S.10-109
Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy

S.10-109

OFFICE OF THE ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT, ACADEM

AND

ASSOCIATE

PROVOST

8888 Un

versity

Drive,

TEL

778.782.4636

Burnaby,

778.782.5876

Ca nada

V5A 1

avpciofasfu

.ca

www

a/vpacademic

MEMORANDUM

ATIEN

Senate

DAT

August

3,2010

FROM

RE:

ll Krane, Cha

Senate Committ

dergraduate

Studies

PAGES

1/1

Abo

nal

Und

ergraduate

Admission Po

[SCUS

0-35)

Action undertaken by

e Senate

Comm

itt

on Undergraduate Studies

its meeting

August

12,

2010, gives

rise

to the following recommendation:

Motion:

That

Senate approve

the

Aboriginal Undergraduate

Admiss

on Poli

effect

September

10.

MON

IASE

VERSITY

HIN

ING

F THE WORLD

REGlSTR,\R & STUDENT ENROLMENT

Srudent Services

MEMORANDUM

ATTENTION

SCUS

3000 l\bggie Benston Centre

8888 University Drive, Burnaby,

Canada VSA 1 S6

FROM

William Lindsay

Director,

Office for Aboriginal

Peoples

Kate Ross

Registrar

Senior Director, Student

Enrolment

TEL 778.782.3108

FAX 778.782.5732

DATE

July 19, 2010

PAGES 1

RE:

Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy

SCUS 10-35 REVISED

srudents.sfu.ca

Attached is a proposal for the development of an Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy.

Motion:

that SCUS approve and recommend to Senate the Aboriginal Undergraduate ""'-

Admission Policy as outlined in Appendix One. (t:..f..¥ccli'v-e...

5er+-

'20/0 )

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

THINKING OF iHE WORLD

SFU

OFFICE

FORABORIGI1'-i.\L

PEOPLES

.\Q 3140 8888 Cniversiry Drive,

Burnaby,

TEL:

7-8::·S2.892~

F.~~:

7;8.782.8926

Canada VS.-\.

lS6

MEMORANDUM

ATIENTION

To \\inom It

1fay

Concern

FROM

William G. Lindsay, DiJ:ector, Office for

Aboriginal Peoples

Kate Ross, Registar and Senior DiJ:ector,

Student Eru:olment

Louise Legris, Director, Admissions,

Student Services

lenna LaFrance, Director, Indigenous

Studen

Centre

Jennie Blankinship, Indigenous Recruitment

Coordinator

Judv Smith, DiJ:ector, Community

Education Program, Continuing Studies

Natalie Wood-Weins, Coordinator for

Indigenous Programs (including the

Aboriginal Pre-University Bridging

Programs), Continuing Studies

DATE

July 20,2010

PAGES

1/8

wlindsay@sfu.ca

~'WW.sfu.ca

RE:

Proposal for an Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy at Simon Fraser University

This proposal is for the implementation of an Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy at

Simon Fraser University. The idea for this proposal came out of meetings bernreen the follo\ving

members

of the university administration: William G. Lindsay, Director, Office for Aboriginal

Peoples;

Jon Driver, Vice President, Academic and Provost; Kate Ross, Registrar and Senior

Director, Student Enrolment; Louise Legris, Director, Admissions, Student Services; Jenna

LaFrance, Director, Indigenous

Student Centre; Jennie Blankinship, Indigenous Recruitment

Coordinator; Judy

Smith, Director, Community Education Program, Continuing Studies; and

Natalie Wood-Weins, Coordinator for Indigenous Programs (including the Aboriginal

Pre-

University Bridging Programs), Continuing Studies.

The persons mentioned above have given their input into this document, as part of an ad hoc

committee. All agreed that the implementation of an Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy

would be a positive and progressive move on the part of Simon Fraser University in its efforts to

reach

out to the Aboriginal community, to increase Aboriginal student enrolment at SFU, to

promote the cross-cultural exchange

of knowledge between AbOriginal and non-Aboriginal

groups, and to increase diversity at

SFU.

Regarding tenninology, the terms First Nation, Aboriginal, and Indigenous are used

interchangeably throughout

this document. According to Section 35

(2)

of the 1982 Canadian

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

THINKING OF THE WORLD

Constitution, the tenn Aboriginal refers to Canadian First

Nations~

Nletis, and Inuit peoples. It

should

be noted, however, that the term Indigenous has been gaining acceptance and is often

used to refer

to Indigenous peoples in a global context. Hov.rever: for purposes of clarification and

intent, the terms Aboriginal and Indigenous as used herein shall refer to the three historic groups

of Canadian Aboriginal people: First Nations,

~letis,

and Inuit.

This proposal has

six key components:

1. History and context

2. What the First Nations University-Wide Strategic Plan and the Three Year Academic

Plan for

2010-2013 encourage regarding an Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy

3. What other British Columbia post secondary institutions are doing

4. Existing SFU entrance policies similar to the proposed Aboriginal Undergraduate

Admission Policy

5. Specific components of an Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy at SFU

6. The rationale for an Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy i.e. Why should SFU do

this?

History and context:

With regards to Aboriginal people and education: the reverberations of the residential

school system are still

being felt; there has been a lack of relevant cultural content in

modem school curriculums; and ignorance and racism are still endemic in many places in

modem Canada. As a result, Aboriginal people have had decidedly mixed experiences

'when it comes to fonnal education.

In some communities, poverty and concomitant social problems hold young ones back

from achieving their full

potential and from achieving the kinds of grades usually necessary

for university admission.

3. Statistics sho\v that

high school incompletion rates are still too high in the Aboriginal

community.

4. However, as many young Aboriginallnen and woman mature, they establish solid work

records, they have families, and they come to realize the value of a formal education. Such

ones are ready and motivated for

the challenge of post secondary education.

In addition, Indigenous-based knowledge systems are now making inroads into Canadian

university systems. This

is because more and more Aboriginal students have been

attending university programs and these students have ended up becoming university staff

and faculty. The corollary of this is an atmosphere of diversity, a cross-cultural exchange

of knowledge, and an enrichment of the university environment. This process is a direct

result

of more Aboriginal people being involved in post secondary education.

2. What the First Nations University-Wide Strategic Plan and the Three Year Academic Plan for

2010-2013 encourage regarding an Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy:

While an Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy is not specifically mentioned in the First

Nations University-Wide Strategic

Plan, specific and key components of the plan are certainly

related.

For example, an Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy at SFU would certainly

assist in the

below goals and processes:

Under the heading

Student Recruitment, Support, and Retention

(page twenty-one), a stated

goal

is to "Improve the recruitment, retention, and successful participation of First Nations

students with a goal to increase First Nations undergraduace enrolment by over 50% and

First Nations graduate enrolment by over 25% by the year 2012."

2. Under the heading

Liaison and Outreach to First Nations Peoples and Communities

(page

t\venty-t\vo), a stated goal is for SFU to "Strengthen and increase our partnerships,

collaborations, and engagement with First Nations peoples and communities."

The Strategic Plan also calls for policy changes that essentially result in the "Indigenization

of the academy" in small and large ways. For example, under

th~

heading

Indigenous

Knowledge and Resource Development

(page t\venty-two), a clear goal states that SFU should

"Support the development of Indigenous knowledge systems within the University and an

understanding and respect for First Nations cultures, histories, knowledge, languages,

traditions, and communities among non-Aboriginal members

of the University

communiry to create bridges bet\veen cultures."

The SFU Academic Plan for 2010-2013 makes no specific mention of an Aboriginal

Undergraduate Admission Policy but states the follo\ving as related points of consideration:

In the document preamble on page t\vo) the follo\ving is noted: "As \ve move into the

second decade of the 21st century the environment is changing. In BC the population of

18 to 24 year olds is stabilizing at a time when many new universities have been founded.

We can expect a reduced rate of growth in the traditional student population and more

interest

in post-secondary education from mid-career students and ne\v immigrants, who

may have diverse educational

goals."

2. On page four, under the main theme heading

High Quality Student Experience,

the

following

is stated: "The University \vill facilitate admission, support and success for

students from diverse backgrounds.

3. On page five, a major goal heading entitled

Create multiple admission routes to attract a diverse

student body,

lists the following as a major objective: "Increase current numbers of First

Nations students by 10% by 2013."

3. What other British Columbia post secondarY institutions are doing:

The University of Victoria has an Aboriginal Admission Policy that states: "The First

Nations,

Metis and Inuit special category is designed for

all

Indigenous peoples of Canada

\vho may

not qualify under the usual categories of admission. Reasons for denial of

admission might include the lack of a required Grade 11 or 12 subject or a less

competitive grade-point average (GPA). The Senate Committee on Admission,

Registration and Transfer

(SCART) \vill assess your ability to succeed at university based

on educational history, non-educational achievements, application, letters of reference,

and a personal letter outlining your academic objectives."

2. The University of British Columbia has an Aboriginal Admission policy that states: "If you

meet the basic and program-specific course requirements, but do not meet your program's

competitive average,

UBe

has an Aboriginal Admission Policy that allO\VS programs to

evaluate your application individually.

The Aboriginal Admission Policy takes into

consideration

your educational history, cultural knowledge, \vork experience, educational

goals, and other achievements. This infonnation will be reviewed by a representative from

the First Nations House

of Learning and your faculty of choice ... Canadian Aboriginal

students \vho do not

meet current academic standings set by the individual faculties and

schools,

but who meet the general university-wide academic minimum of 67% can apply

under

trus policy."

3. The University of Northern British Columbia has a Northern Advancement Program thar

has its own admission process. The Northern Advancement Program is a first year

transition program that Aboriginal

and/or rural students (Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal)

can apply to for their first year

of studies. In this program, there is a specific admissions

committee that consists

of the campus First Nations Director, a Registrar officer, an

Aboriginal Liaison officer and a

Northern Advancement Program instructor that

determines and approves the entry into first year studies.

4. Camosun College on Vancouver Island has an "Aboriginal Limited Priority Admissions"

process in place. According to this policy,

five percent

(5%)

of seats in certain programs

i.e. Nursing, Licensed Practical Nursing, and Early Childhood Care and Education, are

set

aside for Aboriginal students. Applicants must self-identify as such and provide

documented

proof of such status.

4. Existing SFU entrance policies similar to the proposed Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission

Policy:

1. BC Adult Graduation Diploma:

This credential

is available to adults 'who take courses to complete graduation through a

secondary school, adult education centre or a community college. Applicants

"v-ho have

completed the diploma and

who are at least 19 years of age may be admitted if they have

completed:

(1) Four courses (16 credits) at grade 11 or advanced level to include English,

Mathematics,

Social Studies or First Nations 12, and an experimental or laboratory

science;

(2) Four courses (16 credits) at the grade 12 or provincial level to include English

and three additional subjects selected from: Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, English

Literature, Languages, Statistics,

Geography, History, Physics. All four grade 12 or

provincial level subjects must

be graded: a minimum average of C+ or 67% is required,

based

on the Ministry of Education grading scale.

2. Mature Students:

Applicants aged 23 years or older who have attempted less than one year of post-

secondary transferable course

work, and \\-ho do not meet regular admission requirements,

may be given consideration

as mature students. In addition to the nonnal documents,

mature students must supply a personal letter outlining why entrance to the Program

being sought. We suggest students admitted in this category take a manageable course load

of 9-12 credit hours in their first semester.

Special Admission Procedure:

SFU Kamoops had an additional admission procedure, whereby the SFU Kamloops

Academic Coordinator could reconunend a student for admission even though the student

did not meet nonnal admission requirements.

5. Specific components of an Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy at SFU:

Based upon what other British Columbia post secondary institutions are doing, consideration

should be given to the following:

1. Such a policy would only apply to undergraduate applications.

2. Documentation of Aboriginal heritage (First Nations, !\iletis, or Inuit) would be provided

with

all applications. This could include but is not limited to, Indian or Metis status cards,

official Inuit identification, official letters from Aboriginal organizations,

or a combination

of proofs.

3. In a separate application, an applicanes educational history, non-educational achievemencs,

cultural kno\vledge and activities, a listing

of nvo references, and a personal letter

oudining the applicant's academic objectives

vvili be included.

4. A

minimum grade point average or grade point percentage would be required, v..hich an

applicant must have attained

previous high school, pre-university bridging program, or

in other post secondary

~xperiences.

Specific

university

progr<l;m

C,.p""P~~".

orereot,lisites

~_ ~~.",~r<-

must

~C.M-=r4..

comnleted.

6. A comnuttee composed ot

membe~om

Aboriginal Student Services, the specific faculty

applied to, and

University Admissions, respectively, vvould consider each applicant and

give a reconunendation concerning their application, based

on the above.

Note: Please see Appendix One for the proposed Aboriginal Undergraduate

Admission

Policy at SFU.

6. The rationale for an Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy i.e. Why should SFU do this?

1. The SFU First Nations University- vVide Strategic Plan:

This plan calls for the increased

enrolment and retention

of Aboriginal students at SFU. It also calls for policy changes that

\vill make the university

more accepting of Aboriginal ways of knowing in small and large

\vays. An Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy would assist in all of this.

The

SFU

Three Year Academic Planfor

2010-2013:

Mentions that SFU Vvill facilitate

admission and support for students from diverse backgrounds and especially would like

increase the enrolment of First Nations students.

3. Recruitment:

An Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy .would become an important

recruitment tool for attracting Aboriginal applicants to

SFU. Such applicants see this

policy and it becomes an issue

of attraction and understanding i.e. Applicants feel that

"this university

is reaching out to me; it understands my personal and my people's

background regarding education and historic lack

of opportunities; it's willing to give me

a chance."

Access:

An Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy would allO\V for Aboriginal people

to consider coming to

SFU, who otherwise might not consider doing so because oflo\ver

GPA's

or incomplete high school education. Under this policy, the university would also

be giving a chance to applicants that it might have not considered in previous times.

5. Retention:

Some Aboriginal applicants \vho apply to SFU under the Aboriginal

Undergraduate Admission

Policy may not yet be ready for university-level degree

programs based

on their applications. Applicants vvho are not admitted under the

Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy can be directed to the Aboriginal

Pre-

University Bridging Programs at SFU to get them ready for this level of study. Such

applicants are thus helped to succeed in their studies and are retained by

SFU as successful

Aboriginal students, first at the bridging program level, then in fonnal degree programs.

Such Aboriginal applicants/students are first recruited and then retained through work

done jointly through the Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission

Policy and the Aboriginal

Pre-University Bridging Programs.

Cost:

At a time of fiscal restraint at SFU and at a time vvhen the university is looking to

increase

its Aboriginal enrolment, here is a tool of attraction for Aboriginal applicants with

little direct cost to the university.

7. Community relations:

As noted above, a component of the First Nations University-Wide

Strategic

Plan calls for outreach and liaison from the campus to the Aboriginal

community.

The implementation of an Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy thus

becomes a positive community relations tool, as SFlJ shov,,"s that: it is takil'1g definite and

measureable steps to making

its campus more accessible to Aboriginal people.

Enrichment

the university climate:

More and more Aboriginal people have been attending

university programs and some

of these have ended up becoming university staff and

faculty.

The corollary of this is an atmosphere of diversity, a cross-cultural exchange of

knowledge, and an enrichment of the university environment. This 'will only increase

with the inclusion

of even more Aboriginal students.

Appendix One

Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy

Simon Fraser University

Aboriginal

Undergraduate

Admission

Policy -

Calendar Ently

The

tem1

Aboriginal Peoples refers to First Nations, Metis,

and

Inuit peoples of

Canada

Aboriginal applicants who

not meet the competitive average

by individual faculties and

can apply

under

this policy

Applicants must normally be high school graduates and

eet

the

gener

al university

minimum requirements for admission. Aboriginal applicants who meet the

competitive average and general

university

requirements should apply directly to their faculty

program of choice. See

://s

tud

ind

html

for general

univer

ity

admission

requir

ements

The Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy takes

into

consideration an applicant's

educa

tional

history, cultural knowledge,

work

experience, educat

ional

goals, and other

achievements

TillS

infom1ation will be

review

a three member

commi

ttee

composed of

participants from the

Indigenous

Student

Centre,

the specific faculty applied to, and

Univ

ers

ity

Admissions.

Applicants applying

under

the Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy must meet the

following requirements:

1. Provide

doc

umentation

of Aboriginal

eritage

(First Nations, Metis, or

Inuit).

This could

include

but

not

limited to,

Indian

or Metis

status cards,

official Inuit

identifi

cat

ion

official

letters

from

Aboriginal

organizations,

or a combination of proofs.

2. Complete a separate

Supplemental Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Form

containing

following

inform

ation:

an applicant's

educational

story,

non-educational achievements,

Aboriginal cultural knowledge and

act

ivities

two references, and a

per

sonal

letter

outlining the applicant's academic goals.

Specific faculty/program prerequisites must be

comp

eted

before

cons

ide

ratio

for

admission to certain

program

Applicants

who

do not

qualifY for admission

under tills

policy may qualifY for the Aboriginal

University

Prep Programs

For infoI11h1tion

tills

program

see

http

://w

/cs

tudi

es/co

l11l11unit

v/a

inal

htl11

FRASER UNIVERSITY

INKING OF THE

WORLD