Brock has selected an experienced social policy professional to become the inaugural Director for the University’s new Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre.

Sarah Pennisi, who has been the Niagara Region’s Director of Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities since 2005, will begin her new role at Brock on July 18.

The Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre is one of two new service hubs that were created this spring when the University reorganized how student services are administered and delivered.

The Wellness and Accessibility Centre is a one-stop destination for students seeking health, wellness or accommodation support. It incorporates services that were previously dispersed across separate administrative units, such as the medical and support staff from the former Student Health Services team.

The other new hub to emerge from the restructuring is the Student Success Centre, which is now the home of Learning Skills Services, central Academic Advising (formerly in the Registrar’s Office) and Aboriginal Academic Supports. These resources will focus on helping students achieve academic success through advising and academic support.

The new structure falls under the purview of Anna Lathrop, Brock’s Vice-Provost of Teaching, Learning and Student Success. She said the University’s new organizational model reflects the changing needs and lifestyles of students.

“We created the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre to provide a single door for students looking for help on all health and accessibility-related issues,” said Lathrop. “We bundled programs and services in a way that aligns with how students expect to access them.”

Lathrop said Pennisi, who has a PhD in Social Work, brings significant experience in overseeing organizational governance and front-line service delivery, which will help Brock’s skilled staff advance the benefits of the reorganization.