Updates on parking reimbursements and mental-health resources

In-person events

With the province prohibiting any gathering of five or more people, and all levels of government insisting that most residents continue to stay home as the COVID-19 situation evolves, the University has extended its ban on in-person events through to June 30.

Events on campus had been cancelled through to the end of April but with the knowledge that the situation was going to remain dynamic.

In addition to virtual learning, there are a wide range of virtual events, from our spring convocations to a number of public talks. An online event tonight will focus on Learning Lessons from COVID-19, a joint Socrates Project and Alumni Q&A featuring McMaster Health Policy Scholar Dr. Ahmad Firas Khalid.

Parking reimbursement

The University is providing reimbursement to employees and students for prepaid parking fees for the time impacted by COVID-19. 

Students will be issued a credit for any prepaid parking from mid-March through any other subsequent months when the university is open only to those providing essential services and conducting essential research. This credit may be applied against parking fees for the upcoming 20/21 academic year. The credit must be redeemed by April 30, 2021. Graduating students or students who would prefer a refund cheque should email parking@mcmaster.ca.

For employees, automated payroll deductions for parking will be stopped for the pay period starting April 5, 2020. Payroll deductions for parking will automatically restart for the employee’s original parking location once the university resumes regular business.

Parking gates on campus and Ward Avenue lot have been lifted, and parking is free, to facilitate easier movement for those still working on campus.

Mental health and well-being resources

For many of us, it is a time of great transition. Changing expectations around work and school, financial stress and health worries are just a few of the anxieties that individuals and communities are dealing with.

There are a number of resources available for faculty, staff and students who may need support. Faculty and supervisors should also stay alert for any students or employees who may be feeling distressed.

Several resources for both students and faculty/staff are available through this list compiled by Professor Hippo on Campus.

Supervisors and employees are encouraged to explore McMaster Human Resources’ COVID-19 website, which contains several resources related to mental health support. These include the Employee and Family Assistance Program, a Resilience Toolkit, government resources and many other tools.

HR is also hosting a series of webinars on a variety of mental health topics, including The Science of Happiness, Building Resilience in the Midst of COVID-19 and Mindfulness and Mitigating the Stress Response to COVID-19.