Equity Case Studies Report - School of Social Work - University of ...

UBC school of social work equity and diversity strategic plan: A compilation of case studies 69
qualifications admission policy (University of Calgary, 2012). The A.13 Aboriginal admissions
policy states:
The University of Calgary acknowledges and respects the rich diversity of our learners,
their communities, cultures and traditions, and their aspirations and abilities. In order to
ensure equitable access and successful participation of Aboriginal learners, the
University of Calgary has instituted an Aboriginal Admissions Process for qualified
Aboriginal applicants seeking admission to undergraduate programs. This policy will
automatically be in effect if the student self-identifies as an aboriginal applicant on the
undergraduate application form. Prior to registering for the first time, students admitted
under this policy will be required to submit confirmation of Aboriginal ancestry.
The A.15 diverse qualifications admission policy states:
The University of Calgary seeks first and foremost to attract excellent academic students.
However, the University also recognizes that those who have achieved excellence outside
academics or who have overcome significant hardships can make positive contributions
to the University community, and that achieving this excellence or overcoming hardships
requires discipline, desire, dedication and determination and may mean some sacrifice of
academic achievement. Recognizing that excellence means more than academic
excellence, the University of Calgary may admit up to 1% of its undergraduate students
annually under this category.
In addition to the above examples from Schools and Faculties of Social Work, the Law
School at UBC also demonstrates exemplary practices in equitable student admissions policies.
Under their admission policies, there is a section on ‘discretionary applicants’ and another for
‘First Nations applicants’ (Vancouver Academic Calendar 2012-2013, Faculty of Law). Under