Brock University offers a place for employees to grow
Amanda Villella says employees often remark that one of the best things about working at Brock University is the sense of community.
“We have opportunities for people to work on cross-functional teams, participate in committees and come together with people they may not otherwise work with every day,” says Villella, acting associate vice-president, people and culture.
For example, the planning committee for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation included employees from various faculties, student services, the library, communications, the Human Rights and Equity Office, and the Office of People and Culture.
“We each brought our own expertise,” she says. “For instance, Applied Health Sciences faculty members held an event on how theatre can help address anti-Indigenous discrimination in the health system, and the Office of People and Culture partnered with the vice-provost, Indigenous engagement to deliver an employee workshop exploring ways to bring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the concepts of reconciliation and decolonization into their daily work. All of these offices came together, met regularly and worked toward a common goal.”
Monique Beauregard, manager of Brock’s Black Student Success Centre, appreciates the university’s focus on growth, whether it be for employees or students, and loves having the chance to see that growth in action across campus. One of her favourite experiences has been helping develop the Black Student Success Centre.
“This relates to the growth of the university and creating spaces for students who have traditionally been overlooked in academia, and creating specialized supports, resources and connection points,” she says.
Beauregard is also part of the Black Community Forum at Brock, which provides an opportunity for faculty and staff to come together to discuss challenges and successes. “There are multiple layers of access points to wellness at Brock – getting to meet people in other departments I would not otherwise connect with, making friends, solving communal challenges and providing supports for students,” she says.
Villella says two areas where this focus on growth is highlighted are equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and employee learning and development. The university’s EDI initiatives include equity considerations in hiring processes and reviewing language in policies and collective agreements through an EDI lens. Brock also holds regular training programs for staff and faculty and conducted its first annual equity census in 2023.
“Fostering an inclusive environment for everyone – for faculty, staff and students – brings out the best in all of us,” Villella says. “We want to provide an engaging and supportive environment for employees to flourish in their own careers.”
Brock’s leadership and career development programs include training for employees who plan to pursue leadership roles, as well as training for current leaders. Recent topics have included how to have difficult conversations, coaching, and developing strategic goals. Mental health first aid, as well as training that promotes mental health and reduces the stigma around mental illness in the workplace, helps managers support employees’ mental well-being.
“Our goal is to recognize the unique needs of each of our employees,” Villella says. “We rely on employees to come to work and support the university in achieving its strategic goals. However, it’s also important to understand what employees want to achieve in their careers, and how we can best support them to meet those goals.
“We want to ensure they come to work in an environment where they're respected and included, and they know they have something to offer and that we value what they offer.”