Alexandra McDermid, Brock Student Life and Community Experience Events Assistant, shares details of summer orientation programs with visitors during the 2018 Spring Open House.
(From The Brock News, Monday, April 1, 2019 | By: Maryanne Firth)
With early signs indicating Brock continues to rise as a top choice for high school graduates, campus is expected be buzzing for the University’s annual Spring Open House this weekend.
The entire Brock community will join together to welcome thousands of potential undergraduate and graduate students and their families Sunday, April 7.
Running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Open House aims to give visitors a taste of all that Brock has to offer. In addition to a comprehensive information fair, prospective students will have the chance to tour campus, meet students, senior administrators, faculty and staff, attend presentations related to programs of interest, learn about student services and research opportunities, and even take in a first-year lecture.
Tours of residences, research labs, athletic facilities and the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts downtown will also be available, and welcome sessions will be introduced to help visitors make the most of their time on campus.
“The day will be action-packed, allowing for a ‘choose your own adventure’ style experience that meets students’ personal interests and passions,” said Beth Natale, Director, Recruitment for Brock University. “Open House is one of the best ways to solidify that Brock is the right choice for your future. It allows you to try us on for size and learn how you can shape your Brock experience to fit your own priorities and goals for your future.”
One of the most important days on the recruitment calendar, Spring Open House comes on the heels of promising early signs for the University’s fall enrolment.
Last September, Brock welcomed a record number of students to campus, taking enrolment past 19,000 for the first time. Recent figures compiled by the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) indicate that trend may continue, with an increasing number of students shortlisting Brock as their possible destination for 2019-20:
- Ontario high school students who put Brock in their Top 3 universities are up nearly 12 per cent over a year ago.
- Those listing Brock as their No. 1 pick shot up more than 15 per cent.
- In Brock’s home communities, applications from students across Niagara region are up nearly 10 per cent.
- Globally, Brock has nearly 4,000 applications from international students, up 22.5 per cent over the same time last year. (This number reflects both students applying from overseas, as well as international students currently studying in Ontario high schools.)
It will be a few months before universities know where students ultimately register, but the strong numbers combined with early interest in Brock’s Open House are promising.
“We are seeing indicator after indicator that shows Brock is definitely in demand,” Natale said. “Our reputation as a career starter and place of interest for students is gaining serious momentum.”
Online registration and a full schedule for Spring Open House can be found at discover.brocku.ca/openhouse/
What: Brock University Spring Open House
When: Sunday, April 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Information fair to begin in Ian Beddis Gymnasium on Brock’s main campus
