Welcome to your new home! We look forward to continuing your transition to the DeGroote community with our Welcome Week events. Follow us on social media for the latest updates, and keep an eye out—you might spot yourself in Welcome Week content on our Instagram account.
There are over 150 events to explore during Welcome Week! Check out the calendar below for a list of DeGroote events or check out the McMaster website for the full schedule.
McMaster Welcome Week ScheduleSaturday, August 24, 8:00AM-5:00PM
Sunday, August 25, 8:00AM-5:00PM
Location: All Residence Buildings
Saturday, August 24, 10:00AM-5:00PM
Sunday, August 25, 10:00AM-5:00PM
Location: Arts Quad
Monday, August 26, 1:30PM-5:30PM
Location: BSB Field
Join us on BSB Field and learn more about the various clubs and committees at DeGroote during Faculty Fest! This is your chance to meet with club executives and explore the endless possibilities for learning, development and lifelong memories during your DeGroote journey. With over 20 clubs and committees attending, discover ways to get involved and find your community. Get ready to embrace the thrill of being a part of something bigger!
Monday, August 26, 7:00PM-10:30PM
Location: MUSC Atrium + Marketplace, BSB Field, Arts Quad
Casino Night, Live DJ, and more! Come to MUSC to discover our variety of events including casino games, a live DJ party, an outdoor movie, rock painting, photobooth, and bingo! Events will be running simultaneously so come check it out! We’re sure we have something for you!
Tuesday, August 27, 2:30-4:30PM
Location: Ron Joyce Stadium
Show your faculty spirit! Cheer the loudest and support your faculty’s reps on the field to earn points for faculty cup! Reps will guide you into the football stadium for this awesome event.
Tuesday, August 27, 10:00AM-2:30PM
Location Start: 10 Acre Field
Join us for our Faculty Day: The Amazing DeGroote Race! Form teams of 6 and embark on an exciting race across campus. Each station will test your knowledge, creativity, and teamwork. Decode clues, solve puzzles, and tackle fun physical activities. Enjoy the thrill, camaraderie, and competition, all leading to a grand finale (with lunch) where the winning team will be in the running for SuperFrosh. Don’t miss out on this epic adventure—sign up now and be part of the action!
Tuesday, August 27, 7:00PM-8:00PM
Location: Online
Join us online for an evening of stories and cultural exchange at Home to Here: International Students’ Stories! Four dynamic international students will present their journeys so far; Topics will range from cultural differences to features of Hamilton. The event will allow time for students to ask questions and interact with upper years who have been through it all! If you identify as a student who is International, on Exchange, or has lived in another country, join us!
Zoom linkTuesday, August 27, 8:00PM-10:30PM
Location: JHE Field
Throw on a pair of headphones and select which DJ you want to listen to! They’ll be playing the best songs they know to compete for your attention so we’re sure you’ll hear all your favorites played!
Wednesday, August 28, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Location: Online
Ready to test your academic skills? Join us for our annual RBC x JDCC Case Competition! Learn how to solve real-world business problems with the help of our award-winning JDCC case competition mentors! This friendly case competition will teach you how to solve and present a case with the chance to win awesome prizes. No experience necessary, so come join!
Zoom linkWednesday, August 28, 7:00PM-11:00PM
Location: McMaster Innovation Park
Bus Meet-Up Location: DeGroote School of Business
The signature night of your welcome week experience, join us at McMaster Innovation Park for our Faculty Night Festival! Feeling bullish? Come test your luck our Casino Royale, Carnival games, and Mechanical Bull game for a chance to win prizes! Also, join us for some outdoor games, food and snacks, a chill video game zone, or live music in the garden with friends – there is something for everyone! Our Charity Raffle will be can’t miss! Take your chance at winning some great prizes for a great cause. Catch you there!
Thursday, August 29, 1:30PM-5:30PM
Location: 10 Acre Field E
What do you get when you mix green with blue? Maybe it’s turquoise, or maybe its the CommieCru Carnival at 10 Acre Fields. Either way, Commerce and Social Sciences are coming together for an afternoon of festivities including inflatables, a dunk tank, axe throwing and more- all with a side of popcorn and popsicles at our Chill Zone! Bring your waterbottle, sun protection, and make sure to wear comfy clothes because trust us, there’s enough fun to last for hours!
Thursday, August 29, 7:00PM-10:30PM
Location: JHE Field
Come to JHE Field to see the Welcome Week concert featuring headliner BUNT., a viral up-and-coming house music artist. We have a stacked DJ lineup, with support from Hamilton-icon DJ Migz and dance-country group VAVO, there will be something for everybody at this show! With these performers accompanied by our incredible laser show, you don’t want to miss this concert!
Important Information: NO BAGS ALLOWED (exception for fanny packs and small purses). No bottles will be allowed inside the venue except for clear, empty, plastic water bottles. Sealed bottles are not allowed. STUDENT CARD NEEDED FOR ENTRY. Doors open at 7:00pm. This is a rain or shine event, meaning it will not be canceled unless conditions are unsafe.
Friday, August 30, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Location: Online
Join us for Commerce 101, an exciting online event for incoming students! Listen to a panel of professors you’ll meet in your first year, providing insights and advice. Following the panel, connect with our career team for essential tips on networking and study strategies. Don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart your academic journey and build a solid foundation for success. Register now and get ready to thrive in your commerce studies!
Zoom linkFriday, August 30, 10:00 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.
Location: Alumni House
Food For Thought: an inspiring event featuring delicious pancakes and insightful discussions! Engage with industry professionals and DeGroote students in two dynamic panels: a Pride panel celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and another focusing on BIPOC voices. Panelists will explore their experiences in school, work, and life, offering invaluable insights. Don’t miss this chance to engage with panelists and DeGroote clubs that work to empower BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ business students, and savor a morning of food and thought-provoking conversation.
Friday, August 30, 1:30PM-5:00PM
Location: 10 Acre Field
K-I-N AND COMMIES TILL THE END! Well, except today at our DODGEBALL DUEL! Disappointed dodgeball isn’t a part of the first-year curriculum? Come down to David Braley Athletic Centre to show the reps why you deserve an A+ and an opportunity to win some Swag! Because just like in business, we are here to hit targets. No need for the Commerce suit and tie, come dressed in the Kin uniform of Athleisure wear and get ready to dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge!
Friday, August 30, 1:30PM-5:00PM
Location: JHE Field
Come close out Welcome Week and watch your faculties and residences perform a dance routine to battle it out for their last chance at win.
We are enthusiastic individuals who strive to give the warmest welcome to first-year students! Greensuits are a diverse team of DeGroote students aiming to create a memorable Welcome Week for the next generation of DeGroote.
The Student Experience office provides opportunities that will empower students to create a fun and positive campus community.
