Brock University’s Graduate Onboarding Program Wins National Award for Enhancing Student Experience

Brock University

Prime Highlights:

Brock University’s Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (FGSPA) has been honored with the 2023-24 Award for Excellence in Enhancing the Graduate Student Experience.

The award was presented by the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies, recognizing innovation in graduate student engagement.

Key background:

Brock University’s Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (FGSPA) has been honored with the prestigious 2023-24 Award for Excellence in Enhancing the Graduate Student Experience (GSE). The award, presented by the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies, recognizes institutions that exhibit innovation and excellence in supporting graduate students.

Launched in 2022, Brock’s student-centric graduate onboarding program has had a transformative effect on how the university welcomes and supports its graduate students. Developed by the FGSPA engagement team in collaboration with graduate ambassadors and the Graduate Students’ Association, the program aims to improve student engagement, retention, and success.

Suzanne Curtin, Vice-Provost and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, emphasized the significant impact the program has had on students, particularly in fostering stronger departmental partnerships. “It has strengthened partnerships across departments and transformed the way we welcome and support graduate students at Brock,” Curtin remarked.

A core element of the program’s success is its focus on student representation. Graduate student ambassadors, who were hired based on their own onboarding experiences, have been integral in shaping the program. This peer-driven approach has created an environment where incoming students feel supported and guided by those who have recently navigated the same transition.

The program also boasts a robust communications strategy, which includes a centralized online resource hub via Brightspace. Incoming students can access materials and navigate resources at their own pace prior to the start of their classes. Additionally, the program hosts drop-in sessions and events tailored to address the most commonly requested information by new students.

Katrina Carbonara, an Applied Health Sciences PhD candidate and one of the program’s first graduate ambassadors, shared her satisfaction with the initiative. “Drawing on my own experiences and insights from others, I contributed to the development of a resource designed to help incoming students and facilitate their transition,” said Carbonara. “It has been deeply rewarding to hear how the program has supported students and made their transition smoother.” This recognition highlights Brock University’s dedication to improving the graduate student

experience and fostering a welcoming, supportive environment for both academic and personal growth.