McMaster News

McMaster News Campus Community Belonging Survey and Census launches to inform the McMaster student experience All students are invited to participate to help better understand the composition of the student community and students' experiences on campus. By Elizabeth DiEmanuele, Student Affairs October 9, 2026 Twitter Facebook LinkedIn McMaster Student Affairs and the McMaster Students Union are inviting all students to participate in the Belonging Survey and Census to help better understand the composition of the student community and students’ experiences on campus.  As Sean Van Koughnett, associate vice-president (students), and Mariam Saleem, McMaster Students Union president, share in their joint invitation to students: “Belonging is foundational to student success and well-being… When students feel accepted for who they are, supported and connected to their community, they are better positioned to learn, engage and grow.”  Since 2021, when the last census was released, supports focused on student well-being and belonging have evolved, from the creation of spaces such as the Spiritual Care and Learning Centre and Black Student Success Centre, to increasing opportunities for students to live on campus and access wellness facilities, including the expansion of The Pulse. Community engagement initiatives hosted in partnership with the McMaster Students Union, including Homecoming and Holiday Market, have also facilitated opportunities for social connection across the McMaster community.  With the launch of the Bolder Together strategic plan, the survey and census will provide timely data to support institutional planning, policy development, program evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts, aligning with the plan’s commitment to fostering inclusive communities where all can flourish.   As noted by Van Koughnett and Saleem: “Your feedback will help inform efforts to strengthen inclusion and belonging across the student experience, ensuring all students feel welcomed, respected, supported, and able to thrive.”  Data collection is being supported by the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis. The survey is available on Avenue To Learn, open to all students from October 5 to November 9, 2026.  Related News LANMU marks Latin American Heritage Month at McMaster with celebration of community  October 14, 2026 Humanities and Social Sciences student wins international essay competition How Banmeet Sangha turned her experiences with identity, culture and belonging into an internationally recognized essay, and a new understanding of where she belongs in higher education. October 8, 2026 Opening doors to research: McMaster’s Summer Scholars Program marks its fifth year The program gives undergraduate students a chance to build research skills, learn from experienced mentors and take meaningful steps toward a career in STEM. October 7, 2026