Post Secondary Student Support Program - Chiefs of Ontario

Prepared by Barry McLoughlin, BA, BEd, MDEDirector of Lifelong Learning, Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, 2011

PSSSPNNEC’s Post Secondary Student Support Programprovides financial, social and academic assistance toeligible students from area First Nations. NNEC sponsorsand supports eligible applicants accepted into accreditedcollege and university programs.

Northern Nishnawbe Education Council iscommitted to supporting a First Nations’education system that enforces academicstandards, reinforces cultural identity, andenables learners to contribute withconfidence to the well-being of the globalcommunity. NNEC Chiefs Resolution, AGM, October, 21 2009

Our vision focuses on healthy sustainablecommunities. We foresee a future wherethe results of our efforts create a positiveinfluence in the lives of children and theirparents. This vision sees a world in whichFirst Nations people succeed without lossof their identity and have the courage tochange their world according to theirvalues. NNEC Chiefs Resolution, AGM, October, 21 2009

Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development CanadaAANDC is considering Post Secondary Student Support ProgramPolicy options for 2013 that include:- converting PSSSP grants into repayable loans toincrease enrolment- devolving the program to a 3 rd party for the administration ofthe PSSSP- replacing PSSSP with “Aboriginal” Post- Secondary EducationSavings AccountsThese Government of Canada options further threatenpost secondary access and education opportunities forremote “First Nations” members across NorthwesternOntario.

Program Funding• Currently, multiple factors contribute to the lack of PSSSP fundsimpeding the sponsorship of NNEC students:• - 1998 - Government of Canada - 2% cap on PSSSP funding• - rising tuition, travel, course supply, and standard of living costs• - increased number of Grade 12 graduates• - increased number of adults returning to school• - increased number of part-time students• - 2010 - Bill C-3 - new pool of students• - expansion of accredited community-based programs• NNEC has clearly defined program levels and eligibility criteria toguide the distribution of post secondary dollars for 24 First Nations.

Eligibility LevelsPSSSP sponsorship is based on the following eligibility levels:• Priority 1• Continuing successful NNEC students• 1 st time Grade 12 high school graduates• Priority 2• Continuing successful self-funded students• Continuing successful external party funded students• Priority 3• 1 st time Grade 12 equivalency (course) students Sept 2011 Intake Threshold• Working professional Spring/Summer students• Priority 4• *2 nd chance Gr. 12 high school graduates• 1 st time Gr. 12 equivalency (challenge) mature students• Priority 5• *2 nd chance Gr.12 equivalency (course) students Sept 2010 Intake Threshold• Priority 6• *2 nd chance Gr. 12 equivalency (challenge) students• Priority 7• 3 rd chance students who are out of school for a minimum of five years••* 2nd chance students must be out of school for at least the remainder of the academic year plus oneadditional year, to be considered for funding.

September 2011 – Student IntakeProjected tuition, travel, materials, and living allowance costspermitted the approval of all PRIORITY #1 students by mid-August, 2011:- 331 total students- 134 FT university students- 141 FT college students- 56 PT college and university studentsA select few self-funded PRIORITY #2 students have since beenapproved due to FT student deferrals and withdrawals withoutpenalty.

John GreggNative Language Instructor Diploma, 2011Lakehead UniversityKasabonika First Nation

First NationsCollegeAccessCertificates Diplomas UniversityAccessDiplomas Bachelors Masters DoctoratesBearskin Lake 12 3 4 2 1 1 1Cat Lake 3 1 1 1Deer Lake 2 1 1Fort Severn 3 1 1 1Kasabonika 7 1 1 1 4Keewaywin 5 2 1 2Kingfisher Lake 5 1 3 1KI 5 1 1 1 2Lac Seul 14 1 1 5 4 2 1Mishkeegogamang 6 1 3 1 1Muskrat Dam 1 1North Caribou Lake 2 2North Spirit Lake 1 1Pikangikum 2 2Sachigo Lake 7 1 1 1 1 3Sandy Lake 10 2 2 3 1 2Saugeen 1 1Wunnumin Lake 4 1 1 2TOTALS 90 14 9 24 9 10 19 4 1

Archie MekanakBachelor of Arts, 2011Lakehead UniversityWunnumin Lake First NationAlec OombashBachelor of Arts, 2011Lakehead UniversityCat Lake First Nation

Mary LaurMaster of Arts, 2011Laurentian UniversityMishkeegogamang First Nation

First NationsCollegeAccessCertificate Diploma UniversityAccessCertificate Diploma Bachelors Law Masters DoctorateBearskin Lake 7 1 2 2 2Cat Lake 1 1Deer Lake 3 2 1Fort Severn 3 3Kasabonika 2 2Keewaywin 2 1 1Kingfisher Lake 5 1 4KI 4 1 1 1 1Lac Seul 19 6 3 2 1 7McDowell Lake 1 1Mishkeegogamang 3 3Muskrat Dam 3 1 1 1North Caribou 11 1 5 3 2North Spirit Lake 1 1Pikangikum 1 1Sachigo Lake 10 1 1 1 1 6Sandy Lake 16 2 2 1 6 2 2 1Saugeen 1 1Wunnumin Lake 1 1Wapekeka 1 1TOTALS 95 4 7 23 4 21 9 22 1 3 1

Carrie Lynn TroutNative Child and Family Services Diploma, 2010Confederation CollegeLac Seul First Nation

It is important that leaders, parents, guardiansand students understand that:- policies are developed to ensure theequitable treatment of all students- policies are intended to secure the safety andsecurity of all students- policies are applied to ensure the integrityand success of NNEC programs

It is important that students understand theirrights:• - to the privacy of information• - to be informed of PSSSP policies andprocedures• - to be treated respectfully by NNEC staff andstudents

• It is important that students understand theirrights:• - to discuss academic circumstances, withoutfear of reprisal• - to have PSSSP issues resolved in a fair,equitable, and timely manner• - to file a complaint or appeal without fear ofreprisal

It is important that students understand theirresponsibilities:• - to be informed of PSSSP policies andprocedures• - to comply with program policies andprocedures• - to treat staff and students with respect- to provide program/course documentation onschedule

• It is important that students understand theirresponsibilities:• - to complete all course work, on schedule• - to attend all required classes and tutorials• - to arrive on time and remain for the durationof the lesson/tutorial• - to maintain a minimum 2.0 Grade PointAverage (GPA)

• It is important that students understand theirresponsibilities:• - to consult with NNEC prior to withdrawalfrom a course/program• - to refrain from verbal or physical abuse ofNNEC staff or students• - to not enter an NNEC building under theinfluence of alcohol/ illicit drugs

• Student Support Services• NNEC’s Post Secondary Student Support Program offers counselling andfinancial support services to students from across the region.• Sioux Lookout Unit• - Director• - 2 Counsellors• - 1 Clerk• Thunder Bay Unit• - 1 Head Counsellor• - 1 Counsellor• - 1 Clerk•

Nelson Agustin, BA, BEdCounsellor, Sioux LookoutThomas Cromarty, JDLaw - Osgoode Hall, 2009Sachigo Lake First NationTerrilynn Capay Memorial Award Recipient 2009Leona Scanlon, BA, BEdHead Counsellor, Thunder Bay

• Counselling Support• Services include, but are not limited to:• - orientation to urban services, including hospital/dental/optical,transportation, recreation, churches, shopping• - guidance related to college/university programs, admissionrequirements, institutional expectations, campus life, andhousing• - assistance with enrolling children in day care and schools• - assistance with budgeting and banking procedures• - guidance on academic and financial responsibilities and legalrights• - referral to appropriate agencies and professionals for support• - academic counselling, encouragement, and assistance withtutoring• - career counselling

• Financial Support• Financial support for students includes:Tuition Fees• Partial or full tuition fees are paid for full time and part timestudents who are accepted into accredited Canadian andinternational programs of study. Tuition fees are calculated atcomparable rates to Ontario post secondary institutions.•

International StudiesA student may enroll in an international program of study providedthe minimum academic prerequisites are comparable, the numberof credit hours are equivalent (within 10 per cent) and the programcredits are transferable to a Canadian institution.• Tuition payments are made directly to Canadian institutionsupon receipt of an invoice. International tuition payments arereimbursed directly to students upon receipt of an invoice.

• Student Fees• Full time student fees are paid for by NNEC including, butnot limited to:• - mandatory registration fees• - student activity fees- testing fees- transcript related fees- professional certification fees- examination fees

Books and Supplies• NNEC will provide funding for books and supplies as required bythe post secondary institution for a full time and part time student.

Travel• Full time students who must move away from a permanent place ofresidence to pursue post secondary studies will receive financial aid.• Modular students may be funded to travel on a seasonal basis.• Only full time students receive financial aid for approveddependents.

Travel AssistanceTravel assistance supports the required costs of return transportationfrom the student’s permanent place of residence.Financial aid is based on the most economically appropriate means oftransportation and subject to NNEC discretion.Students must contact their counsellors at least 3 weeks prior todeparture to arrange travel.Travel dollars may not be spent by a student who elects not to travel.

Living Expenses• A monthly living allowance is provided to full time andworking professional students based on available funding toassist with the costs of living - shelter, utilities, food andclothing.• A daily living allowance is provided to modular students toassist with accommodations and meals.•

Application Review Process• Education funding applications are reviewed by a panel ofcounsellors in consult with the Director of Lifelong Learning.Reviews are conducted in accordance with criteria prescribed bythe NNEC Board of Directors.• Applications are reviewed on the basis of:• - eligibility• - available funds• - timeliness of applications• - student success history• - academic readiness• - accreditation status of the post secondary institution•

Application Review Process• Approved and denied PSSSP applicants are advised of theirstatus and informed of appropriate next steps.Appeals Process• A wait-listed or denied applicant who believes policy was not fairlyapplied may appeal the decision in writing to the Director ofLifelong Learning.• The individual case will be reviewed in consultation with PSSSPstaff and the applicant. A final letter to the applicant indicatingNNEC’s final decision concerning the case will be sent within 15working days.

Program Levels• To be eligible for funding assistance, candidates must be accepted into acollege, university, or educational program that grants an accreditedcertificate, diploma, or degree. Credits must be transferable.• Post secondary levels of study funded by NNEC include:• Level 0 College access / university access programs (1 year of full timefunding)Level 1College certificate / diploma programs (1 – 3 years of full timefunding)• Level 2 University diploma / undergraduate degree programs (3 – 5years of full time funding)• Level 3 University graduate degree (2 – 3 years of full time funding)• Level 4 University post graduate degree (1 year of full time funding andpartial support to completion)

Program LevelsStudents may continue to receive funding assistance if graduatingfrom:- an access program to a college or university program- a college to a university program- an undergraduate to a graduate program- a graduate to a post graduate programStudents are expected to complete the program in the normal timeframe. Eligible students may receive support funding for one fulltime program per year and for one program at each level.

EligibilityPriority 1 applicants are most often approved for funding withoutdelay. NNEC encourages candidates who are declined funding tocommence or continue through self-funded or external means.Students may then earn Priority 2 continuing successfulstudent status to improve the likelihood of sponsorship.Students may receive one additional year of support tocomplete a program provided: the program can be completedwithin the additional year, the student demonstrates adequateprogress, and the counsellor recommends the student for support.••

Governance• Post Secondary funding assistance is an investment in the futureof First Nations. Professionals are needed across the spectrum toadvance governance at local, regional, provincial, national, andinternational levels.•• Post secondary students are expected to conduct themselves asresponsible adults, and demonstrate:• - self-initiative and organization• - respect and responsibility• - diligence and reliability

Student Responsibilities• Students are accountable for their actions. Inappropriateconduct may result in failure or termination of sponsorship.New students sign a Charter of Student Rights andResponsibilities acknowledging their contractual rights andresponsibilities with Northern Nishnawbe Education Council.It is the responsibility of students and staff to ensure that limitedfunds are expended in the best interests of participating FirstNations.•••

• “I keep having to remind myself,yes, I am Dr. Cutfeet now.”• I keeChief Donny Morris, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First NationBarry McLoughlin, Director of Lifelong Learning, NNEC, Sioux LookoutLeona Scanlon, Head Post Secondary Counsellor, NNEC, Thunder BayJames Daniel Cutfeet, M.D., Lakehead University – Northern Ontario School of MedicineKitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation Terrilynn Capay Memorial Award Recipient 2010

• Counsellor Intervention Process• Step One• Upon becoming aware of a problem, the counsellor will:• - discuss the situation• - provide assistance as possible• - clarify NNEC expectations• - assist in planning for change• - arrange for additional help such as tutoring• - refer the student, if appropriate, to an agency foradditional help

Step Two• If the problem situation persists (i.e. repeated truancy) or there is amore serious incident (i.e. verbal abuse), the counsellor willconsult with his or her supervisor and an appropriate course ofaction will be determined.• Depending on the degree of misconduct, the following may occur:• - further counselling with ongoing monitoring• - referral to an external agency• - being placed on academic probation- termination of financial sponsorship- a combination of the above

• Confidential File• NNEC retains an up to date confidential file for each studentsponsored by the organization. Student files include, but are notlimited to, completed copies of:• - acceptance letters• - high school transcripts• - high school diplomas• - high school equivalency transcripts• - high school equivalency certificates• - post secondary school transcripts• - post secondary school certificates• - post secondary school diplomas• - post secondary school degrees

• Confidential File• Student files include:• - copies of status cards• - letters of support• - educational assistance forms• - release of information forms• - charters of students rights and responsibilities• - progress reports• - letters of appeal• - student incident reports• - other relevant information

• Confidential File• Students sign a Consent for Release of Information that authorizesPSSSP staff to access their files and post secondary institutions toshare information.Student consent grants NNEC the right to release vital informationto the NNEC Board approved auditor and affiliated Government ofCanada officials.• Financial information may be released from the date ofsponsorship through seven years after completion of the student’spost secondary studies.• Students may access their files upon request.

Anita Olsen Harper, PhDDoctorate of Philosophy – EducationUniversity of Ottawa, 2011Lac Seul First NationTerrilynn Capay Memorial Award Recipient 2011. . . to be presented by Chief Clifford Bullat the October 2011Annual General Meeting of Chiefsto recognize NNEC’s most prestigious graduate

Northern Nishnawbe Education Council offers aREGIONAL FIRST NATIONS’ MODEL OF POST SECONDARY STUDENT SUPPORTThe NNEC Board of Directors endorses continuedADMINISTRATION BY REGIONAL FIRST NATIONS’ EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONSas the viable First Nations controlled option in PSSSP administration for 2013Board of Directors Resolution 2009PSSSP LogoDesigned by Kevin BelmoreThe logo features a male and female standing side by side facing a bright and whole future. They walk thered earth path of lifelong learning amidst the boreal forest. The knowledge seeking wolf andintrospective bear serve as spirit guides along the journey to self-actualization.For further information contact:Barry McLoughlinDirector of Lifelong LearningNorthern Nishnawbe Education Councilbmcloughlin@nnec.on.ca