School’s back, and Brock’s O-Week begins
Brock University’s annual campus tradition - orientation week or O -Week - in which it welcomes students back to a new year kicks off this weekend.
It’s a campus tradition that focuses on safe and inclusive alcohol-free events for incoming students.
Brockchella, as the Brock University Students’ Union orientation week celebration is known, kicks off Sunday with a party in front of the Sir Isaac Brock statue.
The week includes a full slate of on-campus activities designed to help first-year students familiarize themselves with their new home through fun and educational programming, says a media release from Brock.
The week officially begins with Move-In Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday as hundreds of upper-year students help nearly 2,400 first-years and their families move into Brock’s seven residences.
The day wraps up with the tower party and live burn, a demonstration by St. Catharines fire department and Brock campus security that teaches students about fire safety in their residence.
Among other events through the week is Monday’s Summer Games in Weather Station Field, a vendor fair Tuesday and Wednesday in Weather Station Field, which will
introduce students to local businesses and various departments and activities on campus. A wellness fair, scheduled for Thursday, is a new event.
The annual orientation week paint party takes place Friday, Sept. 8 wrapping up with a fireworks display at 10:45 p.m. weather permitting.
On Saturday, Sept. 9 American rapper Desiigner headlines a performance in Brock’s Weather Station Field. Signed by Kanye West’s label, Desiigner is a breakout star on the hip-hop scene whose hit song Panda has had more than 245 million views on YouTube.
“We think it’s a huge win for the University,” said BUSU President Faisal Hejazi. “Desiigner has become an internationally recognized artist in a short period of time. He’s still young so I think we can expect a lot more from him in the future.”
Student services vice-president Maddy Wassink said the students’ union is committed to being a good community neighbour and will follow all city bylaws, ensuring orientation week activities wrap up by 11 p.m. each night.
“The team and I have spent our summer living and breathing OWeek so we couldn’t be more excited going into this, ready to share a packed week of fun to welcome our Badgers back to campus,” she said.