From juggling assignments and navigating social circles to managing financial pressures and maintaining mental well-being, university life can come with a unique set of hurdles.

While these pressures can feel overwhelming, Brock University’s CARE (Campus Assessment, Response and Education) and Connect program strives to help any student with any concern at any time.

All Brock employees and students can submit a referral for a student in need of assistance with mental health struggles, academic concerns, financial stress or personal crises. Students can also refer themselves to CARE and Connect.

Student Affairs Case Co-ordinator Brittany Gallant says the program personalizes its support based on each student’s needs.

“We provide a safe, non-judgmental space to listen to and support students, followed by a tailored plan,” Gallant said. “When a referral is received, a case co-ordinator follows up individually depending on the situation.”

Case co-ordinators work with students to develop plans, which might include mental health services, academic accommodations, financial aid, housing support or connections to on-campus supports or community-based resources in the Niagara region.

In emergencies involving psychological distress or threats of self-harm or violence, CARE and Connect collaborates closely with Campus Safety Services to provide immediate assistance.

Gallant says the team has an “open door for students during their time at Brock” once they have accessed CARE and Connect’s services.

By empowering students to overcome obstacles, the CARE and Connect team has helped students to thrive throughout their university experience and achieve major milestones.

“We’ve seen students walk across the graduation stage who, at one point, were struggling to meet the goals of their program,” said Director, Student Affairs Darryl Veld.

Visit the Brock Student Affairs website to learn more about CARE and Connect, download a PDF of the Orange Folder document or submit a referral.