Brock University is committed to providing a safe living and learning environment that promotes student success. There are many elements that contribute to student success. The Student Affairs team is responsible for administering several policies and services that aim to make your on-campus experience a positive one.
What we do
Student Affairs team supports students through by leading the Campus Assessment Response and Education (CARE) team and the Non-Academic Misconduct process. The goal of the CARE team is to connect students with the appropriate service(s) that addresses their unique situation while providing the student with support to enable a healthy and successful academic and personal future.
The Student Affairs team takes a restorative approach to administering the Student Code of Conduct. Violations of the Student Code of Conduct are managed through the non-academic misconduct process wherein education and safety are prioritized. At all times, Student Affairs is here to help and support students.
The main goal of the CARE team is to connect students with the appropriate service(s) that addresses their unique situation. In each situation, it is necessary to balance the needs of the student with the needs of the community. Many resources are available to achieve this goal.
Visit brocku.ca/CARE for more information about Campus Assessment, Response and Education
Brock’s Student Code of Conduct outlines the rules and expectations for all students. Make sure you know your rights and responsibilities as a member of the Brock community. Students become a member of the Brock community while registered in their academic program and as such, assume the responsibilities that registration entails.
All members of the community are expected to support an environment that is conducive to the personal and professional growth of all who study, work and live within it. As part of the University community, all students and student groups are expected to maintain a high standard of conduct, based on the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities within the Student Code of Conduct, and that is appropriate to a community of scholarship and learning.
Violations of the Student Code of Conduct are dealt with through the non-academic misconduct process.
Student Mediation Services provides effective support in resolving student involved disputes. This is a voluntary and confidential process provided to current Brock University students in specific situations identified below. This service empowers students to resolve their own disputes by taking an active role in the mediation process.
Mediation requires participation by both parties in the dispute and a mediator who facilitates an outcome that both sides agree upon.
The mediator provides a neutral viewpoint and does not make judgements or take sides in the dispute. The goal of mediation is to focus on improving communication, identifying needs, clarifying issues and assisting both parties in coming to an agreement.
This service does not provide legal advice, take sides, or make decisions; rather, it is an opportunity for students to come to a peaceful agreement in a safe environment.
Some common issues that Brock students encounter that mediation may be appropriate for include:
- Roommate conflict
- Neighbour conflicts
- Romantic relationship conflicts
- Co-worker conflicts
- Conflicts between groups
- At the discretion of the Office of Student Conduct, some disciplinary actions may be referred for resolution through mediation
Mediation Process:
It is important to note that every mediation is different. This guide will help students understand how to initiate the mediation process and what to expect.
Initiating a Mediation Request:
Please contact the Director, Student Affairs, Darryl Veld at dveld@brocku.ca or 905-688-5550 ext. 4041 to set up a consultation appointment. During this meeting, an assessment will occur to ensure that the matter is appropriate for mediation, and to obtain basic information regarding the conflict. If appropriate for mediation, the Director, Student Affairs will make best efforts to meet with the other party.
Individual Meetings:
The mediator will meet with both parties in individual appointments to ensure that the mediator has a clear idea of the issues that are causing conflict. The mediator will establish a mediation appointment.
Mediation:
At the outset of the mediation, the mediator will outline the ground rules for the process and seek to clarify any procedural concerns. During the mediation, both parties will be asked to provide an opening statement and their goal for the mediation process. Once this has occurred, the mediator will facilitate a discussion with both parties. The goal of this appointment is for both parties to identify areas of concern, express their feelings about the conflict, recognize the other side’s perspective, and begin to identify steps towards a resolution.
Coming to a Resolution:
Once a resolution has been reached, the mediator will help both parties document the agreement and any steps that are attached to the agreement. This document is signed by all parties involved, including the mediator. A copy of the agreement is provided to all parties.