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Getting ready for the DeGroote MBA Program

Two MBA students presenting in front of their classmates.

Preparing to start your MBA

As an MBA student at DeGroote, you will be the agent of transformation in the years ahead, disrupting how we do business and significantly expanding DeGroote’s contributions to Canadian society. With an emphasis on collaboration, experiential learning opportunities, and fostering a vibrant sense of community, the DeGroote School of Business will prepare you for a future in an ever evolving business landscape.

The links below will be your one-stop-shop for all the tools and resources you will need before you officially begin your program in September. There are several important steps to complete and the checklist below outlines what you’ll need to do to ensure a smooth transition into the program.

Please note: At this stage, Fall 2026 dates are tentative and subject to change. Be sure to check this website regularly for the most up-to-date information.

Steps all incoming MBA students should follow:

Immediately Post-Acceptance

  • If you have not already done so, Activate your MacID.
  • To secure your spot, pay your tuition deposit by the deadline listed in your offer letter.
    • Once your MacID is activated, log in to Mosaic, go to the Finances tab, and click “Make a Payment.” Visit Student Accounts and Cashiers for additional payment instructions.

After July

    • Activate your McMaster email address following your matriculation by the end of June.
    • Upload your photo before August 1 to get your student ID (MacCard). Visit the MacCard website to learn more about all of the essential services you’ll be able to access.
    • Register for SGS 101 and 201 before August 1.
    • Quantitative Skills Refresher Course: A fully asynchronous, four-week virtual course designed to strengthen foundational skills in math, statistics, and Excel. The course requires 2–3 hours per week and is mandatory for students with a GMAT waiver, though strongly recommended for all students. Access instructions will be provided in the July newsletter.
    • Connect with Student Accessibility Services if you are a student with a disability or have any accessibility needs for the start of the term.  Use this form to request an online intake appointment.
    • All new MBA students will have access to a Microsoft Teams (MS Teams) Channel tailored to your onboarding needs.

 

Program specific details


Within 2 weeks of accepting your offer

  • Join the Microsoft Teams (MS Teams) Channel set up specifically for new MBA students. This will be a key platform for onboarding information and support.  Keep an eye out for an invitation to join via email within 2 weeks of accepting your offer!
  • Check out the Events Document in the MS teams Event Channel for registration links to upcoming events and links to recordings of some past webinars.

June

  • Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 Course Registration: Instructions and the MBA course registration guide will be included in the June 2026 newsletter.

July

  • Register for SGS 101 and 201: Complete registration before August 1, 2026.
  • Accelerated MBA Onboarding Weekend: This mandatory event helps you get started with your program. 2026 dates coming soon – save the date!
  • Quantitative Skills Refresher Course: A fully asynchronous, four-week virtual course designed to strengthen foundational skills in math, statistics, and Excel. The course requires 2–3 hours per week and is mandatory for students with a GMAT waiver, though strongly recommended for all students. Access instructions will be provided in the July newsletter.
  • GSA Health Insurance Plan: If you wish to opt out, you must do so during the Change-of-Coverage period in September 2026. Exact dates will be shared soon.
  • Classes Begin: Most courses start in September 2026, although some Full-Time Program commitments may begin earlier.

Full-time Accelerated:

  • MBA Career Launch Course (optional): Instructions for accessing the course will be provided in the July 2026 newsletter.
  • Scholarships and Awards Webinar: July 2026 – mark your calendar!
  • On-Campus Recruitment Webinar: August 2026 – save the date!
  • Wellness Services: Full-time students have access to support through our partners at Private Matters Psychotherapy.

Part-time Accelerated:

  • Save the Dates: Onboarding Webinars
    • Preparing for Graduate Study & Program Overview – May 2026
    • Introduction to Course Registration, Tuition, Program Requirements, and Career Development – June 2026
    • Introduction to BLPT Course Technologies – August 2026
  • BLPT Onboarding Weekend – July 2026 (exact dates TBD). Attending Onboarding Weekend is highly recommended to set you up for success in the program.
  • Quantitative Skills Refresher Course: The MBA Quantitative Skills Refresher is a four-week, fully asynchronous pre-program designed to strengthen your foundational skills in math, statistics, and Excel. It requires 2–3 hours per week and is mandatory for students with a GMAT waiver but highly recommended for all others. Access instructions will be provided in the July 2026 newsletter, and the course becomes available in August 2026.
  • Course Access & Registration: BLPT students are automatically registered in all courses by the program officer. Syllabi will be available in Avenue to Learn (A2L) starting mid-August 2026.
  • Program Start: Classes begin in September 2026, though some program activities may start earlier.
  • Wellness Services: All Blended Learning students have access to Private Matters Psychotherapy services.

Within 2 weeks of accepting your offer:

  • Join the Microsoft Teams (MS Teams) Channel set up specifically for new MBA students. This will be a key platform for onboarding information and support.  Keep an eye out for an invitation to join via email within 2 weeks of accepting your offer! For more information and troubleshooting check here.
  • Check out the Events Document in the MS teams Event Channel for registration links to upcoming events and links to recordings of some past webinars.

July

  • Save the dates for the MBA Career Launch Course. Instructions on how to access the course will be provided in the July newsletter.
  • Fill in the Mandatory Incoming MBA Student Check-in Form which will be shared with you in the July Onboarding newsletter.
  • Scholarships and Awards Webinar– July 2026
  • Register for SGS 101 and 201 by August 1.
  • All first-year students starting in September 2026, are registered in their academic courses by the Student Services Office. Please only register in SGS 101 and SGS 201.

August

 

  • Quantitative Skills Refresher Course: The MBA Quantitative Skills Refresher is a four-week, fully asynchronous pre-program designed to strengthen your foundational skills in math, statistics, and Excel. It requires 2–3 hours per week and is mandatory for students with a GMAT waiver but highly recommended for all others. Access instructions will be provided in the July 2026 newsletter, and the course becomes available in August 2026.
  • Welcome Week is mandatory for all international students and highly recommended for Permanent Residents. It is designed to support your transition to Canada, McMaster, and the MBA community.
    • The program covers:
      • Cultural and academic preparation
      • Immigration and health guidance
      • Career readiness
    • Full details will be provided in the July Onboarding Newsletter.
    • If you are unable to attend, please email your Onboarding Officer at mba.studentexperience@mcmaster.ca. Any absences must be approved by the Student Services Team.
  • DeGroote MBA Welcome Dinner on August 27. Join your fellow MBA students, faculty, and staff for an evening of connection, community, and celebration at the DeGroote MBA Welcome Dinner. This is a signature event of your onboarding and provides a chance to build meaningful connections across cohorts and programs before classes begin. Business formal attire encouraged – (exact time TBD). RSVP form to come!
  • Onboarding Week – In-person Onboarding Week (Burlington MBA Campus) full of inspiring speakers, interactive sessions and fun break-out activities to get to know your peers and the DeGroote Community – August 31-September 3 (mandatory). This is a mandatory event. No RSVP form will be provided. If you cannot attend, please email your Onboarding Officer at mba.studentexperience@mcmaster.ca. You will need permission from the Student Services Team for any absences. Thank you.
  • GSA Health Insurance Plan: If you wish to opt out, you must do so during the Change-of-Coverage period in September 2026. Exact dates will be shared soon.
  • Set up your TopHat account
  • Classes Begin: Most courses start in September 2026, although some Full-Time Program commitments may begin earlier.

 

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Your Support Team

The Student Services team is composed of the Recruitment and Admissions, Academic/Programs and Career & Professional Development (CPD) staff, working collaboratively to provide students with exceptional support, resources, and an engaging overall experience throughout their MBA journey.

Connect below or by emailing mba.studentexperience@mcmaster.ca. Please also add this email address to your address book so you receive all the communications going forward.

Get in touch
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