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Getting Involved With the MLS
Getting Involved With the MLS
How do I get more involved beyond attending events?
How do I get more involved beyond attending events?
There are several ways to deepen your involvement with MLS. You can join the Academic Committee, apply to be a Lower or Upper Year Rep, sign up for the Mentorship Program as a mentor or mentee, or run for an executive position. Keep an eye on our Instagram and Discord for announcements about when applications open for each.
What is the Academic Committee and how do I join?
What is the Academic Committee and how do I join?
The Academic Committee (AC) is a sub-team of MLS members who work alongside the VP Academics to create academic content and initiatives, which includes our weekly Instagram series, Study Soirées, and a final project. Applications open at the start of the fall semester and are announced on our socials. No specific year or program requirements to apply.
What is a Year Rep and how do I become one?
What is a Year Rep and how do I become one?
Our Year Reps act as liaisons between MLS and students in lower and upper year linguistics courses, passing along feedback and helping shape our events and initiatives to reflect what students actually need. Applications are announced at the start of the fall semester.
What is the Mentorship Program and how do I sign up?
What is the Mentorship Program and how do I sign up?
The MLS Mentorship Program pairs upper-year linguistics students with those in earlier years for guidance, connection, and support throughout the academic year. You can apply as a mentor, a mentee, or both. Applications typically open in early September.
How do I run for an exec position?
How do I run for an exec position?
Exec applications open once a year and are announced across our Instagram, Discord, and email list. To be eligible, you need to be enrolled in at least two LINGUIST courses during the term you're applying for. Selection is made by the Co-Presidents. Check out our Exec Positions page to learn more about each role before applying.
MLS Events
MLS Events
Where can I find out about upcoming events?
Where can I find out about upcoming events?
The best places to stay updated are our Instagram (@maclingsociety) and Discord server, where we announce events first. You can also keep an eye on the Wug Hub's Events page, which we update throughout the year.
Are events free to attend?
Are events free to attend?
Yes! All MLS events are free for members to attend. Membership itself is also free, so there's no cost barrier to participating in anything we run.
Do I need to RSVP for events?
Do I need to RSVP for events?
It depends on the event. Some events, particularly smaller or capacity-limited ones, may ask you to RSVP in advance but this will always be noted in the event announcement. For most general events, you're welcome to just show up.
Can I bring a friend who isn't in linguistics?
Can I bring a friend who isn't in linguistics?
Absolutely! MLS events are welcoming to anyone interested in linguistics, regardless of their program.
Mentorship Initiative
Mentorship Initiative
What is the Mentorship Program?
What is the Mentorship Program?
The MLS Mentorship Program is an initiative that pairs upper-year linguistics students with those in earlier years. It's designed to foster connection, provide academic and career guidance, and help newer students navigate university life with the support of someone who's been through it. Pairs are matched based on interests, goals, and personality to make the connection as meaningful as possible.
When do applications open?
When do applications open?
Applications typically open early in the fall semester and are announced on our Instagram, Discord, and email list. We recommend applying as early as possible since spots are limited. Keep an eye on our socials so you don't miss the deadline.
How are pairs matched?
How are pairs matched?
Pairs are carefully matched by the VP Internal based on shared interests, academic goals, future aspirations, and personality. Real thought goes into every pairing to make sure each match has the best chance of being a meaningful one.
What's expected of me as a mentor or mentee?
What's expected of me as a mentor or mentee?
Mentors are expected to check in with their mentee regularly, offer guidance and support, and attend mentorship events throughout the year. Mentees are encouraged to reach out to their mentor, come to events, and make the most of the connection. The program runs for the full academic year, so the expectation is an ongoing relationship, not a one-time meeting.
What if I haven't heard from my pair after being matched?
What if I haven't heard from my pair after being matched?
Don't worry, reach out first if you can! Sometimes things get busy at the start of the semester. If you've tried reaching out and still haven't heard back, contact us at macling@mcmaster.ca and the VP Internal will follow up on your behalf.
Executive Positions
Executive Positions
When do exec applications open?
When do exec applications open?
Exec applications open once a year, typically in May or June. Exact dates are announced on our Instagram, Discord, and email list - follow us so you don't miss it!
What executive positions are available?
What executive positions are available?
MLS has nine executive positions: VP Internal, VP Administration, VP Academics, VP External, VP Finance & Fundraising, VP Events, VP Promotions, VP Merchandise & Marketing, and VP Media & Design. Visit our Exec Positions page for a full description of each role and to figure out which one might be the right fit for you.
I'm interested but not sure which role is right for me - where do I start?
I'm interested but not sure which role is right for me - where do I start?
Head to our Exec Positions page for plain-language descriptions of every role, written specifically to help you figure out where you would be the best fit. You can also reach out to us at macling@mcmaster.ca if you have questions about a specific position.
What's it actually like being on the exec team?
What's it actually like being on the exec team?
Being on exec means weekly meetings, collaborating closely with a team of fellow linguistics students, and taking real ownership over an area of the club, whether that's events, academics, design, finance, or outreach. It's a meaningful commitment, but also one of the best ways to shape what MLS looks like for the broader student community.
Are there any requirements to run for an exec position?
Are there any requirements to run for an exec position?
Yes. To be eligible for an executive position, you must be enrolled in a minimum of two LINGUIST courses during the academic term you're applying for. There are no program requirements beyond that -- you don't need to be a linguistics major or minor.
Still have questions?
Still have questions?
Reach out to us at macling@mcmaster.ca or send us a DM on Instagram - we are always happy to help!
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