Students helping students
If you are a BScN student at McMaster University, Mohawk College or Conestoga College, you’re automatically a member of the McMaster University Nursing Students Society, also known as MUNSS. The society was founded in the academic year of 1949–50, and it’s a superb example of students helping students.
From your first day on campus to the final day of graduation, MUNSS offers a wide range of services including the following:
Awards
Every year, MUNSS grants four awards:
- Level 4 achievement Award ($500)
- Service to the Community Award ($500)
- Unsung Hero Award ($500)
- Leadership Award ($500)
You can find out how to apply on the McMaster University Nursing Students Society (MUNSS) website, as the information is released throughout the year. These awards are handed out at the annual BScN awards ceremony.
Through its website, MUNSS also informs nursing students about external awards that are available to them.
Events
Welcome Week
MUNSS hosts educational, social and political events throughout the year. The first event of every year is Welcome Week, which is when upper-year nursing students act as representatives to help ease first-year-students’ transition to university life and living away from home. If you’re looking for a Welcome Week representative, watch for their colorfully decorated yellow overalls; they are very easy to spot on campus.
Conferences and Educational Events
The society sends students to regional and national conferences, such as the annual general meeting of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) and the Canadian Nurses Students’ Association (CNSA) conferences. Educational events include Lunch and Learns, guest speaker talks, CPR recertification and many more.
Social Events
MUNSS also hosts social events every month of the year. These include the Nursing Formal in March—a dinner and dance that usually attracts about 500 students.
If you enjoy sports and friendly competition, you can join your fellow students for academic and sports challenges against other Ontario nursing schools at the annual Nursing Games.
Relay for Life is an annual, university-wide event that typically takes place in March, and the nursing program organizes a team for the event.
Nursing Upper-Year Buddy (NUB) Mentorship Program
The “Nursing Upper-year Buddy” (NUB) mentorship program pairs first-year students with upper-year students for one-on-one support. Beginners can ask their mentor questions about any concerns they have through the first year.
The opportunity to be paired up with an upper-year student is organized through the Nursing Welcome Week Rep team. Keep an eye on your emails during the summer months prior to starting the program to sign up; if you miss this opportunity, you can also get assigned to a NUB during welcome week.
Get Involved with the MUNSS Executive
Students who wish to play a more active role in MUNSS can apply for positions within the Executive such as vice president, level reps, executive assistant, educational chairperson and delegates for associations, among others. There are around 40 positions in total.
More information about MUNSS Executive positions and what each role entails can be found in the MUNSS Constitution document which can be found on the website (www.munss.ca). Elections for the upcoming year are held between January and March, with separate elections for presidential, core position and general executive position roles. Any positions that are vacant will be open for election in the September Welcome Week election period.
Location
The MUNSS headquarters on the McMaster campus is Room HSC 2J38 (known as the “Hole in the Wall”), a student lounge located beside the BScN office in the Health Sciences Building. This is where MUNSS bases its sales of tickets and spirit wear, and also where the members can relax and socialize.
Meetings are held at all three sites for the nursing program: Mohawk College, Conestoga College and McMaster University. All students are welcome to attend MUNSS General Meetings. The meeting time and locations will be posted on all social media platforms at the beginning of the terms.
Stay Connected
MUNSS is active on various social media platforms, which are the best way to keep connected and in the loop of what is happening with the group. Updates regarding MUNSS Meeting Minutes, events, elections and award applications are posted on MUNSS’ website, Facebook page, Avenue to Learn discussion board and Instagram and Twitter accounts.
You can learn more about the society at the McMaster University Nursing Students Society (MUNSS) website.
For any questions about MUNSS, please don’t hesitate to contact the president at president@munss.ca.