Collaborative, innovative and community-oriented are words that post-secondary institutions often use to describe themselves, but Brock University has proven that its reputation in these areas is genuine.
In supporting public health directives to maintain physical distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Brock’s Student Recruitment team is applying an online format to its Spring ritual of welcoming thousands of prospective students and their families to campus.
The Virtual Open House, which takes place Monday, April 27, will offer a variety of digital experiences to illustrate the vibrant community that students will be interacting with at Brock this Fall.
Matt Melnyk, Brock’s Director of Student Recruitment, said Virtual Open House will have a vibrant personal connection as more than 20 staff members from Recruitment, Brock Central (Office of the Registrar), Admissions, Brock International and other representatives from across the University are available for live chat sessions throughout the day.
On Monday, April 27, Brock University is hosting a Virtual Open House for prospective students, with additional recruitment initiatives planned.
In addition to developing their own content, the Recruitment team sought input from Brock faculty, staff, students and community partners, who contributed documents, photos, videos and presentations that help illustrate the value and experience of a Brock education.
Melnyk said this year’s innovative event demonstrates what the University is all about.
“When we describe what Brock is to prospective students, we frequently talk about the community, collegiality and the deep sense of family on campus,” he says. “Our entire transition with COVID-19, but specifically the Open House, really showcases our commitment to cultivating a collaborative environment even amidst challenging times.”
In addition to the Open House, the Recruitment team is connecting with prospective students through ongoing webinars and chat sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, as well as Instagram Q&A sessions and virtual meetings through the video conferencing system Lifesize with recruitment officers.
A virtual campus tour is already live featuring 360 degree views of the campus, which is set atop the Niagara Escarpment within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The Open House will remain live until June 1 in correspondence with the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) deadline for accepting offers of admission.
“I want to express the gratitude the Recruitment team has for the greater Brock community,” says Melnyk. “The Virtual Open House wouldn’t be possible without everyone’s commitment and passion for showing what a great place Brock University is. It says a lot about who we are and who we hope to attract.”
