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MCMASTER STUDENTS UNION

The Hub

The Hub is a 40,000 square foot facility, managed and operated by the McMaster Students Union (MSU). In 2017, through a referendum, plus a $10 million contribution from McMaster University, full-time undergraduate students approved a funding model which led to the construction of a new student activity facility on campus. McMaster students later coined this building, The Hub – as it will become the hub of student life on campus. 

The Hub is at the corner of Stearn Drive and Michell Crescent. It was constructed to address the previous lack of student and collaboration space on campus, due to a growing population. This need was identified through a survey conducted by the MSU in 2016 whereby 80% of the respondents indicated that they want additional space on campus to work on projects, eat, and socialize with friends. The construction of the Hub also established various collaborative spaces to meet the needs of McMaster student groups. This includes fully equipped Multi-Faith Prayer Rooms, Collaboration Suites, a Community Kitchen, the Blue Lounge entertainment space, the Loft, and various other bookable spaces for students and student groups alike. 

Expandable List

We are located on the corner of Stearn Drive & Michell Crescent, attached to the David Braley Athletic Centre (DBAC)

Hours of Operation (NEW)

Daily 9am-9pm

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback about the Hub, you can speak to the Student Life Representatives at the Welcome Desk in-person or call 905-525-9140 ext 26123. 

For general inquiries, please contact the MSU Student Life Representatives at hubstudentlifereps@msu.mcmaster.ca or the Hub Facility Coordinator at hubfacility@msu.mcmaster.ca

The Hub provides a casual space for students to hang-out, relax, recharge, and engage in non-academic student activity. It boasts a variety of new amenities, some of which are being brought to campus for the first time. While the majority of the spaces in the Hub are currently open, we are still perfecting some key features of the facility. Stay tuned! Below is a complete list of the spaces that can be found in the Hub. 

First Floor: 

  • The Nest (Atrium)
  • Hub Administration Offices 
  • Information Desk 

Second Floor: 

  • MSU Student Market

  • Blue Lounge

Third Floor: 

  • Collaboration Suites

  • MSU Food Collective Centre (FCC) (NOW OPEN)
  • The Meeting Room

  • Community Kitchen

  • Multi-Faith Prayer Rooms

  • Ablution Rooms 

Fourth Floor: 

  • The Loft (Multi-Purpose Space)

  • The Nook

  • Universal Washrooms 

There are seven private Collaboration Suites that can be reserved by McMaster students and student groups, or used on a drop-in basis if available. Each space has a unique design and can accommodate a different number of people. These collaborative spaces can be used for a variety of purposes, whether that be to socialize, relax, or hold meetings. Recognizing that the intent is to facilitate collaboration, these spaces are not intended to be used as individual study space. Reservations are automatically approved if the space is available at the requested time. Please ensure you consult the Collaboration Suite policies on the reservation portal below, prior to reserving your space. 

Reservations can be made via the following link: www.msuhubbookings.ca. 

Acknowledging the facility’s purpose to enhance student life, priority will be given to student group programming that promotes student activity and is open to all MSU members. Requests must be made at least ten (10) business days in advance of your event for it to be considered. The following venues are currently available:

  • The Loft (Multi-Purpose Space)
  • The Nest (Atrium)
  • Meeting Room

Please consult The Hub’s Reservation Guidelines prior to making a reservation request. You can find them here: MSU Hub-Reservation-Guidelines 2024.

If you would like to submit a request to reserve a space in The Hub, please click HERE.

Bored? We’ve got a game for that! Board games can be borrowed at no cost from the Information Desk on the first floor. The following games are available: 

  • We’re Not Really Strangers (WNRS)
  • Sequence (NEW)
  • UNO 
  • Jenga 
  • Connect 4 
  • Guess Who? 
  • The Game of Life 
  • Monopoly 
  • Playing Cards 
  • Twister*
  • Frustration!*
  • Mastermind*
  • Smash Up*
  • The Puzzl*
  • Battleship*
  • UNO Flip*
  • Saboteur*
  • Beasty Bar*
  • Rush Hour*

* Sponsored by the McMaster Board Game Society

Board Game Rental Guidelines: 

  • Board games must be returned the same day they were borrowed, prior to the Welcome Desk closing for that day. 
  • A valid McMaster student card must be presented at the time of the rental.
  • If a board game is lost, pieces are missing, or it has been damaged, the Hub reserves the right to charge the individual who provided the student card for the purpose of replacing the game and/or the missing piece(s).
  • Student Life Reps at the Welcome Desk will assess the condition of the board game upon return. 

The Multi-Faith Prayer Rooms are a mixed-gender and mixed-faith space.  

  • Rooms are not designated by gender. 
  • Be respectful of all faiths that may use this space.
  • Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. 

The Multi-Faith Prayer Rooms must be returned to their original layout after each use.  

  • Items of religious practice cannot be left in this space. All personal items must be taken with you. Borrowed items must be returned to the hallway cabinets.  
  • Eating is not permitted. Drinks are not permitted with the exception of water. Spills must be cleaned.  
  • Street shoes are encouraged to be removed before entering. Shoes may be kept on if desired, but please keep in mind the requirement for a clean space to pray.  
  • Items of furniture cannot be removed or added.  

The Multi-Faith Prayer Rooms are to be used for prayer, contemplation, and/or meditation. 

  • Studying, lounging, and sleeping are not permitted in this space. 
  • Meetings are not allowed. 

Noise must be kept to a minimum. Please respect the requirement for a quiet, peaceful environment. 

  • General conversations are not permitted. 
  • Mobile phones must be kept on silent. Audio cannot be played out loud.
  • Laptops and tablets are not permitted.  

Open flames including candles, incense, etc. are not permitted in the Multi-Faith Prayer Rooms.  

Posters, leaflets, flyers, etc. are not permitted in the Multi-Faith Prayer Rooms and cannot be posted and/or handed out. 

The MSU is committed to providing Multi-Faith Prayer Rooms that are welcoming and safe for all McMaster students. Should you encounter any issues, please let the staff at the Hub’s Welcome Desk (first floor) know immediately.  

In the event of an emergency, or if you feel as though your safety is being threatened, please contact McMaster Security Services at  905-522-4135.

The MSU will not be held responsible for any lost or stolen items in the Multi-Faith Prayer Rooms.  

 

As McMaster’s newest addition, the Hub is a prime location within the campus community which welcomes thousands of visitors weekly. The Nest (atrium space on the first floor of the Hub) can be booked out by vendors to promote their MSU Club/Service, department, business, etc. Vendor tables are available for rent during the Hub’s hours of operation. 

Vendor Request Form:

All vendor booking requests can be submitted HERE. We will be in contact via email with further details about availability.

FAQs: 

What is included in a vendor table booking in the Hub? 

  • Vendor bookings come with one (1) 6’ folding table, two (2) chairs, and one (1) 87”x87” black tablecloth. All vendor tables will be set up in the Nest (first floor atrium). 

What is not permitted as a vendor in the Hub?

  • Overly aggressive marketing practices.
  • Sale of food or beverages, as per the Campus Food & Beverage Policy. 
  • Images that are inappropriate for consumption by the general public or may otherwise be deemed controversial.
  • Activity that interferes with the enjoyment of others in the Hub.  
  • Use of sound systems, amplification devices, and megaphones.  
  • Helium balloons. 
  • Posters, banners, or signs cannot be affixed to any of the Hub’s surfaces. 

Are there any additional requirements for Student Groups to book out a vendor space? 

  • Yes. All Student Groups (MSU Clubs, Services, etc.) must receive an EOHSS approval code and submit this with your booking request to be considered. EOHSS requests can be made through the Student Group Portal

How many days in advance does a request need to be submitted? 

  • All requests for a vendor space must be submitted at least five (5) business days in advance to be considered.

What is the start and end time of my booking?

  • Unless otherwise requested, your vendor table will be available between 9:00am-5:00pm on the days you book.

What are the rental fees?

  • Please contact the Hub Facility Coordinator (hubfacility@msu.mcmaster.ca) for more information on vendor prices.