News and events

  • GSA Announces Newly Appointed Vice-President, Student Engagement for 2021-2022

    Friday, October 08, 2021 | By

    October 8, 2021 – (St. Catharines, ON)

    GSA Announces Newly Appointed Vice-President, Student Engagement for 2021-2022

    After announcing the resignation of the Vice-President, Student Engagement on August 26, the GSA swiftly embarked on a thorough recruitment process to fill this vacancy and once again complete the executive compliment.

    During the recruitment period, in pursuance to Document 001 and other relevant GSA legislation, the Executive Committee appointed Haley Myatt, GSA Deputy President and Vice-President Communications and Advancement, as acting Vice-President, Student Engagement until a successful candidate was determined and appointed by the Board of Directors.

    The recruitment process in its entirety was held in online spaces due to current COVID-19 restrictions. The Recruitment Committee’s recommendation for the position was presented to the Board of Directors at the September 30 meeting, providing Board Directors the opportunity to scrutinize the recruitment process and the nomination. The Board unanimously supported the appointment of Safa Khan to the position of Vice-President, Student Engagement for the remainder of the 2021-2022 operating year.

    “Over the past several years, the GSA has worked to develop a comprehensive, accountable and transparent process to fill executive vacancies when they arise. This process was codified this summer through new Board policies, and implemented for this recruitment process,” shares GSA President, Christopher Yendt. “Modeled off processes at other institutions, and in consideration of sector-leading practices, our process ensures the needs of the organization are met while upholding our strategic commitments to equitable and inclusive practices. I am tremendously proud of the way the GSA continues to show its leadership within student governance, not only at Brock, but across the province and beyond.”

    Khan has been an active part of the Brock community throughout her undergraduate years and feels honoured to have the chance to continue that involvement through her graduate studies. “I have always been passionate about engaging students and I am more than thrilled to begin my journey as Vice-President, Student Engagement and working with the team at the GSA. I look forward to bringing exciting events, both virtually and in-person, for our graduate students in the Brock community this year!”

    With the addition of Khan, the full Executive Team for 2021-2022 stands as:

    President and CEO – Christopher Yendt

    Deputy President and Vice President, Communication and Advancement – Haley Myatt

    Vice President, Equity and Inclusion – Ash Grover

    Vice President, External Affairs – Nawal Syed

    Vice President, Student Engagement – Safa Khan

    “We know that Safa will hit the ground running and has already demonstrated a passion for the portfolio. Over the coming weeks, the GSA will undertake a comprehensive onboarding process, to make sure both Safa and the rest of the Executive team are best positioned for success over the remainder of our terms,” says Yendt. “I want to thank the members of the Recruitment Committee for their additional investment over the month of September, the Executive for the additional responsibilities required of them, and the Board for their constant support and guidance during the recruitment period.”

    The GSA looks forward to providing new and exciting opportunities for engagement and involvement moving forward. We encourage members to follow our social media channels to stay up to date on the latest news, as well as check out all the outstanding involvement opportunities currently featured on our website.

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    Categories: News & Events

  • GSA Board of Directors Appoints New Leadership for Remainder of 2021-2022 Term

    Friday, October 08, 2021 | By

    October 8, 2021 – (St. Catharines, ON)

    GSA Board of Directors Appoints New Leadership for Remainder of 2021-2022 Term

    On September 30, at its monthly virtual meeting, the Board of Directors nominated and appointed a new Chair and Vice-Chair for the remainder of the 2021-2022 operating year; Amanda Williams was appointed Chair and Jake Medeiros has been appointed Vice-Chair. This is Williams’ second term with the Board of Directors and Medeiros’ first term. Williams previously sat as Vice-Chair from May to September 2021.

    Since moving into a leadership position in May, Williams has held strong focus on contributing to graduate student experiences by advocating for and representing their needs: “I’m excited to see where this year’s team takes us, as our Strategic Plan gives a strong framework for developing services and events that benefit students, now and in the future.”

    Williams’ predecessor, Felisia Milana, steps down from duties with the Board as she is set to be amongst the graduating cohort this Fall. Previously serving as the Board’s inaugural Vice-Chair then Chair, Milana entered each of these roles with ambition and determination to create strong community and maintain stability within the Board.

    “Over the past five months, we have really benefited from having Felisia as our Board Chair,” shares GSA President, Christopher Yendt. “From my position, the Chair is a critical role within our organization, maintaining a strong relationship between the Board and Executive. Her leadership was instrumental in the development of the first Board orientation program, as well as the Board’s involvement in the monthly updates of our Strategic Action / Annual Plan. While we will definitely miss her in the role, we know that wherever she lands, they will benefit from her involvement, insight, and experience.”

    The Board of Directors, alongside the Executive Committee and staff, wish Milana the best in near ventures.

    This meeting not only saw the appointments of new Board leadership, but was the first meeting within the Fall semester, marking additional recruitment efforts to fill the few remaining seats.

    “I, along with the other members of the Executive team, are grateful for all the efforts of the Board to ensure accountability and transparency while supporting our ongoing efforts to complete all of our Year One goals in our Strategic Plan,” says Yendt. “If strategic management, finance, and planning are passions of yours, being involved with our Board is a great way to gain experience that will translate well to future employment opportunities.”

    Currently, there is an ongoing recruitment for Directors from the Faculty of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, and the Faculty of Humanities. If you are interested in the potential of representing your faculty, please email gsaed@brocku.ca for more information.

    To learn more about the role and responsibilities of the Board of Directors, visit https://brocku.ca/graduate-students-association/people.

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    Categories: News & Events

  • Brock Service Highlight: Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC)

    Friday, October 08, 2021 | By

    Brock Service Highlight: Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC)

    The Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre, also often referred to as SWAC, provides many services for all students. As a graduate student, you have access to all these services for free as they are included in your annual student ancillary fees.

    Check out the information below to learn more about what SWAC offers for you and how you can access these services.

    STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES 

    What is Student Health Services?

    Even as a graduate student, you have access to all on-campus medical clinics and services during your time at Brock. At Student Health Services, you can book an appointment with a physician or mental health nurse, visit an urgent care same-day clinic for any health issue, including:

    • Mental health and anxiety
    • Immunizations and injections
    • Free and confidential STI testing
    • General health examinations

    How can I access Student Health Services?

    If you want to book an appointment with a mental health nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician:

    • Call 905-688-5550 x 3243 to get an appointment from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    If you want to go to an in-person mental health drop-in, visit:

    • Heritage Plaza Drug Smart Pharmacy (also referred to as Campus Pharmacy) clinic from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday or Tuesday
    • Harrison Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday or Thursday

    If you need an urgent same-day appointment at the Heritage Plaza Drug Smart Pharmacy clinic, pick a time on their online booking system.

    PERSONAL COUNSELLING

    What is personal counselling?

    Whether you may be struggling with the workload that comes with being a graduate student, having difficulty due to the ongoing pandemic, or just want to talk to a counsellor to discuss any personal concerns, personal counselling is available to Brock graduate students 24/7. You can speak to a professionally trained counsellor in a confidential space, completely free.

    How can I access personal counselling?

    • For an appointment call 905-688-5550 x 6380 or visit ST400 on campus
    • For urgent 24/7 telephone counselling, call 1-833-BROCK33 (1-833-2762-533)

    You can also download the MySSP app (provided free by Brock) and receive confidential 24/7 support via text or telephone with a professional counsellor. Support is available English, French, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese (simplified Chinese via chat).

    STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

    What is Student Accessibility Services?

    If you need support with any documented permanent disability or temporary ongoing medical, mental health and/or cyclical health condition which may be impacting your academics, Student Accessibility Services can provide accommodations for you!

    How do I submit my documentation and register?

    THE GRADUATE WELLNESS HUB

    What is the Graduate Wellness Hub?

    Every week online (on Microsoft Teams) and in-person on campus, the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre holds drop-in counselling every week, run by Brock graduate students’. If you aren’t sure where to go on campus for a specific concern you’re having, or just want to talk to another graduate student for support, please don’t hesitate to stop by!

    When and how can I get to the Hub?

    • For online peer-to-peer support, visit this link to join the Graduate Wellness Hub on Microsoft Teams every Monday from 6 – 8 p.m.
    • For in-person peer-to-peer support, go to TH134 on campus, every Friday from 5 – 7 p.m.

    If you have additional questions about SWAC’s services or how to access them, email Andrew Nielsen (an16np@brocku.ca) or Julie Fennell (jfennell@brocku.ca).

    Categories: News & Events

  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

    Thursday, September 30, 2021 | By

    National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

    September 30, 2021 – (St. Catharines, ON)

    Today, September 30, marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – a federal holiday established to honour residential school survivors and recognize the Indigenous lives lost across Turtle Island (an Indigenous name used to reference America and/or Canada).

    This day was formerly known as Orange Shirt Day, a day created by Phyllis Webstad of Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. The orange shirt is a reflection of Phyllis’ own orange shirt that was taken from her as a six-year-old when she attended a residential school; her orange shirt was taken, along with her culture. The orange shirt is meant to be worn to raise awareness about the negative consequences of the residential school systems felt by all Indigenous communities like Phyllis’ and the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation.

    As Indigenous communities across these lands continue to combat the ongoing legacies of colonization, the GSA believes that it is the responsibility of settlers to learn about the history of residential schools, the 60s scoop, missing and murdered indigenous women and girls (MMIWG), as well as ongoing land reclamation and sovereignty efforts.

    We encourage you to take meaningful steps with us towards ending the legacies of colonization; to take actionable steps forward toward reconciliation. Here are some steps that we would encourage you to take with us:

    • Take time to learn about the histories of Indigenous peoples in Canada and reflect on actions taken by Canada towards these communities.
    • Create space for Indigenous people to speak, to share their perspectives and their voices.
    • Find ways to spread awareness by sharing resources and educating your friends, families, and communities.
    • Learn how to properly acknowledge the land that you reside on and engage with tools like Native Land’s Interactive Map to learn about traditional territories around you.
    • Read the 94 Call to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Truth and Reconciliation Report and identify what role you can play in the work left to be done.
    • Support Indigenous-owned businesses, artists, experiences, and events.

    Resources and Information:

    [Brock Service] Aboriginal Student Services

    [Brock Library Collection] Reconciling the History of the Residential School System in Canada

    [Virtual Brock Workshop] How to Two Row: Advice from an Indigenous Auntie on October 5

    [Virtual Brock Workshop] GSV Support Certificate: Indigenous Perspectives on October 20

    [Website] Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

    [Interactive Map] Native Land: Find out whose traditional territory you live on

    [Website] ON Canada Project: Settlers Take Action

    [Course] Free 12-week Indigenous Canada course from University of Alberta

    [Interactive Website] CBC’s Beyond 94: Truth and Reconciliation in Canada

    [Website] 35 Books to Read for National Indigenous History Month

    Categories: News & Events

  • Volunteer Opportunities with the GSA

    Friday, September 24, 2021 | By

    Volunteer Opportunities with the GSA

    September 24, 2021

    As we’re well underway in the 2021-2022 academic year, our Team is excited to share some volunteer opportunities with you!  Check out the positions we are currently recruiting for:

    Board of Directors (volunteer)

    Our Board of Directors is involved in making decisions that define the vision and mission of the GSA, its strategic objectives and priorities, priority populations, the organizational values, and the future course for GSA.

    At this time, we are only seeking applications for directors from Education, Humanities and Social Sciences.

    Click here to review the role and responsibilities of the Board.

    Click here to review the set meeting dates of the Board.

    We are accepting applications on a rolling, first come, first serve basis. If you are interested in applying, please email gsaed@brocku.ca for more information.

    Program Assembly (volunteer)

    Applications for the 2021-2022 GSA Program Assembly are currently now open.

    Introduced in 2019, the GSA Program Assembly is one of the newer avenues for involvement for the GSA. The Program Assembly is comprised of program delegates from each of Brock’s 51 graduate programs who liaison between the GSA Executive Committee and the graduate students within their program. This dynamic created by the Assembly allows for greater opportunity to bring forward issues or concerns from within the programs to the forefront of GSA operations.

    For more information on the Program Assembly, review Document 018 (Program Assembly Bylaw). Additional information can be found on the below application form.

    The deadline to apply is Friday, October 1, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. (EST).

    Applications will be received on a first come, first served basis. The first applicant from each of Brock’s 51 Graduate Programs who has successfully submitted a completed application will be automatically designated as that program’s delegate.

    If you have any questions or would like additional details about this role, please reach out to our Executive Director, Mary Tibollo at gsaed@brocku.ca.

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    Categories: Current Opportunities, News & Events

  • Job and Volunteer Opportunities with the GSA

    Wednesday, September 08, 2021 | By

    Job and Volunteer Opportunities with the GSA

    Special Newsletter – September 8, 2021

    As we embark on the 2021-2022 academic year together, our Team is excited to share some paid and volunteer opportunities with you! We are actively recruiting grad students to join our Association in a number of facets. From joining the Executive Committee to volunteering on one of our internal committees, the array of involvement is wide open.

    Check out the positions we are currently recruiting for:

    Vice-President, Student Engagement (paid)

    The Vice-President, Student Engagement (VPSE) can be considered an event planner for the GSA; they are responsible for the organization, coordination and general management of all the GSA social, recreational, and educational activities. The VPSE advocates for the inclusion of graduate student specific events and programming and works collaboratively with campus units to create such events and programming.

    Click here to read our full posting and find the application information. Please review all documents thoroughly before applying.

    Deadline to apply: Friday, September 17, 2021 at 4 p.m. (EST)

     

    Chief Returning Officer (paid)

    The Chief Returning Officer (CRO) oversees the election processes of the GSA. With the assistance of the Elections Committee, the CRO will plan, organize, and execute all election stages for the 2022-2023 GSA Executive positions. This role will include acting as the first point of contact for all election inquiries, overseeing the online voting process and announcing the official results.

    Click here to read our full posting and find the application information.

    Deadline to apply: Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 4 p.m. (EST)

     

    Board of Directors (volunteer)

    Our Board of Directors is involved in making decisions that define the vision and mission of the GSA, its strategic objectives and priorities, priority populations, the organizational values, and the future course for GSA.

    At this time, we are only seeking applications for directors from Education, Humanities and Social Sciences.

    Click here to review the role and responsibilities of the Board.

    Click here to review the set meeting dates of the Board.

    We are accepting applications on a rolling, first come, first serve basis. If you are interested in applying, please email gsaed@brocku.ca for more information.

     

    Program Assembly (volunteer)

    The Program Assembly is comprised of program delegates from each of Brock’s 51 graduate programs who act as liaison between the GSA Executive Committee and the graduate students within their program. This meaningful dynamic created allows for greater opportunity to bring forward issues or concerns from within the programs to the forefront of GSA operations.

    Click here to read our full posting and find the application information.

    Deadline to apply: Friday, October 1, 2021 at 4 p.m. (EST)

     

    GSA Committees (volunteer)

    The GSA Committees are a great place for students who interested in graduate student life and leadership to volunteer. Not only is it a chance to meet other graduate students from different programs and faculties, they will also collaborate with GSA Board Directors and members of the Executive Committee to make graduate student life at Brock better for all students.

    Dependent on the committee, they may meet upwards of bi-weekly throughout the traditional academic year, but no less than once per month.

    Our internal committees include:

    • Student Engagement & Communications
    • Governance, Elections and Nominating
    • Equity & Inclusion
    • External Affairs

    There is no deadline to apply to sit on GSA committees – you can join at any time during the academic year. Email your interest to gsaed@brocku.ca and a staff member will connect you with your listed committee(s).  In the email, please include: Full Name, Brock Student ID Number, Brock Student Email and the Faculty that you are a student in.

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    Categories: Current Opportunities, News & Events

  • Volunteer Opportunity: GSA Program Assembly

    Wednesday, September 08, 2021 | By

    Volunteer Opportunity: GSA Program Assembly

    September 8, 2021 – (St. Catharines, ON)

    Applications for the 2021-2022 GSA Program Assembly are currently now open.

    Introduced in 2019, the GSA Program Assembly is one of the newer avenues for involvement for the GSA. The Program Assembly is comprised of program delegates from each of Brock’s 51 graduate programs who liaison between the GSA Executive Committee and the graduate students within their program. This dynamic created by the Assembly allows for greater opportunity to bring forward issues or concerns from within the programs to the forefront of GSA operations.

    For more information on the Program Assembly, review Document 018 (Program Assembly Bylaw). Additional information can be found on the below application form.

    The deadline to apply is Friday, October 1, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. (EST).

    Applications will be received on a first come, first served basis. The first applicant from each of Brock’s 51 Graduate Programs who has successfully submitted a completed application will be automatically designated as that program’s delegate.

    If you have any questions or would like additional details about this role, please reach out to our Executive Director, Mary Tibollo at gsaed@brocku.ca.

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    Categories: Current Opportunities, News & Events

  • Information for Graduate Students on Returning to Campus

    Thursday, September 02, 2021 | By

    Information for Graduate Students on Returning to Campus

    In the last month, there have been many updates on the return to campus for the Fall 2021 semester. As of yesterday, September 1, Brock is proceeding with the Fall Term as planned, following the direction from the government about fall-term delivery for Ontario post-secondary institutions.

    To consolidate the information that has been posted about the return to campus and hopefully help you prepare for the Fall semester, here is information that has been shared by Brock:

    Vaccine Mandate

    Brock’s vaccination requirement comes into effect this upcoming Tuesday, September 7. When in effect, only those who are vaccinated or who meet limited criteria for accommodation will be permitted on both the St. Catharines and Hamilton campuses.

    Coming to Campus

    To come onto campus, students, staff and faculty need to fill out the vaccination declaration form here – this should be completed so as soon as possible as it is a mandatory requirement of the university. Those who have not submitted their vaccination information by Sept. 7 will not be permitted on campus until they do so.

    Those who have accommodation exemptions will be required to complete twice weekly rapid antigen testing and enhanced screening upon arrival to campus.

    Ensuring Safety on Campus

    As shared in an email to all students yesterday, Brock has steps to ensure your safety on campus, including the list below:

    GSA Offices

    Mirroring similar processes of BUSU (the Brock University Students’ Union), we will continue to operate through a vastly virtual office model for Fall 2021. We do not have the capacity to currently take walk-in appointments.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please first direct these to our office at gsaoffice@brocku.ca or phone (905) 688-5550, ext. 4094. If staff determine that an in-person appointment is required, individuals will have to follow processes found here.

     

    Categories: News & Events

  • Recruitment Begins for Vice-President, Student Engagement

    Friday, August 27, 2021 | By

    Recruitment Begins for Vice-President, Student Engagement

    August 27, 2021 – (St. Catharines, ON)

    In reflection of news shared earlier today of the resignation of the Vice-President, Student Engagement, the GSA Board of Directors– as per Document 001 and relevant GSA legislation – begins its recruitment process to fill this vacancy. Recruitment will be rolling, whereby consideration of candidates will begin immediately. The deadline to apply for this position is September 17, 2021 at 4pm EST.

    Anticipated appointment start date is October 1, 2021 and will continue until April 30, 2022.

    To read more about what this position entails, click here.

    To review the complete recruitment timeline, click here.

    Application packages must include the following elements:

    1. a statement of interest in the position/cover letter
    2. a resume/curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience
    3. indication of ability to provide, or direct contact information for three references

    Completed application packages are to be directed to Christopher Yendt, GSA President, at gsapresident@brocku.ca. Please note that all applications will be held in the strictest confidence. Additional questions regarding the recruitment process or the role of Vice-President, Student Engagement may also be directed to the same email.

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    Categories: Current Opportunities, News & Events

  • Announcement of Resignation for Vice-President, Student Engagement

    Friday, August 27, 2021 | By

    Announcement of Resignation for Vice-President, Student Engagement

    August 27, 2021 – (St. Catharines, ON)

    Upon meeting with our Board of Directors yesterday afternoon, we share the resignation of our Vice-President, Student Engagement, Amanda Nicol-MacDonald, effective immediately, due to personal circumstance. We deeply respect her decision and wish Amanda the best in her future endeavours.

    “Though our time together was brief, we acknowledge the vast amount of insights and knowledge that Amanda was able to share with both the Executive Committee and Board members,” says President Christopher Yendt. “We are appreciative of the work that she was able to put into the Association this summer as Vice-President, Student Engagement.”

    The Executive Committee, pursuant to Document 001, have appointed Haley Myatt, GSA Deputy President and Vice-President, Communications and Advancement, as acting Vice-President, Student Engagement until the completion of the recruitment cycle. In a meeting outside of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee has collectively agreed to subsequently support the transitional period wherever possible.

    As we readjust our capacities to manage the vacancy. we thank our members in advance for their patience and understanding for any disruptions to services during this time. Today, Friday, August 27, we will begin a recruitment process to fill the vacancy of Vice-President Student Engagement and to complete our executive compliment once again.

    If you have questions regarding the recruitment process or the role of Vice-President, Student Engagement, please reach out to Christopher Yendt at gsapresident@brocku.ca.

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    Categories: News & Events

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