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Back to Mac virtual town halls set for mid-June

Getting safely back to McMaster this fall is on top of everyone’s minds. If you’re wondering how the fall term will look, you’re invited to join two virtual town halls that will take place in mid-June — one for students and one for faculty and staff. 

These livestreamed events will each feature an opening address from David Farrar, McMaster’s president and vice-chancellor, as well as a panel of university leaders who will help Susan Tighe, the provost and vice-president (academic) answer questions from the McMaster community about the shape of the fall semester. Attendees will be able to submit questions in advance and during the live event; they’ll also be able to upvote questions that have already been asked.  

“Though many unknowns remain due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, we are excited to share where we are at in planning a safe, gradual, and engaging return to our campus in the fall,” said Susan Tighe, provost and vice-president, academic at McMaster. “We want to hear questions from our community so we can provide updated information wherever possible, recognizing that more details about the fall term will also be coming throughout the summer as we gain a clearer sense of the pandemic’s progression.”

The virtual town halls will each run for one hour and will be live-streamed onto McMaster’s YouTube account. Attendees can watch live and submit their questions on the homepage of the Back to Mac website. Recordings of the events will also be made available afterwards. 

“Our priority continues to be ensuring that students and all members of the university are as safe as possible, that they have the support they need to be successful, and that we are confident of our decisions based on public health advice,” said Farrar. “Every decision we make for the fall term is based on those key factors.” 

Event Details 

Student Town Hall 

 SUBMIT STUDENT QUESTIONS HERE 

  • When: June 17 from 4-5 p.m. ET 
  • Where: Livestreamed on McMaster’s YouTube channel or the homepage of the Back to Mac website 
  • Who: 
    • Welcoming remarks: David Farrar, president and vice-chancellor 
    • Master of ceremonies: Susan Tighe, provost and vice-president, academic 
    • Panelists: 
      • Paul O’Byrne, dean and vice-president, Faculty of Health Sciences
      • Kim Dej, acting vice-provost, Faculty
      • Arig al Shaibah, associate vice-president, Equity and Inclusion
      • Sean Van Koughnett, associate vice-president, Students and Learning, and dean of Students
      • Doug Welch, vice-provost and dean of Graduate Studies
      • Debbie Martin, assistant vice-president and chief facilities officer

 Staff and Faculty Town Hall 

 SUBMIT EMPLOYEE QUESTIONS HERE 

  • When: June 18 from 9-10 a.m. ET 
  • Where: Livestreamed on McMaster’s YouTube channel or the homepage of the Back to Mac website 
  • Who: 
    • Welcoming remarks: David Farrar, president and vice-chancellor 
    • Master of ceremonies: Susan Tighe, provost and vice-president, academic 
    • Panelists: 
      • Paul O’Byrne, dean and vice-president, Faculty of Health Sciences
      • Karen Mossman, vice-president, Research
      • Kim Dej, acting vice-provost, Faculty
      • Arig al Shaibah, associate vice-president, Equity and Inclusion
      • Debbie Martin, assistant vice-president and chief facilities officer
      • Wanda McKenna, assistant vice-president and chief human resources officer

To learn more about the latest Return to McMaster plan for the fall term, read the Return to McMaster Oversight Committee report and responses to frequently asked questions.  

 COVID-19 Updates