Aboriginal First Year Experience Program (AFYEP)
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 Aboriginal First Year Experience Program at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is the Aboriginal First Year Experience Program?
The Aboriginal First Year Experience Program (AFYEP) is open to all aboriginal students who have been accepted into the University of Saskatchewan.
The goal of the program is to support students in all undergraduate first year programs and to encourage students to consider all academic options on campus. AFYEP is based in the College of Arts and Science and provides a gateway to programs available within the college and other professional colleges and schools.
The main purpose of the program is to foster a sense of community among aboriginal students on campus. The Aboriginal First Year Experience Program will help to create a critical mass of aboriginal students in selected courses required for degrees in the professional colleges and for success in the College of Arts and Science. AFYEP recognizes aboriginal students’ desire to access programs and courses on campus that offer support specifically for Aboriginal Peoples.
The AFYEP program is great. It has helped the transition into university life. The professors are wonderful and always willing to help. I recommend this program to any aboriginal student pursuing a university degree.—Jared Roth,
Métis Student,
College of Arts and Science
What does AFYEP offer?
The University of Saskatchewan is committed to upholding the academic standards of its courses and programs for all students. The courses in AFYEP are existing core courses that maintain current standards of evaluation. In addition, an academic support system is built into the program. The program will provide a structured and supportive learning environment for up to 30 aboriginal students per class each year. Courses have been selected to offer exposure to a wide range of disciplines required for entry into a variety of academic and professional programs.
The U of S Advantage
Situated on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, Saskatoon is the province’s largest and most vibrant city. 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 campus and the quality of staff make the U of S an appealing place to undertake university studies.
How will the Courses be Taught?
University of Saskatchewan instructors will teach the courses with emphasis on increased interaction through tutorials, supervised study, assessment and preparatory sessions. Regular sessions with invited speakers will help students define and develop their educational and career goals.
Elders will provide cultural support and traditional counselling. In addition, students will be supported outside their studies by a Life Skills Coach.
What is a Life Skills Coach?
A Life Skills Coach is a trained, caring professional who is able to facilitate groups, model and evaluate skills, and support individualized learning. A Life Skills Coach will lead students in regular sessions, discussing such topics as:
- job readiness
- conflict resolution
- money management
- stress management
- self-esteem
- social skills
- creative thinking
The AFYEP program helped me adjust to university life and uplifted me with confidence to know what is expected in university. I encourage aboriginal students who wish to pursue post-secondary education to take this program; it will help you to excel in your performance as a student.—Raquel Pasap,
Carry the Kettle First Nation,
College of Arts and Science
Who can Enrol in this Program?
Enrolment in the Aboriginal First Year Experience Program is open to aboriginal students admitted to the University of Saskatchewan in a direct entry college for September. Proof of aboriginal ancestry (e.g., copy of Status Indian card, Métis Nations provincial card/letter from Métis local or genealogy of family history attesting to aboriginal ancestry) must be submitted to the
Aboriginal Students' Centre. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission has approved restriction on enrolment to aboriginal student.
By enrolling in the programs, students commit to attending all lecture and tutorial sessions, as well participating in the orientation sessions.
How do I Register?
Aboriginal students interested in participating in AFYEP need to apply to any direct entry college. Students who have applied for admission to the University of Saskatchewan and wish to be considered for AFYEP courses must register through 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
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
Related Interests
If you are interested in Aboriginal First Year Experience Program (AFYEP),
you might also be interested in:
Relevant Links
For more information available online for Aboriginal First Year Experience Program (AFYEP):
Check your application status
Finish your application
Report your marks
Get help with your application
