McMaster University Student Centre, Room B107, ext. 24711

http://csd.mcmaster.ca/

Acting Director

Dr. Debbie Nifakis

Please note that at the time of publishing, the counselling portion of the Centre for Student Development and the Campus Health Centre will be undergoing plans to partner operations to improve service to students. These changes will likely be implemented in August 2011. These changes will not affect the services provided or programs offered.

The Centre for Student Development is a resource for all McMaster students. It offers services in four main areas: personal counselling, academic skills (including writing skills), services for students with disabilities and International Student Services (including English as a Second Language and a Work and Study Abroad program). All contact with CSD is confidential. 

Personal Counselling and Mental Health

Our personal counsellors and psychologists are available to help with any issue that may affect a student’s success or wellbeing during their time at McMaster. Common concerns include substance use, anger, bereavement, abuse, and low self-esteem. Our counsellors also specialize in Mental Health counselling (including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, etc.) and are able to support students through their journey at McMaster. CSD also offers crisis management and crisis counselling, as well as groups and workshops for developing new skills.

Academic Skills and English as a Second Language (ESL) Support

CSD offers workshops, small group seminars and individual counselling on a wide range of academic skills matters.  English as a second language support is available through evening classes, the Speakeasy program (one-on-one assistance from a peer), and the conversation circle (group-based discussion).  Please visit our website for availability. 

Academic Skills Online is available, which offers academic skills content and online videos 24 hours a day.

Academic Skills services include:

• Advanced learning strategies (e.g. note taking, lecture and reading)
• Time management, personal organization and study habits
• Motivation, procrastination, stress and energy management
• Exam taking skills (e.g. multiple choice, exam preparation)
• Academic writing skills development

Services for Students with Disabilities

CSD is committed to the continuous improvement of accessibility for students with disabilities, which may include an acquired brain injury, visual impairment, hearing impairment, chronic illness, learning disability, mobility impairment, mental health disability, or ADHD. Current students are encouraged to contact our office as early as possible before each term starts to confirm their accommodations.

Students who are new to McMaster should contact CSD in early summer, to introduce themselves and become familiar with our services. Academic accommodation will be based on the nature of the student’s disability and on what is deemed appropriate by the Disability Program Coordinators upon review of the student’s documentation.

International Student Services (ISS)

Gilmour Hall 104

http://oisa.mcmaster.ca

The major purpose of the office is to assist international students, visiting scholars, post-doctoral fellows and faculty.

ISS provides a number of services such as:

• reception and orientation for newly arriving students,
• preliminary information concerning immigration matters,
• an exchange and student mobility program, where students can apply to work, study, volunteer, intern, or teach abroad,
• liaison with sponsoring agencies, foreign governments, consulates and embassies, and
• general advising and counselling regarding personal, financial and academic problems.

ISS is also the Plan Administrator for the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) which is mandatory for all international students.