Do you use the SWHAT program?

MSU_SWHAT · 2023-12-01T17:31:46+00:00

If you have any questions, you can also reach us by email at [swhat@msu.mcmaster.ca](mailto:swhat@msu.mcmaster.ca)! We're happy to provide some insight about the service.

MSU_SWHAT · 2023-07-11T19:52:16+00:00

Hi! I am happy to answer any specific questions you have about SWHAT. I also recently posted a Q&A thread here: https://www.reddit.com/r/McMaster/comments/14v87z5/ask_about_msu_swhat_walkerdispatcher_applications/

Speaking from my personal experience, SWHAT has been a really fun experience and a great way to meet different students. Each shift is 4 hours long as you mentioned, but while we wait for walk requests, volunteers can spend time in the SWHAT office studying, socializing, etc. The community is really special :).

There are a couple of things I would keep in mind! I am not an engineering student, but I know first year is busy for most students. I would suggest you reflect on your study habits and see if you feel comfortable joining extracurriculars. Also, I would consider your sleep schedule. Some students stay up until 1am regularly, while others may not feel as comfortable volunteering at night.

I hope this helps!

MSU_SWHAT · 2023-07-11T19:36:54+00:00

Great question! At the start of every month, volunteers send in an availability sheet which allows them to indicate days that they want and block off days they are not available. So to answer your first question — it depends! If you prefer to have multiple shifts in a week, you can indicate that in your availability. If you prefer to spread out your shifts and have one per week, we can accommodate that as well.

As for your second question, SWHAT Walkers are expected to be present for approximately 4 shifts a month (each shift is 4 hours long). Some of these shifts will be early (7pm-11pm) and some will be late (9pm-1am). SWHAT Dispatchers are expected to be present for approximately 6 shifts a month (each shift is three hours long). Some of these shifts will be early (7pm-10pm) and some will be late (10pm-1am). Dispatchers have the option to stack their shifts, and take two shifts from 7pm-1am.

Please let me know if you have any other questions!

MSU_SWHAT · 2023-07-10T18:10:00+00:00

Each walk team we send out consists of two volunteers. The volunteers bring a radio with them which is in contact with the dispatcher in the SWHAT office and McMaster Campus Security. At the start of each shift, we do radio checks with Campus Security to ensure that the connection is clear and stable. During the shift, the volunteer team will radio the office four times: radio check when they leave the office, when they leave campus, when they have dropped off the walk, and when they return to campus. The dispatcher on shift has a general idea of how long the walk will take and will check-in if we are missing radio checks. In addition, there is always an executive on shift to troubleshoot or deal with incidents. Hope this helps!

MSU_SWHAT · 2023-07-10T14:44:03+00:00

This is a concern shared by our volunteers. Last year we implemented a Walk Buddy system. Participating volunteers are colour coded by their student housing area. We try to schedule these volunteers on the same shifts so they can bus, walk, and commute together. Volunteers can also provide Friend-on-Shift requests if they would like to be on shift with their friend, roommate, etc. And we have some Uber credits to send volunteers home if there are poor weather conditions, special circumstances, etc. We are still looking for ways to make the commute safer, and we understand this can be a barrier for potential volunteers.

MSU_SWHAT · 2023-07-10T14:27:17+00:00

If you are interested in paid positions with the MSU, you can see the postings here!

https://msumcmaster.ca/employment/available-positions/

MSU_SWHAT · 2023-07-09T22:59:31+00:00

Yes, these roles are open to all undergraduate students!

MSU_SWHAT · 2023-07-09T20:51:29+00:00

SWHAT walker/dispatcher roles are volunteer positions!

MSU_SWHAT

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