Mohawk College is proud to announce that it has achieved Living Campus certification in partnership with World Wildlife Fund – Canada (WWF-Canada). This certification recognizes the college's commitment to sustainability, conservation and creating a positive impact on the environment.

The WWF-Canada Living Campus certification was introduced by WWF-Canada in 2023 to recognize the efforts of educational institutions in fostering sustainability and environmental stewardship on campus. Mohawk College has successfully met the rigorous criteria set by WWF-Canada, demonstrating our dedication to creating a more sustainable and ecologically responsible campus community.

To achieve Living Campus certification, Mohawk College implemented a range of conservation and engagement activities throughout the 2025-2026 academic year. These efforts include planting sugar maple trees on campus in collaboration with the Centre for Indigenous Relations, Knowledge, and Learning (CIRKL) and Facilities teams, co-hosting a campus Bio-Blitz with Hamilton Conservation Authority, and facilitating a winter seed-sowing workshop with Green Team volunteers and Mohawk College community.

These actions reflect Mohawk College’s commitment to conservation and align with WWF-Canada’s mission to build a future where people and wildlife thrive together.

If you’re craving a cup that does more than wake you up, here’s a chance to wrap your hands around something truly meaningful. Mohawk College’s growing sustainable coffee community is offering the opportunity to order Cloud Forest Coffee, direct-trade beans sourced straight from small-scale farmers who are paid fairly and supported in caring for their land.

Every bag carries a story of rich soil, careful hands, and sustainable growing practices. Every purchase helps strengthen farming communities while bringing you fresher, more flavourful coffee.

This initiative also aligns beautifully with Mohawk College’s sustainability mandate, supporting ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. It’s a small action with a big ripple, right in step with our shared commitment to a more sustainable future.

If you’d like to take part in this little ripple of good, you can place your order here: Direct Trade Coffee Order Form - Mohawk College Coffee Community Fall 2026 – Fill out form. Place your order by November 13 and will arrive late November/early December. 

No payment is required until it is time to place the order. Kelley Cranford or Patrick Cross will reach out when it is time to make payment. 

For more information on Cloud Forest Coffee, please visit: https://cloudforestcoffee.ca/For questions, reach out to Kelley Cranford from CTLI at kelley.cranford@mohawkcollege.ca or Patrick Cross from the Deaf Empowerment Program at patrick.cross@mohawkcollege.ca

Ever wondered, “Who do I contact about that?”

To help answer that question, we're launching Meet the Team. A new series that puts a spotlight on the people and departments working to keep Mohawk College thriving and moving forward.

Each edition will feature a different team, giving you an inside look at what they do, how their work supports students and employees, and how you can best connect with them. This month, get to know your colleagues in the Centre for Experiential Learning, Entrepreneurship, and Career Development.

What the team does and how it supports the college:

The Centre for Experiential Learning, Entrepreneurship, and Career Development supports students in gaining program-related experience, while preparing for a successful transition to the workforce. The centre also works closely with employers and community partners to create meaningful opportunities that benefit both students and industry.

Recent changes and how the team works today:

As of September 2026, the newly rebranded department now includes:

• Co-operative Education
• Experiential Learning
• The Agency
• Preplacement Office
• Nursing and Caring Professions Placements
• Centre for Entrepreneurship and
• Career Centre

The team is currently focused on many large-scale projects:

Co-operative Education

• Co-op Strategy – The strategy will streamline current processes related to enrollment, sequencing, billing, and Co-op Prep to reduce administrative inefficacies (Launching Fall 2027).

Entrepreneurship

• Bowey Family Fund – The Bowey Family has generously supported a new physical space on campus, the creation of an entrepreneurship micro-credential, and the expansion of the SURGE mentorship program (Launching October 2026).

Preplacement Office

• Long Term Care – The newly created long-term care portal will streamline non-academic requirements (NARs) documentation (Launching September 2026).

Career Centre

• Career Strategy – implementing career-related and employment initiatives, including new branding of the Career Centre to increase student engagement and employer connections, access across all campuses.

• Career Micro-Certificate – updated content based on innovative career development practices and new branding.

Experiential Learning

• The Agency – the classroom and client meeting space have been renovated this past summer, including a full production studio.

Nursing and Caring Professions Placements

• BScN Level 1 clinical placements - added in long-term care home settings, providing students with increased exposure to care of older adults and diverse practice environments.
• BScN Level 3 specialty mental health placements - in partnership with St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus, expanding opportunities for students to develop mental health nursing competencies.
• Updated Practical Nursing Semester 4 pre-graduate placements - including an increase in clinical hours to ensure students have enhanced opportunities to consolidate knowledge, strengthen clinical skills, and meet practice readiness expectations prior to graduation.

When should employees connect with Centre for Experiential Learning, Entrepreneurship, and Career Development:

Faculty and staff should contact the team for questions related to supporting students with work-integrated learning opportunities or career development, including the Campus Student Employment Program (CSEP). Faculty can also connect with questions regarding incorporating experiential learning opportunities and career/job search content into their courses.

What is the best way to connect with Centre for Experiential Learning, Entrepreneurship, and Career Development or to learn more:

Email experiential@mohawkcollege.caor visit them online:

• Centre for Experiential Learning https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/experiential-learning

• Career Centre https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/career-services

• Centre for Entrepreneurship https://entrepreneurship.mohawkcollege.ca

Meet the Centre for Experiential Learning, Entrepreneurship, and Career Development team members:

Amanda Malkiewich - Senior Director, Centre for Experiential Learning, Entrepreneurship & Career Development

Co-operative Education

• Jaime Harris – Database Specialist

• Melissa McCormick – Database Assistant

• Rachel Alfano – Co-op Specialist

• Blair Goodman – Co-op Specialist

• Trent Jarvis – Co-op Specialist

• Krislynn McKinlay – Co-op Specialist

Preplacement Office

• Stephanie Blair – Preplacement Officer

• Jenna Gillis – Preplacement Officer

• Jessica Tax – Preplacement Officer

• Jessica Marsh – Preplacement Nurse

• Robin Richter – Preplacement Nurse

• Katharyn Stanclik – Preplacement Nurse

• Jennifer Wright – Preplacement Nurse

Centre for Entrepreneurship

• Alyssa Lancia – Coordinator

• Abby Kompare – Project Specialist

Career Centre

• Marisa Brown – Manager, Career & Experiential Learning

  • Randall Kovacs – Career Outreach & Events Assistant

  • Gabriela Covaci – Career Advisor

  • Lindsay Dyment – Career Advisor

  • Antony Godwin – International Career Advisor

Experiential Learning

• Kim Beaul - Database Specialist

• Andrea Brienesse – Field Placement Support Officer

• Mary McGinley - Field Placement Support Officer

Nursing & Caring Professions Placements

• Jessica Directo – Manager, Clinical Placements & Community Partnerships

  • Moya Allen – Program Systems Coordinator

  • Sonja Bernhard – Field Placement Specialist

  • Jessica Mcdonald – Field Placement Specialist

  • Kaleigh Rudge -Field Placement Specialist

  • Aleena Malik – Placement and Community Partner Support Officer

Stay safe and healthy during seasonal shifts by adjusting your footwear, layering clothing, and preparing your home and vehicle for changing weather.

1. Clear walkways: Sweep up wet, fallen leaves from steps and driveways to prevent slips and falls.
2. Check footwear: Wear supportive shoes with good traction as outdoor surfaces get wet and frosty.
3. Inspect heating: Have chimneys and fireplaces cleaned and inspected before lighting your first fire.
4. Drive with care: Wet foliage on the ground may lead to slippery road conditions. Increased wildlife activity, early frost and shorter daylight hours can also be contributing factors. It is best to slow down and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns

Resource: https://www.redcross.ca/blog/2019/10/4-tips-to-stay-safe-in-between-seasons

Mohawk College Police Foundations students are volunteering their time to help Gore Park Community Outreach serve roughly 1,000 people each week.

The community-based food bank operates in the back parking lot of Hamilton City Hall every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.

For Mohawk College student Brennan, the connection began with an invitation from a friend’s grandfather, a longtime volunteer with the organization. That introduction led to an opportunity to involve more students. With permission from the food bank's Executive Director/Volunteer Jeffrey Ng, Brennan developed a program to recruit and train Police Foundations students as volunteers.

The students volunteer with the guest services team, helping ensure the food bank operates fairly, safely and peacefully. Sixteen Mohawk College students currently volunteer with the organization, with many more expected to join soon.

“When our Police Foundations students volunteer at a local community outreach they are putting the community first,” said Jim Richards, Professor, Community, Wellness and Public Safety. “Our students are demonstrating one of the most important characteristics looked for in a law enforcement candidate—a close connection with the community they wish to serve. An outstanding effort by all those involved.”

As an instructor, he finds it rewarding to help students build confidence, learn from their mistakes, and develop hands-on skills. One of his proudest moments is watching students cross the stage on graduation day. Watch John Deelstra's video on YouTube. 

(If you can't see the video embedded at the top of this page please click the green “Accept Cookies” button)

See recent hires and new positions for September 2026.

New Hires

Full-time

• Bethannie Rausch-Hertz - Program Support Officer-Nursing Studies
• Mitchell Elvidge - Coordinator, Retention Initiatives & Student Support
• Stephanie Skeldon - Manager, Clinic & Operations, Health & Wellness Centre

Contract

• Mateusz Malec - Advanced Manufacturing Research Coordinator
• Daniil Bryzgalov - Embedded Systems Developer
• Laura Pankiw - Low Carbon Project Lead
• Adam Millar - Research and Program Coordinator

New Positions

• Nicole Boncheff - Director, Engagement and Stewardship
• Rutul Bhavsar - Project Manager, Energy and Industrial IoT
• Shrishti Sundaram - Senior Development Specialist, Major Gifts
• Carly Simon - Coordinator, Accessible Learning & Testing Services

Join in as Mohawk College students, alumni and employees cheer on the Hamilton Hammers as they take on the Toronto Marlies.

Wednesday, November 4 | 7 pm
TD Coliseum

Take advantage of this great Mohawk College Student Night Presenting Partner offer for tickets at $30 each. Purchase your ticket using code MOHAWKHAMMERS (By clicking the link, the discount will automatically be applied.)

These and other nondegree programs — like firefighting, automotive and nursing — offer students the quickest paths to a financial return, outpacing degree programs in high-earning STEM fields in the short term, according to CourseCompare’s Return on Education Index, which ranks top college and university programs.

It’s a longtime trend that doesn’t surprise Mohawk president Paul Armstrong. But the fact that many of the popular diploma and certificate programs on the list are offered at the Hamilton Mountain institution is “reassuring,” he said.

“All these graduates tend to do really, really well,” he added.

The index, released last month, compares early-career financial returns across 21 popular programs — both two and five years after graduation — “by balancing upfront costs against earning trajectories and labour-market dynamics,” CourseCompare says.

Read the full story in The Hamilton Spectator (October 15): Which post-secondary programs pay off fastest? These diplomas, popular at Mohawk College, win out

Note: Employees can access full issues of The Hamilton Spectator through the MyMohawk Home page under “Stay Connected”. 

Watch Mo the Hawk learn etiquette around shared equipment, who to contact if you have an issue and how to take advantage of the amenities available in the workspaces.

These tips will help keep the Campus FlexDesk environment comfortable, respectful and productive for all users.

Book a flexible workstation at the Fennell and Stoney Creek Campuses

Campus FlexDesk is a shared, bookable workspace designed to support flexible work styles while ensuring fairness, efficiency, and comfort for all users.

Mohawk College's new flexible workspaces are located at the Fennell Campus in J, I and EA and at Stoney Creek in A, for employees who don’t have a permanent desk at their home campus, or for employees from other campuses needing a temporary workspace.

Employees can now book a workstation, individual room or meeting spaces within Campus FlexDesk through the Archie mobile or Microsoft Teams app.

The new flexible workspace locations are:

Fennell

• EA409
  • Desks 1 – 18
  • Meeting room A (up to 4 people)
  • Meeting room C (up to 6 people)
• J016
  • Desks 1 – 17
  • Meeting room J024 (up to 6 people)
• i105*
  • Private Office A
  • Private Office B
  • Private Office C
  • Private Office D

*Will require picking up key from Traka Box outside Security after booking space.

Stoney Creek

• A111
  • Desks 1-3
  • Private office A111a
  • Private Office A111i
  • Private Office A115

Please note: Other meeting spaces and rooms across campus will continue to be booked through WhereEnCampus.

Ready to book a FlexDesk?

Visit the website, the Archie mobile app or find the app in Microsoft Teams.

Watch the step-by-step video to see how to book your flexible workstation.

Questions? Please contact CampusFlexDesk@mohawkcollege.ca.

Emotional well-being is the ability to understand, manage, and accept your feelings while adapting effectively to life's challenges. Improving emotional well-being usually comes down to small, consistent habits rather than one big change.

1. Stay connected: Spend time with people you trust, even if it’s just a quick call or coffee.
2. Move regularly: Walking, stretching, exercise, or time outdoors can help reduce stress and improve mood.
3. Protect your sleep: Aim for a consistent sleep schedule and enough rest.
4. Make time for enjoyable things: Hobbies, music, creativity, nature, or activities that give you a sense of purpose can all help.
5. Manage stress: Try deep breathing, mindfulness, journaling, or taking short breaks when you feel overwhelmed.
6. Be kind to yourself: Notice overly critical self-talk and try to treat yourself with the same patience you would offer a friend.
7. Set realistic boundaries: It’s okay to say no, take breaks, and protect your time and energy.
8. Reach out for support: Talking with a counsellor, therapist, doctor, or someone you trust can be valuable when stress or difficult emotions become hard to manage.

To explore resources and access other helpful EFAP supports, visit the Health, Safety & Wellness page on MyMohawk for instructions on accessing Homewood Health or visit www.homeweb.ca and click ‘sign in”, and enter the email: MohawkCollege@Efap.com and Password: MohawkEFAP#1.

Mohawk College will be holding a Remembrance Day Service to honour and remember the courage and sacrifice of those who served, as well as the many who gave their lives to defend the values and freedoms we hold dear.

All students, staff, faculty and community are welcome to attend.

Wednesday, November 11, 2026
McIntyre Performing Arts Centre, Mohawk College, Fennell Campus
Doors Open - 10:30 am | Service Start Time - 10:45 am

Complimentary parking will be available for the service from 10:30 – 11:30 am.

The service will be live-streamed. The live stream link will be available on the Mohawk College homepage on November 11.

Remembrance Day Photo Submission: 

We are looking for photos to help honour those who have served their country.

If you know someone who has served and would like to include their photo in our video tribute at this year’s Remembrance Day Service, please email their photo to mohawk.events@mohawkcollege.ca no later than Monday, November 2.

Thank you for helping us honour and remember those who have served.

For those who would like to personalize the photo, please include the following:

• Name of the individual in the photo
• Name of the individual who submitted the photo

Individuals who submit a photo for the Remembrance Day Ceremony video may be contacted by Professor Stephen Adams and invited to participate in the research project: Remembering Their Faces. Participation is entirely voluntary, and informed consent must be provided.

Questions about the ceremony? Please contact mohawk.events@mohawkcollege.ca

Think you're a Friendlier scanning champion? Put your skills to the test for a chance to win a prize pack featuring a hat, t-shirt, and a $25 Mohawk College gift card!

How to Enter:

• Participate in the Friendlier program at Fennell campus between Monday, October 19 and Friday, October 30
• Scan your reusable containers throughout the challenge period
• Drop off your containers into a Friendlier return bin on campus

The participant with the highest number of container scans during the contest period will be declared the winner. The winner will be contacted by email and announced by November 10.

A big thank you to all volunteers for keeping our campus clean!

To keep up to date on upcoming sustainability events and find out how to get involved with our programs and services, follow Mohawk College Sustainability Office on Instagram @sustainablemoco

If you are unable to join us at your home campus, please feel free to join us at one of the other campuses.

Stoney Creek Campus - Room C132
November 3 | 9:30 - 10:30 am

Institute for Applied Health Sciences (IAHS) - Room 201
November 3 | 1:30 - 2:30 pm

Airport Campus - Room 306
November 5 | 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Fennell Campus - McIntyre Performing Arts Centre
November 6 | 9:30 - 10:30 am

RSVP today!

Please RSVP to let us know you will be attending.

Questions? Contact mohawk.events@mohawkcollege.ca

Welcome to Small Change where today, we’re celebrating the first day of Women’s History Month with Paige Petrovsky, founder and owner of, Preserve Your Words!

Paige has always been passionate about storytelling. In fact, since she was really young, she’s never been without a notebook and a pen. Paige also knows everyone has a story to tell, but sometimes they just need a little help to get it down on paper.

Through her biography writing service, Paige conducts interview sessions so she can get to know her clients better. She then weaves the stories and memories into a beautifully bound hard copy biography.

A graduate from the journalism program at Mohawk College, Paige has been preserving people’s words for over seven years. She explains to listeners what legacy work is, who hires her, as well as her favourite places to write.

Read the full story in Small Change Blog: Paige Petrovsky loves to Preserve Your Words

When Katie Cyr sat down for tea with her Irish grandmother as a five-year-old girl, she had no idea it would lead her to running tea workshops for some of the world’s biggest brands. 

Today, Cyr is a certified tea sommelier and founder of Monarch Tea Co., a Hamilton-based tea business she’s been building for 13 years, selling artisan tea blends and leading educational workshops for companies in Canada and around the world.

Cyr has won the Mohawk SURGE Pitch It to Win It! competition and the FirstOntario Credit Union 1Awards, both in 2021, and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2022. She received a Desjardins GoodSpark Grant of $20,000 in 2024, and she was also a finalist for a Meridian Credit Union award last year. 

She is a certified tea sommelier through the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada (THAC). She took the course in 2018 at Mohawk College and is now the instructor at THAC’s Toronto location.

“As a teacher, it’s rewarding to see someone come into class not knowing the difference between a white tea and a black tea,” says Cyr. “And then when they graduate from the program, they’re able to understand a high-mountain oolong versus a low-elevation oolong, light oxidized versus long oxidized. It’s great to see that growth.”

Read the full story in Hamilton City Magazine: For Katie Cyr, it’s always tea time

Over the past month, we were pleased to host Service Award Drop‑in events across all our campuses. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to pick up their pin.

See photos from the events.

If you were not able to attend an event or the pick up dates at each campus, please email Service Recognition to arrange pickup of your pin from the President's Office by December 11.

Celebrate the holiday season with Mohawk College employees, friends, and family, and join us for a Holly Jolly Movie & Pizza Night.

This evening will be filled with festive fun, delicious pizza, and a holiday movie to enjoy together.

Bring your holiday spirit and come celebrate the season!

Friday, December 11, 2026
Mohawk College | Fennell Campus
McIntyre Performing Arts Centre

Doors open: 5:30 pm
Movie begins: 6:30 pm

The Polar Express (1 hour and 40 minutes)
View the movie trailer.

What you'll enjoy:
A holiday movie with a photobooth, pizza and treats!

RSVP by December 4. 

Fire Prevention Week takes place from October 4 to October 10, 2026. The Hamilton Fire Department is excited to share this year’s theme, “CHARGE into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower”. 

This theme underscores the critical importance of staying safe from lithium-ion battery fires and following important tips to ensure the well-being of our city’s residents. 

Charge into Fire Safety 3 steps include: 

• Buy only listed products.
• Charge devices safety.
• Recycle batteries responsibly. 

Fire Prevention Week is a vital opportunity for us to educate and engage our 
community on good fire safety practices. We believe that by working together, we can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents and enhance the overall safety of our neighbourhoods. 

Lithium-ion batteries power many consumer products. 

This includes phones, computers, power tools, vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, e-scooters, e-cigarettes, toys, e-bikes, and electric vehicles. These batteries are essential for modern electronics, but they also require proper care and handling. To stay safe from lithiumion battery fires, follow these important safety tips: 

• Keep devices dry. Some devices, such as toys and power tools, often lack watertight seals, so exposure to moisture can allow water to seep into the battery, leading to dangerous chemical reactions.
• Inspect for damaged batteries before use. If defects are found, do not use and place them away from flammable and combustible materials.
• Only use batteries and chargers that have one of the recognized Canadian certification marks, such as CSA, ULC and cETL.
• Never attempt to modify, tamper with or build your own lithium-ion batteries.
• Charge your cell phone, tablet, laptop and electronics safely by following these tips:
  • Keep your battery in sight when charging and unplug it when charging is complete.
  • Use the charger that came with your device. If you need a replacement, buy from a trusted source and ensure it's compatible with your device.
  • Remove batteries/devices from their charger when fully charged.
  • Charge your device on a hard surface, not on soft surfaces like beds, couches, or under pillows.
  • If possible, charge larger items (like e-bikes, electric scooters or wheelchairs) away from exit doors, in the event they catch fire.
  • Charge your battery before it drops below 30% for better longevity and safety but avoid keeping it at 100% for long periods.
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions when charging a battery.
• Immediately discontinue use of a battery that feels hot or shows damage.

For more information and great safety tips, visit: 
https://www.hamilton.ca/homefiresafety
https://www.chargedforlife.ca/

Battery Recycling 

Collect household batteries (single-use and rechargeable) in a shoebox, plastic container or glass jar and recycle them. 

Dispose batteries safely. They should never be placed in the garbage. Drop 
them off at a City of Hamilton Hazardous Waste Day

https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/garbage-recycling/waste-recyclingfacilities/household-hazardous-waste

or check here for battery recycling locations: https://locations.call2recycle.ca/on/hamilton/

The following batteries should be placed separately in a plastic bag or cover both battery ends with tape to make sure the ends do not touch: 

• Lithium-ion
• Coin (Button) cell
• Alkaline batteries that are 9 volts or higher
• Corroded or leaking batteries

Store all batteries in a cool and dry location before bringing them to a Community Recycling Centre or Municipal Service Centres for recycling.

Staff Volunteers Needed

We’re looking for staff volunteers to help create a welcoming experience for our guests by greeting and directing visitors, answering questions, sharing program and service information, supporting tours, and assisting with setup and teardown.

Register to volunteer for Fall Open House.

Fall 2026 Open House Dates:

• Fennell Campus: Saturday, November 7 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
• Stoney Creek Campus for Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship: Saturday, November 7 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
• Centre for Aviation Technology: Tuesday, November 10 | 5:00–7:00 PM
• Institute for Applied Health Sciences (IAHS): Wednesday, November 11 | 6:00–8:00 PM

For more information, visit mohawkcollege.ca/openhouse or contact Cherish Gibson at cherish.gibson@mohawkcollege.ca.

Mohawk Mountaineers lacrosse sixes head coach Andy Secore has been named to the Haudenosaunee Nationals men’s coaching staff, while assistant coach Travis Hill has joined the women’s coaching staff at the 2026 Pan-American Sixes Lacrosse Championship in Oshawa, Ont.

The championship is underway in Oshawa and runs through Oct. 4, featuring men’s and women’s national teams from across the Pan-American region.

“I was offered the opportunity and jumped right on it,” said Secore. “You look at the Olympics as being a priority for any athlete or coach, and anytime you can have an opportunity to represent your Nation, it’s a dream come true.”

The tournament marks the first official stage of the qualification pathway for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The top five men’s and women’s teams will advance to the 2027 World Lacrosse Sixes Championships, which will serve as the primary qualifier for the 2028 Olympics. 

Hill joined the Mountaineers coaching staff this season, but has worked closely with Secore for several years.

“What a small world, right? We both get this opportunity and we’re working from the ground here at Mohawk,” said Secore.

Secore has been part of the Mohawk lacrosse sixes program since its creation in 2023. He is also an assistant coach with the Georgia Swarm of the National Lacrosse League and has played an integral role in developing the sport at Mohawk and helping establish it within the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA).

The Mountaineers spent their first two seasons as an independent program, competing in exhibition games against Ontario university teams and local senior club teams. In 2024, Mohawk played in the inaugural Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association Sixes Showcase against the Milton Chaos before returning in 2025 and defeating the Humber Hawks, who became the second Ontario college to announce a lacrosse sixes program.

This summer, the OCAA announced lacrosse sixes as an exploratory sport, with Durham and Fleming joining Mohawk and Humber as the four colleges with programs.

The OCAA launched an exhibition season in 2026, with the opening competition taking place last weekend in Etobicoke, Ont. Mohawk is the only team to remain undefeated after its first two games, defeating Humber 14-9 and Fleming 22-6.

“This has been the goal for Mohawk since day one - to get lacrosse sixes to a varsity class in the OCAA like the other sports,” said Secore. “The college and administration have done a great job of getting the sport where it needs to be.”

Lacrosse sixes is a discipline of the sport that has grown rapidly around the world. The format was developed to increase accessibility, foster competitive balance and reduce the cost and complexity of participation and event staging.

Unlike traditional field and box lacrosse, sixes features six players per side and a 30-second shot clock. Games consist of four eight-minute running-time quarters on a 70-by-36-metre outdoor playing surface.

The International Olympic Committee approved lacrosse sixes for inclusion at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2023. The OCAA subsequently became the first known collegiate conference in North America to review the discipline for varsity status.

“When we get older and look back at it, it’ll be memories forever,” said Secore. “Even the student-athletes being a part of it, this will always be special to them.”

The four OCAA schools have three competitive dates remaining on the 2026 schedule: Oct. 18 at Durham, Oct. 25 at Fleming and a championship day on Nov. 1 hosted by Mohawk.

The OCAA will review the success of the exhibition season at its directors’ meeting in December to determine the discipline’s potential to become an official varsity sport. 

As of publication, the Haudenosaunee men’s team is 2-0 at the Pan-American Sixes Lacrosse Championship, while the women’s team is 1-0.

About the Haudenosaunee Nationals 
(source: Haudenosaunee Nationals)

The Haudenosaunee Nationals are the official international lacrosse program of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, representing the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk and Tuscarora Nations. The Haudenosaunee are renowned as the originators of lacrosse. For thousands of years, the Medicine Game, or the Creator’s Game as it’s also known, has been a foundation of Haudenosaunee culture, gifted to the world and passed down through generations. Perennial medal contenders, the Haudenosaunee Nationals men’s and women’s teams consistently rank among the globe’s best by World Lacrosse, the sport’s international governing body. Beyond competing at the highest level, the Nationals continue to advocate for the inclusion and recognition of Indigenous nations on lacrosse’s global stage. Learn more at HaudenosauneeNationals.com.

Join the Mohawk College Sustainability Office and Green Venture for a hands-on stewardship event on Wednesday, Oct 21, 11am - 1pm at Fennell Campus. 

Help weed, tag trees, and support our growing campus forest. 

More details will be shared closer to the event date. To register, please visit the event page. 

The theme for this year's World Mental Health Day is Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change. 

The goal is to raise global awareness of mental health issues and fight the social stigma surrounding mental illness. This year's campaign highlights the importance of listening to people who have lived experience with mental health conditions. It calls for using these personal insights to shape mental health policies, design better services, and challenge social stigma. Awareness is vital, but real change and better well-being come from taking concrete steps. 

Homewood Health, our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider, offers a variety of resources and tools to support mental health, wellness, and overall well-being. 

To explore resources and access other helpful EFAP supports, visit the Health, Safety & Wellness page on MyMohawk for instructions on accessing Homewood Health or visit www.homeweb.ca and click ‘sign in”, and enter the email: MohawkCollege@Efap.com and Password: MohawkEFAP#1.

The Hamilton Public Library Bookmobile continues to visit Fennell campus, every Monday 12pm – 1pm just outside the H wing entrance. Put a book on hold at HPL and pick it up at the Bookmobile. Can’t make it to the Bookmobile? Your book will be waiting for you at the Cummings Library customer service desk. You may also return your HPL books to the Fennell library anytime. No library card? No problem! Sign up on the spot at the Bookmobile! Find out more about the weekly HPL Bookmobile visits!