McGill.CA / Science / Department of Physics

Resources for Graduate Students

If you are unable to find the resource you need and/or need extra guidance, please contact Graduate Program Coordinator Lauren Kay ([email protected]).

Link/contact Details
Emergency and Safety-related Resources
Emergency 911 Police, fireman, ambulance
Suicide Action Montreal Hotline Phone: 1 866 277 3553
SMS: 1 855 957 5353,
Live chat: External link
Free 24/7 confidential, non-judmental support to those with suicidal thoughts, who are concerned about someone else or who have lost someone to suicide
Sexual Assault Montreal Hotline 1 888 933 9007 Free 24/7 non-judmental support and information about resources to those who suffered sexual assault or who want to support someone who did
Security Services (Downtown Campus) 514 398 3000 24/7 patrol, call to report suspicious people on campus or building emergencies, access to lost and found, requiring escort around campus or check-in if working late alone
Rutherford, Trottier and Wong Building Porter office: 514 398 7102
cell: 514 829 7597
Call if you're having issues entering the building, lost and found, or to report urgent building issues. For non-urgent building problems, report to [email protected] with copy to [email protected]
McGill Student Emergency Response Team 514 398 3000 (8:30am-6pm weekdays; phone number reaches Security Services, who will dispatch MSERT when necessary)
McGill link
MSERT is a student-run volunteer service, providing a free and accessible first aid service to McGill University and the greater Montreal community. Volunteers are certified with the Red Cross, and the team carries a range of first aid equipment. Also operates on all McGill residences, with the exception of Solin Hall (6pm-6am every night). Does not operate during the summer semester.
WALKSAFE 514 398 2498 (Sunday-Thursday: 9pm-12am; Friday-Saturday: 9pm-3am)
McGill link
WALKSAFE is a free SSMU (Students’ Society of McGill University) service. Call their number to have their walkers accompany you from point A to point B safely regardless of your reasons. Does not operate during the summer semester.
Drivesafe 514 398 8040 (Thursday-Saturday: 11pm-3am)
McGill link
DriveSafe is also a free SSMU service. Call their number to get their patrols to drive you home safely to and from anywhere on the Island of Montreal (and Kahnawake) for free. Also has south shore shuttle services. Does not operate during the summer semester. (Do not rely on them on a regular basis.)
Emergency Rooms (ERs) External Link
External Link
Extensive list of emergency room locations, respective occupancy, and other related information
COVID-19 Resources
Quebec/Montreal Guidelines and Resources External link Official, daily updated bilingual information on COVID in the province and city: number of cases and deaths, restrictions, how to get tested or vaccinated, guidelines in case of contagion or contact with someone who tested positive
McGill Return to Campus Page McGill link Information on the return to campus Fall 2022, with section on the current university COVID policy
To voice work safety concerns to AGSEM (for TAs) [email protected] In case you don't feel safe working as a TA, you're entitled to request accomodations. AGSEM can recommend a course of action and support you through the process
Health & Wellness Resources
Student Wellness Hub McGill link
514 398 6017 (8:30am-3:30pm weekdays)
McGill's health center. It provides access to basic physical and mental health services, as well as health promotion and peer support programs. Appointment only consultations, booked through phone calls. Currently new health issues require an in person consultation that you can only book the day of. We recommend you call the hub right at 8:30am and be prepared to go in same day for an appointment. Appointments for ongoing health issues discussed with a McGill doctor previously can be booked in advance.
McGill List of Off-Campus Health Services McGill link Out-of-province and international students usually pay up-front and can get reimbursed afterwards, check your health insurance. Often a referral from a doctor is necessary to book an appointment with a specialist.
Virtual doctor appointments - Maple App External link 24/7 ability to book a virtual appointment. International students don't pay up-front but other students might need to and might not be reimbursed.
Virtual doctor appointments - Dialogue App External link 24/7 ability to book a virtual appointment. Students covered by PGSS Extended Health Insurance don't pay up-front but other students might need to and might not be reimbursed.
Licensed counsellors appointments (Keep.meSAFE: MySSP App) 1 844 451 9700
Download MySSP App: McGill link
24/7 ability to book a free virtual appointment over phone, chat, video call or in person, for some cases. 60+ languages supported, but not all offer "walk-in" appointments
Quebec Info-Santé 811 To talk to a nurse and/or social worker (for a non-urgent health concern)
Local Wellness Advisors McGill link McGill's Local Wellness Advisor (LWAs) are trained mental health clinicians able to orient and connect you with support resources - on-campus or off-campus - for your unique situation.
Wellness Hub Access Advisors McGill link Access Advisors can help students make sure they are contacting the most applicable services. Appointments can be arranged much quicker than appointments with the Local Wellness Advisors.
McGill's policy on medical notes McGill link It specifies the medical notes doctor, psychiatrists and local wellness advisors can provide
Tel-Aide Montreal Hotline 514 935 1101 Free 24/7 support and information about resources to those experiencing distress. Run by non-professional volunteers
McGill Students' Nightline/Chatline Live chat: McGill link (6pm-3am everyday) A McGill student-run confidential, non-judgmental online chatting service. Not professionals, but offer active listening during crisis, can provide information and referrals too.
Vent Over Tea Phone or video call: External link A free, confidential, non-judgmental space for venting. Not professionals, but offer active listening during crisis.
Peer Support Centre Zoom drop-in or appointments: McGill link (11am-5pm weekdays) A McGill student-run service that provide free, one-on-one, confidential and non-judgmental peer support and resource referral to all McGill students
PGSS List of Resources McGill link Extra resources available to all graduate students
Health insurance handbook for international students McGill link Details on health insurance coverage and policies. Also available on the Medavie App.
Sexual Assault Center of the McGill Student's Society (SACOMSS) External link Resources page for services in Montreal, they offer a call line at specific hours and support groups for survivors
Drugs and Alcohol-specific Resources
Drugs and alcohol emergency line through Québec government (24/7) 514 288 1515 or directly at 110, rue Prince-Arthur Ouest 24/7 access 7 days a week to medical professionals trained to help with addiction of drugs and alcohol every kind through the Québec government: https://ciusss-centresudmtl.gouv.qc.ca/soins-et-services/problemes-de-consommation-ou-de-dependance/urgence-dependance-en-toxicomanie
Tracom 514 483 3033 or External link Free 24/7 crisis intervention center with accommodation available.
Information on addiction to drugs and referrals (24/7) 514 527 2626 24/7 access 7 days a week to information and referrals to help with drug addiction funded by the Québec government: https://www.aidedrogue.ca/en/
Find free naloxone (Opioid overdose prevention) External link Find free naloxone near you in Québec.
McGill's free drug checking kits External link Get free drug checking kits and access other harm reduction resources through McGill's Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy (CSSDP) organization
Mobility-specific Resources
OSD Adapted Transport McGill link A free van service offered by OSD to travel between campus buildings. Available to all McGill students (and staff) who have significant mobility impairments (you will need to provide medical documentation)
Downtown McGill Campus Map McGill link This is an interactive map that shows different paths between 2 campus buildings, based on the level of mobility you input. WARNING: there are some buildings on campus that are completely inaccessible through wheelchair and such: this is most likely not a defect of the map, but one of the campus (sorry!)
SIRTA External link A public transport service specifically for people who have temporary or permanent mobility impairments (you will need to provide medical documentation). Available to all Quebec residents.
Academic Resources
Graduate Program Coordinator 514 398 6485
[email protected]
Physics link
Department staff members handling issues of administrative nature (for example, paperwork regarding disbursement of funds, travel awards, TA contracts, etc)
Graduate Program Director (GPD) [email protected]
Physics link
Department faculty member who helps to mediate student-supervisor conflicts of all nature, they can also provide information, resources and advice for your situation
Chair of the Department [email protected]
Physics link
Department faculty member who coordinates decisions within the department and mediates conflicts between the GPD and their students as well as any situation the GPD is unable to deal with
Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies McGill link McGill's graduate degree deadlines, policies, regulations and guidelines. They are also responsible for dealing with any situation out of the scope of the department
Office of the Dean of Students McGill link More student rights and responsibilities, guidelines on academic integrity, advising, and description of the student disciplinary process. They manage conflicts outside the department and/or between students
MGAPS VP Academic Physics link Graduate student from the department who can advise and direct you to specific resources
Supervision guidelines and student rights McGill link What to expect of supervision at a graduate level, McGill's recommendations on progress track reports, PhD committee members selection, etc
Office for Students with Disabilities McGill link Support to students with temporary or permanent disabilities of all nature. They provide exam accomodations, note-taking services and other accessibility resources. Long term COVID issues also under their scope, medical notes not always required
GradLife Orientation (GLO) & Webinars - CL&E McGill Link Campus Life & Engagement provides multiple virtual programs and webinars to help prepare new graduate students on how to register for courses, access your health insurance, housing, legal rights in Quebec or what to expect from the supervisory relationship.
Orientation & Transition: Graduate & Postdoctoral - CL&E McGill Link Useful links to orientations, workshop, programs and much more from Campus Life and Engagement
Workshops and Events - myPath McGill Link Programs by myPath for students to assist in the development of an indivivdual development plan.
Supervision - SKILLSETS McGill Link Training resources on building good relations with your supervisor and other related skills.
Other Relevant Resources
Physics Department Parental Leave Policy Physics link The physics department has a parental leave policy which supports graduate students and postdoctoral researchers with up to 12 months of parental leave.
Legal Information Clinic at McGill External link Non-profit, student-run, bilingual and free service that provides legal information, referrals, and community services to McGill and Montreal communities
Office for Mediation and Reporting McGill link Contact them to file a formal report of discrimination, harassment, or sexual violence; learn about policies and processes; or be connected to additional supports.
The Office of the Ombudsperson for Students McGill link Offers confidential, informal, independent, and impartial dispute resolution services to all members of the student community by providing information, advice, intervention and referrals.
International Student Services McGill link Support to international students: advice on immigration, visas and other legal matters, health insurance and life in Canada in general
Office for Scholarships and Student Aid McGill link Information on fellowships, scholarships, loan programs, need-based aid and work-study programs
Sexual Assault Center of the McGill Student's Society (SACOMSS) External link Resources page for services in Montreal, they offer a call line at specific hours and support groups for survivors
Office for Sexual Violence Response, Support, and Education McGill link A McGill resource providing confidential, non-judgmental and non-directional support to those who have been impacted by sexual or gender-based violence.
Office for Students with Disabilities McGill link Support to students with temporary or permanent disabilities of all nature. They provide exam accomodations, note-taking services and other accessibility resources. Long term COVID issues also under their scope, medical notes not always required
McGill Office of Religious and Spiritual Life McGill link Multi-faith team connecting students to religious and non-religious communities. They organize events and have a relaxation space on campus open to all
First Peoples' House McGill link They provide a sense of community to Indigenous students by organizing events and offering accomodation in their residence.
Black Students' Network McGill link Service provided through SSMU offering social and political events by and for Black Students in addition to hosting discussions and providing mentoring and resources.
McGill University Family Care Resources McGill link Resources compiled by the McGill community with basic information on childcare, schooling, eldercare and healthcare
McGill Physics EDI Resources Physics link The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee in the Department is a group of students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and faculty members that aims to create a working environment that is safe and inclusive.
Career Planning Service McGill link They assist students in their career development and search for permanent, part-time, and summer jobs, as well as internships, by providing workshops, individual advising and curriculum writing support, a comprehensive job posting service, and an extensive Career Resource Centre.
SKILLSETS McGill link SKILLSETS provides general, transitional, and professional skill development opportunities to complement the research training provided by the academic experience at McGill for graduate students and postdocs.
Graphos McGill link Graphos teaches graduate students and postdocs how to become accomplished scholarly communicators.
McGill Writing Center McGill link Offers writing courses and writing tutoring services
Relevant Student Associations
MGAPS Physics link Graduate student group representatives at the department, affiliated to PGSS. Organize events, represent the graduate student members on departmental comissions and at decision-level committees
PGSS McGill link Post Graduate Students' Society (PGSS) is an association of all graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at McGill, with members on the Board of Governors and other decision-level groups
AGSEM External link Union representing TAs and Invigilators. They negociate salaries, rights and contractual obligations and support students when issues arise
Quebec Student Union External link Student group advocating for student needs at the provincial level