Brock University is committed to providing equitable access to higher education and maintaining an admissions environment free from discrimination. The University operates within the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code and maintains institutional policies that promote fairness, inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, or disability.

Examples of Brock’s commitment to non-discriminatory admissions and equitable access include:

• Discrimination and Harassment Policy: Establishes Brock’s commitment to maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and applies to all members of the University community.
• Compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code: Brock’s policies prohibit discrimination based on protected grounds including race, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, and disability.
• Human Rights and Equity Office: Provides education, guidance, support, and advocacy to help ensure equitable access, inclusion, and non-discriminatory practices across the University.
• Accessibility and Accommodation Frameworks: Brock maintains accessibility and accommodation policies that support equitable participation for applicants and students with disabilities and help remove barriers to access.
• Institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitments: The University advances inclusive practices through education, awareness initiatives, accessibility supports, anti-discrimination programs, and human rights guidance.

Through its human rights framework, anti-discrimination policies, accessibility commitments, and equity-focused supports, Brock University works to ensure that admission and participation in university life are based on fair and equitable access rather than personal characteristics unrelated to academic potential.

Brock University is committed to improving access, participation, retention, and success for underrepresented and equity-deserving groups. The University monitors and supports the experiences of diverse student populations through dedicated centres, targeted programming, student support services, and institutional equity initiatives that help identify barriers and improve access to higher education.

Examples of initiatives that support and monitor access for underrepresented groups include:

• Black Student Success Centre: Established in 2023, the BSSC supports the academic success, recruitment, retention, mentorship, leadership development, and well-being of Black students. The Centre serves as a key liaison between Black students and the broader University community while advancing commitments under the Scarborough Charter.
• Mentor Link: Connects Black students with upper-year peer mentors to support student transition, belonging, persistence, and academic success.
• Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre: Provides culturally relevant academic, social, and community supports that help Indigenous students transition to university and succeed throughout their academic journey.
• Indigenous Student Transition and Retention Supports: Hadiya’dagénhahs works with students, faculty, administration, and community partners to support Indigenous student access, engagement, retention, and success.
• Dedicated Equity and Inclusion Infrastructure: Through the Office of Human Rights and Equity and the Associate Vice-President, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Brock advances institutional strategies that identify and address barriers experienced by equity-deserving populations.
• Targeted Student Success Programs: Brock provides culturally informed programming, mentorship opportunities, academic supports, leadership development initiatives, and community engagement activities that help improve participation and outcomes for underrepresented student populations.
• Commitment to Recruitment and Retention of Underrepresented Students: Dedicated centres such as the Black Student Success Centre and Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre explicitly support student recruitment, transition, retention, belonging, and academic achievement for historically underrepresented populations.

Through dedicated support centers, mentorship programs, Indigenous and Black student initiatives, and institution-wide equity strategies, Brock University works to improve access to higher education and enhance the success of underrepresented groups throughout the student lifecycle

Brock University is committed to increasing access to higher education for underrepresented and equity-deserving groups through targeted recruitment, outreach, transition, mentorship, and student success initiatives. The University works to reduce barriers to participation and foster pathways to higher education for Indigenous students, Black students, and other historically underrepresented populations.

Examples of recruitment and access initiatives for underrepresented groups include:

• Black Student Success Centre (BSSC): Established to support the recruitment, retention, academic success, leadership development, and well-being of Black students. The Centre serves as a dedicated hub connecting prospective and current Black students with Brock resources, mentorship opportunities, and community supports.
• Mentor Link: Connects incoming Black students with upper-year peer mentors who help support transition, belonging, academic success, and engagement within the Brock community.
• Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre: Provides culturally relevant academic, social, and community supports designed to help Indigenous students transition to university and thrive throughout their educational journey.
• Indigenous Student Recruitment and Transition Supports: Hadiya’dagénhahs works collaboratively with students, faculty, administration, and community partners to support Indigenous student access, engagement, recruitment, retention, and success.
• Black Student Recruitment and Retention Initiatives: The Black Student Success Centre advances Brock’s commitment to the Scarborough Charter by supporting the recruitment and retention of Black students and strengthening connections among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members.
• Culturally Informed Transition and Success Programs: Brock provides mentorship, academic support, leadership development opportunities, networking initiatives, and culturally responsive programming that help underrepresented students successfully transition into university life.
• Dedicated Equity and Inclusion Leadership: Through the Associate Vice-President, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Human Rights and Equity, Brock advances institution-wide initiatives that identify and address barriers affecting equity-deserving populations and promote inclusive access to higher education.

Through dedicated Indigenous and Black student centers, mentorship opportunities, culturally responsive supports, and institution-wide equity initiatives, Brock University works to recruit, support, and retain students from historically underrepresented groups while fostering equitable access to post-secondary education.

Brock University is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work and learning environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Through its Discrimination and Harassment Policy, the University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics, including race, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, and disability, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

The policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, volunteers, visitors, contractors, and other members of the Brock community. It extends to activities occurring on campus, at university-sponsored events, and in online environments connected to the University’s work and learning activities.

Examples of Brock’s anti-discrimination measures include:

• Discrimination and Harassment Policy: Establishes the University’s commitment to prevent discrimination and harassment and outlines the rights and responsibilities of community members. It also provides formal procedures for reporting, investigating, and resolving complaints of discrimination and harassment.
• Discrimination and Harassment Procedures : Offers education, consultation, guidance, informal resolution support, and resources related to human rights, discrimination, and harassment concerns.
• Complaint Resolution and Reporting Mechanisms: Community members have access to multiple resolution pathways, including consultation, mediation, facilitated agreements, systemic reviews, and formal complaint processes.
• Education and Awareness Initiatives: The University provides training, awareness programs, and prevention initiatives designed to promote inclusion, diversity, and respect across the campus community.
• Institutional Accountability Framework: Responsibility for addressing discrimination and harassment is shared among Human Rights and Equity, People and Culture, Student Affairs, and Campus Safety Services, ensuring multiple support and reporting pathways are available.

Through comprehensive policies, reporting procedures, educational initiatives, and dedicated support services, Brock University works to ensure all members of its community can study, work, and participate fully in university life free from discrimination and harassment.

Brock University maintains dedicated leadership for equity, diversity, inclusion, and human rights through the Office of Human Rights and Equity, led by the University’s Associate Vice-President, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. This role provides institution-wide leadership in support of Brock’s strategic priorities related to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, anti-racism, and human rights.

Examples of Brock’s diversity leadership and support structure include:

• Chelsea Takalo, Associate Vice-President, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Provides senior leadership for institutional equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, anti-racism, and human rights initiatives across the University
• Human Rights Office: Leads education, outreach, policy development, consultation, advocacy, and support services that promote an inclusive and equitable campus environment.
• EDI Education and Outreach: Delivers training, awareness initiatives, and resources that strengthen understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and human rights across the Brock community.
• Human Rights and Equity Advisory Services: Provides consultation, guidance, and support to students, faculty, staff, and visitors regarding discrimination, harassment, accessibility, and inclusion
• Anti-Racism and Inclusion Initiatives: Dedicated staff support institutional efforts to combat racism, remove barriers, and foster equitable participation for all members of the University community.
• Sexual and Gender Diversity Supports: Specialized resources and programming promote inclusion and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff.

Through dedicated institutional leadership, specialized equity professionals, educational initiatives, and human rights supports, Brock University demonstrates a university-wide commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-discrimination principles.

Brock University provides dedicated services, centers, programs, and institutional support that promote access, inclusion, belonging, and success for underrepresented and historically marginalized populations. Support is available for Indigenous students, Black students, international students, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, and other equity-deserving groups.

Indigenous Supports

• Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement: Provides institutional leadership for Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, community partnerships, Indigenous student success, and integration of Indigenous knowledge throughout the University.
• Hadiya’dagęnhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre: Provides culturally relevant academic, social, and community supports that assist Indigenous students in their transition to and success at Brock University.
• Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre Partnership: Supports Indigenous community collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community-focused research initiatives.

Black Student Supports

• Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) Established in 2023, the BSSC serves as a dedicated academic and personal hub for Black students, providing mentorship, leadership development, culturally informed supports, networking opportunities, and pathways to academic success.
• Mentor Link: Connects Black students with upper-year peer mentors to support academic success, belonging, and campus engagement.
• Black Students Association (BLSA): Provides advocacy, cultural programming, leadership opportunities, and peer support for Black students.
• Black History Month / African Heritage Month Programming: Annual celebrations promote awareness, education, recognition, and engagement with Black histories and cultures.

International Student Supports

• Brock International: Provides comprehensive support for international students from pre-arrival through graduation. Services include immigration advising, transition assistance, health and wellness resources, and community engagement programming
• Immigration Advising Services: Licensed advisors provide guidance on study permits, visas, work permits, and immigration requirements.
• International Student Transition and Community Programs: Orientation events, Global Connections activities, and student engagement initiatives support integration and community building.

Accessibility and Disability Supports

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS): Provides accommodations and support services that ensure students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities.
• Academic Accommodation Programs: Supports include note-taking assistance, alternative formats, assistive technology, exam accommodations, interpreters, and individualized accommodation plans.
• Transition Programs for Students with Disabilities: Specialized transition programming helps students successfully navigate the move to post-secondary education.

2SLGBTQIA+ Supports

• Brock Pride Club: Provides advocacy, community-building, peer support, and inclusive programming for students of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
• Sexual and Gender Diversity Supports: Dedicated Human Rights and Equity staff provide resources, education, and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members

Gender-Based and Sexual Violence Supports

• Gender and Sexual Violence Support and Education Office: Provides confidential support, education, advocacy, referrals, and accommodations for individuals affected by gender-based and sexual violence.
• Survivor Support Programs: Includes survivor support groups, counselling referrals, emergency funding, gender affirmation funding, and individualized support planning
• Sexual Violence Policy and Reporting Supports: Ensures access to reporting mechanisms, accommodations, education, and survivor-centered support.

Institutional Equity Supports

• Associate Vice-President, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Provides senior leadership for institutional equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, anti-racism, and human rights initiatives.
• Human Rights and Equity: Provides education, outreach, anti-racism initiatives, advocacy, accessibility supports, and human rights guidance.

Through dedicated Indigenous, Black, international, accessibility, 2SLGBTQIA+, gender-based violence, and equity-focused supports, Brock University works to remove barriers, foster belonging, and ensure equitable opportunities for all members of the University community.

Brock’s Accessibility Policy and Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities Policy outline Brock University’s commitment to promoting accessibility, equal participation, and inclusion as an inherent right of persons with disabilities. This includes accessible facilities for people with disabilities by implementing the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) supports and foster independence in students with accessibility needs; advocates for accessibility for students; and provide resources and education opportunities for staff and faculty to ensure a welcoming environment in compliance with Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) guidelines and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Specifically, SAS provides the following services: case managers, exam centres, classroom accommodations, enhanced services related to learning disabilities; assistive technologies and a quiet room.

The university offers an extensive range of services designed to remove barriers and promote equal participation in academic life. Students can work with dedicated case managers to develop personalized accommodation plans. The service includes specialized exam centres that provide appropriate testing environments, classroom accommodations tailored to individual needs, and enhanced services specifically related to learning disabilities. Additionally, assistive technologies are available to support students in their academic pursuits, and quiet rooms offer spaces for students who require reduced sensory stimulation.

Brock University provides access schemes for people with disabilities through comprehensive support systems designed to ensure equal participation in all aspects of university life. Student Accessibility Services facilitates academic accommodations and provides individualized support to students with permanent disabilities or temporary and cyclical health conditions to help them succeed in their studies by addressing their specific needs. The university’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond provincial requirements, as Brock’s services exceed the standards set by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Through Student Accounts & Financial Aid, students with disabilities can access targeted financial support including government assistance programs, bursaries, and grants specifically designed for students with disabilities. The university’s accessibility infrastructure includes tutoring, note-taking support, assistive technologies, exam accommodations, and other specialized services. Brock has also established an Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who provides expert guidance and assists individuals in setting up necessary accommodations to ensure equal access to university resources and opportunities.

Brock University has implemented reasonable accommodation policies and strategies for persons with disabilities, including adequately funded mechanisms to support full participation in university life. Central to this commitment are the Accessibility Policy and the Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities Policy, which outline the university’s dedication to promoting accessibility, equal participation, and inclusion as inherent rights. These policies align with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, establishing a comprehensive framework for removing barriers and ensuring accessible facilities across campus. Student Accessibility Services facilitates academic participation by providing free and confidential accommodations and support services to students with permanent disabilities or temporary health conditions impacting academic functioning, delivered through individualized accommodation plans developed with case managers.

Brock University’s committed to maintaining an environment free from harassment across the institution and its operations. This commitment is demonstrated through comprehensive institutional frameworks designed to protect all community members.

The institution addresses harassment and discrimination through the Discrimination and Harassment Policy, which establishes a culture that values diversity and inclusion, fosters respect, and does not tolerate prejudice, discrimination, harassment, or bullying. This policy applies to students, staff, faculty, course participants, volunteers, and visitors to the University, remaining in effect year-round across all University-related activities and locations. The policy is reviewed frequently, with the latest amendment in October 2025.