Brock University: BIPOC Study Hall enhances academic resources and supports

A new study hall service at Brock University is enhancing academic resources for students.

On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, students who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) are invited to join Learning Services’ BIPOC Study Hall in the Student Success Centre (TH 129).

The free resource, which runs from 6 to 8 p.m. features tutoring from fourth-year students who can assist participants with study habits and questions they might have as they tackle their assignments. The space will also serve as a welcoming environment for those looking for a supportive venue to finish their work.

Curriculum Development Specialist Ashley Grover said the twice-weekly gatherings are part of many ongoing efforts by Brock to address inequity in post-secondary learning, and were developed in collaboration with the University’s Hadiyaˀdagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre, and BIPOC Caucus.

“We know BIPOC students are historically under-represented in academic spaces in general and had less opportunities in terms of getting to university,” she said. “Feeling welcomed and supported academically in the study hall and throughout the University is just one of the ways we are trying to address that.”

Grover said the idea for the weekly resource stemmed from conversations that occurred during Brock’s BIPOC community social in September.

“Being in that room and the sense of community and joy made us realize we could have that in a drop-in space, and it would be so valuable for students,” she said.

Peer tutor Vibhash Balasundaram was keen to get involved when he heard about the chance to help out.

“I think this initiative is important because it gives us the opportunity to relate to one another at a level that many of us may not have tapped into, building rich bonds that celebrate our similar differences and enhancing the student experience of Brock’s BIPOC community,” he said.

Along with tutoring and providing study space, the study hall will also welcome various on-campus units to provide more tailored resources during specific weeks, as well as partners to donate snacks and refreshments.