A group of almost 20 students is beginning the Fall Term tackling a goal that previously seemed unattainable.<\/p>\n
Participants in Brock’s Academic Bridging program, which welcomes students who may not have otherwise qualified for university, gathered in the Student Success Centre Thursday, Aug. 31 for an event to help prepare them for their first year of studies.<\/p>\n
Designed to ease the transition to post-secondary learning, the eight-month access-to-university pathway welcomes non-matriculated students over the age of 21 and Convention refugees who can\u2019t obtain transcript documentation.<\/p>\n
Participants in the program will take a variety of\u00a0non-credit tutorials alongside a reduced academic course load that will allow them to focus on the areas of development needed to be successful in their studies.<\/p>\n
For incoming student Sam Brown, the program offers a supportive route to return to school.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been away from formal education for so long, and the Bridging program just seemed like the perfect way to get back into it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Brown is hoping to channel his artistic interests into the Film Studies course he is taking.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never thought I could do something in the arts, but I think through the Film Studies program I can find a much more fulfilling career,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Karlee Mallett, Brock\u2019s Manager of Academic Transitions, said the program has provided students from a variety of learning backgrounds with an opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe enhanced supports offered by our Learning Services team have allowed these students to thrive in their degree studies, and the students have shown great appreciation for the one-on-one support they receive from our team in Admissions,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Psychology student Carolyn Abbey, who took part in the program last year, said the Academic Bridging supports removed some of the pressure that came with starting post-secondary studies.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe program gave me access to information about Brock and the tools I needed to succeed in the rest of my school career,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Mallett said the Academic Bridging program epitomizes Brock\u2019s commitment to offering a transformational and accessible university experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has allowed students who lack the qualifications for admission to be assessed in an equitable way, taking their prior experiences and potential barriers into consideration,\u201d she said. \u201cEveryone deserves a chance at furthering their education, and the Academic Bridging pathway is a great way for students to unlock their full potential in a university setting.\u201d<\/p>\n
While recognizing that some initial nerves about his studies are inevitable, Brown said he is particularly grateful for the supports the program provides as he charts a new path.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m ready to get out of my comfort zone, and I\u2019m excited to see how Bridging can change my future,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n