News to Use – September 2023

News to Use – September 2023

News to Use is a monthly summary of HR information for all employees of McMaster University.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It’s an important time to reflect on the shameful and ongoing legacy of Canada’s residential school system, to honour the survivors, and to remember the children who never came home. The terrible history of residential schools can be seen just 35 minutes from McMaster’s campus at what was once the Mohawk Institute Residential School in Brantford. Established in 1828, it is the oldest residential school in Canada. By the time it finally closed its doors in 1970, it had left generations of Indigenous children and communities scarred by abuse and mistreatment. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time of mourning, and remembrance for Indigenous communities, as well as a time to reflect on the incredible resurgence of Indigenous cultures, languages and heritage taking place in First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada.

Read the complete Letter from the President, including links to events to commemorate the day.

New Disaggregate Census – Following extensive consultations with the McMaster community, we are pleased to share that the new disaggregate Census has been finalized and all faculty and staff (including interim and student employees) will be strongly encouraged to complete the new disaggregate Census when it launches shortly.

We are working towards preparing the 2023 Employment Equity Census Report based on the new disaggregate census, with an ambitious goal to retrieve the new census data by November 30, 2023. A high completion rate institutionally will be critical for the preparation of the upcoming census report. Please look out for additional details over the coming weeks as we begin to roll-out the disaggregate Census.

Thank you for your continued commitment and support.

Top 3 Questions – September 2023  

1. What is the latest I can submit my 2022/2023 July to June Benefit claims?  

McMaster’s benefit year runs from July 1st to June 30th. For any extended health and dental claims incurred from July 1,2022 to June 30, 2023, eligible employees have until September 30,2023 to submit them to Sun Life. Claims can be easily submitted online or through the Sun Life mobile app. For more information on how to submit claims online or via the app, visit the Sun Life Benefit Information web page.

 2. What is the 2023/2024 Tuition Assistance amount and what is the timeline for the applications?  

For the 2023/2024 academic year, the total Tuition Assistance benefit maximum is $3,573.18. The maximum amount applies to all internal and external assistance combined.

• For McMaster University undergraduate and graduate degree credit courses, the application timeline for Fall 2023/Winter 2024 and Spring/Summer 2024 is from  August 10,2023 to July 22, 2024.

• For non-McMaster University undergraduate, graduate degree credit courses & diploma and certificate courses, the application timeline is during the academic year the course is taken. The academic year start from September 1st and ends August 31st of the following year.

For more information, visit the Tuition Assistance web page or the Employee Contact Centre hr.mcmaster@mcmaster.ca or ext.22247.

3. Where are the Payroll Calendars with associated pay transaction deadlines found?  

The newly refreshed Payroll Calendar & Deadlines for 2023 & 2024 can be found on the Payroll & Tax web page for Staff, Faculty and Affiliates. Instructions on how to add the new outlook calendar feature can be accessed on the web page as well.

The Payroll Calendar and Deadlines provide Department Administrators and Supervisors with a schedule of pay periods, pay deposit dates, HR Transaction Deadlines, and Time Reporting/Absence Entry and Approval Deadlines.