Overview
The McMaster Okanagan Mental Health & Well-being Task Force was formed at the request of McMaster’s Provost Dr. Susan Tighe, in response to the challenges faced by the university during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the direction and guidance of Dr. Catharine Munn, the leader behind the Professor Hippo-on-Campus program, the task force worked to provide short and long-term recommendations to the university around mental health education, programming, and policies affecting McMaster’s staff, students and faculty. Read Dr. David Clark, a committee member’s provocative piece on the distress faced by education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic and demand to reimagine university campuses , “Abolish the University: Build the Sanctuary Campus”.
The overarching, guiding recommendations of the task force intend to help and inspire campus leaders to:
- Improve institutional planning, decision-making and implementation related to mental health and well-being programming, policies, and processes and ensure meaningful engagement of members of equity-deserving groups throughout. Inclusion of persons with lived experience of mental health and substance use disorders and inter-sectionalities, and representatives from relevant student, staff and faculty sub-groups is essential.
- Create and promote more inclusive and psychologically healthy learning and working environments and cultures and ensure that threats to inclusion and psychological health and safety (i.e., mistreatment, discrimination, harassment) are identified and addressed early and systematically.
- Improve navigation and access to compassionate, safe, timely, inclusive, stepped, and effective peer and professional mental health supports (staff, faculty and students) and services (primarily students) which meets the needs of students, staff and faculty, including in urgent and emergency situations.
- Create and/or increase availability and access to relevant, evidence-informed promotional, preventive, and educational mental health and well-being activities and offerings appropriate to the university context and specific to the needs of students, faculty, and staff.
- Increase our campus-wide capacity to address and improve the mental health and well-being of students, faculty and staff through improved collaboration and use of best available evidence and practices. This requires improved campus-wide communication, navigation, coordination, planning, evaluation, research, and knowledge translation.
Mental Health and Well-Being Key Terms:
Bullying: ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.
Burnout: a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed (Reference: World Health Organization). Burnout is characterized by three main dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism (less identification with the job), and feelings of reduced ability or effectiveness.
Harassment: a form of discrimination including any unwanted physical or verbal behaviour that offends or humiliates you. Generally, harassment is a behaviour that persists over time.
Mental health: a state of well-being in which the individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community. (Reference: World Health Organization).
Mistreatment: intentional or unintentional, disrespectful treatment of an individual (or group) that has or may have the effect of creating an intimidating, humiliating, hostile or offensive work or learning environment for the individual in that circumstance. Examples of mistreatment include sexual harassment; discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation; humiliation, psychological or physical punishment; and the use of grading and other forms of assessment in a punitive manner.
Organizational compassion: members of a system collectively notice, feel and respond to pain experienced by members of that system.
Organizational trust: the expectation within an organization that an individual is willing to allow themselves to be vulnerable and can expect the organization to be trustworthy.
Psychological contract: an individual belief in a reciprocal obligation between the individual and the organization
Psychological safety: participants in a workplace (or educational environment) are confident that if they ask for help, seek feedback, admit errors or a lack of knowledge, try something new or raise ideas, questions, suggestions or work-related concerns, they will not be exposed to punishment, humiliation or interpersonal or social threats to their self or identity, their status or standing and to their career or employment.
Psychologically healthy and safe workplace: a workplace that promotes workers’ psychological well-being and actively works to prevent harm to worker psychological health including intelligent, reckless, or intentional ways. (Reference: Guarding Minds@Work)
Well-being: the state of being comfortable, happy or healthy.
Wellness: the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of a deliberate effort.
McMaster Mental Health Programs and Research
Are you or do you know a mental health champion? Have you developed or are you part of of a program, initiative or group that addresses mental health at McMaster University? Are you conducting research into campus / post-secondary mental health?
Please tell us more about what you are working on.
Are you or do you know a mental health champion? Have you developed or are you part of of a program, initiative or group that addresses mental health at McMaster University? Are you conducting research into campus / post secondary mental health?
We want to hear from you.
Oversight & Planning Committee
An oversight committee consisting of senior leaders, chaired by Dr. Munn focused on addressing key issues in relation to institutional planning, structures and budgets. Two sub-committees comprised of students, faculty, and staff members with expertise and lived experience and/or interest in mental health and well-being reported into the oversight committee. One sub-committee worked on the issues arising from workplace and academic environments while the other identified the types of programs and services needed to promote mental health and well-being resources on campus.
People Listing
Denver Della-Vedova
President & CEO, McMaster Students Union

Denver Della-Vedova
President & CEO, McMaster Students Union
Sean Van Koughnett
Associate Vice-President (Students and Learning), Dean of Students

Sean Van Koughnett
Associate Vice-President (Students and Learning), Dean of Students
Lynn Armstrong
Administrator, McMaster Okanagan Committee
Member, AFMC Okanagan Charter Collaborative
Mark Walton
Vice-Dean, Faculty Affairs

Mark Walton
Vice-Dean, Faculty Affairs
Catharine Munn (Chair)
Advisor to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Special Projects (Mental Health)
Assistant Dean, Resident Affairs, Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME)
Lead, McMaster Okanagan Mental Health Division
Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences

Catharine Munn (Chair)
Advisor to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Special Projects (Mental Health)
Sandra Moll
Associate Professor, School of Rehabilitation Science (Occupational Therapy)

Sandra Moll
Associate Professor, School of Rehabilitation Science (Occupational Therapy)
Wanda McKenna
Associate Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Wanda McKenna
Associate Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Nick Kates
Chair, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences

Nick Kates
Chair, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences
Gayleen Gray
Assistant Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

Gayleen Gray
Assistant Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
Arig Al Shaibah
Associate Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion

Arig Al Shaibah
Associate Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion
McMaster Mental Health Programs and Research
Are you or do you know a mental health champion? Have you developed or are you part of of a program, initiative or group that addresses mental health at McMaster University? Are you conducting research into campus / post-secondary mental health?
Please tell us more about what you are working on.
Are you or do you know a mental health champion? Have you developed or are you part of of a program, initiative or group that addresses mental health at McMaster University? Are you conducting research into campus / post secondary mental health?
We want to hear from you.
Education & Promotion
Information Box Group
Jill Axisa
Director, Faculty Leadership and Development
Jill Axisa
Director, Faculty Leadership and Development
Dr. Teresa Chan
Assistant Dean, Program for Faculty Development Associate Professor, Medicine

Dr. Teresa Chan
Assistant Dean, Program for Faculty Development Associate Professor, Medicine
Jill Halladay
RN, Clinical Epidemiologist, and PhD candidate (HRM), School of Nursing sessional instructor

Jill Halladay
RN, Clinical Epidemiologist, and PhD candidate (HRM), School of Nursing sessional instructor
Jacqueline Hampshire
Associate Director (Communications, Marketing and Events), Student Success Centre

Jacqueline Hampshire
Associate Director (Communications, Marketing and Events), Student Success Centre
Nick Kates (Co-Chair)
Chair, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences

Nick Kates (Co-Chair)
Chair, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences
Andrew LoGuidice
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Mental Health and Well-being, MacPherson Institute

Andrew LoGuidice
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Mental Health and Well-being, MacPherson Institute
Randi McCabe
Director, Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre, SJH, Professor, Department of Psychiatry

Randi McCabe
Director, Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre, SJH, Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Natasja Menezes
Chair, Student Affairs, Undergraduate Medicine, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry

Natasja Menezes
Chair, Student Affairs, Undergraduate Medicine, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Catharine Munn (Co-Chair)
Task Force Lead Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry Lead, Hippo-on-Campus Mental Health Education Program

Catharine Munn (Co-Chair)
Task Force Lead Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry Lead, Hippo-on-Campus Mental Health Education Program
Will Prakash Fujarczuk
Sexual Violence Prevention Education Coordinator, Equity & Inclusion Office

Will Prakash Fujarczuk
Sexual Violence Prevention Education Coordinator, Equity & Inclusion Office
Jill Axisa
Director, Faculty Leadership and Development
Jill Axisa
Director, Faculty Leadership and Development
Dr. Teresa Chan
Assistant Dean, Program for Faculty Development Associate Professor, Medicine
Dr. Teresa Chan
Assistant Dean, Program for Faculty Development Associate Professor, Medicine
Jill Halladay
RN, Clinical Epidemiologist, and PhD candidate (HRM), School of Nursing sessional instructor
Jill Halladay
RN, Clinical Epidemiologist, and PhD candidate (HRM), School of Nursing sessional instructor
Jacqueline Hampshire
Associate Director (Communications, Marketing and Events), Student Success Centre
Jacqueline Hampshire
Associate Director (Communications, Marketing and Events), Student Success Centre
Nick Kates (Co-Chair)
Chair, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences
Nick Kates (Co-Chair)
Chair, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences
Andrew LoGuidice
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Mental Health and Well-being, MacPherson Institute
Andrew LoGuidice
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Mental Health and Well-being, MacPherson Institute
Randi McCabe
Director, Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre, SJH, Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Randi McCabe
Director, Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre, SJH, Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Natasja Menezes
Chair, Student Affairs, Undergraduate Medicine, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Natasja Menezes
Chair, Student Affairs, Undergraduate Medicine, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Catharine Munn (Co-Chair)
Task Force Lead Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry Lead, Hippo-on-Campus Mental Health Education Program
Catharine Munn (Co-Chair)
Task Force Lead Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry Lead, Hippo-on-Campus Mental Health Education Program
Will Prakash Fujarczuk
Sexual Violence Prevention Education Coordinator, Equity & Inclusion Office
Will Prakash Fujarczuk
Sexual Violence Prevention Education Coordinator, Equity & Inclusion Office
Workplace & Educational Environment
Information Box Group
Dr. Catherine Connelly
Professor and CRC, and Area Chair Human Resources and Management

Dr. Catherine Connelly
Professor and CRC, and Area Chair Human Resources and Management
Allison Drew-Hassling
Director of Student Support and Case Management, Student Accessibility Services
Allison Drew-Hassling
Director of Student Support and Case Management, Student Accessibility Services
Jim Dunn
Chair, Heath, Aging & Society, Director, McMaster Institute for Health Equity

Jim Dunn
Chair, Heath, Aging & Society, Director, McMaster Institute for Health Equity
Andrew LoGuidice
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Mental Health and Well-being, MacPherson Institute

Andrew LoGuidice
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Mental Health and Well-being, MacPherson Institute
Sandra Moll (Co-Chair)
Associate Professor, School of Rehabilitation Science (Occupational Therapy)

Sandra Moll (Co-Chair)
Associate Professor, School of Rehabilitation Science (Occupational Therapy)
Catharine Munn (Co-Chair)
Task Force Lead, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Lead, Professor Hippo-on-Campus Mental Health Education Program

Catharine Munn (Co-Chair)
Task Force Lead, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Lead, Professor Hippo-on-Campus Mental Health Education Program
Rodrigo Narro Pérez
PhD Candidate, School of Earth, Environment and Society; Co-Convener - Race, Racialization and Racism Working Group (R3)

Rodrigo Narro Pérez
PhD Candidate, School of Earth, Environment and Society; Co-Convener - Race, Racialization and Racism Working Group (R3)
Maggie Pooran
Executive Director, Employee & Labour Relations, Human Resources Services

Maggie Pooran
Executive Director, Employee & Labour Relations, Human Resources Services
Marisa Young
Associate Professor, Canadian Research Chair in Mental Health and Work-Life Transitions

Marisa Young
Associate Professor, Canadian Research Chair in Mental Health and Work-Life Transitions
Dr. Catherine Connelly
Professor and CRC, and Area Chair Human Resources and Management
Dr. Catherine Connelly
Professor and CRC, and Area Chair Human Resources and Management
Allison Drew-Hassling
Director of Student Support and Case Management, Student Accessibility Services
Allison Drew-Hassling
Director of Student Support and Case Management, Student Accessibility Services
Jim Dunn
Chair, Heath, Aging & Society, Director, McMaster Institute for Health Equity
Jim Dunn
Chair, Heath, Aging & Society, Director, McMaster Institute for Health Equity
Andrew LoGuidice
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Mental Health and Well-being, MacPherson Institute
Andrew LoGuidice
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Mental Health and Well-being, MacPherson Institute
Sandra Moll (Co-Chair)
Associate Professor, School of Rehabilitation Science (Occupational Therapy)
Sandra Moll (Co-Chair)
Associate Professor, School of Rehabilitation Science (Occupational Therapy)
Catharine Munn (Co-Chair)
Task Force Lead, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Lead, Professor Hippo-on-Campus Mental Health Education Program
Catharine Munn (Co-Chair)
Task Force Lead, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Lead, Professor Hippo-on-Campus Mental Health Education Program
Rodrigo Narro Pérez
PhD Candidate, School of Earth, Environment and Society; Co-Convener - Race, Racialization and Racism Working Group (R3)
Rodrigo Narro Pérez
PhD Candidate, School of Earth, Environment and Society; Co-Convener - Race, Racialization and Racism Working Group (R3)
Maggie Pooran
Executive Director, Employee & Labour Relations, Human Resources Services
Maggie Pooran
Executive Director, Employee & Labour Relations, Human Resources Services
Marisa Young
Associate Professor, Canadian Research Chair in Mental Health and Work-Life Transitions
Marisa Young
Associate Professor, Canadian Research Chair in Mental Health and Work-Life Transitions
Mental Health & Well-Being Key Terms
Bullying: ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.
Burnout: a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed (Reference: World Health Organization). Burnout is characterized by three main dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism (less identification with the job), and feelings of reduced ability or effectiveness.
Harassment: a form of discrimination including any unwanted physical or verbal behaviour that offends or humiliates you. Generally, harassment is a behaviour that persists over time.
Mental health: a state of well-being in which the individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community. (Reference: World Health Organization).
Mistreatment: intentional or unintentional, disrespectful treatment of an individual (or group) that has or may have the effect of creating an intimidating, humiliating, hostile or offensive work or learning environment for the individual in that circumstance. Examples of mistreatment include sexual harassment; discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation; humiliation, psychological or physical punishment; and the use of grading and other forms of assessment in a punitive manner.
Organizational compassion: members of a system collectively notice, feel and respond to pain experienced by members of that system.
Organizational trust: the expectation within an organization that an individual is willing to allow themselves to be vulnerable and can expect the organization to be trustworthy.
Psychological contract: an individual belief in a reciprocal obligation between the individual and the organization
Psychological safety: participants in a workplace (or educational environment) are confident that if they ask for help, seek feedback, admit errors or a lack of knowledge, try something new or raise ideas, questions, suggestions or work-related concerns, they will not be exposed to punishment, humiliation or interpersonal or social threats to their self or identity, their status or standing and to their career or employment.
Psychologically healthy and safe workplace: a workplace that promotes workers’ psychological well-being and actively works to prevent harm to worker psychological health including intelligent, reckless, or intentional ways. (Reference: Guarding Minds@Work)
Well-being: the state of being comfortable, happy or healthy.
Wellness: the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of a deliberate effort.