Being a good neighbour and celebrating responsibly will make for a better St. Patrick’s Day for all. 

That’s the message Brock University is sharing with students through a variety of initiatives being held in the lead-up to March 17. 

As St Patrick’s Day nears, the University is engaging students in a comprehensive awareness campaign that reminds them: Don’t Put the Bad in Badger. The initiative, which also continues throughout the academic year, asks students to give thought to the ways in which they can be good neighbours and positively contribute to the community. 

In addition to raising awareness on campus, Brock will again team up with community partners, including the Niagara Regional Police Service and local municipalities, to visit near-campus neighbourhoods with large student populations.  

Police, local government officials and bylaw officers will join University staff going door to door this week to speak with students and area residents while sharing resources, such as Brock’s Good Neighbour Guide, that not only encourage respectful behaviour but also educate students on the possible fines that can be incurred if municipal bylaws are violated.  

“Our students positively impact the Niagara community in so many ways,” says Jenn Skelding, Brock’s Executive Director of Student Life and Success. “By making smart choices this St. Patrick’s Day, and throughout the remainder of the year, they can continue to show care — and respect — for the place they call home during their studies. We encourage them to keep this top of mind as celebrations are planned.” 

To support safe celebrations for all, Brock University has funded additional NRPS officers to conduct neighbourhood patrols on St. Patrick’s Day. Throughout the weekend leading up to St. Patrick’s Day and on the day of, police and city bylaw officers will be taking a zero-tolerance approach and will have high visibility in near-campus neighbourhoods. 

Various Brock departments will also be offering a series of alternatives events and activities both on and off campus beginning this week.  

A St. Patrick’s Day Fair will be held Thursday, March 12 from noon to 2 p.m. in Market Hall to highlight campus and community resources while focusing on important topics such as health, safety and well-being. 

Later that evening, a St. Patrick’s Day Social will bring traditional Irish music from The Blackthorns, free Irish tea and snacks, and a design-your-own mini-harp station to Market Hall from 6 to 8 p.m. 

On Monday, March 16, students will gather for a special community dinner at Castillo Shawarma in Thorold.  

In the lead-up to and on St. Patrick’s Day, Brock Sports and Recreation will also be offering regularly planned programming, including fitness classes, intramurals and swimming opportunities. 

Brock University Students’ Union President Fiona Seabrook encouraged students to continue building connection in respectful ways as March 17 nears.  

“St. Patrick’s Day can be a really fun time for students. The academic year is winding down, and part of the university experience is celebrating together and building a sense of community,” she says. “As Brock students, the reputation of our university is closely connected to how we show up in our community. Being a part of the Brock community means looking out for one another, being respectful and responsible, and making sure everyone gets home safe.”  

This sentiment was echoed by Mario Berro, President of the Graduate Students’ Association.

“St. Patrick’s Day is part of the student experience, but it’s also an opportunity to show the kind of community we want to build at Brock,” Berro said. “I encourage students to celebrate responsibly, look out for one another and remember that our actions shape how our community is experienced by everyone around us.”