Articles from:June 2019

• Brock sees significant increase in first-year student applications

  Thursday, June 06, 2019 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 6 June 2019 – R00101

  After Brock University attracted record enrolment last fall of more than 19,000 full- and part-time students, indicators for this September suggest more Ontario high school graduates than ever are choosing Brock.

  The numbers are now in from Monday’s deadline for Ontario secondary school students to accept their university admission offers, and again this year the increase in applicants to Brock exceeds the average growth rate for Ontario universities.

  While the provincial average sees an increase of 3.1 per cent in first-year confirmations, Brock has received a 13 per cent increase in high-school applicant confirmations, and a 20 per cent increase overall from this time last year.

  The data released this week by the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC), which processes all applications for incoming secondary school students, shows Brock has more than 3,500 high school applicants confirmed for first-year undergraduate studies this fall. Overall, there are more than 4,400 students looking to start their University studies for the first time in September.

  In addition, the number of students accepting their letters of admission after selecting Brock as their first choice on the OUAC application (when they’re able to rank their top schools), is up by 14.5 per cent.

  “This steady growth in demand for admission to Brock is happening because more and more people — be it students, their families or their guidance counsellors — are becoming aware that we are a national leader among universities our size and we are meeting the needs of students right here in the beautiful Niagara region,” said Brock University President Gervan Fearon.

  He said word is getting out about the Brock advantage.

  “Our academic excellence is being matched by growing research, scholarly and creative activities that support student education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels,” Fearon said.

  While some programs are now completely full, there are still some open spaces and the admissions process is ongoing.

  Brock is seeing increases in applications across the University, but the biggest surges include Concurrent Education and the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, which are both up significantly. The University’s highly rated co-op education programs also continue to be in demand with another year-over-year increase in admission confirmations.

  Continuing its trend of being a university with global appeal that remains rooted in the Niagara community, Brock is seeing another large contingent of high school students from across the region who have accepted their admission offers for the upcoming year.

  Around the world, Brock attracts students from more than 100 countries. The number of international students confirming their attendance through the OUAC system is up from last year. Overall international student confirmations are up from 2018-19 by a remarkable 62 per cent, and that number will continue to rise as more students confirm their attendance in the coming weeks.

  “Whether students are from Ontario, across Canada or around the world, they know Brock University can offer them a safe, affordable and high-quality post-secondary education experience that provides them with career-ready skills,” said Jamie Mandigo, Vice-Provost for Enrolment Management and International.

  Brock set an enrolment record in 2018-19 with more than 19,000 full- and part-time students across its seven Faculties. For more information about enrolling at Brock, contact [email protected] or visit brocku.ca

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University [email protected], 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases

• Families needed to give international students a home away from home

  Wednesday, June 05, 2019 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 05 June 2019 – R00100

  Julie Popovich knows first-hand what an enriching experience it can be to open your home to an international student.

  And now, the St. Catharines mother of three is hoping to encourage other Niagara families to follow in her footsteps.

  Popovich is sharing her experience with Brock’s Homestay program, through which she has welcomed many students from around the world into her home since 2012.

  The long-standing University initiative connects Canadian families with incoming international ESL students as they adapt to the lifestyle and demands of studying in Canada.

  Popovich, a licensed insurance advisor, learned about the program at an ideal time her life — just after her children moved out of the family home.

  “I’ve been a mom for 33 years, so I’m used to having people around and providing instructions and guidance on getting through life,” she said.

  She has since enjoyed having Brock students as part of her household.

  In February, Popovich was matched with Ayaka Maeda, a Level 5 ESL student from Doshisha University in Japan, who came to Canada to improve her English-speaking skills.

  While Maeda spends most of her days in classes increasing her language proficiency, she often spends her evenings with Popovich. The pair have dinner together, prepare lunch for the next day and share stories about Japanese and Canadian culture.

  “She always asks me about my day,” Maeda said. “We talk about assignments and what I did after school.”

  Popovich and Maeda, who will live together until December, have also spent time shopping at local outlet malls and plan to head to Niagara Falls for Canada Day to watch the fireworks display.

  More than 400 students participate in Homestay each year, and Brock is always looking for new host families. The program offers a chance for St. Catharines and Thorold residents to learn about other cultures while also giving back to the community.

  The program is not only rewarding, but also easy to navigate, Popovich said, as assistance is available for students and hosts every step of the way.

  “It’s one of the best things that’s happened in my life,” she said. “Having students in my house has been eye opening. You really gain an appreciation for other cultures.”

  Host families are also compensated with $800 per month to cover the additional cost of food and electricity throughout the student’s stay.

  Most stays are 14 weeks in length and start in January, May and September, although a number of short-term opportunities, some as little as three weeks, also exist.

  For instance, a recent agreement with Mexico through a government-funded program will see 150 Mexican learners attend Brock between July and November for a four-week program. Each student will require a Homestay host.

  More information about becoming a Homestay family is available on the Brock University website. To apply, residents must complete an online application, followed by an orientation session, criminal records check and a home inspection to determine if the program is a good fit.

  Questions about the Homestay program can be directed to [email protected] or 905-688-5550 x5029.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University [email protected], 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases