13 March 2020

To all students, faculty and staff at Brock,

I am writing to thank you all for your understanding and cooperation, as Brock University continues to make the best possible choices in order to help our community deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

These are clearly extraordinary times, and this pandemic is presenting major challenges in our own community and around the world. We have watched as governments, major institutions, major sports leagues and global corporations have had to make unprecedented decisions, and introduce remarkable measures, in order to manage the situation and protect public safety.

Earlier today, Brock University announced it will suspend all face-to-face classes and exams for the rest of the term, while also recognizing the need to keep the University open and fully functioning. For more specific details on this, I refer you to this message that was posted on the Brock website and was also sent to you by email.

This decision was not taken lightly.  We truly understand that this causes disruption and sometimes uncertainty for students and others.  However, I want you to know that we are acting with you and public health in mind.  These steps are necessary to protect the safety of students, faculty and staff, and also to ensure that the academic semester is not at risk.  Your wellbeing and success is our first concern.  Furthermore, we are taking steps to reduce the potential load on the health care system in what has been called “flattening the curve”.

It is important for us to also realize that hundreds of Brock staff and faculty members have been literally working night and day during these difficult times. Whether rescheduling classes or making sure hand sanitizers are filled, these people have faced, and continue to face, challenges that few of us has ever experienced.  I appreciate your commitment and effort, you are a vital part of the Brock family.

One of the greatest benefits of being part of the Brock community is that we have people around us with whom we can share strength and support. We will all manage our way through the challenges of the coming weeks, and the University will continue to make the best choices possible for the sake of our community.

We will continue to communicate these decisions to you, and help make sure that you remain well positioned to achieve personal development and successfully complete your semester.

Thank you, and please take care of each other.

Sincerely,

Gervan Fearon
President and Vice-Chancellor