1. It’s exploding.
Growth is a part of life in all universities but Laurier Brantford boasts some of the fastest growth rates of any school in Canada. In the past two years alone, Laurier Brantford has gained roughly 500 students (a 20% increase), two new programs and four new buildings. These include two residences and the Research and Academic Centre which houses lecture halls, offices, the school book store and the tech shop in addition to serving several community outreach functions. With plans for a new gym complex already well under way and more applicants every year Laurier Brantford is only getting bigger.
2. It’s not just a university it’s part of the community.
Brantford was originally selected as the location for Laurier’s satellite campus for a number of reasons but one of them was the city’s economy. Brantford used to be one of the largest industrial manufacturing centres in the world. When that business collapsed it brought the city’s economy down with it. Since opening in 1999 in a unique pilot project Laurier Brantford has been pumping money into Brantford’s economy though jobs and the students it brings to the city. Laurier has also been playing a major role in the revitalisation of the downtown core, making Laurier and Brantford true partners in enterprise.
3. The programming
Before coming to Laurier Brantford most people have no clue what exactly contemporary studies are. And half the people attending the school aren’t entirely sure either. Forming the core of Laurier Brantford’s programming Contemporary studies deal with a wide variety of issues and focus on teaching critical thinking, and taking interdisciplinary approaches to problems. It’s kind of like social studies but kicked up to 11. Along with Business technology Management, and Concurrent Education, which accounts for about half the student body, Laurier Brantford offers courses that can’t be found anywhere else.
4. The Atmosphere
Every university has its own culture but there are generally similarities between them. People hang out within their own programs. Nobody likes the cafeteria food. The engineering students make fun of the arts kids, whatever. At Laurier Brantford things tend to be a little different. With just about 3000 students you’re already dealing with a much smaller community. Only first year students live in residence so the rest rent houses or apartments in Brantford. Then you have the classes, regardless of program every student needs to take contemporary studies. So between the small student body, smaller classes (no 300 seat lectures here) and shared experiences Students at Laurier Brantford tend to be more closely knit then universities that have tens of thousands of students.
