Media releases

• Brock’s NCO to present research on remote work as a long-term strategy

  Tuesday, October 05, 2021 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 4 October 2021 – R0099

  To be, or not to be, remote?

  That is the question Brock University’s Niagara Community Observatory (NCO) is exploring in its latest research brief on the future of working at home or some office-home combination.

  With stay-at-home orders instituted in March 2020 winding down, “we are now at a key transition point that requires deliberate discussion and planning,” says brief co-author Kate Cassidy.

  “Pivoting quickly during an emergency is one thing, but building a remote work strategy for the long term is quite another,” says Cassidy, adjunct professor within Brock’s Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film.

  The brief, titled “To be, or not to be, remote? Examining the essential factors needed for ongoing remote work success,” explores the benefits and potential downsides of remote work.

  Cassidy and co-author Mackenzie Rockbrune, an undergraduate Communications student, identify seven themes, and a series of questions attached to each theme, that aim to guide managers in their decision on whether or not to implement a permanent remote work plan or hybrid workforce going forward.

  “For those organizations that do choose some form of remote work, our research suggests that success depends on building a culture rooted in human connection, supported with clear communication plans, the right digital tools and a compatible managerial style,” says Cassidy.

  The start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year saw an estimated 70,000 people in Niagara leave their offices and work primarily at home for the first time.

  Meanwhile, labour force reports indicate that about one third of Ontario businesses anticipate some remote work to continue after the emergency ends, says the brief.

  “We hope that our research will stimulate conversations that help organizations build a successful long-term plan that works for everyone involved,” says Cassidy.

  Cassidy and Rockbrune will be presenting their research findings at an online event Wednesday, Oct. 20 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A panel of Niagara business leaders will discuss the challenges businesses are facing with the return to working in office.

  What: Presentation of the NCO brief “To be, or not to be, remote? Examining the essential factors needed for ongoing remote work success” by co-authors Kate Cassidy and Mackenzie Rockbrune.

  When: Wednesday, Oct. 20 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

  Where: Online using Microsoft Teams. To RSVP, contact NCO Research Co-ordinator Carol Phillips at [email protected] and a link will be sent the day before the event.

  Who: Following the presentation will be a discussion panel consisting of Mishka Balsom, CEO, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce; Dolores Fabiano, Executive Director, South Niagara Chambers of Commerce; Laurie Ryan-Hill, HR Director, Mainstream Community Support Services; and Stacy Terry, Executive Director, Niagara Distress Centre.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

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

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  Categories: Media releases

• Indigenous leader to be honoured during Brock University’s 110th Convocation

  Tuesday, September 28, 2021 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 28 September 2021 – R0098

  Brock University is enhancing the online experience for graduating students in its 110th Convocation next month.

  More than 1,100 students will graduate when the University celebrates Fall Convocation on Friday, Oct. 15. While public health restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact the ability to hold a traditional in-person Convocation ceremony, Brock will add a new livestreamed element this time around.

  At 11 a.m. on Oct. 15, the speaking and ceremonial elements of a traditional ceremony will take place live at brocku.ca/livestream with students, their friends and families and the wider community able to tune in from wherever they are around the world.

  The livestream portion of the ceremony will include addresses from Interim President Lynn Wells and Chancellor Hilary Pearson, as well as the conferring of an honorary doctorate to Ava Hill, an Indigenous leader who served 15 years on the Six Nations Elected Council, including two terms as Elected Chief.

  Hill, who was born on the Six Nations Reserve and is a Wolf Clan Mohawk, is a co-chair of a Working Group that is creating a Declaration on Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples Through Sports. She was also appointed as a Board Director for Commonwealth Sport Canada and is a member of the Canadian Advisory Board for Right to Play.

  A recipient of the YMCA Peacemaker Medal from the YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington and Brantford in 2020, Hill will deliver a Convocation address as part of the Brock broadcast.

  Following Hill’s address and the official conferring of the degrees by Chancellor Pearson, the names of all 1,100 graduating students will be shown on the livestream. In addition, the University is once again bringing back its Convocation Portal, where students will have the opportunity to experience a personalized celebration page tailored to them.

  The Convocation Portal includes the Celebration page, where grads can download filters, wallpapers and photo frames for use on social media, as well as the Celebration Wall, a popular feature added for Spring Convocation where anyone can post congratulatory photos and video messages to the Class of 2021.

  The Brock Campus Store is again offering students the opportunity to purchase souvenir graduation gowns, hoods and cords, along with other Convocation gifts such as grad clothing, Class of 2021 lawn signs and degree frames.

  Shortly after Virtual Convocation launches, all graduating students will be mailed a package that includes their degree parchment, a Convocation program, letters of congratulations from Brock administrators and student leaders, an alumni pin and other information from the Brock University Alumni Association, information from the Campus Store and a bag of Class of 2021 confetti. Graduands are encouraged to update their address and phone number on their Brock student portal.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

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

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  Categories: Media releases