Articles by author: Brock University

• Future Badgers to explore campus life at Brock Open House

  Friday, March 20, 2026 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE — March 20, 2026 — R0030

  Thousands of future Badgers will find their fit at Brock next weekend during the University’s annual Open House. 

  Prospective students and their families will grow their connection to campus and explore all that Brock has to offer on Sunday, March 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

  From innovative programs that develop career readiness to impactful student supports that facilitate success, visitors will learn about how the Brock experience can prepare them for the future.

  “We’re here to help students realize their full potential,” says Matt Melnyk, Director, Student Recruitment. “Open House offers a glimpse into how Brock’s vibrant campus community comes together to do just that.”

  Prospective students will be welcomed by hundreds of student ambassadors, staff and faculty members who will share how Brock will set them up for success and positively shape their lives.

  Tours, presentations, demonstrations and a more than 70-booth information fair, held in Ian Beddis Gymnasium, will deliver details on all aspects of life and learning at the University and provide ample opportunity for guests to have their questions answered. 

  “Choosing the right university is a big decision. It’s a milestone that comes with a lot of change that many people can find overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be,” Melnyk says. “Our dedicated team is committed to making that transition as smooth as possible. With the right supports in place and the backing of this close-knit community, students can focus on this moment as the first step to achieving their dreams. It all begins here.”

  Prospective students can gain insight into all aspects of campus through guided tours held throughout Open House, exploring classroom and research spaces, services and support areas and recreational facilities. The day will also include opportunities to visit the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts in downtown St. Catharines as well as the Goodman School of Business. 

  To provide a feel for their potential home away from home, students can also participate in residence tours and presentations that highlight the various housing styles available and the benefits of being part of the residence community. All Open House visitors will be entered to win a free space in residence for an incoming student for the 2026-27 academic year. 

  For those who’ve already committed to becoming a Badger, presentations will run throughout the day that give insight into how to apply for bursaries, awards and experiential Plus Programs. Information will also be provided on important deadlines, admissions, summer orientation programs, course registration and typical costs for first-year students.

  “Our goal is to ensure students have everything they need to not only start the year on the right foot but to also excel throughout their journey,” says Carly Dugo, Senior Recruitment Officer, Events and Operations. “Open House is a perfect opportunity for us to make those connections early on, growing that sense of community from those very first moments on campus. We can’t wait to meet our future Badgers and their families next weekend.” 

  In addition to welcoming domestic students nearing the end of their high school career, Open House will also feature sessions for international and graduate students, and Grade 10 and 11 students who are exploring their options early. Details will also be available for transfer and mature students considering a return to school.

  For a full schedule or to register, visit the Open House website.

  
  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  *Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 289-241-5483

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases

• Brock University Seed Library set to sprout again

  Friday, March 13, 2026 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE — March 13, 2026 — R0029 

  It’s nearly time to get growing with the Brock University Seed Library.

  The initiative, which invites community members from Brock and Niagara to “borrow” seeds for planting in their gardens and “return” harvested seeds to share with others, is relaunching with a seed-starting workshop on Thursday, March 19. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon in the Rankin Family Pavilion Atrium and everyone is welcome to attend.

  The Seed Library’s online Seed Growing and Saving Guide has been updated to reflect the wide variety of vegetables, flower, herb and grass seeds on offer in 2026, outlining what each plant is, how to grow it and how to harvest the seeds. It also includes a contact form for anyone who needs advice during the growing season. 

  Sustainability Co-ordinator Rebecca Anderson (MS ’25) says the initiative reinforces Brock’s goal of using campus as a “living lab” by promoting food security, sustainable habits, biodiversity, native species and environmental stewardship. 

  “We want to create a sense of belonging and community and offer equal opportunities for everyone,” she says. “There’s no cost associated with the Seed Library, and you can even use your seeds in the community garden on campus.”  

  Originally developed by two graduate students in Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC) in 2022, the Seed Library is a joint venture of the ESRC, Sustainability at Brock, the Brock University Library and Brock Students for Circular Economy. Funding from the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) Green Levy Fund and the Faculty of Social Sciences Dean’s Student Ambassador Initiative have enabled the initiative to take root again this year. 

  Marilyne Carrey, Associate Professor and Acting Graduate Program Director in the ESRC, says engaging with the community to promote sustainability activities and give individuals agency when confronting the urgency of climate change is at the heart of the ESRC’s mission. 

  “We want to give everyone, including students, tangible, meaningful ways to contribute to sustainability and feel like they’re part of the solution,” Carrey says. “We might feel like we’re just one person, so how can we possibly tackle all the climate challenges that face us? But we can help maintain biodiverse landscapes and if one person learns about native plants for their backyard instead of invasive species, that’s a great outcome.” 

  Sustainability PhD student and ESRC Graduate Student Ambassador Madelaine Legault says by providing organic seeds for species that are native to Ontario, the Seed Library can also build environmental resilience. 

  “I have tested seeds from the Seed Library’s previous years’ collections for viability and to make sure they’re still going to grow,” says Legault. “We have also received some donations and ordered new seeds from some different organic suppliers, such as Kayanase Greenhouse in Six Nations, which offers a lovely variety of native Ontario species.” 

  Colleen MacKinnon, Acting Head of User Services and Engagement with the Brock University Library, says the Seed Library also creates opportunities to engage students beyond their scholarly goals.

  “The Library is a connector and a hub, so collaborating with other units and helping them mobilize their initiatives by providing access and distribution is really important to us,” she says. “Often, students come into the Library stressed about coursework and research, so adding the Seed Library to our other wellness collections allows us to support moments of curiosity, joy and hands-on planting and growing to support a totally different aspect of their lives.” 

  Second-year Medical Sciences student and founding member of Brock Students for the Circular Economy Isra Alsahli says students have enthusiastically taken part in seed sorting and packing to prepare for the initiative’s relaunch. 

  “With circular economy, the main goal is to have a closed loop of production and consumption, reusing and not generating waste,” says Alsahli. “The Seed Library is a perfect example of this on an individual level because you’re growing your own food and then taking those seeds and giving them back to the community for other people to use.”  

   

  
  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  *Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 289-241-5483

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases