Summer University Transition Program for Aboriginal Students
Familiarize yourself with the campus, student services and various resources. Learn in a culturally sensitive and academically stimulating environment. Share a supportive and positive university experience with other aboriginal students. Consider entry into a variety of academic and professional programs on campus. These are just a few of the opportunities available to you when you choose the Summer University Transition Program at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is the Summer University Transition Program?
The Summer University Transition Program is open to all aboriginal students who have applied to the University of Saskatchewan for September and are planning to start early (in July, Summer Session) in any
direct entry college.
The goal of the program is to support aboriginal students in the transition to first-year studies at the University of Saskatchewan. The Summer University Transition Program is a joint initiative between the
College of Arts and Science and the
Aboriginal Students' Centre. It provides a foundation for programs available within the College of Arts and Science as well as other direct entry colleges at the University of Saskatchewan.
The main purpose of the program is to strengthen students' reading and writing skills as well as create a community of support among aboriginal students. Over a seven-week period during Summer Session, students are introduced to university life prior to the fast pace of September. The Summer University Transition Program will provide access to and support for an introductory English class that is common to most degrees in the College of Arts and Science. The Summer University Transition Program promotes aboriginal students’ desire to succeed in university studies and to pursue a wide range of academic programs.
Students in the Summer University Transition Program have access to
Elders services for personal counselling and cultural awareness.
The cost of the program is approximately $1,300, which consists of the application fee ($90), basic tuition costs ($902), student fees ($42) and textbooks (estimate $250). Students will need to arrange for a letter of sponsorship to be sent to the College of Arts and Science from their First Nation Post Secondary Program Coordinator if they are being sponsored by their
First Nation. Otherwise, they will need to apply for a student loan to cover the costs. It is advisable to
apply for funding as early as possible.
Accommodation
If students would like to stay on campus at McEown Park (Assiniboine Hall, Seager Wheeler Hall, Wollaston Hall), please apply to the U of S
Residence Office as soon as possible.
The Summer Transition Program really opens doors. It helped my transition from a small classroom to a university setting. I highly recommend this program for any aboriginal student wanting to continue their education at the University of Saskatchewan.—Kaylin Iron,
Canoe Lake First Nation,
College of Arts and Science
The U of S Advantage
Situated on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, Saskatoon is the province’s largest and most vibrant city. The University of Saskatchewan is home to the largest aboriginal student body across Canada.
Home to a large and growing aboriginal population, the name Saskatoon comes from the Cree word “misaskwatomina” for what we know today as Saskatoon berries.
Saskatoon is also home to Wanuskewin Heritage Park, another unique partnership between Aboriginal Peoples, non-aboriginal people and the University of Saskatchewan. The beauty of the U of S campus and the quality of the staff makes it an appealing place to undertake university studies.
What Course is Offered?
The U of S is committed to upholding the academic standards of its courses and programs for all students. The course offered through the Summer University Transition Program is an existing core course that maintains current standards of evaluation. Class size is limited to 30 students. In addition, support tutorial sessions are encorporated into the program. Students require permission from
Charlotte Ross at (306) 966-4754) to register in the Summer University Transition Program.
The class for the Summer Session will be:
- English 110.6 Literature and Composition - An introduction to the main kinds of literature. In addition to learning the tools of critical analysis, students will study and practice composition.
How will the Course be Taught?
The University of Saskatchewan instructor will teach the course with an emphasis on increased interaction through tutorials, supervised study and assessment.
In addition to the Summer University Transition Program class and tutorial, participants will attend non-academic afternoon sessions:
- academic survival skills
- interactive library sessions
- hands-on computer sessions (including a PAWS demonstration)
- personal and career development
- cultural and spiritual activities
- conflict resolution
- campus tours
- funding your university education
- money management
Who can Participate?
Participation in the Summer University Transition Program is open to aboriginal students admitted to the University of Saskatchewan in a direct entry college for July.
Proof of aboriginal ancestry (e.g., copy of Status Indian Card, Métis Nation provincial card/letter from Métis local or genealogy of family history attesting to aboriginal ancestry) must be submitted to the College of Arts and Science (as below). The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission has approved restricition on enrolment to aboriginal students.
By entering the program, students commit to attending all lecture and tutorial sessions, participating in cultural activities and working in peer support groups.
How do I Participate?
Students interested in participating in the Summer University Transition Program should apply to a direct entry college for July.
Students who have applied for admission to the U of S and want to register for the Summer University Transition Program must request permission from the College of Arts and Science:
Charlotte Ross
Coordinator of Academic Programs for Aboriginal Students
College of Arts and Science
Work: (306) 966-4754
Email:
charlotte.ross@usask.ca Lorie Peters-Whiteman
Aboriginal Student Advisor
College of Arts and Science
Work: (306) 966-4288
Email:
lorie.whiteman@usask.ca
The Summer University Transition Program creates a solid foundation in becoming familiarized with campus grounds. The resources revealed in this program give students an advantage in academic acceleration and building confidence as a first-year student.—Nathan Oakes,
College of Arts and Science
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
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