August 24, 2006 Source: :
http://www.brocku.ca/webnews/displaystory.phtml?TEMPLATE=template.html&sid=1515 Innovative student services make Brock a university of choice With the beginning of September just around the corner, it's back-to-school time at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont., as 3,200 incoming first-year students prepare to tackle the next stage of their education and personal development. "The University is impressed with the quality of this year's undergraduate class and pleased that we've reached our first-year enrolment targets," says Kim Meade, Associate Vice-President, Student Services. "Brock is committed to providing an exceptional student experience, both inside and outside the classroom and our innovative student services programs are designed to support students' transition to university and to help them excel in their studies." Brock is well-positioned to meet the academic and personal needs of incoming and returning students with new initiatives, like the First Generation program and Strategies 2007, and already established student supports, such as entrance scholarships and bursaries, and Leadership Development Services. "Brock is more than a place to study," says Meade. "The University offers students an enriched, safe, inclusive environment where they can form new friendships, gain valuable extracurricular experiences, and become part of a vibrant community where diversity is celebrated and good citizenship is valued." The following is a brief overview of some of the programs that support and promote the present and future well-being of students at Brock. Entrance scholarships and bursaries
Student Awards and Financial Aid at Brock offers very competitive scholarships to entering and returning students. This year the University awarded close to 3,200 scholarships, valued at almost $2.4 million. Brock's current scholarship values - which will increase significantly for the 2007-08 academic year - are as follows: Average 80 to 84 per cent, $1,550 ($500-350/year for three years); average 85 to 89 per cent, $4,000 $1,000/year for four years); average 90 to 92 per cent, $6,000 ($1,500/year for four years); average 93 per cent, or greater, $10,000 ($2,500/year for four years). Brock also offers Entrance Bursaries worth $1,250 to first-year students in need of financial aid and this year, the University awarded 195 bursaries to incoming new students. The First Generation program
About 250 students are involved in the First Generation program, which was developed by staff in Student Services. Brock received pilot funding of $85,000 from the provincial Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for this new initiative. The University received additional funding to award 10 First Generation students with bursaries of $2,500 each. As well, peer mentors will facilitate events throughout the year, including volunteer involvement with the broader Niagara community, intramural sports and arranging academic assistance. Strategies 2006-07
Strategies is a transition success program for students with learning disabilities offered by Services for Students with disABILITIES (SSWD) and designed specifically for first-year students. The program was created to address the unique challenges faced by students with a learning disablility during the transition to university life. Strategies offers an introductory exposure to university life through skill development workshops beginning with SMART Start orientation and continuing throughout the term. Leadership Development Services
Whether it's acting as a Teaching Assistant or taking on the challenge of being a Don in residences, undergraduate students at Brock receive training and experience which enables them to assume leadership roles in their careers and personal lives. Leadership Development Services was designed to broaden leadership opportunities for all Brock students in order to provide them with a competitive edge. For more information, please contact Kim Meade, Associate Vice-President, Student Services at 905-688-5550, ext. 4277; e-mail: kmeade@brocku.ca
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