Handbook 2023-24

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LAND

The SUS acknowledges that McGill is on the traditional territory of the Indigenous People, Kanien'keha:ka. The Kanien'keha:ka are the keepers of the Eastern Door of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. This island known as Montreal is known as Tio’tia:ke (Gio-Jaw-Gé) in the language of the Kanien’kehá:ka, and has historically served as a meeting place for other Indigenous nations.

It is not enough to just acknowledge the keepers of this land and McGill’s status as a settler-colonial institution. Silence and inaction will only contribute to erasing the history, the culture, and the realities of Indigenous people. As such, it is important that individuals educate themselves on Indigenous matters and that they apply that knowledge to support Indigenous communities. The SUS should actively resist (neo)-colonialism in the many forms it takes, and in the diversity of forms that resistance can take.

SUS

The Science Undergraduate Society (SUS) of McGill University is a student-run organization located on 805 Sherbrooke St. W. in Burnside Hall Room 1B21. They support 5000+ undergraduate students and their respective departments pursuing their degrees in sciences and art sciences. It is composed of eight executives, one senator, three SSMU representatives, over 200 committee members and hundreds of student volunteers annually. The SUS aims to offer events and services, as well as enhance the educational, environmental, and social aspects that the university offers.

FROM THE SUS

Dear Scientists,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the science community on behalf of the SUS Executive Team. I’m Asma, a U3 Biochemistry student with a minor in Health Geography, and I am so honoured to be serving as your SUS President this year.

As we begin a new academic year, opportunities for growth, exploration, and excitement blossom. Whether you’re a first year student stepping through the arches of Roddick Gates for the first time, returning for your final year, or somewhere in between, I hope you will all forge unique memories and make the most of this part of your McGill journey. The SUS is dedicated to supporting you through every moment, from our advocacy and resources to social, academic, and wellness events. Within their various departments and portfolios, our association’s hundreds of student executives constantly strive to enrich the undergraduate experience, so we hope to see you engage with us and get involved in what interests you.

There is no one way to be in Science: our Faculty is unique in the sheer variety of fields and spaces it spans. It is this diversity that gives us strength, and the ability to achieve greatness when we come together to combine our knowledge and perspectives. I encourage you to find your niche and engage with the incredible people that make McGill such an extraordinary place to study. This network will not only allow you to branch out and discover new horizons, but also learn more about yourself.

With every year comes both opportunities and challenges, which I have no doubt you will be able to take on with resilience and determination. Know that you are part of a lifelong community of fellow scientists, leaders, and changemakers who are cheering you on every step of the way. Stay inspired, and shape your story ahead.

I look forward to meeting you this year! Drop by SUS Office Hours anytime to ask questions, learn more about the SUS and what it offers, or just to chat! Best wishes for the year ahead & see you around campus,

Asma Khamis

President - Asma Khamis

she/her/elle president@susmcgill.ca

Hi Science & ArtSci! I’m Asma and I’m so honoured and thrilled to be your SUS President this year. I look forward to overseeing all SUS operations and ensuring equity, accountability, and transparency t herein, liaising with Faculty administration, organizing initiatives like Gala, and most importantly, advocating for you. I’m from the Greater Toronto Area (shoutout to Richmond Hill) and am minoring in Health Geography. When I’m not at the lab or the GIC, I can be found playing the trumpet, caring for my plants, or sipping a cold brew at the nearest café. I look forward to meeting you, and addressing any questions, concerns, or ideas you may have! See you around!

VP Academic

he/him/il academic@susmcgill.ca

Hi all! I’m Yashar and it is a pleasure to serve as your VP Academic this year. I grew up in Edmonton, then lived in Idaho for a bit before coming here to study immunology. When outside of the walls of the lab and McLennan library, I am a classical music connoisseur and a menace on the tennis court. In addit to handling any and all academic concerns, I am excite together with my committees to provide resources, insi opportunities to students. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have, whether by email, at my office hours, or if we happen to bump into each other on campus!

Yashar Aghazadeh Habashi

Executives Meet the

VP Internal - Timmi Milan

internal@susmcgill.ca

they/them/iel/ielle

Well hello there Science and ArtSci! My name is Timmi and its such an exciting honour to be serving as VP Internal Affairs this year. I’m in charge of chairing all student life within the SUS, such as Orientation Week, Science games and Graduation Ball. chair and oversee the Science Internal Committee (SIC from Kingston, Ontario but born in Beirut, Lebanon and (legal) drugs! I’m doing a minor in Biotechnology, and some of my other interests include walking the mtl ballroom scene, thrifting, and denying being severely lactose intolerant. Feel free to reach my office hours if you have any questions if you just wanna have a cheeky chat!

VP External - Ilia Shareghi

external@susmcgill.ca

he/him/il

Hi everyone! My name is Ilia and I’m delighted to be your VP External for this year! I grew up in Toronto but I’m originally from Tehran, Iran. Outside of school, I do research on psychedelics and mental health disorders, listen to all kinds of music, and do lot of film photography. As VP External, I’m excited to cont securing external sponsorships for the SUS and hosting addition to organizing some new events! Please feel free to reach me via email or during office hours if you have any questions or if you’d just like to have a chat!

VP Communications - Eileen Hu

she/her/elle communications@susmcgill.ca

Hii! My name is Eileen and I’m super excited to serve as your VP Communications! My role includes managing all of SUS’s social outlets, distributing the weekly listservs, and managing PR, FUSS, constitutional affairs and more. I’m from Shanghai and near Toronto (Oakville, lol), I major in Neuroscience and have a minor in management (lol). Outside of school, I love to dance, eat, and watch netflix. I am passionate about mental health advocacy, diversity and inclusion, all that jazz! Please feel free to reach out to chat :)

VP Finance - Amelia Whitcomb

she/her/elle finance@susmcgill.ca

What’s up science and artsci! I’m so excited to serve as your VP Finance this year. I’m responsible for SUS’s budget, spending, funds, and pretty much making sure that everything is looking good! Aside from SUS, I’m a U2 cogsci student with a minor in gender and sexuality studies from York Beach, Maine. There is also nothing I love more than curling up with a good book! You can find me at office hours or reach out to my email below, I’d love to chat about money, books, or brains!

VP Sustainability - Elaine X

she/her/elle sustainability@susmcgill.ca

Hey! I’m Elaine and I am very excited to be your VP Sustainability this year! I oversee the Mental Health Committee, Society Environment Committee, Social Sustainability Committee, and Charity Week Commi

I’m looking forward to continuing to raise awareness through initiatives done through these committees. Beyond SUS, I’m a U2 pharmacology major with a minor in philosophy. I’m from Vancouver, BC and live up to the typical BC trope. I will never turn down an iced oat milk latte or a hike. I also watch glee. Beep me whenever or drop by my office hours to goss and chat!

Executive Administrator - Rori Sa

admin@susmcgill.ca

she/her/elle

Hi everyone, I’m Rori, and I’m excited to be the executive administrator this year! I’m from the Toronto area, and you might find me adding new things to my avocado toast, perpetually getting ankle injuries, or asking to pet fluffy dogs at the park. If you ever want to the barbecue grill, have motions or questions regarding GC, or want to chat about running routes in the area, feel to reach out!

Senator - Grace Parish

she/her/elle sciencesenator@ssmu.ca

Hey, I’m Grace and I’m your Science Senator for this year! I’m a U3 Microbiology and Immunology student from Toronto. As Science Senator, my job is to represent science students at the McGill University Senate regarding academic and university affairs. Outsid of school, I love reality TV, running, and cake from RVC. P hesitate to reach out or stop by my office hours if you hav concerns, or even just want to chat about anything around navigating McGill administration, student life, or the faculty of science!

SSMU Rep - Sofie Fournier

she/her/elle sciencerep1@ssmu.ca

Heya! I’m Sofie! Super looking forward to being your SSMU rep, kind of passionate about student advocacy or wuteva. I’m hoping to take an active role in sexual violence prevention, increased bilingualism in student government, and being an overall advocate for any conc interests, or ideas you may have. When I’m not being scholarly and lame, I’m a plant aficionado, gym gal, deeply in love with music (neo-soul/hiphop/electro/house has my heart) & I drain my bank on food. Reach out to chat me anytime about anything! Always love a good conversation. :)

SSMU Rep - Joshua Gertsvolf

sciencerep2@ssmu.ca

he/him/il

Hi, I’m Josh, I was born and raised in play basketball, and I enjoy cooking… ingredient in sight into a pan on high cooking. As one of your SSMU repres this year, I’m committed to prioritisin students. I implore you to reach out t any and all of your comments, quest academic, social, or mental-health re

SSMU Rep - Emily Foxman

sciencerep3@ssmu.ca

she/her/elle

SUS GET INVOLVED

Events S U S

Science Games

The McGill Science Games are a 4-day long faculty competition at the beginning of the winter semester between all the Science Departments to see which one reigns supreme. You’ll represent your department at various events in locations all around McGill and Montreal and have an amazing time making friendships and friendly rivalries.

SUS Gala

The SUS Gala is a semi-formal event in the winter semester where science students are invited to dress up and mingle in a beautiful venue in Montreal. Make sure to get your ticket on time because they are always in high demand!

Grad Ball

A formal event usually done in combination with the Arts Undergraduate Society held exclusively for the year’s graduating students, including a dinner, dance, and drinks.

Charity Week

Charity Week is a week-long event that happens in both the Fall and Winter semesters with the goal of raising money for Montrealbased charities. Every day Charity Week hosts new activities, such as a Linkedin Photoshoot, Coffee House, and cooking classes!

Academia Week

Academia week is a week-long event in the Winter semester that includes workshops, lectures, and seminars from members of academia to educate students about topics in modern science. Some topics of last year were undergraduate research (and how to find it), science communication and journalism, and an introduction to data science and coding.

Grad Fair

The Graduate School Fairs are a great way to connect with a large number of schools right here on campus! Meet representatives from over 100 different programs who can provide the latest on admission requirements, fellowship opportunities, and other key information. This is a good opportunity to learn about future options past your undergrad degree.

Recommendations FirstYear

FUSS

McGill’s First-Year Undergraduate Science Society (FUSS) is an association under the SUS that aims to support entering Science and Arts & Science students by hosting events, spreading resources, and representing these students during faculty decision-making processes. Academic events including the annual “Meet Your Major” allow students to explore diverse program options and speak to upper-years, social media initiatives promote on-campus opportunities and activities, and networking events and socials grant new science students ample opportunity to build meaningful, long-lasting friendships with one another.

Science Games First Year Team

The McGill Science Games are a 4-day long faculty competition at the beginning of the winter semester between all the Science Departments to see which one reigns supreme. There is always a first-year team, which is a great way to get to know other U1s/U0s as well as upper year science students!

APPOINTED POSITIONS

At the beginning of the Fall semester and at the end of the Winter semester, SUS executives look for students to be a part of their initiatives and committees. These positions are a great opportunity to gain experience in leadership and teamwork. You can apply to these positions through the Appointed Positions package. The following are a few select committees that our team has compiled:

Academia Week:

Organize lecture series, workshops, information sessions, and seminars to educate students about current research in Science.

Public Relations Committee:

Promotes events, services, and new initiatives presented by the SUS via social media and other platforms.

Sponsorship Committee:

Secures sponsorships for events hosted by SUS committees and SUS affiliated clubs and services.

Slubs and Services Committee:

Integrates student clubs, services, and other initiatives into the SUS.

SUS Environment Committee (SUSEC):

Develops environmental sustainability within SUS and ensures the SUS and departmental association events meet the highest sustainability standards. Organizes Green Week.

Science Internal Committee (SIC):

Foster Science and Arts & Science relationships through developing and implementing socials and events including cafe crawls, trivia nights, and apartment crawls.

Charity Week:

Organize a week of events and games with proceeds donated to local initiatives and charities.

Social Sustainability: Creates events, raises awareness about social injustice, and supports equity in the science Community.

Mental Health Committee: Promotes students’ mental wellness through initiatives and events.

ELECTED POSITIONS

Another way to get involved with the SUS is to run for an executive positon. The SUS represents the voice of all Science and Arts & Science students within the McGill community. SUS members provide events and services for the SUS body and work with various departmental and faculty associations at McGill. Do you have ideas about how to improve our faculty and university as a whole? Looking to make a lasting impact within the Science and Arts & Science community at McGill? The Science Undergraduate Society holds elections for the Executive Council every Winter semester.

President

VP Academic

VP External

VP Internal

VP Communications

VP Finance

VP Sustainability Science Senator

SSMU Representative (3)

Academics

Anatomy and Cell Biology

McGill Anatomy and Cell Biology Students

Advising: Penny Kaill-Vinish (undergradadvisor.ac

As the department of Anatomy and Cell biology, our pr fundamental base for biological science with courses a histology, embryology, neuroanatomy, and gross anato Anatomy and Cell Biology Student Society (MACSS) pr social resources to all undergraduate students within t office is located in the lobby of the Strathcona Anatom Building and is always open to students who seek info for anatomy courses! MACSS hosts many events throug foster networking among professors and ACB students

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Society of Undergraduates of McGill (AOSSUM)

Advising: Carolina Dufour (carolin

The department of Atmospheric and O integrate passions of math and physic invited to study weather patterns, clo fluids, and more! The department is sm opportunity to make personal connec You can tailor your education through program with physics. Joining underg half of the department is on it!) or by c meet yours peers and take a break fro

Biochemistry

Biochemistry Undergraduate Society (BUGS)

Advising: Christine Laberge (christine.laberge@mcgill.ca)

Zhannat Sakijanova (zhannat.sakijanova@mcgill.ca)

Biochemistry is a multidisciplinary program that bridges together fields across science such as molecular biology, chemistry, and physiology. At its core, it seeks to teach students the complexities of life at the molecular level with attention given to both fundamental science and applications in disease and human health. Alongside lectures, students have the amazing opportunity to practice modern research techniques in our two hands-on laboratory courses ranging from PCR and Western blotting to bioinformatics. The Biochemistry Undergraduate Society (BUGS) is a council made up of undergraduate students tasked with representing all BIOC and IHI students, as well as providing them with academic and social services. We organize initiatives such as the Note-Takers Club (NTCs) for BIOC courses, Research Awareness Day, and Career Symposium among others. Whether you’re considering majoring in biochemistry or are on track to graduate, we hope to make your time in the department as worthwhile as possible!

Chemistry

Chemistry Undergraduate

Advising:

Sam Sewall (samuel

Chemistry is a very diverse field w understand the world around us. O and medical research, while on th and theoretical physics. It is at the and the infrastructures that surrou research that seeks to solve huma global warming, energy efficiency living organisms. At McGill, the Ch Society (CUSS) is a group of peer e their goal to build a safe and welco in the department. CUSS takes gre social events for all our students to University experience more memo

Computer Scien

Computer Science Undergraduate Society (CSUS)

Advising:

Liette Chin (liette.chi

Teresa Pian (teresa.p

In itself, computer science is the study of computers and their computations, from both theoretical and application perspectives. You’ll not only learn about computer programming, but more abstract skills for representing, processing, and analyzing data. Also, you’ll gain very important analytical and logical thinking skills.

Environment

McGill Environment Student’s society (M

Geography

McGill Undergraduate Geography Society (MUGS)

Advising: Michelle Maillet, (advisor.geog@mcgill.ca)

Courseregistrationissues: undergrad.geog@mcgill.ca

Geography is a lens through which to understand the world. It is an interdisciplinary subject in both the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts. The McGill Undergraduate Geography Society organizes events, mentorship programs and alumni panels for geographers in both faculties. Within science, students will learn how the Earth’s landforms have changed, how the climate, soils and vegetation interact, and how the movement of water affects ecosystems. Geography analyses how the world and it’s smaller components (distinct ecosystems, streams, soil) are composed and what this means for life. Courses related to environmental management and sustainability tie geography to climate change. Furthermore, students will learn about geographic information systems (GIS), which involves the organization and analysis of physical, demographic, spatial and temporal data and their visualization through maps. On top of these practical skills, students can also try their hand at fieldwork by collecting data and testing hypotheses.

Mathematics and Statistics

Society of Undergraduate Mathematics Students (SUMS)

Advising: Olivia Sanalitro (olivia.sanalitro@mcgill.ca )

The beauty of mathematics is in deriving complex and rigorous results starting from the simplest axioms. With some small assumptions, we can craft intricate theorems and apply them with total certainty in reality. The pure distilled logic present in the study of mathematics is truly beautiful. From the study of mathematics, we learn to see things from a purely analytical perspective. Studying mathematics helps us develop logical reasoning, utilise different perspectives and approaches to solve problems, and refine our ability to reason and argue in a rigorous and complete manner.

Microbiology and Immunology

Microbiology and Immunology Students’ Association (MISA)

B it C i (b it i @ ill )

Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Pharmacology

Advising: Chant (unde

Pharmacology dea biochemical and p of drugs through v disciplines like bioc

Physics

Advising: advisi McGill Society o

The McGill Society dedicated to impro have initiatives tha planning social eve expect to start to u the tools required f you have a burning govern everyday (a Physics has a daun peers and a comm can hang out with number of the MSP world through the Rutherford buildin

Physiology

Physiology Undergraduate League of Students (PULS)

Advising: Sonia Viselli (sonia.viselli@mcgill.ca)

The Department of Physiology educates students of the human body and how the physiological systems encode, transmit, and act upon the information from the singular level of molecules to integrated systems of the cell, organ, and organism - in order to maintain and ensure human health. The program takes a broad and interdisciplinary approach in its curriculum, where students are able to partake in a plethora of courses offered beyond the Physiology courses. From the Liberal program to the Honours program, with Joint programs such as Physiology & Mathematics and Physiology & Physics there is a program to fit the needs and interests of any

Arts and Science

Arts and Science Undergraduate society (ASUS)

ASUS is the Arts & Science Undergraduate Society, representing all students enrolled in the Faculty of Arts & Science. We are a faculty organization as opposed to a departmental organization, so there is no one major that falls under our domain rather, we serve as the umbrella association for all multi-track and interfaculty program students. Throughout the year, we provide activities and services to ArtSci students in order for them to meet other students in their faculty, network with students and professors, and gain valuable insights regarding their degree. Additionally, we promote the interests of ArtSci students at both the AUS and the SUS.

McGill Integrative BioSciences

McGill Integrative BioSciences (MIBS)

mcgillbiosciencestudents@gmail com

MIBS is not a traditional depart bu

DEGREEOPTIONS

Major

YourprimaryareaofstudyfromU1,takesupto90credits(⅔ofyour credits)insomeprograms.IncomingU1studentshavevariousmajor choicesfrom4maingroupsinScienceFaculty:

- Physical,Earth,Math&ComputerScience

- Bio-Physical-ComputationalSciences

- Biological,Biomedical&Lifesciences

- Neuroscience*

*FirstyearstudentswithaQuebecCEGEPdiplomacangodirectlyintoNeurosciencefromU1.Other studentsshouldapplyforthisprogramaftertheirfirstyearandmustmeettherequirementtodoso.

Minor

Your second area of interest, is known as a secondary concentration. You can pursue your minor program within Science Faculty or other Faculties such as Arts and Management.

Honour

A higher degree of specialization than majors, including supervised research, and provides solid preparation for graduate school. It requires students to maintain a high academic standard as eligibility.

Joint Major and Honours

They are for students with interest in the intersection of two major areas. Students with an interest in both areas may find the Major and Minor combination more appropriate.

Advanced Standing

Students may enter McGill with up to 30 advanced standing credits and thus transfer credits to skip U0. This is often the case for students attending a French Baccalaureate, an International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement (AP) or A level.

Grading

Grades

For the required courses in your major, C or higher level is mandatory to get your undergraduate degree. Students receiving an F will get a GPA of 0 in this course, If students retake the same course, an average GPA will be obtained on your transcript.

Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory (S/U) Option

Alternative course-specific grading scheme that lets undergraduate students take courses outside their areas of specialization. Courses with final grades of "S" or "U" are not included in GPA calculations and do not count towards your major or minor requirements.

cGPA

Cumulative GPA from the first semester studying at McGill.

Deadlines

Fall

Classesbegin:(exceptforDentistryand Medicinestudents–pleaseseefaculty schedules)

CourseChange(drop/add)deadline (less$20)

Deadlinetowebwithdraw(gradeof “W”)withfeerefundfromContinuing Studiescreditcourses(less$20)

Deadlinetowithdrawfromcourses (gradeof“W”)orUniversitywithdrawal (grade“W--”)withNOrefund

Winter

August30, 2023 January4, 2024

September12, 2023 January16, 2024

September19, 2023 January23, 2024

ReadingBreak

ClassesEnd

Science Syllabus Repository

October24, 2023 February27, 2024

October6-11, 2023 March4-8, 2024

December5, 2023

April12, 2024

On the SUS website under ‘resources’, you can find a repository that compiled syllabi from previous years and preliminary versions for the coming academic year as a resource for students in making their course selection. However, please note that some course content and methods of assessment remain subject to yearly revisions by the instructor(s). Up-to-date syllabi will be distributed by instructors at the beginning of the semester. From each course tab, you will find the course code, course title, department, credits, website, syllabus, as well as year of the syllabus.If you notice any discrepancies, please email president@susmcgill.ca and we will fix any issues!

Research

Science Research Awards/Grants

NSERC, FRSQ, SURA, 21st century ambassador fund, SRI MSURJ

https://www.msurj.com/

The McGill Science Undergraduate Research Journal (MSURJ) launched in Fall 2005 as a student-run initiative to promote and support undergraduate research, it was one of North America’s first peer-reviewed journals devoted to undergraduate work. The journal offers undergraduate students from any university the unique opportunity to publish their findings to the research community.

Networking

When you go to events, class, or even know of a professor who works in a field that interests you, do not be afraid to talk to them! Connecting with upper-year students can also help you to get any questions answered.

Send out emails

Go online and look through department directories to search for professors that do research in a field that interests you. Send out carefully planned out, thoughtful, emails that show your interest in their work and would like to arrange a meeting.

Research Courses

There are plenty of research courses offered by each science department, and it is a great way to work on your own project while getting credits for it! A popular course for students is the 396 course, and available projects can be found online for each department.

Public Lectures (Soup and Science)

Throughout the school year, there are many events, seminars, and public lectures that are organized by clubs, organizations, or McGill-affiliated hospitals where speakers will talk about their current work in research.

Work-Study

The Work Study program helps students who demonstrate financial need to find a job on campus.

OnCampus GUIDE

McLennan/Redpath

Humanities and Social Science Library

Libraries

1

Noise Level: 80% fully quiet -- upper floors are silent

This complex is huge, so there are tons of places to sit. It can be hard to find a group study spot without booking in advance. Around exam season, this library can get particularly full, and packed floors can make for some noise. McLennan has 6 flights of stairs and 2 elevators, OSD computer lab with adaptive software, adaptive workstations (scanners, screen readers, large print software), and adjustable desks.

Islamic Studies Library

5

Noise Level: Entirely quiet study area

This is a medium sized library with group tables but no individual study rooms. Lighting can be dim in the evening hours, and elevators are only accessible through swiping cards. Accessible washrooms can be found through the building's side entrance.

Nahum Gelber Law Library

Noise Level: Very quiet

7

This library has big windows, and is a nice open space with a good amount of seating but not many group-work places. The building is large with many stairs, and can be hard to access due to the large hill There are individual study lamps for adjustable lighting, adaptive workstations, elevators, and accessible washrooms.

Schulich Library

9

Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering Library. Opening this year!

Marvin Duchow Music Library

11

Noise Level: Quiet top floor, collaborative/talking bottom floors

This library has lots of hidden couches/rooms for group study, is big and open, and rarely full. There are 2 elevators, wide open spaces, a large entrance, and adaptive workstations.

Birks Reading Room

10

Noise Level: Entirely silent study space

Macdonald Campus Library

Noise Level: Mix of silent and collaborative spaces

This library is relatively small, group study often takes place in the cafe. The third level is a silent study space, and large windows throughout the library make for great lighting. There are no elevators in this library, but there are adaptive workstations

Non-Library Study Spaces

Bronfman

2/3/4 floors (group study spots, flex space)

Armstrong basement, first floor

Arts basement

Sherbrooke 688

9th, 15th floor

Trottier

first, third, fourth, fifth floor

Burnside basement

McConnell Building Hallway

M E A L P L A N

Mandatory Meal Plan Voluntary Saver Meal Plan

You have unlimited access to the five dining halls and it is valid from movein until your lease ends on April 30, 2024.

Your home base account is topped up with $5700 total for fall and winter semester.

The Mandatory Meal Plan applies to all students in undergraduate residences (except Solin Hall and MORE Houses) and it is assigned in conjunction with the building assignment.

If you are assigned the Mandatory Meal Plan, you do not have the option to opt out.

It is accepted in over 20 food service locations on campus as well as in the All You Care to Eat residential dining halls.

The base amount to purchase this plan is $1300 per semester.

This plan is term-specific (end of December for the fall term and end of April for the winter term) and expires at the end of each semester with no possibility of rolling over unused funds into the following term.

Purchase a Saver Meal plan on the oneCard Management site before October 1st of the Fall term and before February 1st of the Winter term .

ON E C A R D

First Year Resident Students Off Campus Students

Resident students start the school year with an activated oneCard account which is charged to their Student Fees Account.

All other McGill students must activate their oneCard account through Minerva > Student menu > Student Accounts menu > Meal Plans Menu > Voluntary Meal Plans Menu > oneCard Account. This fee will be charged to their Student Fee Account.

Clubs SSMU

The SSMU’s 250+ clubs fall into ten different categories. Clubs are interest groups, representing a wide variety of hobbies, interests, and causes, all of which are run entirely by other undergraduate students. While the commitment level varies from club to club, the involvement of members in any given club can range from attending weekly meetings and volunteering on a regular basis to attending an event once or twice a semester. Clubs allow you to customize exactly how you want to be involved and how much time you want to devote to student life. Here is a brief overview of some SSMU clubs!

SSMU Ski & Snowboard Club

We offer our members transportation and discounted lift tickets to local mountains every saturday and some sundays throughout the winter season. Thanks to the large size of the club, we are able secure the cheapest lift tickets as possible with the best mountains in the area. We choose the hill with the best snow on a weekly basis to ensure that you never miss the freshest powder around. In addition to regular riding throughout the winter, we host a series of events throughout the year including apres-skis, events held at various venues, film screenings, a rail jam, an overnight trip, and more. Club membership also guarantees various discounts and giveaways with our sponsors.

McGill Students Chapter of the Canadian Red Cross

The McGill Students Chapter of the Canadian Red Cross is an officially-affiliated student chapter of the Canadian Red Cross. The objectives of our club are to hold events to raise awareness of the humanitarian and charitable initiative of the Canadian Red Cross, to raise funds in support of the Canadian Red Cross, and to provide interested students with information about how they can get involved with Canadian Red Cross initiative.

Youth Outreach Program

The Youth Outreach Program is dedicated to helping Montreal youth who live in group homes develop literacy and soft skills. We have seven groups of volunteers who conduct weekly visits to Montreal groups homes and facilitate hour-long activities. These visits are intended to provide youth with an outlet for selfexpression in a safe space.

McGill Students’ Improv

McGill Improv is a student-run, alumni-supported improv club. We teach and perform improvised theater with workshops every Saturday from 1:00-3:00pm. All skill levels welcome, from first-timers to improv gurus. E-mail for more information!

McGill Women in Computer Science (McWiCS)

We seek to cultivate a warm, open-minded community of techies dedicated to supporting and encouraging women in computer science.

Indigenous Student Alliance

The Indigenous Student Alliance (ISA) is a community of Indigenous students and allies based at McGill University. The ISA aims to foster Indigenous community growth, unite Indigenous students and allies and develop relationships with other marginaliz

Find

First Year urvivalS

Attend the in-person classes

Many of your classes may be recorded for later viewing which allows for flexibility in case you are unable to make it. However, we recommend that you attend lectures and tutorials in-person as much as possible. Classrooms allow you to socialize with other students and have opportunities to connect with your professor or TA one-on-one. It is easy to miss many classes in a row which can later add up and become overwhelming, especially during midterm and final exams seasons.

Check MyCourses every day in school semester

MyCourses is the only pathway for course announcements in most of the school classes (Some professors might not use email to update the course information). Please check your MyCourses every day to make sure you don’t miss important test dates or any changes in course contents. Alternatively, you can also turn on your MyCourses notification by setting up through: sign-in on your MyCourses > Click your personal profile > click “Notifications” > choose different types of notifications you want to receive.

Paper version textbook is NOT always required

There are also many FREE ebooks updated into the newest version on many websites. Ex: Z library, Textbook Genesis, and so on.

SSMU offers many interesting MiniCourses

Don’t know how to start looking for a hobby? For about $50, you can sign up for a non-credit course. They’ve offered language courses such as French and ASL, programming in Java or python, and fitness classes such as yoga, salsa, or pole dancing.

Get involved in the on-campus life

Different clubs/ sports teams, FUSS, Frosh, Science Games first-year team. But do NOT overwhelm yourself by signing too many activities.

Try food gems on campus

Check out the many Samosa sales on campus (Follow the “Samosa search” Facebook group to keep up with the sales going on throughout the day); take benefit of the ice cream parlour inside the McConnell Engineering Building; and definitely do not miss the widely popular hot dog man on the main path of the downtown campus (except during Winter season).

Explore the campus

If you are tired of the library studying, there are many study/ flex spaces offered to students in different buildings, and you might find a place that is more comfortable for you! Check out spots like the Burnside basement, Trottier study rooms, and Arts basement.

Off-campus exploration is also important

It’s quite easy to start to think that the entire city of Montreal spans only the perimeter of McGill. Montreal has so much more to offer. There are many cafes around campus, some which are also open late such as Milton B.

Campus ffO

Study Spaces

Milton B - 3498 Park Ave

BanQ grande bibliothèque - 475

Boul. de Maisonneuve E

Cafe Castel - 1015 Sherbrooke St W

Anticafe - 294 Saint-Catherine St W

Cafe Osmo - 51 Sherbrooke St W

Webster Library, Concordia

University - Pavillion J.W.

McConnell Bldg, 1400

Maisonneuve Blvd W

Eats

A & W Subway

Tim Hortons

Restaurant Chillax

Nouilles Zhonghua

Cafeteria La Mosaique

Opiano

Mon Ami BBQ

Le Taj (Indian food)

MajesThe Restaurant Fusion

Asiatique

Mae Sri Comptoir Thai

Time-Out Market

Food Hall in Place Ville Marie

ontreal Discov M

Events in and Around MTL

Igloofest - Brings thousands of electronic music and winter enthusiasts to Montreal’s Old Port as one of the coldest music festivals in the world

Piknic Electronik - A weekly electronic music festival that takes place every sunday during the summer

Montreal International Jazz Festival - An annual jazz festival that takes place around place des arts - most concerts are free to attend!

Osheaga - A multi-day indie music festival held every summer at parc jean drapeau

Les Premiers Vendredis - Montreal’s biggest food truck festival, with over 50 food trucks and restaurateurs.

Notable Attracitions

Museum of Fine Arts: Free for those 20 or under, this bold and innovative museum is the largest by gallery space in Canada

Mont Royal: Enjoy a half-hour walk up this small mountain for a beautiful skyline of the city

Place des Arts: Place des Arts is a major performing arts centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and the largest cultural and artistic complex in Canada

Chinatown: Close to old port, this neighbourhood contains many Asian restaurants, food markets, and convenience stores as well being home to many of Montreal's East Asian community centres

Old Port: A recreational and historical area of montreal that draws millions of tourists due to the wide variety of activities offered here

Jean Talon Market: Located in Little Italy and true to its culture and spirit, the Jean-Talon Market showcases local and ethnic eats and a diverse array of merchants

Montreal Botanical Gardens: An urban oasis, the Jardin botanique de Montréal has more than 22000 species of plants, 10 exhibition greenhouses and some 20 thematic gardens

Resources

Peer Tutoring

SUS

SUS Peer Tutoring is a 100% free, one-on-one volunteer-based tutoring service for numerous undergraduate science and math courses. This program relies on gracious volunteers to tutor students that sign up with us. You can be sure of your tutor's skill, as they have achieved at least an A- in the course they are tutoring! In addition to matching tutor and tutee, we also organise group tutorials and review sessions.

McGill Tutorial Services

https://www.mcgill.ca/tutoring/

Tutorial Services provides student-centred academic support to the McGill community. These include a suite of Learner Supports, including webinars focused on study skills development and the Tutor Matching Program. The Tutor Matching Program is a peer tutoring service that matches requests for academic assistance (for any course offered in McGill) with qualified tutors selected from our bank of private tutors. Tutorial Services also hosts a wide range of useful learning materials that promote effective academic habits.

McGill Student Emergency Response Team (MSERT)

MSERT’smissionistoprovideafreeandaccessiblefirstaidservicetoMcGill UniversityandthegreaterMontrealcommunity.

Ourteamismadeupof80+dedicatedvolunteersthatarecertifiedFirst RespondersandEmergencyMedicalRespondersundertheCanadianRed Cross.Wecarryawiderangeoffirstaidequipment,includingautomated externaldefibrillators,oxygentanks,cervicalcollars,andEpi-Pens,andwe operateundernationally-recognizedprotocols.WerespondtoallMcGill residences,withtheexceptionofSolinHall,betweenthehoursof18h00and 6h00.

AsanofficialtrainingpartneroftheCanadianRedCross,weaimto disseminatefirstaidknowledgeandskillstothepublic,byofferingfirstaid coursesandcertifications.

Walksafe

Walks students home safely to and from anywhere in Montreal (great during the finals grind and walking back to rez from the library).

Walksafe Dispatch: 514-398-2498

Wellness Hub

TheHubisacampus-wideapproachtophysicalandmentalhealthandwellness withagreateremphasisonawareness,preventionandearlierintervention.The Hubisa“one-stopshop”forstudentstoaccesstheStudentHealthClinic, CounsellingServicesandPsychiatricservices.Commonroomsareavailablewhere youcanrelaxbetweenclassesorbeforeappointmentsandtherewillbeanarea dedicatedtooutreach,promotionandpeer-supportactivities.

(514)398-6017

Drivesafe

SSMU DriveSafe is a service run by the Student Society of McGill University. Our patrols drive students home safely to and from anywhere on the Island of Montreal for free. The patrol runs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 11PM to 3AM. Call 514-398-8040

Office for Students with Disabilities

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services and reasonable accommodations to students of all levels of study with documented disabilities of either a permanent, temporary, or episodic nature. We foster an accessible and inclusive university experience for McGill’s diverse student population in collaboration with other Student Services and the wider McGill community through resources and services.

Sexual Assault Centre of the McGill Students Society

TheSexualAssaultCentreoftheMcGillStudents’Society(SACOMSS)isavolunteerrunorganizationcommittedtosupportingsurvivorsofsexualassaultandtheirallies throughdirectsupport,advocacy,andoutreach.

OurservicesincludeDrop-InandLine(DIAL),SupportGroups,Advocacy,and Outreach.Additionally,weoffersexualassaultsensitivitytrainingtoMcGilland Montrealgroups,provideinformationandreferrals,andorganizeeventstoraise awarenessaboutsexualassault.

Weprovideanaccessible,non-judgmental,andsaferspaceformembersofmany differentcommunitiesandidentifications.Allourservicesareopentothepublicand areprovidedfreeofcharge.

SSMU Peer Support Centre

Stressed?Lonely?Feelingdown?Orjustwanttochat?ThePSCisreadytohearyou out.ThePSCprovidesaconfidential,non-judgementalspacewhereyoucanshare yourexperiencesandfeeltrulylistenedtobyfriendlyandwell-trainedstudentpeer supporterswiththeabilitytoconnectyoutoresources.

https://psc.ssmu.ca/

Office for Sexual Violence Response, Support, and Education

OSVRSEprovidesnon-judgmental,confidentialsupportforallmembersofthe McGillcommunitywhohavebeenimpactedbysexualviolence.Thisincludes sexualharassmentorassult,gender-basedorintimatepartnerviolence, cyberviolenceandmore.Theyworktofosteracultureofconsentoncampusand beyondandhelpstudentsconnectwiththeappropriatecommunityresources, survivorsupportactivitiesandgroups.Theyalsoprovideassistancewithacademic orworkplaceaccommodations.Servicesareprovidedtoanyoneandeveryone regardlessofgender,sexualorientation,age,citizenshiporimmigrationstatus,and ofwhenithappened.TheservicesareFREEandavailableinFrenchandEnglish. https://www.mcgill.ca/osvrse/

Career Planning Services

CaPshelpforpermanent,part-time,andsummerjobs/internships.CaPS providesworkshops,individualadvising,acomprehensivejobpostingservice,and anextensiveCareerResourceCentre.

https://caps.myfuture.mcgill.ca/students/

First People's House

Strives to provide a ‘home away from home’ for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. They provide a space where students can find academic support and stay connected to Indigenous culture.

https://www.mcgill.ca/fph/

International Student Services

International Student Services (ISS) supports the growth, progress, and success of international students at McGill, and aims to ease their transition to a new school, a new home and a new country.

McGill Security Services

Responds to emergencies, will act as escorts for safety within certain parameters 514-398-3000 (Downtown Campus) | 514-398-7777 (Macdonald Campus)

Legal Information Clinic at McGIll

The Legal Information Clinic at McGill (LICM) is a non-profit, student-run, bilingual and free legal information service. Our mandate is to provide legal information, referrals, and community services to the McGill and Montreal communities, with a continuing commitment to meeting the needs of marginalized groups.

Restriction Policy (IRP)

The IRP (Involvement Restriction Policy) is a contract and policy that processes, investigates, and acts on complaints of any inappropriate conduct, such as discrimination, harassment, or sexual violence. To find out more information, scan the QR code.

McGill Student's Nightline

McGill Students’ Nightline is a confidential, anonymous, and non-judgmental listening service run by McGill students. We aim to provide the community with nonprofessional support in all kinds of situations, including information, guidance during a crisis, or an empathetic space to share your experiences and emotions.

514-398-6246

Work&Volunteer

Work-Study Program

Eligibility:

must have applied for and be receiving the maximum government aid must be a registered full-time student be in satisfactory academic standing demonstrate financial need

How to Apply:

Minerva > Financial Aid/Awards > Financial Aid Menu > Apply for McGill Financial Aid > Apply to Work Study > Update your financial aid profile > Submit your application

CAPs

Assists students in their career development and search for permanent, parttime, and summer jobs, as well as internships, by providing workshops, individual advising, a comprehensive job posting service, and an extensive Career Resource Centre.

MyFuture

You can also find your job opportunities by yourself on myFuture, by signing in with your student email.

McGill Volunteering External Opportunities

Students Helping Students Volunteer Bureau of Montreal

CL&E Volunteer Opportunities

Macdonald Campus Student Affairs

Office - Volunteer Opportunities

McGill's Community Outreach Program

Jebenevole.ca

Volunteer West Island

Charity Village

SSMU Volunteer Service Database Canada Service Corps

SSMU Clubs

Idealist Volunteer