# Dash for McMaster University students > Dash is an AI sidekick students at McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario) text over iMessage and SMS for deadlines, Brightspace, campus answers and admin. Independent; not affiliated with McMaster University. Start at https://textdash.ai/start Page: https://textdash.ai/ontario/hamilton/mcmaster Checked: 2026-10-14 ## Key dates at McMaster - Sun, Oct 18, 2026: Fall mid-term recess ends ([source](https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/dates-and-deadlines/)) - Fri, Nov 27, 2026: Fall last day to withdraw from courses without failure by default ([source](https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/dates-and-deadlines/)) - Fri, Dec 4, 2026: Fall test and examination restriction begins ([source](https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/dates-and-deadlines/)) - Thu, Dec 10, 2026: Fall test and examination restriction ends ([source](https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/dates-and-deadlines/)) - Thu, Dec 10, 2026: Fall classes end ([source](https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/dates-and-deadlines/)) - Fri, Dec 11, 2026: Fall final examinations begin ([source](https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/dates-and-deadlines/)) - Wed, Dec 23, 2026: Fall final examinations end ([source](https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/dates-and-deadlines/)) - Mon, Jan 4, 2027: Winter classes begin ([source](https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/dates-and-deadlines/)) - Tue, Jan 12, 2027: Winter last day for enrolment and course changes (drop/add) ([source](https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/dates-and-deadlines/)) - Mon, Feb 15, 2027: Winter mid-term recess begins ([source](https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/dates-and-deadlines/)) ## Tools and offices - Learning system: Brightspace (https://avenue.mcmaster.ca) - Good2Talk: Free, confidential mental health counselling, information and referrals for Ontario post-secondary students, available 24/7/365. Call 1-866-925-5454 or dial 211 and ask for Good2Talk. (https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/crisis-support/) - 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support across Canada in English and French. (https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/crisis-support/) - Student Wellness Centre: Same-day, single-session counselling appointments throughout the week. Call 905-525-9140 ext. 27700 or visit PGCLL, Room 210 (Level 2). (https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/crisis-support/) - COAST Hamilton crisis line: Call 905-972-8338, available 24/7. The mobile crisis team responds daily from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. (https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/crisis-support/) - Virtual Mental Health Care: Full-time undergraduate students have confidential, 24/7 access to mental health and wellness support through Dialogue. (https://msumcmaster.ca/info/health-dental-insurance/vhc/) - Campus Safety Services: For immediate on-campus safety concerns, dial 88 from a red campus phone or 905-522-4135 from a mobile device. For off-campus emergencies, call 911. (https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/crisis-support/) - Registrar’s Office Student Services: Assistance with financial aid, transcripts, enrolment letters, diplomas and more. Online human support Monday–Friday, 1–4 p.m.; MAC chatbot available 24/7. Services are online during the relocation week of October 12, with the frontline team moving to Togo Salmon Hall 111. (https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/about/) - Financial support: Information about OSAP and government aid, scholarships, bursaries, campus work opportunities and emergency financial support. (https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/financial-support/) ## About McMaster - McMaster was founded in Toronto in 1887 and named after Senator William McMaster, whose $900,000 gift established the university. ([source](https://discover.mcmaster.ca/our-story/mcmaster-history/)) - The university moved to Hamilton in 1930; Hamilton Hall honours residents who raised $500,000 for the new campus. ([source](https://discover.mcmaster.ca/our-story/mcmaster-history/)) - McMaster's nuclear reactor began operating in 1959—the first university-based research reactor in the British Commonwealth. ([source](https://discover.mcmaster.ca/our-story/mcmaster-history/)) - The Marauders name traces to Bill Cline's 1948 suggestion of “Maroon Marauders” for the men's basketball team. ([source](https://marauders.ca/sports/2011/3/28/whatsmarauder.aspx)) - Welcome Week brings faculty events, games and campus activities, with upper-year Reps helping new students settle in. ([source](https://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/welcome-week-at-mcmaster-what-to-expect-and-what-to-bring-with-you/)) - MacStart is a free summer transition program for incoming students with disabilities. ([source](https://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/welcome-week-at-mcmaster-what-to-expect-and-what-to-bring-with-you/)) - Students can join clubs such as McMaster's jack.org chapter—or start a club of their own. ([source](https://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/making-mcmaster-yours/)) - Graduating engineering students take part in the Kipling Ceremony, receiving a ring symbolizing pride in their profession. ([source](https://news.mcmaster.ca/convocation-a-guide-to-mcmaster-university-traditions/)) ## Questions ### What learning system does McMaster use? McMaster University uses Brightspace (avenue.mcmaster.ca). Dash can read your courses and deadlines there once you sign in on Dash's secure page; Dash never sees your password. ### When is winter break at McMaster? McMaster's winter break is starts Feb 15, according to the school's academic dates. Dash can text you a heads-up the week before. ### When is the last day to withdraw from a course at McMaster? Fall last day to withdraw from courses without failure by default (Friday, November 27, 2026). Always confirm the deadline for your own courses with the registrar. ### When is the last day to add or drop courses at McMaster? Winter last day for enrolment and course changes (drop/add) (Tuesday, January 12, 2027). ### When are final exams at McMaster? Fall final examinations begin starts Friday, December 11. Dash builds study plans around your own exam dates once it has them. ### How do I contact the registrar at McMaster? Registrar’s Office Student Services: Assistance with financial aid, transcripts, enrolment letters, diplomas and more. Online human support Monday–Friday, 1–4 p.m.; MAC chatbot available 24/7. Services are online during the relocation week of October 12, with the frontline team moving to Togo Salmon Hall 111. ### Where do I get financial aid help at McMaster? Financial support: Information about OSAP and government aid, scholarships, bursaries, campus work opportunities and emergency financial support. ### Is Dash affiliated with McMaster University? No. Dash is an independent AI sidekick made by Dash Inc. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by McMaster University. ### How do McMaster students start using Dash? Text Dash from textdash.ai and tell it you're at McMaster. Dash sets you up over text right away, no app to download.