Teaching and Mentorship
1. Centre for Pedagogical Innovation (CPI)
CPI is committed to fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning across Brock University. Whether you’re preparing to instruct your first course or looking to enhance your teaching skills, CPI provides valuable support, including:
- Teaching dossier development
- Workshops
- Brightspace and technology supports
- Communities of Practice (CoP) opportunities
- Curriculum support, course coordination, and lab demonstration guidance
Programs and certifications:
- Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW)
- Instructor Certificate Program in University Teaching and Learning
- Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (for teaching assistants (TA))
Explore Awards and Grants for sessional instructors and TA’s supporting pedagogical innovation.
Join the CPI mailing list to receive newsletters and updates, and sign up for CPI workshops and events through ExperienceBU.
2. Brock’s Mentorship Program
Brock’s Mentorship Program supports professional growth by connecting employees with experienced mentors for guidance and career development. This flexible program helps participants refine career goals, build professional networks, and enhance leadership skills.
Benefits:
- Personalized growth and goal-setting support
- Expanded professional network and career opportunities
- Improved confidence, decision-making, and work-life balance
3. Continuing Education – Certificates in Education
Brock University provides a wide range of continuing education and professional programs with flexible learning opportunities to meet your needs.
- Certificates in Adult Education, Canadian Culture and Education, Aboriginal Adult Education, and more!
Leadership and Management
1. Foundations in Leadership
Student Life and Success offers a unique series of interactive leadership workshops designed to help you grow as a leader in any field. These workshops provide practical experience and skill development in a collaborative learning environment.
The Foundations in Leadership Professional Development Series features four progressive levels, each focusing on key leadership competencies. As you advance, you’ll gain valuable insights, enhance your self-awareness, and earn certifications that recognize your growth.
- To sign up for upcoming Foundations in Leadership workshops, check out their page on ExperienceBU
2. Volunteer in the Community
Getting out into the community is a great way to build leadership and management skills. At Brock Student Life and Success Centre, there are many different avenues, both locally and abroad, to volunteer and add experience to your CV.
- Visit the Student Life and Success website or their ExperienceBU page to view upcoming volunteer opportunities
- To receive up-to-date stories and information on the latest community engagement and volunteer opportunities, subscribe to their bi-weekly newsletters
3. Human Rights and Equity Education and Workshops
The Student Justice Centre (SJC) is committed to educating the Brock and Niagara community on Human Rights and Social Justice issues. SJC hosts various free workshops, training, and events throughout the school year and summer, allowing many opportunities for everyone to attend, participate, learn and grow. Visit the Human Rights and Equity website or their ExperienceBU page for more information and upcoming events.
Entrepreneurship and Business
1. Brock LINC
The LINC is Brock University’s innovation and entrepreneurship centre, designed to support creative thinking, skill development, and business innovation. Whether you’re looking to develop technological skills, explore a creative new idea, or start a business, Brock LINC offers a range of services, programs, and events to help.
Sign up for the Brock LINC newsletter to receive updates on opportunities and events.
2. VPMI Equipment Suites
The Validation, Prototyping, and Manufacturing Institute (VPMI) is a collaborative hub connecting Brock researchers and students with industry partners. The VPMI supports bioproducts, bioscience, bioagriculture, and chemical manufacturing sectors in southern Ontario and beyond through:
- Research and innovation
- Testing and prototyping
- Specialized training
Postdocs have access (at a low cost) to state-of-the-art equipment suites, including:
- Materials testing and analysis
- Mass spectrometry
- Genetic biomarker and cell process
- Microscopy
For more information on available equipment, contact [email protected].
Grant Writing and Research
1. FGSPA Writing Supports
The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (FGSPA) offers dedicated writing supports to help with grant applications, research papers, and other writing needs.
- To book an appointment with the Academic Support Specialist, click here
2. Brock Library Research and Publication Support
The Brock University Library offers extensive resources to support your research and publishing efforts, including:
Library resources:
- James A. Gibson Library (Main Collection)
- Archives and Special Collections
- Map, Data, and GIS Library
- Makerspace and Digital Scholarship Lab
- Digital repository and data management services
- Open access resources and digital scholarship guidance
- Workshops on publishing and research dissemination
- Citation help and research guides
- Specialized support through Makerspace and GIS labs
- Access to a wide range of academic resources
Check out library workshops and events on ExperienceBU.
McCall MacBain Postdoctoral Fellows Teaching and Leadership Program
Program Details
McMaster University runs an intensive 8-month postdoctoral training program designed to develop the next generation of high-performing educators, researchers, and academic leaders. The program will run from September 2026 to April 2027 and combines academic training with hands-on leadership and teaching experience. Fellows will participate in weekly, full-day sessions focused on evidence-informed teaching practices, inclusive pedagogy, and leadership development within and beyond academia.
The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs will support one Brock postdoctoral scholar to participate in this program.
Learn more about the McCall MacBain Postdoctoral Fellows Teaching and Leadership Program here.
Learn about Brock's first participant
Dr. Jennifer Holzer, a former postdoctoral fellow in the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, participated in the 2024-25 program. She describes her experience as being extremely valuable. Not only did she gain new skills in teaching and leadership, but she also became part of a unique and supportive postdoctoral community. “I wish there were more programs like this,” she says. “Postdocs can really get lost without a cohort or peer community, but this experience gave me that and so much more.”
