Recruitment and Retention - students | Indigenous Initiatives

I-STEAM Pathways Environmental Education and Research Program

Contributor
College of Natural and Applied Sciences

Activity Details
The I-STEAM Pathways Environmental Education and Research Program for Indigenous undergraduate students is an experiential learning program. As a cross-disciplinary program it enables First Nations, Métis and Inuit students to gain research experience in a variety of environmental fields including science, environmental engineering, environmental law and policy. The program provides opportunities for Indigenous undergraduate students to participate in post-secondary environmental research and education, explore career possibilities in environment-related fields, and provides a pathway to graduate studies in environmentally-related disciplines.

The Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP)

Contributor
Faculty of Education

Activity Details
The Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) is focused on enabling the academic success of Aboriginal children by increasing the number of Aboriginal teachers with an understanding of Aboriginal perspectives in communities in Northern Alberta. ATEP is an off-campus elementary teacher education program involving community-based collaborative cohorts. The program exists because of close partnerships with other academic institutions and communities throughout Alberta, including Blue Quills First Nations College, Northern Lakes College, Portage College and Maskwacis Cultural College. ATEP is a degree-completion program; students will enter having already completed 60 credits of transferable course credit or as after-degree students. While this program is intended for Aboriginal students, all students are encouraged to apply. The Faculty recently (2021) welcomed a post-doctoral fellow in Aboriginal teacher education

Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP), a Bachelor of Education - Elementary program

Contributor
Faculty of Education

Activity Details
Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP), a Bachelor of Education - Elementary program, was designed to attract primarily Aboriginal students to increase the representation of Aboriginal teachers and improve the school experiences of a growing population of Aboriginal students in Alberta. ATEP launched in 2002 as a community-based collaborative program, delivered in partnership with Alberta colleges. In 2017, ATEP added its first on-campus cohort, a Secondary Education specialization. In fall 2021, ATEP will launch its first four-year direct-entry elementary focused program. ATEP’s foundational approach is based on Cree values. For example, wâhkôhtowin (kinship), mâmahwohkamâtowin (working cooperatively), and also manâtisiwin and manâhcihitowin (respect and respect for each other) which together describe a way of learning and being together. ATEP’s structure also aims to ensure that every individual student is supported and has the opportunity to study through a culturally-sensitive lens. ATEP is intentional in its representation of Aboriginal worldviews and inclusion of Aboriginal histories and contemporary issues in teacher education courses. In addition to valuing the personal knowledge and experiences of ATEP students, ATEP provides robust student supports. ATEP employs certificated teachers as Program Support Coordinators who model traditional values by supporting and encouraging students’ development as university students and future teachers. In addition to providing a range of orientation and ongoing professional development sessions, ATEP Program Support Coordinators develop trusted relationships and maintain regular formal and informal contact with students and their instructors, which encourages ATEP students to succeed and seek assistance when necessary. Teachers educated through ATEP develop a strong identity and are prepared to meet the needs of all children, especially Aboriginal children. Another foundational strength of ATEP is its cohort study model. Studying alongside a group of peers through the program provides an additional layer of support. This opportunity for students to learn from each other often leads to establishing lifelong relationships that support continued community and professional growth as teachers. ATEP’s Faculty of Education professors and instructors are predominantly Aboriginal scholars, who reflect traditional values in their approaches to teaching and relationships with students. Other professors and instructors are committed to understanding the diverse experiences of ATEP students and supporting positive learning environments that model ATEP’s values.

Developing a fully online cohort program

Contributor
Faculty of Education

Activity Details
With support from the Ministry of Education, the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) is developing a fully online cohort program in partnership with the Faculties of Arts, Science, Native Studies and Kinesiology. The program launched in Fall 2021 (~45 students).

On-campus Elementary Education cohort program

Contributor
Faculty of Education

Activity Details
With support from the Ministry of Education, the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) is offering an on-campus Elementary Education cohort program beginning in Fall 2021 (~25 students).

Community-based ATEP programs

Contributor
Faculty of Education

Activity Details
There are continued community-based programs through the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) in partnership with Portage and Lakeland Colleges and Maskwacis.

Contribute to teaching in the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program

Contributor
Faculty of Education

Activity Details
Education - Elementary (EDEL) faculty members and academic teaching staff (ATS) also contribute to teaching in the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP). The content and delivery of the required EDEL courses and electives are adapted specifically to support ATEP. In addition, with financial support from the Ministry of Education received in 2019, ATEP has expanded. In Fall 2022, the enrolment was 210 students across 8 cohorts, including on-campus, community based and online. ATEP is seeking to establish a part-time pathway for students beginning in Fall 2023. With the growth in student enrolments, the staff complement in ATEP has also grown to include three kiskinwahamakew (academic learning facilitators), a manager, two advisors and two site coordinators for the off-campus coordinators. The expansion has also meant partnerships with other faculties who contribute to scheduling and teaching the non-education courses in the four-year degree program.

Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) Urban Cohort: Secondary Teacher Education

Contributor
Faculty of Education

Activity Details
Whereas the community-based Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) program (a link to the community-based elementary route) is an Elementary Education degree program, the ATEP Urban Cohort is a Secondary Education degree program. Students in the ATEP Urban Cohort attend the main U of A campus. Currently, ATEP has a cohort of students completing their secondary education degree with a major in social studies and varied minors. There is an option to pursue other secondary majors and minors based on individual interests and completed course work. The Urban Cohort also differs from the community-based program as it is open for Aboriginal student applications only.

First point of contact

Contributor
Faculty of Education

Activity Details
A new initiative in the faculty to have a first point of contact, Auntie/Cousin, for Indigenous students offering cultural, academic and individual support and to connect students with other campus resources. This initiative ended in 2022.

Weekend Workshops

Contributor
Faculty of Education

Activity Details
Weekend workshops with Dr. Diane Conrad coaching 40 Indigenous youth with arts-based research to help them discover their potential as future leaders.

Access to Physical Education and Sports

Contributor
Faculty of Education

Activity Details
As Student Success Coordinator for the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Dr. Sean Lessard partnered with Spirit North and Olympic medallist Beckie Scott to improve access to physical education and sports for Indigenous youth in northern communities.

Braiding Stories to Live By

Contributor
Faculty of Education – Elementary Education

Activity Details
Donor Funded Project - Braiding Stories to Live By: Indigenous Young Women Gatherings (Cardinal).

Young Indigenous Women’s Circle of Leadership

Contributor
Faculty of Education – Elementary Education

Activity Details
Donor Funded Project - Young Indigenous Women's Circle of Leadership.

Indigenous students at master's and PhD levels

Contributor
Faculty of Education - School of Library and Information Studies

Activity Details
Recruitment of Indigenous students at master's and PhD levels.

Supporting letters for Indigenous graduate students

Contributor
Faculty of Education - School of Library and Information Studies

Activity Details
Multiple supporting letters for Indigenous graduate students and alumni pursuing awards, scholarships, internships, job references and PhD.

Indigenous student scholarship applications

Contributor
Faculty of Education - School of Library and Information Studies

Activity Details
Supporting Indigenous student scholarship applications.

Appoint an Indigenous admissions specialist

Contributor
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

Activity Details
In development: Appoint an Indigenous admissions specialist to provide support to admissions staff and graduate administrators, identify barriers, and liaise with First Peoples' House in promoting pathways into graduate studies to increase enrollment of Indigenous graduate students.

USCHOOL - Students from Indigenous, rural, or socially-vulnerable areas in Edmonton

Contributor
Institutional

Activity Details
Students from Indigenous, rural, or socially vulnerable areas in Edmonton have completed USchool which aims to introduce and connect them to the U of A and post-secondary possibilities.

The Transition Year Program (TYP)

Contributor
Institutional

Activity Details
The Transition Year Program (TYP) is a university access program for Indigenous students who may not be prepared to enter a faculty through the regular admissions route. This is not an upgrading program, but a full-time University of Alberta program in Open Studies. The objective of the program is to prepare Indigenous students for admission into one of nine faculties, namely Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences (ALES), Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR), Native Studies, Nursing and Science. TYP is offered through First Peoples’ House and attracts about 60 or more students a year (FPG 2020 Report). Over the last few years, applications and admissions are increasing as more applicants become aware of this program—particularly those interested in STEM programs. TYP has both academic and cultural components and will provide opportunities for community involvement, access to Elders, cultural teachers in the classroom and more. Students create a strong network of support by getting to know other students in a small, intimate learning environment. The overwhelming university experience and challenges of being away from home are mitigated by the strong community of TYP students.

Indigenous Student Advisors

Contributor
Institutional

Activity Details
Indigenous Student Advisors are positioned in ten faculties across campus.

Indigenous Enrollment

Contributor
Institutional

Activity Details
Indigenous Enrollment: The University of Alberta is committed to the recruitment, retention and graduation of Indigenous students. The university recognizes that Indigenous students have traditionally been under-represented in higher education and strives towards having the university’s Indigenous student population attain a level that is proportionate with the provincial rate of attainment. The total number of self-identified Indigenous students continues to increase. Year over Year Indigenous Enrolment Growth (2015-20) sits at 10 per cent. Indigenous students are the fastest growing demographic on campus. Record Indigenous enrolment growth is supported by two newly established recruitment roles in the Office of the Registrar as well as the new role of Assistant Dean of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Students in the Office of the Dean of Students.

Engagement with First Peoples' House

Contributor
Libraries and Museums

Activity Details
Orientation for First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students, weekly research support sessions at First Peoples' House (FPH), participation in TAWOW and events. (2008-present)

Engagement with Transition Year Program (TYP)

Contributor
Libraries and Museums

Activity Details
Engagement with Transition Year program - Orientation and research instruction, support for English, writing and Faculty of Native Studies courses, installations and end-of-semester celebrations in Rutherford library, embedded librarian program in 2019-20. (2008-present)

Indigenous Internship

Contributor
Libraries and Museums

Activity Details
A program to increase the number of First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) librarians and encourage Indigenous perspectives in the library. Provides for paid tuition and employment in the library for FNMI students in the U of A Master of Library and Information Studies program. (2015-present)

First year White Coat Ceremony

Contributor
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Activity Details
The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences revised the first year White Coat Ceremony that welcomes students into the profession to include an acknowledgement of their responsibilities to the Calls to Action in the TRC. It also includes a Treaty 6 Land Acknowledgement. All students recite the pledge and sign it as a commitment to professionalism in Pharmacy.

Expanding the investment in Indigenous recruitment

Contributor
Registrar’s Office

Activity Details
Committed to expanding the investment in Indigenous recruitment and admission by restructuring Indigenous Recruitment into Indigenous Enrolment Management (IEM) with an increased capacity to grow Indigenous recruitment using strategic enrolment management strategies and solutions. Registrar's Office (RO) IEM will have one 3-staff member team for Indigenous Recruitment (coordinator, recruiter, events) and one 3-staff member team for Indigenous Enrolment (financial support, enrolment management, analytics). The RO-IEM unit will be lead by Assistant Registrar, Indigenous Enrolment Management (Trevor Phillips). Reserved seats is one mechanism that more Faculties can utilize as a lever for expanding strategic Indigenous enrolment growth. Partners in Nursing and Pharmaceutical Sciences already have reserved seats above and beyond their equity admission averages, and more faculties could incorporate this admission pathways model, especially in Faculties historically under-enrolled by Indigenous learners.

Free Application Days 2021

Contributor
Registrar's Office - Admissions

Activity Details
Free Application Days 2021 was run in the 21/22 application cycle. Fee waivers were issued to Indigenous students who submitted verifiable and eligible Indigenous identity documentation. There were 480 total applications, which, to put in perspective, is more than the 2002 total for Indigenous students. Over 250 fee waivers were issued. Planned systems improvement and broader inclusion of professional program partners willing to engage in Free Application Days delivery are in progress. Anticipated return of Free Application Days will be the 23/24 cycle. The intention is to host Free Application Days every year from Sept. 30 (The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation) until October 6. This initiative seeks to increase access to higher education for all First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) learners.

Indigenous Enrolment Planning

Contributor
Registrar's Office - Enrolment Reporting, Analytics and Insights

Activity Details
Indigenous Enrolment Planning, Implementation, and Reporting: Work with faculties to ensure the fulfillment of Indigenous enrolment targets. Recommend admission offer targets and admission averages and provide weekly Indigenous enrolment reporting to monitor and report on progress.

Indigenous Post-Secondary Institution Coordinator

Contributor
Registrar's Office - Indigenous Recruitment

Activity Details
Hired an Indigenous Post-Secondary Institution (IPSI) Coordinator to work directly with the three Tribal Colleges in Treaty 6 region. The Indigenous Recruitment (IR) IPSI Coordinator is responsible for a full suite of supports for Tribal College students, including educational initiatives, transfer credit workshops, institution-to-institution support and advocating for Transfer Credit Articulation best practice with IPSIs. Expanded the scope of the role to include work with any Indigenous post-secondary transfer student and continue to build relationships to support all students transferring from top feeder schools.

Partner with Five neighbouring Treaty 6 First Nations

Contributor
Registrar's Office - Indigenous Recruitment

Activity Details
Partner with five neighbouring Treaty 6 First Nations to coordinate community-led initiatives that promote the pursuit of education and knowledge. Events range from banquets like awards days or convocations to the ceremonial like pow wows or round dances, to more capacity building like career fairs or parent conferences. In the event a community is unable to host a gathering, we have reallocated funds for event delivery to initiatives that support essential access to educational resources like internet hardware and service, Chromebooks, desks, day planners in the Nation's language, appropriate gym clothes, as well as literacy teaching skills for staff, cultural camps in the Nation's language, and managing youth programs in-community. Community attendance at public gatherings is consistently over 5,000 total guests.

Records, Registration and Fees/Identity Management

Contributor
Registrar's Office - Records, Registration and Fees and Identity Management

Activity Details
In Records, Registration and Fees/Identity Management we take pride in understanding our administrative processes so we can effectively aid in diminishing barriers to access. We work closely with the Transition Year Program (TYP), Canadian Indigenous Languages and Literacy Development Institute (CILLDI), Certificate in Indigenous Governance and Partnership and other groups that arise. While there are further administrative efficiencies to be made, we try assist by understanding process and applying our understanding to these settings.

Student Financial Support

Contributor
Registrar's Office - Student Financial Support

Activity Details
The Student Financial Support annual report includes information on Indigenous financial support distribution.

Designated financial resources

Contributor
Registrar's Office - Student Financial Support

Activity Details
There are designated financial resources allocated to supporting Indigenous students. Most recently we have worked to increase awareness of emergency funding and decrease barriers to accessing the funds.

Financial need assessment

Contributor
Registrar's Office - Student Financial Support

Activity Details
Exceptional financial need assessment practices are applied to Indigenous students to recognize the financial barriers / challenges unique to this population. This provides increased access to funding while reducing requirements for debt financing.

Student Financial Services

Contributor
Registrar's Office - Student Financial Support

Activity Details
Student Financial Services works closely with First Peoples' House (FPH) and Indigenous Recruitment (IR) to ensure designated Indigenous funding goes to Indigenous students. The collection and recording of this information supports the university's reporting and meets enrolment targets.

Indigenous Recruitment

Contributor
Registrar's Office - Student Connect

Activity Details
Working with Indigenous Recruitment to receive training and education on the unique needs of Indigenous applicants and how to provide appropriate support. Also created a plan to connect Indigenous Recruitment staff directly with applicants needing more support than Student Connect (SC) advisors could provide. Addition of a self-declaration question on the contact form to provide more context up front.

Wâpanachekos Indigenous Health Program (WIHP)

Contributor
School of Dentistry

Activity Details
Wâpanachekos Indigenous Health Program (WIHP) supports a weekly “tea and bannock” student, faculty and staff gathering event coordinated in collaboration with the Indigenous Medical & Dental Students Association.