Brock is known across Canada for its scenic campus and unparalleled student experience. It’s what makes the University such a great place to learn, teach and work, and it’s part of the reason Brock is ranked so highly for student experience in the Maclean’s rankings of Canadian universities each year.
As the region, province and country continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Brock is planning a return to campus for the Fall Term, with classes offered primarily on campus and residence, dining and campus life services returning to normal operations.
“The University’s top priority remains ensuring a high-quality academic and student experience, with the knowledge that many students are eager to return to campus as soon as it is safe to do so,” says Brock University President Gervan Fearon. “Our students tell us the Brock experience and campus engagement are an important part of their education and personal development. We are doing everything to ready Brock to welcome students back on campus.”
Brock is planning to offer as many courses on campus as possible, including labs and other experiential learning, graduate seminars and undergraduate classes. It will mean the much-anticipated return to on-campus learning, teaching and working. The University is preparing for the gradual return of community programs such as access to fitness facilities and events.
The University also plans to have its eight residences fully operational, returning to near-full capacity and ready to receive students. These include a variety of options, such as traditional dormitory-style and semi-suite rooms, as well as townhouses and housing suitable for upper-year and graduate students. Dining services will return to normal and academic supports such as the James A. Gibson Library and on-campus computer labs will be available.
“What incoming and returning students to Brock will see when they arrive back on campus is a truly enhanced and upgraded version of the University,” says Lynn Wells, Provost and Vice-President, Academic.
Just before the global pandemic forced all classes to move online in March 2020, the University opened its striking new front entrance and collaborative space, the Rankin Family Pavilion.
Over the past year, a number of significant construction projects and campus enhancements have continued. These include:
• Residence 8, a brand new on-campus residence that increases Brock’s capacity to nearly 2,800 beds
• DeCew Residence, a massive renewal project on Brock’s largest residence building
• The Zone, the on-campus fitness centre, which has tripled in size and been updated with more than 15,000 square feet full of modern equipment
• A new Starbucks in Guernsey Market
• A new full-service Tim Hortons located in the Walker Complex
• Two newly renovated dining halls in residences and the launch of an all-you-care-to-eat dining program.
• The ongoing construction of Canada Games Park, a massive arena and recreation complex being built on Brock land ahead of the 2022 Canada Summer Games
Brock will ensure a Fall Term that prioritizes on-campus experience and is respectful of public health guidelines. Brock will also strive to offer a portion of online and hybrid courses. These will appeal not only to students who may not yet feel safe returning to campus, but also to those who have come to appreciate the flexibility and other benefits of online instruction.
The University will continue to share additional information as it becomes available in the next months.
