As they arrive on campus this September, new Brock students will have access to more assistance than ever to keep them on track during their first semester. 

Thanks to funding from BU 4U Retention and Graduation Grants, a team of 20 student staff members will be on campus to answer a variety of inquiries through the newly rebranded Stay Smart/Ask Me booths. 

“The first few days at university can be both exhilarating and intimidating at the same time,” said Kara Kelly, Brock’s Manager of Recruitment Operations and Communication. “We want to provide a warm welcome for our new students and help them feel like part of our Brock community.” 

Guided by feedback from students who previously completed the Smart Start program, Brock’s recruitment team has retained its summer staff to assist new students with questions as the Fall Term commences and to serve as familiar faces for this summer’s nearly 2,000 Smart Start orientation participants. 

“Several studies have shown the first six weeks of school are a critical transition period,” said Kelly. “We want our students to feel comfortable in their new environment and to feel the welcoming spirt that Brock is so well known for.” 

During the first two weeks of the semester, the Stay Smart/Ask Me booths will be open every weekday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. to help with general inquiries and to triage questions that may be destined for Brock Central or an academic advisor. The four booths will be located outside of the Campus Store, in the Schmon Tower lobby, across from the Brock Card office and outside of the David S. Howes Theatre.

Simultaneously, many Brock faculty, staff and campus partners will be wearing Ask Me buttons to offer on-the-spot assistance to students with questions as they move around campus.  

“We will be delivering buttons to all Brock Faculties and offices, and we want staff to know they don’t need to have all of the answers to still help students out,” said Courtney Keogh, Brock’s Recruitment Officer in charge of Smart Start and school groups. “They can get students pointed in the right direction and offer a friendly face during a busy time.”

Ask Me buttons will also be available in the Recruitment Office’s new location in Cairns 209.

After the first two weeks of the term, a booth will be set up for an additional four weeks in the space across from the Brock Card office. Help will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for three days each week, with the Stay Smart team providing useful information on topics such as student wellness, academic success and preparing for midterms.  

“Our goal is to add to the transition support offered through the summer orientation programs and Welcome Week by providing timely information on important topics when students need it the most,” said Kelly.

Along with in-person services available at the booths and through button-wearing helpers, students can also remain informed by visiting Brock’s social media accounts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Further information and videos about the Stay Smart/Ask Me booth program can be accessed on the Discover Brock University website.