An array of activities will welcome new students to Brock University next week while providing them with the resources to get the most out of their time as a Badger.

The University’s Welcome Week will take place from Saturday, Sept. 2 to Sunday, Sept. 10 and aims to provide students with a variety of ways to meet friends, enjoy their first week on campus and build connections to key services and programs that will support their experience throughout their first year and beyond.

Developed by a cross-campus committee of students, staff and faculty, the wide range of safe, inclusive and alcohol-free events will kick off with barbecues and games as thousands of students are welcomed to residence on Sept. 2 and 3 by an army of volunteers during Move-in Weekend.

The days that follow will include sessions on topics such as consent, fire safety and even herb gardening, and activities including a trip to the beach and tie-dye shirt making, among others.

On Tuesday, Sept. 5, all new students are encouraged to attend the New Student Welcome, where they will hear welcome messages from Brock President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg and Brock University Students’ Union President James Maxwell- Barillas, along with a keynote address from Brock alumna Emily Bagshaw.

The day will include Faculty Academic Orientation sessions, which will offer students additional information about academic supports and resources.

Tanya Bradley, Brock’s Manager of Student Leadership and Engagement, said Welcome Week is an exciting and informative time for new students.

“Welcome Week events have been planned to connect new students to one another and to services and supports that can help them on their path to success,” she said. “Students can expect to meet new friends, participate in exciting events, connect with staff and faculty, and feel Brock spirit everywhere they turn.”

Welcome Week runs at the same time as BadgerFest, the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) festival that aims to further connect student with the Brock community and campus.

“It will be a week where unforgettable memories are made and friendships can be forged,” said Aishah Sonekan, BUSU Vice-President, Student Services. “As a student union, we hope to kick-start this incredible journey for students with a week of excitement, camaraderie and extraordinary experiences that set the tone for a successful year at Brock.”

As the week wraps up, students — as well as University employees — will continue the tradition of giving back to the local community each fall by volunteering with local organizations across Niagara during the Brock Cares Day of Service on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Kristen Smith, Brock’s Manager of Student and Community Outreach, said the day provides an opportunity for students to connect with other community-minded individuals and community partners during their first week in Niagara.

“It’s a wonderful way for students to work with community partners, learn about the important work they do in the region and support them through volunteering,” she said. “Giving back to Niagara is an important part of being a Brock Badger.”

A full list of Welcome Week activities can be found on Brock’s Welcome Week ExperienceBU page.