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Supporting Students in Distress or Difficulty

Definition: Distress or difficulty are terms to describe emotions or behaviours that interfere with a student’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis in a university setting.

Expandable List

The Professor Hippo on Campus Education Program teaches faculty and staff at McMaster University about student mental health and how to support students in a way that suits their role.

A Teaching and Learning Resource for Accessibility and Inclusion

Youth Wellness Centre Mobile Team (McMaster site)provides a Mobile Team of Mental Health Professionals for students at McMaster.

911: The Hamilton Police/Fire/Paramedics serves and protects in partnership with their communities.

Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton and Area (SACHA) provides free, non-judgmental services based on the belief that survivors are the expects of their own experiences. They have a 24 hour support line, counselling and advocacy services, outreach, and public education programs. 905-525-4162

Good2Talk is a free, confidential post-secondary student helpline open 24/7 that provides professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being. 1-866-925-5454

Graduate Students: Empower Meis a 24 hour counselling service funded by the GSA insurance plan. 1-844-741-6389

Undergraduate Students: McMaster Student Assistance Program: We Speak Student is a 24 hour counselling service funded by the MSU insurance plan. 1-877-234-5327

Student Wellness Centre (SWC) provides a range of counselling options, medical services and wellness education resources to support students in their academic success and positive experience at McMaster. MUSC B101 | ext. 27700

McMaster University Security Services assists in achieving a safe and secure environment developed through prevention programming and law enforcement within the McMaster community. E.T. Clarke Center 201 | ext. 24281 or dial 88 on any University phone

Sexual Violence Response Coordinator supports and informs students about sexual, intimate partnership or family violence including rape. They can meet with a student(s) and be of assistance in connecting them to further resources. MUSC 212 | ext. 20909

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) support students who have a disability or disorder with their academic and disability-related needs. MUSC B107 | ext. 28652

Student Success Centre (SSC) engages students and alumni in diverse learning opportunities to support their academic, personal and professional growth. GH 110 | ext. 24254 

Graduate Student Office supports students in navigating their graduate studies, including: program selection, funding and awards, and skills and opportunities. GH 212 | ext. 23679 

Aboriginal Students Health Sciences Office (ASHS) addresses the needs for: increased student preparedness, entry and completion of Health science programs, ongoing identification and work to remove barriers to success for First Nations students in University, and to improve relationships between the University and local aboriginal communities. HSC 2A1E | ext. 23935 

Chaplaincy Centre helps students, staff, and faculty with the challenges they experience. Academic, relational, faith/spiritual and crisis help is provided. MUSC 231 | ext. 24207 

Equity and Inclusion Office (EIO) works with campus and community partners to ensure that McMaster University is a place where all students, staff and faculty are treated equitably and?respectfully in all areas of campus life. Some programs include: confidential complaint resolution, educational opportunities, and identification and removal of barriers to accessibility. MUSC 212 | ext. 27581 

Indigenous Students Services supports indigenous students through: counselling, elder-in-residence program, writing skills workshops, library, and lounge. HH 103 | ext. 27426 

International Students Services (ISS) provides support to international students and internationally minded Canadian students at McMaster. There are a variety of services, including: cultural transition support, referral services on issues related to citizenship, new student orientation, mentorship, and workshops. GH 110 | ext. 24254 

Ombuds Office provides impartial, independent, and informal dispute-resolution advice and assistance to all members of the University community. MUSC 210 | ext. 24151 

Student Financial Aid & Scholarships (SFAS) deliver financial aid and scholarship programs with a professional and empathic approach thus developing our students, our University and our community. GH 120 | ext. 24319 

Student Support and Case Management Office is a unit within Student Affairs that promotes student rights and responsibilities through the administration of the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and provides case management services and support to students on campus.