Brock University’s events showcase aim of creating pathways

A pair of upcoming events will showcase Brock’s ongoing commitment to creating pathways between college programs and those offered at the University.

The Transfer Pathways programs feature many agreements that allow students to complete a college program and a Brock program and to transfer between the two with a specific block of transfer credits.

Taking place Tuesday, May 2 from noon to 1 p.m. and Friday, May 5 from 3 to 4 p.m. the Transfer Pathways information sessions are open to all staff and faculty and will discuss how to create articulation agreements and attract transfer students to programs at Brock.

Laurel Natale, the University’s Transfer Pathways Specialist, said creating transfer agreements is an important part of Brock’s retention efforts.

“The great thing about these pathways is that they often grant further transfer credit than our general policy allows, so the students get more recognition for their prior learning and can often finish their credential more efficiently,” she said.

Among the participating programs at Brock is the University’s Recreation and Leisure Studies Department, which has been a leader in developing transfer agreements.

Kyle Rich, Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, said the agreements are a great opportunity for programs to develop a diverse student body with a variety of experiences.

“Transfer agreements create pathways for learners with a variety of life experience as well as diverse learning and professional goals,” he said. “Some of these learners come directly from college programs and others are returning to pursue a degree after some time working. These learners bring a lot to our classes and enrich the learning environment for both faculty and students on a traditional pathway.”

Along with organizing the two information sessions, Natale and her colleagues in the Office of the Registrar and Enrolment Services are available to liaise with partner schools, help navigate the governance approval structures and ensure adherence to Brock policies and procedures for pathway development. The office also maintains a Sharepoint site where faculty and staff can find helpful resources for pathway development, including a database of current pathways and pathways in development.