce their hours in order to just deliver care because the number of nurses is so short . . . Our healthcare system isn’t keeping pace with the needs of the province, especially for our aging population,” said Bell.
ERs should not be closing or having to reduce their hours in order to just deliver care because the number of nurses is so short . . . Our healthcare system isn’t keeping pace with the needs of the province, especially for our aging population.
Joshua Bell, Fourth-Year Political Science Student
McMaster University
Bell said that, as a McMaster student, he has engaged with student leaders and organizations but has primarily focused his efforts on broader community initiatives.
“I did meet in an official capacity with MSU presidents and VPs over the last number of years . . . I had met with all three candidates in the recent MSU presidential election and had discussions about health and wellness, the economy and housing,” said Bell.
Bell outlined his support for reinstating policies aimed at providing greater financial support for students, including delaying Ontario Student Assistance Program repayments until graduates earn a minimum of $50,000 annually.
Bell acknowledged that his candidacy as a student is unusual but said it should not deter voter engagement.
“I’ve always been active in some kind of volunteer role within our community . . . If you really care about something and really want change, you’re willing to make the time, meet with the people in your community that are being directly affected and work toward solutions,” said Bell.
Bell emphasized that he believes that it is important for students to vote in elections.
“Student engagement is really important, just like our middle-aged and senior populations . . . It’s important to come out and have your voices heard, talk to your candidates, talk to your MPPs and MPs,” said Bell.
With his graduation approaching, Bell said his primary focus remains on the campaign and serving his community.
“My focus has been and will continue to be on my community,” he said.
Advanced polling will run until Feb. 22, with the election set for Feb. 27. More information on voter registration and polling locations will be available through Elections Ontario.
