Brock University maintains a non-discriminatory admissions policy that supports fair and equitable access to higher education. The University’s Undergraduate Admissions Policy states that all prospective students are encouraged to apply and are considered on the basis of evidence of probable success in their chosen program. The policy explicitly establishes Brock’s commitment to non-discriminatory admissions, including non-discrimination based on race, colour, national or ethnic origin, creed, and sex.

Brock’s admissions framework includes:

• Non-discriminatory admissions: Brock’s Undergraduate Admissions Policy explicitly establishes a racially non-discriminatory admissions process and extends its non-discrimination provisions to creed and sex.
• Admissions based on academic potential: All prospective students are encouraged to apply and are considered based on evidence of probable success in their chosen program.
• Admissions Accessibility Policy: Brock provides an accessibility consideration process for eligible applicants who meet the University’s minimum admission requirements but do not meet the required average for their chosen program, providing an additional pathway for consideration.

Brock’s admissions practices are further supported by its institution-wide Discrimination and Harassment Policy and obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code, reinforcing the University’s broader commitment to equitable access and freedom from discrimination. Brock’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy was amended in September 2022 and October 2025.

Through its non-discriminatory admissions policy, accessibility considerations, and broader human rights framework, Brock works to ensure applicants are considered fairly and equitably in accessing University education.

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 undertakes planned actions to recruit students, staff, and faculty from underrepresented and equity-deserving groups. These actions combine targeted outreach to prospective students, dedicated pathways and mentorship, employment-equity requirements, and targeted academic recruitment.

• Future Black Leaders: Brock’s Future Black Leaders initiative engages Black and other equity-deserving secondary-school students through mentorship, educational programming, leadership development, and opportunities to connect with Brock students, faculty and resources. In 2025, its conference welcomed local high-school students and community members while building pathways into post-secondary education.
• Indigenous student pathways: Developed in partnership with the Hadiya’dagęnhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre, Indigenous Plus reduces barriers for Indigenous learners through mentorship, career-integrated learning, cultural teaching, community connections, and individualized guidance.
• Employment Equity Policy: Brock’s Employment Equity Policy commits the University to actively recruit qualified faculty and staff from equity-seeking groups and to design recruitment and selection processes that encourage participation by candidates from diverse backgrounds. The identified groups include women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized people, and LGBTQ persons.
• Targeted academic recruitment: Brock’s equity work within the Canada Research Chairs Program includes EDI training and resources for recruitment teams and specific actions to recruit Black and Indigenous scholars. Brock’s institutional reporting documents nominations and recruitment activity involving both Black and Indigenous candidates.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate planned recruitment actions affecting prospective students, staff, and faculty rather than only supports provided after enrolment or hiring.

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 University is committed to creating an accessible, inclusive, and barrier-free environment for students, employees, and visitors. Through accessibility policies, campus design standards, accommodation services, accessibility planning, and physical infrastructure improvements, Brock works to ensure equitable access to its facilities, services, programs, and learning environments.

Examples of accessible facilities and services include:

• Accessibility Policy: Establishes Brock’s commitment to removing physical, technological, communication, transportation, and systemic barriers in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Accessibility and Inclusion Services: Brock maintains a dedicated accessibility portfolio coordinated by an Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who supports students, faculty, staff, and visitors while advancing accessibility initiatives across the University.
• Brock University Facility Accessibility Design Standards: The University incorporates accessibility requirements into the planning, construction, and redevelopment of campus facilities to support equitable access for individuals with disabilities.
• Student Accessibility Services (SAS): Provides accommodation and support services that ensure students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities, facilities, and campus life.
• Accessible Campus Map: Brock maintains an interactive campus accessibility map identifying accessible parking spaces, accessible washrooms, elevators, passenger drop-off areas, and other accessibility features located throughout campus.
• Elevator Access Across Campus Buildings: Brock’s accessibility mapping system identifies more than 20 elevators serving academic, administrative, athletic, and student spaces, including the Mackenzie Chown Complex, Taro Hall, Welch Hall, South Block, and the Plaza Building.
• Accessible Parking Infrastructure: Accessible parking spaces are available throughout campus, including academic, residential, and recreational areas, with dedicated accessibility parking guidance and accommodation processes available through Parking Services
• Accessible Residence Accommodations: Housing Services provides accessibility accommodations for students living in residence, including individualized housing accommodations, mobility-related supports, and accessibility planning.
• Service Animal Accessibility: Brock permits registered service animals in campus facilities and residences and provides formal policies and procedures to ensure equitable access to academic, residential, and public campus spaces.
• Multi-Year Accessibility Planning: Brock maintains a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan that guides continuous improvements to campus accessibility, infrastructure, policies, and services.

Through accessible facilities, accommodation services, accessibility planning, and continuous barrier-removal initiatives, Brock University works to ensure that all members of the University community can fully participate in academic, employment, research, and campus life.

Brock University is committed to ensuring equitable access to education, campus programs, and university services for people with disabilities. Through dedicated accessibility services, accommodation programs, accessibility planning, and specialized support resources, Brock works to remove barriers and create an inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities.

Examples of disability support services and accommodation include:

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS): Provides accommodation and support services that facilitate academic participation and ensure students with disabilities have equitable access to educational opportunities.
• Academic Accommodation Plans: Individualized accommodation plans are developed based on student needs and may include exam accommodation, note-taking support, assistive technology, alternative-format course materials, sign-language interpretation, and adjustments to course participation requirements.
• Accommodation and Exam Support Services: Students may access quiet testing environments, additional examination time, assistive technologies, and other accommodations designed to support academic success.
• Transition Programs for Students with Disabilities: Specialized transition programming supports students with disabilities as they move from secondary school to post-secondary education and adapt to university learning environments.
• Accessibility and Inclusion Services: Provides guidance, advocacy, accommodation support, accessibility resources, and campus-wide accessibility initiatives for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Assistive Technology and Alternate Format Supports: Students may access educational technologies, alternative-format learning resources, and other tools that improve accessibility and participation in academic activities.
• Service Animal Accommodations: Brock supports the use of registered service animals in academic, residential, and public campus spaces to ensure equitable participation for individuals with disabilities.
• Accessible Residence Accommodations: Housing Services provides individualized residence accommodation, mobility-related supports, service animal accommodations, and accessibility planning for students requiring accommodations in residence.
• Accessibility Policies and Barrier Removal Initiatives: Brock’s accessibility framework promotes the removal of physical, technological, communication, transportation, and systemic barriers while advancing inclusion across the University community.

Through accommodation services, accessibility supports, assistive technologies, transition programs, residence accommodations, service animal support, and barrier-removal initiatives, Brock University helps ensure that students with disabilities can fully participate in academic and campus life.

Brock University provides targeted access and transition programs for students with disabilities through Student Accessibility Services (SAS), helping students prepare for university, access individualized accommodations, connect with appropriate supports, and participate fully in academic and campus life. SAS facilitates academic participation by providing accommodations and support to students with disabilities to ensure equal access to educational opportunities.

Examples of Brock’s disability access schemes and targeted supports include:

• Bridge to Brock: Brock offers a dedicated transition conference for incoming first-year students registered with Student Accessibility Services. The program introduces students to accessibility and campus resources, helps them become familiar with the university environment, and provides opportunities to connect with peers before beginning their studies.
• Early Accessibility Planning: Incoming students can begin the Student Accessibility Services registration process as soon as they accept their offer to Brock. Students are encouraged to register early, allowing disability-related supports and accommodations to be identified and planned before classes begin.
• Individualized Accommodation Support: Student Accessibility Services works directly with students to identify disability-related barriers and coordinate appropriate academic accommodations and supports throughout their studies.
• Transition and Orientation Support: Students with disabilities can connect with SAS through transition programming and University orientation opportunities, helping them learn about accommodations, accessibility resources, campus services, and the processes they will use to access support at Brock.
• Ongoing Accessibility Services: Once registered, students can continue accessing SAS throughout their studies for accommodation planning, exam accommodations, assistive supports, funding guidance, and other disability-related academic needs

Through targeted transition programming, early accommodation planning, individualized accessibility support, and ongoing services, Brock University provides students with disabilities with structured pathways to access and participate fully in post-secondary education.

Brock University maintains a formal reasonable accommodation framework to ensure that students with disabilities have equitable access to academic programs and learning opportunities. The Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Policy establishes the University’s responsibility to provide an accessible and inclusive educational experience in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The policy promotes inclusion, full participation, privacy and dignity while requiring the provision of reasonable accommodations that enable students with disabilities to meet the essential requirements of their courses and programs. [brocku.ca]

Key elements of Brock’s disability accommodation framework include:

• Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Policy: Establishes Brock’s institutional commitment and legal responsibility to provide reasonable academic accommodations and equitable access for undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities. The policy originally took effect in February 2012, demonstrating that a formal accommodation policy was in place by 2025.
• Formal Accommodation Procedures: Brock has established processes governing the request, assessment, implementation, and review of accommodations. These procedures outline responsibilities for students, instructors, Student Accessibility Services, academic units, and other University employees.
• Individualized Accommodation Planning: Students with disabilities can register with Student Accessibility Services to identify disability-related barriers and determine reasonable and appropriate accommodations based on their individual needs and academic requirements.
• Accommodation Across Learning Environments: Brock’s accommodation framework extends beyond classroom instruction to non-course degree requirements and experiential learning environments, including theses and major research projects, laboratories, studios, conferences, placements, practicums, internships, and co-op work terms.
• Review and Appeal Mechanisms: The University’s policy establishes processes to review and resolve disagreements concerning accommodations involving students, Student Accessibility Services, instructors, or program administrators.
• Dedicated Accommodation Services: Student Accessibility Services provides the institutional infrastructure needed to coordinate accommodations and disability-related academic supports, including accommodation planning, examination support, and assistance accessing relevant services and resources.
• Funding for Disability-Related Services and Equipment: Eligible students can access the Bursary for Students with Disabilities and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities to help cover disability-related services and equipment required to participate in post-secondary education. Student Accessibility Services supports students through the funding application process, including identifying disability-related needs, preparing applications, and facilitating review.

Together, Brock’s formal accommodation policy, established procedures, dedicated Student Accessibility Services, individualized accommodation planning, review mechanisms, and access to funding for disability-related services and equipment provide a comprehensive framework for supporting reasonable accommodation and equitable participation of students with disabilities in University education.

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.