Brock University maintains a publicly accessible admissions policy that addresses barriers to post-secondary education through inclusive pathways designed to support students who have historically faced challenges in accessing higher education. Understanding that traditional academic qualifications do not always reflect a student’s potential or circumstances, the University has developed targeted programs to reduce inequalities in educational access.

Developed through collaboration between the Office of the Registrar and Enrolment Services, academic faculties, and support units, the Academic Bridging pathway program was launched in 2022. The program exemplifies Brock’s commitment to creating equitable admissions opportunities for applicants who lack conventional academic qualifications. This full-time, eight-month access-to-university program recognizes that students often encounter difficulty gaining admission to undergraduate studies when they do not meet standard requirements due to various circumstances including social, racial, economic, personal, familial, or health-related challenges that may have impacted their prior academic performance. The foundational year provides a structured and supported environment where students can bridge academic gaps through a tailored approach specifically designed to ensure their success in post-secondary education.

Brock’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy is reviewed frequently and provides guiding procedures and responsibilities to support the equity, diversity, and dignity of all people.

Brock University demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to tracking under-represented groups, including racialized minorities, women, LGBTQ2+ students, and students with disabilities. Institutional Planning, Analysis and Performance (IPAP), in collaboration with the Office of People and Culture, has produced a new interactive data visualization tool, allowing the campus community to explore the results of Brock’s annual Equity Census. Preliminary student results from the Equity Census are also available to the public. The University actively collects demographic data to identify gaps in representation on campus, develop strategies for improving equity, diversity and inclusion, and track evolving demographics over time. The Student Equity Census is a small step toward a much bigger goal of creating an equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible university for all.

Brock’s intention to measure access extends beyond enrollment data through its alignment with the Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion charter, which specifically addresses barriers faced by members of under-represented or disadvantaged groups such as women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority or racialized groups, and members of LGBTQ2+ communities.

Brock University is committed to taking planned actions to recruit students, staff, and faculty from under-represented groups. The institution’s commitment to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus is embedded throughout its recruitment processes and employment practices. Through its endorsement of the Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada charter, Brock has affirmed its dedication to addressing systemic barriers and promoting opportunities for women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and LGBTQ2+ communities. The University actively encourages applicants from these designated groups to self-identify during recruitment and has established equity-focused hiring processes guided by its Employment Equity Policy. Demonstrating this commitment through concrete action, Brock launched a cluster hire initiative to recruit Black scholars across multiple faculties, directly addressing under-representation and creating a more inclusive academic environment. Article 20 of the collective agreement between Brock and the Faculty Association explicitly addresses employment equity, working to increase the representation of under-represented groups across the institution.

These proactive recruitment practices extend beyond faculty positions to include staff and student recruitment, with dedicated support from the Human Rights and Equity office. The University’s comprehensive approach includes targeted communications, unconscious bias training for hiring committees, and ongoing engagement with partners to ensure recruitment processes are equitable and barrier-free. This commitment reflects Brock’s recognition that drawing on diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences strengthens the academic community and advances excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship across all areas of university life.

Brock University maintains comprehensive anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies that uphold the dignity and worth of every community member. The institution has established a publicly available Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Sexual Violence Policy, alongside a robust Accessibility Policy. These policies outline Brock’s commitment to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive community where students, staff, faculty, volunteers, and visitors can work and learn in environments free from prejudice, discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, and ableism. These policies collectively ensure that Brock meets its legislative obligations under both the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The Human Rights and Equity Office serves as a dedicated resource for the entire Brock community, providing information, education, assistance, and advice on human rights matters, including harassment and discrimination.

The Human Rights and Equity Office acts as a central resource for all Brock community members to provide information, education, systems navigation, guidance, advocacy, and support on issues related to equity, diversity, inclusion, human rights, harassment, discrimination, bullying and sexual violence. This includes harassment and discrimination based on race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, ancestry, creed, sex, gender identification, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, disability, and others as well as personal or workplace harassment and bullying.

Additionally Brock University has the following committees tasked to advise on diversity, equity, inclusion, human rights, and decolonization on campus: Human Rights Taskforce, President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity, and Decolonization (PACHRED); Gender and Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Committee; Trauma-informed Pedagogies Working Groups. Through these structured mechanisms, Brock maintains ongoing dialogue about human rights issues, responds to emerging concerns, and develops strategic initiatives that foster an inclusive campus environment where all community members can thrive regardless of their background or identity.

Through dedicated centres, Brock provides mentoring, counseling, and peer support programs that support students, staff, and faculty from under-represented groups. The Black Students Success Centre offers a mentorship initiative, drop in services, academic support, and community-building opportunities that address the unique experiences and needs of Black students navigating their university journey. The Hadiyaˀdagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre provides culturally responsive mentoring, resources, and events that honour Indigenous ways of knowing and being while supporting academic and personal development. By investing in specialized support structures, Brock recognizes that equitable outcomes require more than equal treatment—they demand targeted interventions that acknowledge historical and ongoing marginalization. The University’s approach fosters peer connections, provides access to role models and mentors, and creates safe spaces where under-represented groups can build networks of support. These programs reflect Brock’s understanding that diversity enriches the educational experience for all community members while ensuring that students, staff, and faculty from marginalized backgrounds receive the specific resources necessary to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.

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.