Here’s a look at some of the updates to Brock University’s COVID-19 response for Wednesday, April 22:
The federal government today announced plans for a $9 billion aid package to help university and colleges students Wednesday. The Canada Emergency Student Benefit will give students $1,250 per month from May to August or $1,750 per month if they’re supporting someone or living with a disability. The Canada Student Loans Program is also being enhanced by raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided to students from $210 to $350 in 2020-21.
Computer Commons / IT Help Desk Update
As part of its ongoing efforts to combat the pandemic, Brock is changing the way it provides IT support services. Services will continue to be available for students through an online and remote system.
Starting Saturday, April 25, the Help Desk will move fully online with remote support available from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. Remote support is available to faculty, staff, students and the rest of the Brock community. Questions can be directed to ithelp@brocku.ca or by phoning 905-688-5550 x4357.
Students needing course-specific software will be given further information from their instructors on how to access Brock’s virtual lab space.
The final day for access to the Computer Commons (Fishbowl) and the in-person IT Help Desk will be Friday, April 24.
Students’ Union looking for input on Strategic Plan
The Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) is in the final phase of consultation toward its Strategic Plan. BUSU is conducting a survey to collect broad-based student feedback on a couple of themes identified in smaller group consultation.
The survey can be found online here and anyone completing it will be entered to win one of four $250 Amazon gift cards.
Canadians need to consider implications of COVID-19 surveillance, says Brock prof
Canadians need to be ready to make decisions about the kinds of surveillance they are willing to accept to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and for how long, says Aaron Mauro, Assistant Professor with Brock’s Centre for Digital Humanities.
While tracing applications on phones have been effectively used in other countries to alert people if they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, Mauro said they open the door to a host of other privacy issues.
Read the full story on the Brock News.
Campus Store employees working to ensure students have necessary resources
Staff from Brock’s Campus Store continue to operate Monday to Friday on a rotating basis to fulfil online orders. Quick shipping, low prices and an expanded online store are all ways the Campus Store has quickly adapted to the operational changes to help keep up with the needs of students and instructors.
Read the full story in The Brock News.
How to contribute to COVID-19 Student Emergency Bursaries
In recognition of the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on students’ financial situation, the University has created the COVID-19 Undergraduate Student Emergency Bursary and the COVID-19 Graduate Student Emergency Bursary.
To make a one-time gift online please visit brocku.ca/donate, and to contribute through payroll deduction visit my.brocku.ca/BrockDB/pay_EmpDeductionCampaign.aspx
Mental health app for employees
Employees can access immediate support for mental health and other challenges through the Employee and Family Assistance Program, which has been made available to all current Brock employees as part of the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The free My EAP app offers interactive support tools and easy access to health and wellness information directly on a mobile device. Users can also access an instant chat with a counsellor or book an EFAP support service. Visit workhealthlife.com/myeap to locate and install the app on your mobile device.
Mental health resources — update for students
Brock is dedicated to supporting students with mental health resources.
Face-to-face counselling is currently not available; however, same-day drop-in counselling is still accessible. Email counselling@brocku.ca to be contacted via Microsoft Teams with an appointment time and a counsellor’s name.
For 24/7 personal counselling phone 833-276-2533 (833-BROCK33).
From Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., students can access Student Health Services (SHS) by phoning 905-688-5550 x3243 to leave a message and contact number, or by emailing referralstaff@brocku.ca
Student Accessibility Services remains available for students and contact information can be found on SAS website.
If you have questions about COVID-19 symptoms and need to speak to a SHS nurse, please email COVID19@brocku.ca
For medical emergencies, students should phone 911.
