CSD Aboriginal Admission Policy

General Statement

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is committed to the recruitment, retention and graduation of Aboriginal students.

In order to facilitate representation of Aboriginal students in the program, two positions in each admission year are reserved for Aboriginal applicants. Those who wish to be considered for such positions must meet the minimum admission requirements for the Department.

Definition of Aboriginal People for the Purpose of Admission

(from University of Alberta General Admissions - Aboriginal Applicants, Section 14.3)

  1. Definition of an Aboriginal Applicant: For the purpose of application and admission to the University of Alberta, and in accordance with the Constitution Act, 1982, Part II, Section 35(2), an Aboriginal applicant is an Indian, Inuit, or Métis person of Canada, or a person who is accepted by one of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada as a member of their community.

  2. Proof of Aboriginal Ancestry: Proof of Aboriginal ancestry will be required. Documentation will be verified by the Aboriginal Student Services Centre, Proof of ancestry does not guarantee admission to the program. All positions are competitive and the admission committee will select the best qualified candidates. The following is accepted as proof of ancestry, for the purpose of application:
  1. a certified copy of a Status or Treaty card;
  2. a certified copy of a Métis membership card;
  3. a certified copy of a Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities;
  4. proof that an ancestor's name has been entered
    1. in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, or
    2. on the band list of an individual band, or
    3. on the Inuit roll;
  5. evidence of an ancestor who received a land grant or a scrip grant under the Manitoba Act or the Dominion Lands Act;
  6. written confirmation of Aboriginal ancestry from the Department of Indian Affairs;
  7. written confirmation of membership by a band council which has enacted its own band membership code;
  8. a Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry, supplemented by letters or documentation supporting the Declaration
  1. from an official of a recognized native organization, or
  2. from a relative in an Aboriginal community, or
  3. from the applicant describing involvement with Aboriginal issues.

Other forms of proof may be considered.

  1. Admission considerations

    Province of residence is not considered when admitting Aboriginal applicants. Applicants will be admitted in the following steps:

    1. First, as a candidate for unreserved positions
    2. Second, as a candidate for positions set aside specifically for Aboriginal applicants.

  2. Appeal on Aboriginal Status

Appeals regarding Aboriginal status for the purpose of application can be made to the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic). Appeals may be made on status only and must be received, in writing, within 30 days of the date on the letter advising that proof submitted in support of Aboriginal status has not been accepted for the purpose of application to a program.

In the case of an appeal, the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) shall authorize a panel to review the decision, consisting of the following members:

  • in the Chair, the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) (or delegate)
  • President, Aboriginal Students Council (or delegate)
  • an Elder (appointed by the University of Alberta Aboriginal Council)
  • an appropriate representative of an Indian, Métis or Inuit community (appointed by the University of Alberta Aboriginal Council)
  • a member of a Faculty not associated with the case [appointed by the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)].

The decision of the appeal panel is final and binding.

Application and Admission Steps for Aboriginal Applicants

  1. Follow the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Application Process
  2. Declare Aboriginal Status on the online application in the place provided
  3. Aboriginal applicants will first be considered for admission during the general admissions process. Once those selections are made, remaining declared Aboriginal applicants will be considered for the two reserved positions
  4. If a reserved position is offered to an Aboriginal applicant, the student will be required to produce proof of aboriginal ancestry. Admission is conditional until proof of aboriginal ancestry is verified.
  5. If Aboriginal applicants do not fill the reserved positions, the positions will be offered to the next students on the general admission waiting list.