Ready to roll

McGill crackles with potential of new school year

Neale McDevitt

Each fall, like the outstretched arms of a great colossus, the Roddick gates welcome people into the bosom of the McGill community. As summer's lazy heat slowly gives way to the invigorating breeze of autumn, the university's campuses are revitalized, the growing stream of people bringing new life to the school.

While its stately buildings, cutting-edge equipment and priceless collections may comprise the skeleton of McGill, people are its lifeblood. Parents and profs, staff and students — the true worth of a university is in measured in flesh and blood, not bricks and mortar.

As such, McGill truly is a special place. Our undergraduates have the highest entering grades of any Canadian university and, over the past six years, have won more national prizes on average than their peers across the country. Over the last year, McGill students earned awards from Rhodes Scholarships (Dominique Henri) to Olympic gold (Jennifer Heil). No goal is too daunting, no accomplishment too great.

McGill professors are world leaders in their fields, as witnessed by the amount of funding and prestigious awards they earn each year and the incredible quality of their research. The work done at McGill, be it in epigenetics, water management or music has both an immediate and a lasting impact on the world in which we live. The transfer of knowledge only spurs this work on to greater heights as the torch of excellence is passed from teacher to student.

The first few weeks of this new semester will bubble with excitement, with everyone gearing up toward the coming academic year. From Principal Heather Munroe-Blum and her administration, to professors and members of the support staff, all are galvanized into ensuring that the thousands of students, both undergraduate and graduate, are properly settled in and ready to embark upon their journey of self-discovery.

For a complete rundown of student services designed to help ease the transition back into academia, please see Survive and thrive: A visual guide to your first week at McGill.