Media releases

• Badgers reminded to be smart if they head home for Thanksgiving, Reading Week

  Wednesday, October 07, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 7 October 2020 – R0151

  Thanksgiving is a time when many students head back to their hometowns to enjoy time with family and friends, but the Government of Ontario and Brock University are reminding students to be smart.

  With the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic ramping up, the provincial government Tuesday said Ontario residents should only celebrate the holiday with members of their own household.

  “Even though there are fewer students at and around the Brock campus, we do understand that many of them will be heading home for Thanksgiving and Reading Week,” said Anna Lathrop, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Students. “It is imperative that all of us follow public health guidelines and work collectively to ensure the safety of our family, friends and members of our Brock community. The responsibility rests with each of us to ensure our Thanksgiving is a safe one.”

  Avoid leaving Niagara if possible, and if you do travel, limit your contact with others upon your return. Residence students are welcome to stay in residence for the fall break.

  Students are encouraged to:

  • Minimize your contact with other people — only interact with people you live with, and your family
  • Wear face masks anytime you’re not eating
  • Frequently wash your hands and use hand sanitizer
  • Say no to social invites from anyone outside your own household
  • Create a plan with roommates if you or they are heading home for the holiday
  • Download the Brock Safety App and the Government of Canada’s COVID Alert app
  • Watch for public health updates
  • Avoid leaving Niagara, if possible, and limit your contact with others upon your return if you do travel. Residence students are welcome to stay in residence for the fall break.

  These guidelines are especially crucial for students living in shared houses, where people may be heading home to different locations, exponentially expanding social bubbles.

  This can also be a difficult time for people feeling isolated or who may not be able to have the social interactions they’re used to. Brock students are encouraged to visit the Student Wellness and Accessibility Services webpage for more information about supports available around the clock.

  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

• Anonymous donor to double future mental health funds raised by Brock community

  Wednesday, October 07, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 7 October 2020 – R0150

  An anonymous donor has stepped forward to boost support for the mental health of Brock students — and the University community has the opportunity to double that impact.

  Brock has received a financial commitment that allowed for the creation of a new fund to strengthen mental health resources available to students when they return from the upcoming Fall Reading Week.

  Thanks to the gift from the anonymous donor, any funds raised by the Brock community to support the Student Mental Health fund will be matched up to $50,000.

  The mid-term break, from Oct. 13 to 16, is meant to alleviate stress and encourage students to re-energize during a busy time on the school calendar. The new fund will enhance mental health supports available to students when they return to their studies.

  Sonia Dupte, Brock’s Director of Development and Stewardship, hopes the University community will recognize the importance of the initiative.

  “We need their help to support the emerging needs of our students and to ensure they receive the services required to maintain their studies and their mental health,” she said. “As the stigma of accessing resources decreases, we need to meet increasing demands and ensure we invest in the capacity to build a system of support that is in need of essential funds.”

  Dupte said donations will increase accessibility and shorten wait times for students seeking mental health resources, but will also demonstrate the lasting connection between alumni and current students.

  “Collaborating with Brock and community partners ensures the well-being of our students on campus and in the Niagara region,” she said. “Support for mental health can increase the active engagement of students, reduce the stigma of accessing mental health assistance and increase training for practitioners.”

  Sarah Pennisi, Director of Brock’s Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre, said the additional funding will strengthen supports for students that have already seen Brock ranked first in mental health services for two consecutive years by Maclean’s magazine.

  “We are committed to providing all of the resources our students need to maintain their mental health,” she said. “These new funds will allow our teams to enhance their online efforts and outreach while ensuring Brock remains a caring, student-centred campus where everyone feels supported.”

  In addition to the Maclean’s ranking, Brock has also demonstrated its commitment to mental health resources through its strategic plan, which outlines a commitment to offer a transformational and accessible academic and university experience.

  “We are committed to responding to student mental health needs as they emerge, and to being proactive and building students’ resilience and strengths while they are here with us at the University,” said Pennisi.

  To donate to Student Mental Health at Brock University, visit brocku.ca/donate and select Student Mental Health as the designation of your gift.

  To learn more about the many mental health resources available at Brock, visit brockmentalhealth.ca or brocku.ca/swac

  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