The annual open house and orientation day features campus tours, an information fair and sessions on everything from managing money to taking effective study notes.
The day is an opportunity for students and their families to get better acquainted with the University and to explore the city of Hamilton.
Here's a video from last year's Welcome Day:
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SCHEDULE FOR 2014
Welcome Ceremonies
Welcome to McMaster University and to the city of Hamilton! We are delighted you are joining us on campus today. Join us over the lunch hour for a warm welcome from Bob Bratina, mayor of the City of Hamilton; Jacob Brodka, vice-president administration of the McMaster Students Union; and Sean Van Koughnett, associate vice-president of students and learning and dean of students. Learn about life at McMaster, why Hamilton is a great place is live and how to make the most of your Welcome Day.
Event stage, centre of campus in front of John Hodgins Engineering Building (JHE) 1 - 1:20 p.m.
De-Bunking the Myths
Let our panel of experienced student leaders ease any anxieties first-year students may have about transitioning to life at McMaster. Do you have questions about university or what it's like at Mac? Bring them with you and don't be afraid to ask!
John Hodgins Engineering Building (JHE) 376
9 - 9:50 a.m. and 1:30 - 2:20 p.m.
Finances Matter! Financial Aid, Tuition Fees and Managing Your Student Account
Finances matter! Discover how to effectively pre-plan, manage and find the resources you need to pay for University. Specific topics include bursaries, work programs and budgeting. Student Accounts will review details relating to tuition fees, making payments, different types of funding, tips to cost effectiveness and the importance of managing student accounts.
Chester New Hall (CNH) 104
10:30 - 11:20 a.m. and 1:30 - 2:20 p.m.
From High School Student to Scholar
What does it mean to be a scholar? You must be academically sound, have social attributes and look after personal health and wellness. This interactive session covers a breadth of topics to give students a better understanding of how to transition from being a high school student to scholar. Dr. Geraldine Voros and upper-year student Jacob Brodka will cover academic expectations, available resources and how to balance social aspects of university life.
John Hodgins Engineering Building (JHE) 376
10:30 - 11:20 a.m. and 3 - 3:50 p.m.
Off-Campus and Commuter Students
Wondering what it will be like living off campus in your first year? Not sure how to get connected and meet people? This session examines what it’s like living at home, in a student rental or an hour away, and provides tips on how to connect with other students and get involved. Come with your parents or on your own; bring your questions and concerns!
Burke Science Building (BSB) B135
10:30 - 11:20 a.m. and 1:30 - 2:20 p.m.
Reboot Your Work Flow: Time Management
A photographic memory or organization skills: which is the more important skill to have when starting university? Most students overlook the critical role organization plays in being a successful student. Life as a university student means managing competing demands for limited time, attention and resources. With classes, assignments, email, meetings and social life, there’s a lot to balance. Dr. Joseph A. Kim will explore practical solutions that work to reduce cognitive load and will leave you with an effective plan for rebooting your daily work flow.
Burke Science Building (BSB) 147
9 - 9:50 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
Taking Effective Study Notes
Matt Pachai, from the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, argues that you’ve already taken the most important step: thinking ahead. Drawing on his expertise in cognitive science, he will describe the importance of contextualizing the knowledge you receive in the classroom with examples to demonstrate the power of thoughtful reading, note taking and studying. During the mock lecture, students will also have the opportunity to learn some practical note-taking skills and try them out firsthand.
Chester New Hall (CNH) 104
9 - 9:50 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m., and 3 - 3:50 p.m.
The Role of Your Academic Advisor
Do you know who your academic advisor is? Many students don’t. From course selection, letters of permission and referral to on-campus resources, academic advisors play an important role in a student’s academic success. This session will discuss the role of academic advisors and the various ways they can assist you during your time at McMaster.
Burke Science Building (BSB) B135
11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. and 3 – 3:50 p.m.
Transition for Parents: Health, Safety and Security
The transition to university is difficult for parents as well. This interactive session creates open dialogue between parents and university personnel as we discuss such topics as campus safety, new experiences parents can expect, changing family dynamics when students come home, warning signs parents can look for and managing parent/student expectations. Burke Science Building (BSB) B136
9 - 9:50 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
Your Home Away from Home: The Residence Hall Experience
Students will be introduced to various aspects of university life, including a description of the student leadership system, and will receive helpful tips for living on campus.
Burke Science Building (BSB) 147
10:30 - 11:20 a.m. and 1:30 - 2:20 p.m.
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