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Back to Mac: Student Guide to September

This September will look and feel a bit different, whether you have been on campus throughout the pandemic, are returning to a familiar place or are arriving in Hamilton for the first time. This guide gives you the most important information and resources you will need for the first few weeks of term. We each have a role to play in keeping ourselves and our community safe. 

In this guide: 

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Student checklist 

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Before coming to campus 

While on campus 

Working together to keep you and campus safe 

  • Requiring vaccination: The scientific evidence in support of vaccination as the best defense against new COVID-19 infections is overwhelmingly compelling and McMaster’s own infectious disease experts agree.  
  • Ventilation assessment and upgrades: McMaster’s ventilation plan involves assessing and making any required updates to the ventilation systems. 
  • Enhanced cleaning: McMaster has a comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting plan that includes increased cleaning of high-touch surfaces. 
  • Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes: These are provided in public spaces. 
  • Signage: Our buildings have been equipped with clear signage providing direction on masking, hand washing, screening requirements including symptoms and staying home when sick, and other health and safety measures. 
  • Masks: As per provincial regulations, non-medical masks or face coverings continue to be required in all indoor spaces, and in outdoor settings when 2 metre distance cannot be maintained. Complete guidelines and protocols here.
  • Safety requirements for individuals: Everything you’re required to do, others are too. We expect the whole community to follow health and safety measures set out by the University and the province, including wearing a mask, doing the daily COVID-19 screening via MacCheck, completing required training, uploading proof of vaccination or exemption, and following good hygiene practices.

Navigating campus spaces 

  • Campus building map: Find your way around campus using this interactive map and virtual tours. 
  • Outdoor space map: In addition to preparing indoor spaces, we have reimagined our outdoor spaces on campus to maximize opportunities for people to safely learn, study, socialize and collaborate in the fresh air.  
  • COVID-19 testing: Report all positive COVID-19 test results on Mosaic. 
  • Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Centre on campus: If you are not fully vaccinated, you must get tested to come to a McMaster location or off-site affiliate location and receive a negative test result twice a week. Go to the Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Centre on campus (Location: McMaster University Student Centre, Room 311). 
  • Student Symptomatic COVID-19 Testing Centre: Students with symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19 can get tested at the Student Symptomatic COVID-19 Testing Centre (Location: Les Prince Hall, Room 109). Call (905) 525-9140 ext. 27700 to book an appointment. Open Monday to Friday.  
  • On the weekend, students with symptoms or exposure can attend a COVID-19 testing centre in the community by booking a test online.  
  • Faculty members and staff with symptoms of COVID-19 or exposure can book a test at an assessment centre in the community. In Hamilton, you can book a COVID-19 test online. 
  • Athletics & recreation facilities: The Pulse is open in a limited capacity for McMaster students. The outdoor fields and running track; the David Braley Sport Medicine & Rehabilitation Centre; trails; and the softball diamonds will also be open for the fall term. 
  • Food services: Main hospitality locations (11 of 18 outlets) are open for Fall 2021.  
  • Welcome Week tent: Open August 30 – Sept 8 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Located in front of Mills Library. 

Resources and support 

 Back to Mac Updates,  Students,  Uncategorized