Media releases

• Brock’s community observatory to host discussion on municipal reform

  Thursday, April 11, 2019 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 11 April 2019 – R00067

  It’s a discussion that has an urgent deadline: How to address questions related to decision-making and service delivery in Niagara and other Ontario municipalities with two-tier systems.

  David Siegel, Professor of Political Science at Brock University, will be presenting his policy brief, Under the Knife & Under the Gun: An Overview of Regional Government in Niagara at a workshop to be held at Brock Tuesday, April 16.

  The workshop comes one month before the Ontario government’s deadline for feedback from residents on issues related to municipal reform such as amalgamation and cost savings.

  “The purpose of the workshop is to provide factual information to inform the discussion on this important issue,” says Siegel, whose brief was recently released by Brock’s Niagara Community Observatory (NCO).

  “Ultimately, this policy brief and the discussions following from it are aimed at positioning the Niagara community to potentially influence the direction of governance reforms,” says NCO Director Charles Conteh. “We hope to provide a platform for separating facts from fiction in envisioning a governance reform that is tailored to the needs of the region.”

  Opening the workshop will be Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley, with closing remarks from Debbie Zimmerman, Niagara’s first female Regional Chair.

  The event is open to the public, but an RSVP is required by emailing [email protected]

  What: Public presentation of Under the Knife & Under the Gun: An Overview of Regional Government in Niagara policy brief

  When: Tuesday, April 16, 9:30 to 11 a.m.

  Where: Pond Inlet, Mackenzie Chown Building, Brock University

  Who: David Siegel, Professor of Political Science with remarks from Jim Bradley, Niagara Region Chair and Debbie Zimmerman, Niagara’s first female Regional Chair

  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

• Brock’s new Law Plus program an introduction to wide range of careers

  Wednesday, April 10, 2019 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 10 April 2019 – R00065

  Starting in September, undergrad students studying in any Brock University program will be able to concurrently lay the foundation for a law-related career.

  The University has launched Law Plus, a new four-year, non-credit program that will help students gain pre-law knowledge and hands-on experience. It’s modelled on Brock’s highly successful Med Plus program, which has been running for 20 years and a 92 per cent success rate for students landing careers in health-care.

  “Similar to Med Plus, being in the Law Plus program will open students’ eyes to a variety of career paths that will use the skills and experiences they’ve gained,” said Cara Krezek, Director, Co-op, Career and Experiential Education. “It’s also about preparing them to write the LSATs, enter law school, and so much more.”

  With the Law Plus program set to begin this September, the enrolment deadline for the inaugural year is coming up Monday, April 15. To ensure students get a personalized and enriched experience, the first cohort will be limited to 30 people.

  “During their first year, students will begin to network with a variety of career professionals and gain exposure to volunteering with different populations,” said Law Plus Consultant Stacia Heaton. “In future years, they will build on their skills and experiences with continued exposure to law-related professions, job shadowing, ethics forums and more.”

  In addition to their undergrad studies, the Law Plus students will spend between five and seven hours each week attending skill-based workshops, learning from guest speakers and participating in volunteer placements with community organizations.

  “We’re preparing them for careers they’re passionate about and helping them develop the skills and knowledge they require,” said Krezek.

  Like Med Plus, Law Plus is open to all Brock students, regardless of which undergraduate degree they’re working toward.

  “The program aims to have students from all Faculties who will bring a variety of interests to the table, which will enrich the experience for everyone,” Heaton said.

  Advising Brock on the new program has been an industry panel that includes lawyers, community organization representatives and faculty members.

  “Having the industry so invested and enthused about Law Plus is fantastic. They’re helping to shape the program and move it forward,” Heaton said. “They will also have the partnerships and relationships that will help us develop placements that students will be able to engage in.”

  For more information on the new Law Plus program, visit Brock’s Co-op, Career and Experiential Education website.

  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