Here’s a look at some of the updates to Brock University’s COVID-19 response for Tuesday, May 12:
Brock President Gervan Fearon penned an open letter to faculty, staff and students Friday reaffirming the University’s optimism for the future. He wrote about developing plans for the resumption of some research activities, and the move online for significant University events such as Spring Convocation and Cuveé.
“We are now moving from preparation and response into recovery,” he wrote. “There will be challenges along the way, and new information will emerge that requires us to re-evaluate choices and decisions that we made even within the best scenario planning.
“Just as you have been vital in our success to date, you will continue to be our priority throughout this period. We may not be able to fully see beyond the horizon today, but we do know we are moving together in the right direction,” Fearon said.
Canadian scholar, academic leader to be Brock’s next Provost
Brock’s next Provost and Vice-President, Academic is Lynn Wells, a respected and accomplished scholar and academic leader. She will join the University July 1.
Wells is currently the Associate Vice-President, Students and Teaching at MacEwan University in Edmonton, and previously served as the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, and Acting President at the First Nations University of Canada, in Regina.
Read the full story on The Brock News.
Brock researchers seeking participants for COVID-19 related research
Two Brock researchers are seeking participants to better understand the impacts of COVID-19.
Recreation and Leisure Studies Professor Tim O’Connell wants to know how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted outdoor recreation participation patterns before, during and after the start of physical distancing strategies and the closure of outdoor recreation areas in Canada.
Associate Professor Danielle Sirianni Molnar in the Department of Child and Youth Studies is seeking participants for a new study investigating the impact of COVID-19 on adolescents who experience perfectionism.
Read more about the outdoor recreation and teen perfectionism studies.
Centre for Health and Well-Being teams up with Brock students to enhance virtual fitness classes
The Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being has now begun to offer online fitness classes hosted by the Centre’s staff and Brock graduate and undergraduate students. Brock Kinesiology, Health Sciences and Therapeutic Recreation students will be teaching virtual classes throughout the Spring and Summer Terms.
Online memberships are now available to local community members. The membership includes live fitness classes, educational seminars, weekly check-ins and social meetings with the students.
Read the full story on The Brock News.
In an age of cyber attacks, Brock embraces MFA to beef up cyber security
Brock is joining scores of institutions around the world in adapting Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
MFA is probably the single most effective way to protect an organization against remote attacks and prevent criminals from seizing control of sensitive files or personal information. It follows the same high-security principle as a bank card at an ATM, which requires a user to have a PIN number to use it.
When Brock users get access to MFA, they receive notifications through their mobile device or smartphone asking them to confirm they have just tried to log into Office 365 or Workday.
Brock has begun a phase-in campaign that will eventually require all faculty, staff and students to use a mobile device to confirm their identity.
Read the full story on The Brock News.
Academic options available for research-based graduate students
Brock University has a plan in place to support its graduate students who are facing an extraordinary situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan will provide research-based grad students with a variety of flexible options that will allow them to successfully complete their programs in a timely manner, while respecting that academic requirements remain in place.
In all cases, the first step in deciding the next course of action is for grad students to meet (virtually) with their graduate program director (GPD) or supervisor.
Read the full story to learn more about the options on The Brock News.
Student grade option choices being accepted
Brock students have been provided with greater flexibility and choices on how grades are presented on transcripts for any course affected by the Winter 2020 COVID-19 disruption.
Disruption Grade Change Request forms must be completed and submitted to Records@brocku.ca in order for the request to be processed. Other methods of request submission will not be accepted. The form, and detailed information about the grade options and procedure, is located on the website of the Office of the Registrar at Disruption Grade Change Request Form and Procedure.
Request forms will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3. Only one option can be selected per course. Once the request form is processed, the changes are considered permanent and cannot be reversed. Students are reminded to check their Brock email accounts and the Office of the Registrar website for further updates.
Computer Commons / IT Help Desk update
Brock’s IT Help Desk is now 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. This service is available to the entire 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.
Spring/Summer Term instructors with questions about what software is included in the virtual lab or how to use it, please contact ITS at ithelp@brocku.ca
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 Student Health Services nurse, please email COVID19@brocku.ca
For medical emergencies, students should phone 911.
