As Brock starts winding down the calendar year and prepares to close most campus operations for the holiday period, graduate students are reminded that supports are available to them after an unusual term.

Suzanne Curtin, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, said faculty and University administration understand the year has not been without its own unique challenges for graduate students.

“As the year ends, and also over the coming weeks, we encourage all graduate students to please be sure to speak with their Graduate Program Director or contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies if they have any concerns about their academic progress,” said Curtin. “We are here to support you.”

For the year-end holiday break, the University will close at noon on Thursday, Dec. 24 and reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 6. The Winter academic term begins on Monday, Jan. 11.

While the Faculty of Graduate Studies offices will be closed during the break, students needing immediate support can access 24/7 telephone counselling by calling 1-833-276-2533 (1-833-BROCK33) or, if outside North America, 001 416 382 3257 (international fees may apply); or by downloading the “My SSP” App for on-the-go counselling from the App Store or Google Play.

The holiday closure will also impact research activities on the main campus.

From Thursday, Dec. 24 through Sunday, Jan. 3, only those researchers authorized to conduct essential maintenance of research equipment, samples and researcher-provided animal care may access facilities.

On Monday, Jan. 4, researchers authorized to conduct research activity may access facilities under the terms of their risk mitigation plans. Persons with questions around access should consult their Associate Dean, Research.