Advancing Student Success Through Global Knowledge Exchange: University of Melbourne Visits McMaster

McMaster University recently welcomed Belinda Fischer, Team Leader – Service Delivery at the University of Melbourne, as part of U of Melbourne’s Universitas 21 (U21) Scholarship for Professional Staff. Awarded to advance institutional learning and global collaboration, the scholarship supported Fischer’s visit to McMaster, where she explored innovative strategies in academic progress review and student support services. 

Fischer selected McMaster as her destination due to its international reputation and shared educational philosophies with the University of Melbourne. Her focus during the visit was to examine how McMaster manages reinstatement requests, decision-making processes, and the network of support systems designed for students facing academic challenges. 

“My goal for this trip was to better understand how reinstatement requests are administered, how decisions are made, and the kinds of support services available to help students who are not on track to succeed,” Fischer shared. 

Throughout her visit, Fischer engaged with colleagues from McMaster’s Office of the Registrar, academic faculties, and central service units, including the Black Student Success Centre and the Student Success Centre. These interactions fostered rich discussions on academic standards, support mechanisms, and shared strategies to help students overcome barriers and thrive. 

The experience proved mutually beneficial. “Two things really stood out in every conversation,” Fischer reflected. “First, the incredible warmth and hospitality of McMaster staff—you’re definitely living up to the Canadian stereotype! Second, the deep, genuine commitment across the University to student success. The breadth of support here is remarkable, and it’s reassuring to see we’re facing many of the same challenges in connecting students with the right help before issues escalate.” 

Darran Fernandez, McMaster’s Registrar, expressed appreciation for the visit: “We ask our students to open their minds to different perspectives, and I’m grateful that our staff extended that same openness to Belinda. This shared learning not only strengthens our two institutions, but the broader higher education sector as well. I look forward to continuing the conversation on how to best support our students.” 

The collaboration builds on a longstanding relationship between McMaster and the University of Melbourne, which includes active student exchange programs and joint research initiatives. Both institutions are proud members of Universitas 21—a global network of research-intensive universities across six continents united by a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and internationalisation.