The 18th annual Start with Strategies conference offers sessions designed to address the unique needs of incoming first-year students with diagnosed learning disabilities or other documented disabilities.
“It’s the best first step you can make to being successful at Brock.”
– Program participant
Download the full brochure and start planning your experience.
Start with Strategies helps students succeed in post-secondary education by providing tools, skills, and support for a positive and empowering transition from high school to university.
The conference offers engaging sessions, informative discussions, and highlights campus services to develop independence, self-advocacy skills, and work ethic.
Attendees can expect a smooth and successful transition to university, making the conference an enriching experience.
This years conference is offered as 3 options: 1-day, 2-day, and online.
Connect
Connect with other first-year students and hear from current students about their first-year experiences.
Learn
Learn about the many services and supports available to you while you are at Brock.
Explore
Explore the strategies needed for a successful first year.
Conference options
| 1-Day | 2-Day | Online | |
| Conference details | |||
| Overview | A full day of sessions tailored to the unique needs of students with disabilities. | More sessions, campus life, community and residence life. | Information and resources if you can’t attend in-person. |
| Schedule | Aug 18 | Jul 16 - 18 | Aug 1 - 31 |
| Fees | FREE | $ 50 | FREE |
| Welcome kit (name tag, resources, swag bag) | ● | ● | - |
| Prize draws (Beats headphones, gift cards, Brock swag) | ● | ● | ● |
| Support your disability | 1-Day | 2-Day | Online |
| Understand your disability | ● | ● | ● |
| Coping with mental health | ● | ● | ● |
| Assistive technology | ● | ● | ● |
| Time management | ● | ● | ● |
| Case manager model | ● | ● | - |
| Learning strategies | - | ● | - |
| Understand your assessment | - | ● | - |
| Student groups | - | ● | - |
| Student life | 1-Day | 2-Day | Online |
| Brightspace LMS | ● | ● | ● |
| Academic advising | ● | ● | ● |
| A-Z Learning Services | ● | ● | ● |
| Seminars 101 | ● | ● | ● |
| Personalized campus tour | ● | ● | - |
| Upper-year student panel | ● | ● | - |
| Library tour | - | ● | - |
| Meet a professor | - | ● | - |
| Campus life | 1-Day | 2-Day | Online |
| Meal plan | ● | ● | - |
| Overnight residence stay | - | ● | - |
| Campus activities | - | ● | - |
| Experience community | 1-Day | 2-Day | Online |
| Team-building activities | ● | ● | - |
| Public transit | - | ● | - |
| Downtown excursion | - | ● | - |
Students with diagnosed learning disabilities and/or other documented disabilities (medical, mental health, sensory, etc.) entering their first year at Brock.
Strategies participants are better prepared, more confident, and experience a smoother transition into university life.
Embrace the entire Strategies experience by attending the full two days of sessions and stay in the on-campus residence. If you are unable to commit to two full days, then the one-day option is a great alternative.
“I very much enjoyed this program as it answered all of my questions and made me feel ready for my transition to Brock in an online environment”
“I’m glad I got the opportunity to take the program. Learning more about Brock and what to expect in the fall was very helpful and helped reduce my anxiety.”
“Strategies gave me a head start on the road to success”
“My parents forced me to come but I am so happy I did. I enjoyed the entire thing”
“Overall, this was an incredibly enjoyable experience which made me much more at ease with going to Brock in the fall.”
“It’s reassuring to be able to identify with others who are in a similar situation, and an excellent way to make friends before the start of term.”
“Every student thinking about going to Strategies should go. It is a rewarding experience.”
“The program provided lots of information about the early transition to university and the likely hurdles that come. The program provided tips and materials that had useful and practical information.”
“This session helped me more than months of personal planning and exploration would have. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. This is definitely a needed introduction to Brock for any student.”
“Helped made the transition to university easier and I learned how to use the resources I would need to make first year easier for me.”
REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 1, 2024
Meet the team
Your Start with Strategies program coordinators, Katie and Andrew, will be with you throughout the entire program!
Andrew, a peer educator and recent graduate, will start his master’s program at Brock in the fall. He possesses knowledge of on-campus positions and can offer advice on jobs, student life, and ways to get involved to enhance your first-year experience.
Katie, the transitions coordinator, has extensive experience supporting individuals with disabilities across the community. She is committed to making your transition to university life as smooth as possible and is excited to meet and welcome you to Student Accessibility Services at Brock.
Questions
- Phone: 905-688-5550 extension 5357
- Email: sasnewstudent@brocku.ca
The Start With Strategies program is funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.