At the beginning of the Fall term, it is my privilege to welcome you back to our beautiful campus.
McMaster is a global university and it is important to acknowledge that we are starting this academic year at a time when many in our community are directly or indirectly impacted by crises around the world. I encourage you to read the message from McMaster’s president that challenges us to make our university a place where everyone feels welcome, where we respect academic inquiry, a diversity of opinions and the right to freedom of expression.
More than ever, now is the time to be thoughtful of one another. I expect that our collaborative efforts this year, as faculty and staff at McMaster, will maintain the collaborative and nurturing campus environment our students need to excel.
We have a long history of supporting students. When I speak with first-year students during Welcome Week, they tell me they chose McMaster because of our reputation as a university community that cares about their experience and is committed to helping them realize their potential.
During their time here, students meet faculty members who make a lasting impact in their academic lives and future careers. As Provost, this makes having a strong faculty contingent across McMaster a priority. This academic year, we have more than 40 new faculty members joining our fantastic team of instructors and researchers across our six Faculties.
They arrive with new energy, fresh ideas, perspectives and partnerships that enrich our students’ experiences and our university. It is great to see new faculty members get to know the McMaster community and experience firsthand the teamwork, collegiality and interdisciplinary partnerships that happen across our campus.
I also want to acknowledge the 39 faculty members starting in new leadership roles this September, such as Chair, Director or Assistant Dean. It is wonderful to see leaders come from within the university and I appreciate your willingness to step forward to help advance McMaster’s mission and the success of our students.
Likewise, McMaster is invested in faculty members’ success and academic excellence. I encourage all faculty to visit the Faculty Leadership and Development Resource Hub for training and mentorship opportunities. These can help foster intellectual growth and campus community connections.
I wish everyone a successful academic year!
– Susan Tighe
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)