Summer orientation programs to kick-start student university experience

Brock has full slate of summer orientation programming lined up to help incoming students prepare for their studies and connect with the University community.

In the University's Smart Start program, new Badgers will participate in a daylong orientation session that covers everything from course registration to student cards.

Registration is now open for in-person sessions, which take place from Wednesday, July 10 to Friday, Aug. 30.

"Navigating the transition into university is overwhelming, so our role is to make it as stress-free as possible," said Liam Nielsen (BSM '22), Recruitment Officer and Smart Start program lead.

Registered students and up to two guests will get a tour of Brock's campus, including their future residence building if applicable, and grab a bite in one of the Fresh Food Company residence dining halls.

Free webinars are also available throughout the summer covering information about dining, finance, housing and student success resources on campus.

Nielson, who attended Smart Start himself while studying at Brock, said the goal is to help as many students as possible feel prepared for their studies, including first-generation university students or those who aren't local to St. Catharines.

"This a whole new world for them so they are very appreciative when we are able to help them get all of their ducks in a row. We're here to help." he said.

Members of the Brock University Students' Union (BUSU), including BUSU President Anusha Pahuja, will also be at Smart Start to answer questions about upcoming events, health and dental coverage and transit passes. Students can learn about BUSU's Advisory Council and how the student union leadership team represents their needs.

"Smart Start is your VIP pass to Brock University," said Pahuja. "It's the perfect chance for you to dive into campus life and get a glimpse of all things BUSU has in store for you."

As well as learning what to expect at Brock, incoming students can also experience student life first-hand in the LEAP program.

Leadership and Development Co-ordinator Travis Greene (BA '19) says the program's one-day and overnight offerings serve as both a social and community-focused orientation.

LEAP sessions connect small groups of fewer than 25 fellow students with campus partners and offer a chance to spend a night in residence. The program also organizes volunteer opportunities and gives students a chance to spend time in downtown St. Catharines.

"The hope with a program like this, especially when paired with Smart Start, is to equip students with the knowledge to make choices that make them feel as comfortable and safe as possible on campus," he said. "So come and be a Badger for a day and experience all that the campus has to offer."

There are six LEAP sessions running in July and August, and Greene encourages students to pair the program with Smart Start to get the most well-rounded experience possible.

Registration is also still open for the one-day iteration of the Start with Strategies Conference on Thursday, Aug. 15. Led by Brock's Student Accessibility Services (SAS) in the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC), the conference addresses the unique needs of first-year students with disabilities.

The inclusive program includes classroom discussions and personalized one-on-one guidance on topics such as learning strategies, using assistive technology and navigating mental health supports. Additional resources will also be available online during the month of August.

"These sessions aim to prepare students for the academic and social experiences they may encounter, ensuring they embark on their university journey with confidence and a sense of belonging," said SWAC Transition Program Coordinator Katie McInnis.

SAS is also looking to provide additional engagement opportunities and targeted sessions for family members and student supporters throughout the summer.

Beginning Wednesday, July 10, incoming students can also enrol in BU101, a free, self-paced academic skills program that is completed online. Composed of five interactive lessons, the program provides strategies and resources to help students plan for the academic term and develop their academic skills. A certificate of completion is provided.

Students can enrol in their faculty-specific section of BU101 on the Brock orientation website or by searching for BU101 in the Discover tool of the Brightspace homepage. Questions can be directed to Learning Services at [email protected]

More information on Brock's summer orientation programs and registration information can be found on the Discover Brock University website.

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