Words of wisdom, helpful tips and insight into valuable campus resources were all offered up during Brock’s record-setting New Student Welcome and Academic Orientation.
Key pointers to university life were delivered to more than 2,000 first-year students who packed into Ian Beddis Gymnasium Tuesday, Sept. 3 to learn more about the Brock experience on the horizon.
Brock University President Gervan Fearon addresses the crowd at the New Student Welcome and Academic Orientation event Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Brock President Gervan Fearon delivered a warm welcome to the crowd and thanked the new batch of Badgers for choosing to make the University part of their educational and career journey.
Fearon emphasized that Brock is a student-centred environment filled with faculty and staff looking to help each and every member of the University community succeed.
“You’ve got an outstanding team of individuals here at the University,” he said. “Whatever your needs might be, know we’re here for you. At any time, reach out for assistance in whatever sphere or context is helpful for you.
“Our focus is your success. We’re here to support you and ensure you have an outstanding experience.”
Details on student services and other campus resources were touched on by a wealth of speakers, including Amos Key, Jr., Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement; Leela MadhavaRau, Director of Human Rights and Equity; Ombudsperson Tricia Gazarek; Bilal Khan, President of the Brock University Students’ Union; and a three-student panel whose members shared their own experiences navigating university life.
Shauna Pomerantz, Associate Professor of Child and Youth Studies, delivered the day’s keynote address, providing five tips from her research outlining what university students wish they had known earlier.
They included: Showing up for class, doing the required work and readings, asking for help when needed, finding a balance between post-secondary’s social and academic sides, and embracing the transition to university life.
First-year students Breanna Kelland, left, Adeline Brotohusodo, centre, and Madison Melo at the New Student Welcome and Academic Orientation on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Although they may seem like simple tips, Pomerantz encouraged the crowd to take them to heart as they can make all the difference in the coming years.
Madison Melo found Pomerantz’s tips particularly useful.
Admittedly full of excitement and nervousness, the first-year Concurrent Education student found comfort in the assurance her professors will be there to help should she need guidance along the way.
“It’s great to know that if there’s anything you don’t understand, they’re there to help,” she said. “I’m sure I’ll be asking a lot of questions, but it sounds like it’s better to ask than not.”
The New Student Welcome and Academic Orientation event kick-started a day filled with activities hosted by Brock’s various Faculties as part of Welcome Week.
For a full schedule of Brock’s Welcome Week activities, visit the ExperienceBU website.
