A new study hall service at Brock University is enhancing academic resources for students.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, students who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) are invited to join Learning Services\u2019 BIPOC Study Hall in the Student Success Centre (TH 129).<\/p>\n
The free resource, which runs from 6 to 8 p.m. features tutoring from fourth-year students who can assist participants with study habits and questions they might have as they tackle their assignments. The space will also serve as a welcoming environment for those looking for a supportive venue to finish their work.<\/p>\n
Curriculum Development Specialist Ashley Grover said the twice-weekly gatherings are part of many ongoing efforts by Brock to address inequity in post-secondary learning, and were developed in collaboration with the University\u2019s Hadiya\u02c0dag\u00e9nhahs First Nations, M\u00e9tis and Inuit Student Centre,\u00a0and BIPOC Caucus.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know BIPOC students are historically under-represented in academic spaces in general and had less opportunities in terms of getting to university,\u201d she said. \u201cFeeling welcomed and supported academically in the study hall and throughout the University is just one of the ways we are trying to address that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grover said the idea for the weekly resource stemmed from conversations that occurred during Brock\u2019s BIPOC community social in September.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing in that room and the sense of community and joy made us realize we could have that in a drop-in space, and it would be so valuable for students,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Peer tutor Vibhash Balasundaram was keen to get involved when he heard about the chance to help out.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think this initiative is important because it gives us the opportunity to relate to one another at a level that many of us may not have tapped into, building rich bonds that celebrate our similar differences and enhancing the student experience of Brock\u2019s BIPOC community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Along with tutoring and providing study space, the study hall will also welcome various on-campus units to provide more tailored resources during specific weeks, as well as partners to donate snacks and refreshments.<\/p>\n