Media releases

• New Brock library space encourages modern approach to studying

  Wednesday, March 07, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 6 March 2018 – R00050

  Lying back with a book in hand, Ben Skippen felt at home. 

  Nestled in a giant bean bag chair and immersed in Crime and Punishment, the second-year Media Communications student was lost in literature while enjoying his new study spot on the fifth floor of Brock University’s James A. Gibson Library.

  Behind him, also making use of the new Children’s Educational Foundation of Canada (CEFC) Commons, students filled rows of tables where they worked to share ideas for various group projects.

  Designed to inspire creative and collaborative activity, the 3,600 square feet of innovative library space made its quiet debut last week, but was officially opened to the Brock community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, March 6.

  The $460,000 project aimed to create a fresh and modern environment that accommodates a variety of learning styles and encourages both individual and group study with 130 new study spaces and three new group study rooms.

  The renovation was made possible by a generous donation from the CEFC. The $263,000 gift supported the fifth floor project, while also contributing to Brock’s Archives and Special Collections endowment and the purchase of library resources.

  University Librarian Mark Robertson said the new CEFC Commons has quickly become one of the most popular spaces for students on campus.

  “One of the most rewarding aspects of a project like this is seeing how students discover, embrace and interpret the space — and embrace it they have,” Robertson said.

  Feedback over the past week has been overwhelmingly positive, he said, with many students expressing the desire to see similar renovations on other library floors.

  The fifth floor project complements the opening of the Matheson Learning Commons in 2008 as well as renovations to the library’s sixth floor completed in 2015.

  Brock University President Gervan Fearon said the CEFC Commons is part of the library’s ongoing evolution, which strives to provide students the space they need to not only study but also do creative work.

  “Without donors, we aren’t always able to make projects like this happen,” he said. “It’s important for us to recognize the contributions of the Children’s Educational Foundation of Canada.”

  The CEFC Commons provides a “taste of what is possible” for Brock’s library in the future, Robertson said. “The enthusiastic embrace of this space by our students shows the need and the powerful impact modern learning spaces can have on our campus.”

  Brock Graduate Students’ Association President Shannon Kitchings said libraries should be “playgrounds for everybody,” and that’s what this new space has helped to accomplish.

  “They should be accessible. They should be inspiring. They should offer a space to encourage all the thoughts possible — the brilliant ones and the impossible ones,” she said. “It should be a place to make mistakes, to make discoveries, to make all kinds of intelligent magic and I really think this new renovation is the perfect place to do that. It is beautiful, light, inspiring, transparent and it is ours and that is amazing.”

  Brock University Students’ Union President Faisal Hejazi said the CEFC Commons has “already had a tremendous impact on the student body,” which has previously requested more study space on campus.

  “Several peers have approached me with positive feedback. They feel their voices are being heard and their needs are being addressed.” 

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock hosting outreach event in northern Indigenous community

  Wednesday, March 07, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 6 March 2018 – R00049 

  On Wednesday, March 7, Brock University will work to strengthen its bond with Indigenous communities on Manitoulin Island by hosting an event at M’Chigeeng Community Complex that brings together more than 100 students to learn about post-secondary opportunities.

  The event, called Weh Weh Neh (translation from Ojibwe: ‘Doing Things Right’), will highlight Brock’s partnership with Weengushk Film Institute and examine potential future paths with Grade 8 and high school students.

  Sandra Wong, Brock’s Aboriginal Academic Support Program Co-ordinator, said the initiative aims to continue building the University’s relationship with students on Manitoulin and in the Sudbury region.

  Following a traditional Anishinaabe opening with elders from the community, the day will begin with students learning about services offered by Brock’s Aboriginal Student Services, as well as University programming and OSAP funding. The youth will also will hear from Indigenous Brock alumni, who will speak of their own experiences at the University and following graduation.

  “We want to show students there are people from their community who have attended Brock and been successful in their journey,” Wong said. “We want to introduce them to potential role models. We want them to take pride in the fact that someone from their community, Shirley Cheechoo, is our University Chancellor.”

  Cheechoo is the eighth chancellor in Brock’s 54-year history, and the first woman and Indigenous Canadian to hold the significant leadership role at the University.

  Wong said it’s critical that Indigenous students see themselves fitting into and growing within the education system.

  “It’s important that we plant the seed in their minds that they, too, have equal access to this institution,” she said. “We want to gain their trust so they’re comfortable self-identifying with us when they do come to the institution. This way we can provide those needed supports and services.”

  Colton Clause, Brock’s Aboriginal Events Co-ordinator, said outreach initiatives like this allow Brock to highlight services for Indigenous students, including supports available before they set foot on campus.

  “We want to help them with the transition, help while they’re here, help with employment, connecting with community partners and seeking out possible funding initiatives,” Clause said. “We want to make them aware of the cultural support we offer so they don’t feel like they’re leaving a community, but transitioning to a community here at Brock.”

  Having those measures in place can also help to ease homesickness and culture shock felt by students leaving their community for the first time, he said.

  Wednesday’s event will also highlight Brock’s partnership with Weengushk Film Institute, in the Manitoulin community of M’Chigeeng, and the student opportunities that are available as a result. Through a collaboration that began in September 2016, Brock offers a certificate in film production that is taught at Weengushk. Taught by industry professionals, the eight-month program provides hands-on training on such aspects as screenwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, editing, composing and marketing. Students work towards writing and directing their own short film.

  Founded in 2002 by Cheechoo — herself an award-winning film director — Weengushk is an artist-focused centre for capacity building in the media arts for both Indigenous youth and persons of diversity.

  Brock plans to host its Manitoulin Island outreach event annually, and continue its involvement in the northern community with a presence at other events throughout the year. Aboriginal Student Services Recruiter/Liaison Officer Arlene Bannister hopes to become a familiar face in the area, helping to make students aware of the opportunities available to them at Brock.

  “It’s important to develop these relationships within the community,” Wong said. “We want Aboriginal students to gain trust with this institution and for the community feel comfortable sending their children here.”

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio. 

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  Categories: Media releases