McMaster University
McMaster University was established in Toronto in 1887 through a uniting of Woodstock College and Toronto Baptist College. The university was named after Senator William McMaster. The university was moved to Hamilton in 1930. Today, the university is recognized as a medical-doctoral, research-intensive institution dedicated to teaching, research and service.
McMaster University has many remarkable alumni including Roberta Bondar (astronaut), Tommy Douglas (politician), James Orbinski (Doctors without Borders), Bertram Brockhouse (Nobel Laureate) and Karen Maidment (CFO of BMO).
McMaster University is famous for its student-focused, interdisciplinary problem-based approach to learning. Other universities around the world have adopted and applied it to their many programs. The university is regularly ranked in the top 100 universities in the world and has been designated Canada’s most research-intensive university for the past two years.
Celebrated university research from 2021-2022 includes ground-breaking work on inhaled COVID-19 vaccines (Smaill), exploring structural engineering standards to cope with earthquakes (Wiebe and Yang), a new centre for artificial intelligence and smart mobility (Emadi), intimate partner violence during the pandemic (Turkstra) and reimagining workplaces for people who have disabilities (Tompa and Gewurtz).
The University is situated on 300 acres of land at the western-most edge of Lake Ontario. Bounded by Cootes Paradise and the Niagara Escarpment, McMaster University has elevated vistas and myriad waterfalls to offer a picturesque setting.
We acknowledge the traditional territories upon which we gather; McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations. The territory was the subject of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. For many thousands of years, the first people sought to walk gently on this land, offering their assistance to the first European travelers and sharing their knowledge for survival in what was at times a harsh climate. We seek a new relationship with the original peoples of this land, one based in honour and deep respect. May we be guided by love and right action as we transform our personal and institutional relationships with our indigenous friends and neighbours.
Shad Program Team
Ruth MacSween
(Rooth MacSween)
she/her
Program Director
Ruth has been a part of Shad since 2008 and has experienced three different Shad programs over the years. She began as a program manager, moved into the role of Assistant Program Director and is now Co-Director for the Shad McMaster program. Currently, Ruth is a guidance counsellor with the York Region District School Board. Ruth has a wealth of experience in both business and education. She has degrees in education from Ryerson University and the University of Toronto and Master’s degree in Education in counselling psychology from U of T and a Master’s degree in social work from Laurier. As a former chair of the Ontario-wide White Pine Reading Program, Ruth recognizes the value of literature reading up to 60 books a year for the program. Making good use of her sense of humour, Ruth takes an active interest in mental health issues and the promotion of wellness.
Krisanne Nunes
(kris-ann noon-ez)
she/her
Assistant Program Director
K
risanne joined the Shad McMaster team in 2013 and has been Teaching Fellow, Program Manager and now Assistant Program Director. She is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where she holds a Bachelor of Education and degrees in English and music. As an elementary occasional teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board, Krisanne loves working with a wide variety of ages, and especially Kindergarten.
Krisanne sings and is an active solo, choral, and church accompanist (piano). Outside of teaching and music, she also works as a technical writer and copy editor. In her spare time, Krisanne is an unapologetic lover of books, particularly fantasy, and is a serial crafter: she knits, designs quilts, paints, and creates with various paper crafts.
Arriving at Shad
Shad2025 runs from June 29 to July 25. We kindly request that you arrive between 12pm and no later than 4pm on Sunday, June 29 at Woodstock Hall. The earlier you arrive, the more time you will have to familiarize yourself with the campus, the program team and the other participants.
When you first arrive at Woodstock Hall for Shad2025 McMaster, you will be greeted by the Program Director and an enthusiastic program team! You will see a huge Shad sign hanging on the front of the residence. Note that Woodstock Hall is tucked away and you will not be able to park directly in front of the building, but in the parking lot beside it. If you have a tonne of luggage to bring in, not to worry – we will have people to help you!
Program team members will be set up at a table under the Shad sign waiting to greet and register you. Please have your permission forms with you and ready to hand in. You will receive some information and a package of items, including your keys (which you will need to sign for); these will give you access to the residence building and your room (Shad will be the only occupants in Woodstock Hall- only the Program Team, others staying on your floor, and McMaster custodial staff will have access during Shad). Once registered, a Program Assistant (PA) will hand you a swag bag and nametag and help you and your luggage to your room. Your family/guardian can come with you to quickly see your room, but then you must say goodbye. We recommend that you unpack, head to a common room on your floor to enjoy a snack, join one of the campus tours that the PAs will be leading, or join some of the fun ice-breaker activities to get to know some of the other Shad2025 arrivals!
The first meal will be provided at 6pm.
Transportation from Airport: Note that you are responsible for your own travel arrangements and cost to and from McMaster. Campus is approximately 20 minutes/18 km from the Hamilton airport.
Living at Shad
Residence
Shads and the program team will be living in air-conditioned double rooms on campus. Each Shad will have a roommate of the same gender. Roommate assignments will be made prior to your arrival at residence. Shad Team Members will be living in residence on the same floors. Bedding, linen, and basic essentials will be provided (pillow, blanket, sheets, towels, soap, and shampoo).
You will be living in residence on the university campus, and there will be other paying guests using the residence accommodations on other floors. You have the responsibility of keeping your property safe and keeping your room door locked.
Food
Most of our meals will be eaten on campus. Keep in mind that it is a University, so the food may not be like your home-cooked meals. There will be a variety of food that accommodates most tastes.
Please include any dietary requirements or allergies in your medical form.
Laundry
There will be pay-per-use washers and dryers available, and it cost begin at $2.50 for one wash and $2.00 to dry (cost is dependent on the wash/dry cycle selected – hot water, larger loads, etc.).
You will be given a card when you arrive and it will need to be filled with a credit card online or with a credit/debit card on site.
Shad McMaster provides tide pods (or equivalent) for the Shads for $0.25/pod. It is best if you have change with you to purchase these.
While there are no irons in the rooms, if needed, an iron can be borrowed for participant use.
Residence Key
You will be given residence keys for which you will be responsible. More information will be shared by your program director. There is no deposit required.
Banking
We recommend that you bring some pocket money with you for transportation to and from the airport, laundry, optional Shad wear, and purchasing souvenirs.
We advise against bringing large amounts of money or other valuables (expensive jewelry and watches). There is no need for such items, and we cannot accept responsibility if they go missing.
There are bank ATMs available on campus should you need to withdraw additional funds.
Computers
We recommend that you bring a laptop, tablet or another personal computing device for research, word processing, and other tasks related to the program. Wi-Fi access is available in residence and elsewhere on campus. Shad team members will assist you with Wi-Fi setup upon arrival. The University and Shad Canada do not take any responsibility for lost/damaged/stolen valuables or property.
If you are unable to bring a laptop, please contact us.
What to Bring
Clothing – Accessories
- Jacket/Raincoat with hood
- Baseball-type hat (sun/rain)
- Casual spring and summer clothes
- Hoodie or sweater
- Long pants and shorts (long pants may be required in labs)
- Long and short sleeve t-shirts
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Socks
- Swimwear
- Comfortable clothing for daily recreation activities
- One or two slightly dressy outfits for events such as the design project conference, Open Day and Banquet (some will bring a suit, pantsuit or dress, others will be “business casual”; bring whatever makes you comfortable!)
Footwear
- Business attire/formal shoes
- Athletic shoes (for indoor and outdoor use; closed-toe shoes required in athletic facilities and labs)
- Sandals or flip-flops (for shower use)
- Water safe shoes/water shoes
- Hiking shoes/boots
Personal Items
- Beach Towel for water activities
- Hairdryer
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush/paste, etc.)
- A supply of face masks
- Other personal hygiene items (hand sanitizer, tissues, deodorant, sanitary napkins, etc.)
- Laundry detergent (such as Tide Pods) – or you may purchase from us for $0.25
Documents and Medication
- Health Card
- Medical insurance card (if available)
- Bank card (if you choose to bring one)
- Medication (if needed)
- Extra pair of glasses/contacts (if you wear them)
- Prescription refill note (if taking medication)
Outdoor Gear
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater)
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm
- Umbrella
- Small backpack (for hiking/day trips)
- Flashlight (NOT your phone)
- Sleeping bag
- Beach towel
Other
- Pocket money (a small amount for things like laundry, taxi to/from airport, souvenirs)
- Personal notebook or paper
- Writing tools
- Laptop or tablet
- Alarm clock
- Watch
- Calculator
- Reading material
- Musical instruments (along with sheet music)
- Music
- Extra pillow (for more of an “at home” feeling)
- Extra hangers
Do Not Bring
- TV/gaming PC/game system (e.g., Switch, Steam Deck)
- Pets (service animals exempted; please inform your program director for accommodations)
- Any vehicle, motorized or not, unless required for accessibility
- Any dangerous goods or weapons
- Cigarettes or vapes/e-cigarettes
- Alcohol or illegal or recreational drugs, including cannabis
- Expensive jewelry or other valuables
- Strongly scented products: Shad is a fragrance free environment. Please leave perfume and cologne at home.
Please note that Shad is not liable for any lost, stolen or damaged personal items.
Please contact the program team if you have questions about bringing any of the above.
What to Expect
Shad Values
Our values are what make Shad the incredible program that it is. At our Shad campus, these values are vigorously embraced – just like they are at each of the other campuses across Canada. Our values are as follows:
- We cherish the freedom to explore, create, and innovate.
- We aspire to excellence in all we do.
- We are committed to the respect, cooperation, and shared fun that builds a powerful, supportive community, while remaining mindful of the safety and well-being of that community.
- We value diversity and open discussion.
- Our behaviour is always governed by respect for others and the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Being a Shad means accepting these values fully into everything you do! Adherence to these values determines how successful your Shad experience will be. They are sacred trusts.
Diverse & Inclusive Community
A diverse and inclusive community is an important value of the Shad program. You will meet students from across Canada, with different lived experiences and backgrounds. Some of you have experience with complex, high responsibility activities such as traveling or being away from home, while for others, this may be your first time being apart from family. Respect for all individuals is a requirement for a successful community.
Community must be preserved and protected in the Shad program. There are no exclusive relationships at Shad, whether for the purposes of romance, clique, gender, ethnicity, or any other reason. Relationships that exclude (or attempt to exclude) others will not be accepted. Intentionally excluding others is a form of bullying and could result in dismissal from the program. The month at Shad provides you the opportunity to make connections with a community of other exceptional students. We hope that this tight-knit community that forms at Shad will continue for many years after the program.
Supportive Team
The Shad team is here to support you. Your program team is made up of leaders who are committed to working with students to meet their needs.
Supervised Community
Shad is a supervised community. Every member of the program team is charged with the responsibility of ensuring your safety and protection. We take this responsibility seriously! This means that we will need to know approximately where you are and what you are doing at all times. This level of awareness ensures that in case of an emergency, we can account for your whereabouts quickly.
You are also a partner in ensuring your own safety and the safety of the Shad community. You are expected to ensure that your behaviour is always aligned with the Shad values.
Just because the community is supervised does not mean that you won’t have freedom to engage in a range of activities across the university campus. We take advantage of many of the various programs, departments, recreational facilities and spaces on campus to ensure that you enjoy an exciting university experience.
Schedule
You can expect life at Shad to be busy, but don’t worry, we have downtime and recreational activities built into the program as well. Each day, you can expect a different combination of lectures, workshops, recreational and cultural activities, as well as unscheduled time that you can use to connect with your peers, rest, connect with family, work on your design project, and reflect on what you’ve learned and accomplished so far.
Tech-etiquette: Appropriate usage
The ability to rapidly access relevant information can be key to innovation. There is no question that effective use of technology can be a useful tool. That said, the appropriate use of technology is essential for an effective learning/teaching/cooperative environment. There is etiquette for the use of technology. Rather than provide a long list of rules that will define acceptable use of technology, our technology policy is governed by the same core values as Shad.
All use of technology — including cell phones, notebooks, tablets, translators and the like — must uphold the principles of excellence, responsibility and creativity. While you might be an exceptional multitasker, maintaining devoted attention to a task at hand is a hallmark of responsibility and maturity. When it comes to the use of technology, know what’s right, do what’s right and be respectful!
Recreation at Shad
There will be opportunities for recreation throughout your time at the program including physical and creative activities. Each campus takes advantage of their unique surroundings and plans fun, exciting ways to engage within your Shad community.
Energy Management
Shad is most enriching when we have sufficient energy to be fully engaged in all program activities. After a long and busy day, everyone needs adequate rest. We also need to respect others and allow them to re-energize themselves by getting the rest they need. Please manage your energy levels appropriately and allow others to do the same by going to bed at the appropriate time.
What You'll Need to Do Pre-Program
ShadSpeaks
Shad McMaster is not only interested in getting you to listen, it is also very interested in what you have to say. During the course of the program you will be asked to give a 7-minute presentation — which we call ShadSpeak — on a topic of your choice. Select something that you are passionate about so that you will be comfortable sharing it with others. You should also consider a topic that you are confident will be of interest to others. Your speech may be supported by a digital presentation (such as PowerPoint) but we are much more interested in listening to your well-organized ideas. Before the program, you will be asked to submit a 140-character abstract of your topic.
Shad Open Day
What happens when a diverse group of high school students from across Canada come together in the spirit of science, technology and entrepreneurship? Shad Open Day is a day to put your campus and your accomplishments on display for the community.
On Thursday, July 24th, family, friends and community members are invited to join us for a day of celebrations. You will get the chance to showcase your team’s innovation and your own special talents for the extended community.
Open Day details will be shared later in the spring.
Leaving Shad
The Shad program concludes on the morning of Friday, July 25, and Shad will ensure that all participants are transferred to parents, or are on their way home by 11am.
Please note that transportation to and from your campus is the responsibility of the participant. If you have a bus/train/plane to catch, you will need to make arrangements to get from the campus with plenty of time before your scheduled departure time. If your parents/guardians are picking you up by car, they should plan to do this between 9am and 11am.
After the program ends, it is not uncommon for Shads who have discovered new friendships and live in the same area to carpool home. If this is the case, we need written permission (email is fine) from the parent or guardian of the Shad who is requesting to carpool, as well as acknowledgement from the parent/guardian who will be picking up the Shad. We cannot release you to a non-parent/guardian without this permission.
Contact us
Have any questions?
Feel free to reach out to your program team:
shadprogram@mcmaster.shad.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Special accommodation requests
Q: I have a special accommodation request. How do I submit my request and will you be able to help me?
A: You will need to inform us of the special accommodations that you require ahead of time. We will let you know what we can do to support you as best as possible. We want to help make sure your experience here is exceptional.
Visitors
Q: Can I have visitors (family, friends) during Shad? Can I leave campus for a non-emergency reason?
A: No, for the safety of participants, we cannot accommodate visitors or participants leaving campus during the program.
Contact During the Program
Q: How can my parents contact me during Shad?
A: Your parents can contact you on your cell phone (although you may not be able to answer due to program activities) or via email. Emergency contact information will be provided closer to the program.
Receiving mail through the campus mail service is a challenging and lengthy process and we advise participants to be in contact with their families and friends through other means (such as text, phone, or video call) and receive packages once returning home. This includes Amazon purchases. Note that we do not encourage participants to make purchases through Amazon, nor it is not allowed for purchases related to the DE project or their Shad committee (participants will have a budget and must go through Shad McMaster’s order process for these). Should you wish to receive mail on campus, you acknowledge that the package may not arrive before the end of Shad, and you are doing so at your own risk. Mail may be sent to:
Your Name (First and Last)
c/o Ruth MacSween, Shad McMaster at Woodstock Hall
Commons Building
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
L8S 4M6
Free Time
Q: How much free time will I have?
A: Shad is an immersive program with a full schedule of activities. Most of your time will be spent engaging in the plethora of activities we have planned for you! At Shad McMaster, we call down time “Catch-up Time” and there is often a time during meals when you can take time for yourself or call home as needed. Most evening activities will wrap up around 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m., which provides you with an hour or so to wind down in the evenings. Typically at our campus there will be one morning each week (about 3-4 hours) of Catch-up Time – this is a great opportunity to do some laundry, chat with family and friends at home, or even just sleep! Given the immersive nature of Shad, participants will not have the time to engage in other commitments during the month of July (i.e., summer school, online courses, or additional projects, studying, practice, or training). Full-time commitment to Shad is expected.
Outside Food
Q: Can I order food?
A: No. Most of our meals will be eaten on campus. Keep in mind that it is a university, so the food may not be like your home cooked meals. There will be a variety of food that accommodates most tastes. Please include any dietary accommodations or allergies in your Student Information Form. Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and evening snacks are included in your program fee. Students should not bring money expecting to purchase meals or to order “outside food” as meal replacements. Meal delivery services (e.g., Skip the Dishes/ Doordash) are also not permitted to be used during the program. Students should not bring snacks with them to the program as there are a variety of allergies to be aware of in the community.
Instruments
Q: Will I have access to a piano to practice regularly?
A: There will be a piano, drum set, and guitars in the common room of our residence space. Shad is a wonderfully musical place with many spontaneous jam sessions. We encourage Shads to bring their sheet music or other instruments with them. Note that access to the piano is limited by our schedule and the residence’s quiet hours. Therefore, regular daily practice is not guaranteed.
Gym Access
Q: Will I have access to athletics facilities such as a gym or pool?
A: You will not have access to the David Braley Athletic Centre (DBAC) at McMaster (including the pool) outside of scheduled group activities. There are many recreation activities planned within the program schedule to ensure you are kept active during the month, and there may be opportunities for early morning recreation in addition to these scheduled times.