New SFU policy encourages Aboriginal enrolment
William Lindsay, Office for Aboriginal Peoples, 778.782.8924; wlindsay@sfu.ca
Kate Ross, Registrar, 778.782.4176; kuross@sfu.ca
Julie Ovenell-Carter, PAMR, 778.782.3210; joc@sfu.ca
Simon Fraser University has reinforced its commitment to First Nations student success with the launch of an admission policy specific to Aboriginal undergraduates.
First Nations, Métis, or Inuit students who lack the high-school average required to enter individual SFU faculties and schools can now request a special review of their application.
Under the Aboriginal Undergraduate Admission Policy approved by SFU’s Senate, an applicant’s educational history, cultural knowledge, work experience, educational goals and other achievements will also be considered.
(Aboriginal students who do meet the requirements of their desired faculty, however, will continue to apply directly to the program of their choice.)
Currently there are 500 First Nations students at SFU, up from 350 one year previously. The Assembly of First Nations notes that only 27 per cent of Canada’s status Indian population hold a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree, compared to 46 per cent of the broader Canadian population.
SFU President Andrew Petter says, “This new policy ensures SFU offers all the benefits of post-secondary education to Aboriginal people who may not have had full access in the past. Education is the best vehicle for helping individuals and communities strengthen their circumstances, and SFU will support their success in education.”
Petter points to a discussion paper circulated in Senate, which observed “the reverberations of the residential school system are still being felt; there has been a lack of relevant cultural content in modern school curriculums; and ignorance and racism are still endemic in many places in modern Canada. As a result, Aboriginal People have had decidedly mixed experiences when it comes to formal 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. Statistics show that high-school incompletion rates are still too high in the Aboriginal community.
“However, as many young Aboriginal men and women 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.”
William Lindsay, director of SFU’s Office for Aboriginal Peoples, is charged with implementing SFU’s First Nations five-year strategic plan which includes a comprehensive strategy to attract more First Nations students, staff and faculty members; incorporate more First Nations perspectives into teaching and research; and build better ties to First Nations communities.
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