Established in 1979, the McMaster Association of Part-time Students (MAPS) represents over 6,000 part-time undergraduate and MCE students; voicing your needs and advocating for your interests at numerous academic and administrative University committees.
However, our role and purpose does not end at advocating on your behalf, we continue to provide a variety of different services aimed at helping you through your academic career here at McMaster, including a student lounge & study area specifically reserved for part time students.
Frequently Asked Questions
MAPS’ membership includes undergraduate students enrolled in fewer than 18 academic units of study over Terms 1 and 2 (September – April), as well as students enrolled at the McMaster Continuing Education.
2024-2025 MAPS Membership Fees:
MAPS Membership Fees (17 units or less)
Fees administered by MAPS:
$0.75 per unit, Career Services Fee
$0.40 per unit, Student Building Fee
$2.63 per unit, Academic Fee
$2.43 per unit, Basic Health Resources
$0.37 per unit, Handbook Fee
$0.09 per unit, Newsletter Fee
$0.13 per unit, Student Tax Returns
$0.71 per unit, Auxiliary Fee
Total: $7.51
MAPS has arranged for part-time students to opt-in to the MSU’s Health and Dental Plan. This is the same plan that all full-time undergraduates pay for as part of their ancillary fees. The average premium for 12 months coverage falls around $676 per person. You can enroll in the plan twice a year, either in September or January, through WeSpeak.
Visit our Health And Dental Plan page for more details.
Our student lounge and offices are in the McMaster University Student Centre in room 234 on the second floor.
No. MAPS was a member of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance from 1999 to 2004 and again from 2011 to 2014. MAPS will work with other student associations on issues of shared concern.
If you are registered in 18 or more academic units in an academic session, you are by definition a full-time student and a member of the MSU. In a limited number of circumstances, students may transfer their membership from MSU to MAPS or MAPS to MSU.
If you would like to transfer your membership, apply using the MSU-MAPS Transfer Application Form.
Opens in September to October every year.
Each year MAPS members are asked to nominate and elect members to the Board of Directors, and vote on matters of business of the Association (normally to appoint the Auditors for the fiscal year).
Members do this through:
- The Annual General Referendum (held each Spring)
- Other referenda, as may be called by the Board of Directors
- General or Special Meetings of the Membership
All undergraduate students (full and part-time) may vote to elect student representatives to the
- McMaster University Board of Governors
- University Senate
- University Planning Committee
You cannot, however, vote for the MSU president, SRA members, or on MSU sponsored referenda questions.