The McMaster Students Union main office is located in MUSC 201.

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm
Live Chat Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm
Phone: 905-525-9140 x22003
Email: oclerk@msu.mcmaster.ca

If you have a question or would like more information about a specific MSU service, please contact the service manager directly. A full staff list is available here: MSU Contact List 2024-2025

1. What does MSU membership mean?

All undergraduate students taking 18 units or more are automatically members of the McMaster Students Union. MSU membership gives you access to the MSU Health and Dental plans, and allows you to work at one of the 35 businesses and services offered by the MSU. As an MSU member you also have the right to run for a position and/or vote in the Student Representative Assembly (SRA) elections, as well as the MSU Presidential election.

2. What is the difference between part-time and full-time student status?

A student’s undergraduate degree course load in an academic session will remain the principal determinant for membership in either MAPS (1-17 units) or the MSU (18 or more units). Students enrolled in 17 units or less are represented by the McMaster Association of Part-time Students (MAPS).

3. Can I transfer my MAPS membership to a MSU membership?

In a limited number of cases, transfer of membership will be permitted from one organization to the other. Part-time students who qualify may apply to become members of the MSU. For more information, visit the MAPS webpage.

Students eligible to apply for membership transfer can apply starting September 1, 2024 until October 11, 2024 and will be required to submit an application.

The following are the qualifications for transfer:

SAS – Students enrolled in Student Accessibility Services who are enrolled in full-time courses, but not 18 units, may transfer to get  all the benefits of MSU membership.

Part-Time Undergraduate Students – who are registered for their final year of study and who are enrolled in 18 units or more may remain in the MSU or transfer into MAPS if they meet the following criteria:

• • The student: (a) was in a previous fall/winter academic session a member of MAPS and (b) will register in more than 17 units to complete their degree prior to the next Spring Convocation;

Full-Time Undergraduate Students – who are registered in their final year of study and are enrolled in 17 units or less may remain in MAPS or transfer into MSU if they meet the following criteria:

• • The student: (a) was a member of the MSU in previous fall/winter academic sessions and (b) will be registered in a fall/winter academic session in fewer than 18 units to complete their degree prior to the next convocation.

If you would like to transfer your membership, please click HERE.

4. If I am enrolled with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) which membership do I get?

Students registered with SAS and enrolled in 17 units or less have the choice to attain their membership in either MSU or MAPS.

5. Who are my representatives?

At the department/faculty level, every student is represented by members of the Student Representative Assembly (SRA). Each faculty is represented in the SRA by a number of student leaders weighted to the size of the faculty (larger faculties posses more student representatives). Moreover, at the university, provincial, and federal levels, students are represented by the Executive of the MSU, comprised of the President and three Vice Presidents.

6. Who is the Executive of the MSU?

There are four members of the Executive, called the Board of Directors. For each new academic year, the Board of Directors consists of the President, Vice-President of Administration, Vice-President of Finance and the Vice-President of Education.

Click here to meet the current Board of Directors.

7. What fees do I pay?

There are numerous types of ancillary fees charged to students, in addition to the cost of tuition.  Programs, faculties and auxiliary university services (e.g Student Wellness Centre, Athletics & Recreation) all charge respective fees.  The MSU charges an Organization fee that pays for all of the MSU services, as well as fees associated with the students insurance plans and HSR bus pass.  For a comprehensive student fee breakdown, see our fee appendix here