LISTUGUJ EDUCATION DIRECTORATE

Transcription

1 LISTUGUJ EDUCATION DIRECTORATE Post Secondary Student Support Program Policy

2 Our Vision Healthy-minded informed young people proud of their unique NNU identity Our Mission Preparing capable, confident and fulfilled students Listuguj Education Directorate 1 Riverside West, Box 298 Listuguj, QC G0C 2R0 Phone: Fax:

3 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION... 1 OBJECTIVES... 1 POST-SECONDARY STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM (PSSSP)... 1 UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE ENTRANCE PREPARATION (UCEP) PROGRAM... 1 OUTCOMES... 1 POST-SECONDARY STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM (PSSSP)... 1 UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE ENTRANCE PREPARATION (UCEP) PROGRAM... 1 ELIGIBILITY LMG SUPPLEMENT ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS STUDENT PRIORITY CATEGORIES... 3 TYPES OF SUPPORT TUITION SUPPORT BOOKS AND SUPPLIES TRAVEL LIVING ALLOWANCE LIMITS OF ASSISTANCE... 6 STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES... 7 APPEAL PROCESS... 9 GLOSSARY... 10

4 Introduction This policy includes program and eligibility information and provides detail in the delivery of the program and service provided by the Listuguj Education Directorate (LED). The policy contents and all documentation can also be viewed on listugujeducation.com website. This program shall serve as the operating policy for the Listuguj Education Directorate while administering this program. The policies and procedures contained in this manual replace the Listuguj Education Post Secondary Program dated May 4, The Post Secondary Student Support program will be in effect as of April 1, Objectives Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) The program objective is to improve the employability of First Nation students by providing them with funding to access education and skills development opportunities at the post-secondary level. University and College Entrance Preparation (UCEP) program The program objective is to provide financial support to First Nation students who are enrolled in university and college entrance preparation programs offered in Canadian post-secondary institutions, to enable them to attain the academic level required for entrance into degree and diploma credit programs. Outcomes Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) The program is expected to increase post secondary enrollment and graduation rates among First Nation students. University and College Entrance Preparation (UCEP) program The program is expected to increase the number of First Nation students with the requisite academic level required for entrance to post secondary programs. April 1, 2014 Page 1

5 Eligibility To be eligible to apply for assistance under this program policy, the applicant must meet the following criteria: 1. Must be a registered Mi gmaq band member of the Listuguj Mi gmaq First Nation and must be a resident of Canada during the previous 12 consecutive months. Should there be any question on the place of residence, the student will be required to provide documentation that demonstrates the duration and place of residency; 2. Must have met post secondary entrance requirements and be enrolled or accepted to be enrolled prior to June 30th as a full or part time student; and 3. Must provide the Listuguj Post Secondary Manager with the request for financial assistance form and supporting documentation by June 30th for fall semester. Failure to meet this deadline will result in the application being deferred for the following fiscal year (April 1 to March 31st). To continue to receive funding, students must: 1. Maintain satisfactory academic standing within that institution (as per the institution s definition of satisfactory academic standing); 2. UCEP students must also obtain from the post-secondary institution a statement that attests the program will provide the student with the necessary courses to attain the academic level for university or college entrance. The student must be accepted in a regular university or college credit program upon successful completion of the UCEP course of studies. 1. LMG Supplement The LMG Supplement is a financial contribution provided by the Listuguj Mi gmaq Government to assist students who maintain a permanent residency in Listuguj. This contribution is based on budgetary allocation and is subject to change. 1. To be eligible to receive the LMG supplement, the applicant must meet three (3) of the four (4) criteria: 1.1 Be a Listuguj Mi gmaq Status Indian with Mi gmaq lineage descent; 1.2 Graduate from the local high schools and attended the last two years prior to graduation (i.e. Campbellton, Matapedia, and Dalhousie); 1.3 Have close ties to the community (i.e. parents and grandparents reside in community); and 1.4 Be listed as ON reserve on membership. 2. Application fees will be reimbursed for institution the student will attend. Original receipts are required for reimbursement. 3 Students will receive extra living allowance and tuition fees. 4 In recognition of graduation, the LMG and subject to budgetary allocation may award a monetary gift. April 1, 2014 Page 2

6 2. Eligible Programs Under the Listuguj Post-Secondary Student Support Program (LPSSSP) and the University and College Entrance preparation program (UCEPP), an eligible post-secondary education program is a program of studies: 1. For which the completion of secondary school studies, or the equivalent as recognized by the post- secondary institution, is required. 2. Offered by a post-secondary institution that is at least one academic year of duration (as defined by the institution). 3. Delivered at an eligible institution as defined on section UCEP programs must provide the student with the necessary courses to attain the academic level for university or college entrance. To be eligible to receive support as a UCEPP student, the student must: 1. Be accepted for enrolment in a UCEPP at a Canadian post-secondary institution; or 2. Qualify under the mature student admission requirements of the post-secondary institution; and 3. Not have been financially supported previously by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) for post-secondary programs (exemptions to this condition may be made for medical reasons). 3. Eligible Institutions Eligible post-secondary institutions are degree, diploma or certificate granting institutions which are: 1. Recognized by a province or territory in Canada; or 2. Educational institutions recognized to deliver post-secondary programs by arrangement within an eligible post-secondary institution. 4. Student Priority Categories The following is a list of our priority criteria: 1. Continuing students (students already being funded through PSSSP) 2. Recent high school graduates; 3. Deferred students (eligible but not funded in the past due to limited funding); 4. Recent PS Graduates (who wish to further their studies); 5. New students already studying at a post-secondary level (students who have already completed part of their program but were not previously funded by the PSSSP); 6. Returning students (students who had stepped out from their post-secondary studies and now wish to return); and/or 7. Part-time students. Note: Applications received from eligible students after the post-secondary education budget is exhausted will be deferred until the following year or until the budget for the program is reallocated. There is no guarantee of funding. April 1, 2014 Page 3

7 Types of Support The following is a list of Eligible expenses for Listuguj Post Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) and University College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP). 1. Tuition support The tuition support may be provided under the following conditions based on budgetary allocations as provided by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC). 1. The cost of tuition and other compulsory ( registration or student union fees) student fees; Initial professional certification and examination fees; 2. Students attending Canadian public institutions including compulsory student fees charged by the institution for a Canadian student; or 3. Students attending private or foreign post-secondary institutions; 4. Students enrolled in a foreign institution. Approval from the regional AANDC office must be acquired prior to funding students in such a situation. 5. Tutorial, guidance and counseling services for students enrolled in PSSSP or the UCEP to a maximum of $250 per student per year. 6. Medical fees will not be covered. Refer to Health Canada s Non Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for additional information. Note: Part-time students, as defined by the post-secondary institution being attended, may receive assistance for tuition and compulsory fees as required by the post-secondary institution. Part-time studies must lead to a diploma or certificate from a recognized public Canadian Institution. Application fees and assessment fees are not refundable. 2. Books and Supplies Required by the student for their program of study: 1. Support for books and supplies will normally cover textbooks and supplies including special equipment, officially listed as required by the university or college for a student s program of studies. 2. Will provide $250 for books and supplies based on budgetary allocations as provided by AANDC. Part-time students as defined by the post-secondary institution being attended may receive assistance for cost of books and supplies which are listed as required by the post-secondary institution. April 1, 2014 Page 4

8 3. Travel 1. Travel assistance refers the least expensive means of travel and includes one round trip per semester to the PS institution from student s permanent place of residence; however, travel support is normally restricted to the travel costs to the Canadian post-secondary institution, which offers the selected program of studies, nearest the student s home. 2. Transportation costs will also be provided to dependents that are permanently residing with the student. Students may select any recognized post-secondary institution for their studies. 3. Travel Support is provided to students taking a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 programs; 4. Students taking classes through distance education or e-learning who are required to travel to another location to complete their required exams can be eligible for travel support. However, requests for accommodations such as taking the exam in the local school under the supervision of a teacher or school principal should be first examined to minimize travel costs; 5. The travel amount will be included in the students September, December and April living allowance as per subsidy provided by AANDC. 6. Up to $600 per student per year for travel for full time students only. 4. Living Allowance The Living allowance is: 1. Provided to full time students at a rate not exceeding AANDC currently established maximum levels; 2. Distributed on the last Thursday of each month; 3. Paid in Canadian dollars regardless of the location of the institution; and is 4. Paid for Christmas and study breaks. AANDC Living Allowance Rates Single Student $ 675 Student with 1 dependent $ 850 Student with 2 dependents $ 1,030 Student with 3 dependents $ 1,205 Student with 4 dependents $ 1,255 Student with 5 dependents $ 1,305 Student with 6 dependents $ 1,350 April 1, 2014 Page 5

9 5. Limits of Assistance Assistance can be provided at four levels of post-secondary education. Level 1: Level 2: Level 3: Level 4: Community College and CEGEP diploma or certificate programs; Undergraduate university programs (certificate, diploma, degree) Advanced or professional degree programs, or masters programs; and Doctoral programs 1. Financial assistance for tuition, compulsory student fees and required books may be provided to students enrolled in all four levels. 2. Assistance may be provided to students to complete only one program at each level. 3. Exceptionally, Level 2 may include assistance for an additional degree at the bachelor level which has as a prerequisite an undergraduate degree or undergraduate courses. 4. The duration of assistance will accord with the official length of the program as defined by the post- secondary institution in which the student is enrolled, as long as the student is in satisfactory academic standing at the institution as per the institution s definition of satisfactory academic standing. 5. Students enrolled in Levels 1 and 2 may be assisted for up to one additional academic year per level if such an extension is approved in writing by the institution s dean or the department head. Students enrolled in Level 3 or 4 may be assisted for up to one additional academic year for medical or personal reasons. 6. Students may be assisted in Level 1 studies after dropping out of Level 2 studies if not previously funded for Level Students who have completed a Level 2, 3 or 4 programs, with or without assistance from this program, are ineligible for program assistance for lower levels. 8. Student support will not exceed the limits set out in the paragraphs above. Where students change programs within one of the levels or temporarily pause their studies, the academic years or semesters used for each program within each level will be counted for assistance purposes. Students who become eligible for assistance and who have previously completed a portion of post-secondary studies without assistance from this program may receive assistance for the balance of their program of studies but will not be reimbursed for previous expenses. 9. If the demand from eligible students exceeds the funding available, selection priority criteria will apply. April 1, 2014 Page 6

10 10. Students may be eligible for an additional year of funding to complete professional certification ( i.e. LLB - articling, MD - internship) 11. Assistance may be provided to students eligible to receive funding for inter-session courses if they have dependent children enrolled in school. In this case, as the student is earning credit hours, he/she is expected to complete the studies prior to the ending of the official length of the program. 1.1 Funding for inter-session will not be provided without a written recommendation from a professor, instructor or advisor stating that studies are necessary for the successful completion of the program within the prescribed period of time as defined by the post secondary institution or if allowed to complete studies sooner than the official length of program. Limits of assistance for UCEP For all UCEP students, the maximum time limit for financial support will be one (1) academic year (as defined by the institution offering the program) or in the case of part-time students, the equivalent of one academic year. At the end of the first term (or part of the academic year, as defined by the institution offering the program), continued financial support for the term will be subject to receipt of a statement from the institution confirming the successful completion of the first term. The support for tuition, books and supplies, travel and living costs for the UCEP program will be the same as that provided under the PSSSP. Student Responsibilities 1. Students must register for courses as required by the post secondary institution and provide a copy of a course registration form and course outline indicating books required. 2. Authorization for Release of Information form and Consent to Release Information form must be signed prior to the start of the academic semester. Tuition payments and living allowances may be withheld if verification of registration and the post secondary file access permission form are not submitted. 3. Students who add or drop courses must notify the LED immediately. Course selection is extremely important and students may be required to reimburse the Listuguj Mi gmaq Government if courses drop below the minimum course requirement of the post secondary institution. 4. Students who withdraw after the institutions deadline are responsible for repayment of living allowance to the Listuguj Mi gmaq Government. 5. Students who add courses will be eligible to have the tuition, books and special equipment paid for provided that the Education Directorate has granted prior approval. April 1, 2014 Page 7

11 6. A plan of action will be requested by the LED for those students who drop courses that are necessary for a degree within the prescribed period of time. This is only for students who are eligible under medical circumstances. 7. Students who withdraw from a program of study will not be eligible for financial support for the following fall or winter semester. If the student resumes at the same level of studies, they will be advised in writing of the period of support, which will be counted towards completion at that level. 8. Applications for student financial assistance must be submitted by June 30th for September enrolment. Applications received after these dates will be deferred to the following year. 9. Assessment of all supporting documents and verification of financial support will be confirmed by July 15 th. Incomplete application and supporting documents will initiate a letter from the Post Secondary Manager requesting additional information along with a final date for receipt of documentation. 10. Students who fail to meet the deadlines for application for funding and requirements and criteria for eligibility will be informed in writing of the decision and the reasons for ineligibility. 11. Students who fail to meet all of their responsibilities will have payments withheld until requirements are met. The Post Secondary department will produce annual schedule of payment dates. The Education Directorate reserves the right to adjust this schedule. 12. In order to be eligible for continued financial support, students must maintain a satisfactory academic standing during each semester in accordance with the post secondary institution s minimum grade point requirements. The same conditions apply for payment of part-time students. 13. Students are responsible for their own moving expenses. 14. Students who do not pass courses sponsored by the LED will not be sponsored again for the same course. It will become the students own financial responsibility should they want to take the course again. 15. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships and awards. April 1, 2014 Page 8

12 Appeal Process To ensure fairness and equitable treatment under the PSSSP and the UCEP program, students will have opportunity to appeal. In order to proceed with the Appeal Process it is recommended to review Eligibility section 1 - LMG Supplement found in this policy. The Listuguj Education Advisory Board (LEAB) will serve as the Appeals Committee and has set the following appeals process: 1. Any appeal must be submitted by the post-secondary student; 2. Any appeal must be submitted to the Director of the Listuguj Education Directorate before August 15 th of each year for the fall semester; 3. The student must submit a written appeal stating the reason for appealing and provide any documentation substantiating the reason for appeal; 4. Within ten (10) days of receiving a written appeal the Director will organize a meeting of the Committee; 5. The LEAB will advise the Director of their decision immediately following the meeting; 6. The Director of the Listuguj Education Directorate will provide the student with a letter within 10 days following the committee s decision; and 7. The decision of the LEAB will be final. Note: A student may not appeal to AANDC on any administrative decisions and appeal rulings made by the local appeals process. April 1, 2014 Page 9

13 Glossary Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) means the document outlining the Post Secondary Student Support Program Regional Guidelines. Academic year is as defined by the post-secondary institution, but will not be less than eight months duration during a calendar year. Application Fees means cost for applicable fees associated with applying to a post-secondary institute. Canadian public institution is a post-secondary institution that receives the majority of its funding from federal and provincial governments. CEGEP is an abbreviation of Collège d enseignement général et professionnel. CEGEP s operate in Quebec. Dependent means a person who is dependent upon the student as defined by Revenue Canada and who does not receive income in excess of income allowed for a dependent spouse by Revenue Canada. Dependent Spouse means a person who is married to the student or a person who has lived with the student as husband or wife for a period of at least one year prior to application for educational support. This person is dependent upon the student and does not receive income in excess of the level of income allowed for a dependent spouse by Revenue Canada. (Which is currently called the Canada Revenue Agency). Distance Education means video conference, online, correspondence that takes place when the instructor and student are separated by space and/or time. The gap between the two can be bridged through the use of technology- such as audio tapes, videoconferencing, satellite broadcast and online technology and/or more traditional delivery methods, such as the postal service. Full-Time Students as defined by the post-secondary institution. Listuguj Education Directorate (LED) means the body that implements the post-secondary education policy as set forth by the Listuguj Mi gmaq Government through its Post-Secondary Education Program. Listuguj Mi gmaq Government (LMG) means the body that adopts the post-secondary education policy set forth and delegates the Education Directorate through its Listuguj Post Secondary Education Program to implement such policies. Living Allowance means a contribution to assist the student to maintain a basic standard of living, while attending a post-secondary institution. LMG Supplement means a contribution to assist students who maintain a permanent residency in Listuguj. April 1, 2014 Page 10

14 Mandatory Registration Fees as indicated in the institution s calendar, including student activity fees, technology fees and special testing fees. Mature Student means a person who does not meet all the normal academic admissions requirements of the post secondary institution and has been away from full-time studies for a minimum of two years and is 21 years of age or more. Mi gmaq means a person whose name is registered on the Listuguj First Nation members band list. Part-Time Students as defined by the post-secondary institution. Post-secondary education means a program of studies, offered by a post-secondary institution, for which completion of secondary school studies or its equivalent is a prerequisite. Post-Secondary institutions are degree, diploma, and certificate granting institutions which are recognized by a province or territory and include educational institutions affiliated with, or delivering accredited post-secondary programs by arrangement with a post-secondary institution. Private post-secondary institution is a Canadian or foreign post-secondary institution which receives the majority of its funding from sources other than governments. Program of Studies includes all post-secondary programs, at least one academic year induration, leading to a certificate, diploma or degree. Programs less than one academic year which are prerequisites to postsecondary programs of at least one academic year are included. Resident means an eligible Status Indian who has resided in Canada for twelve consecutive months prior to application. This also includes students who have been living outside Canada as a result of their studies. Semester refers to a part of the academic year, as defined by the post-secondary institutions. Semesters usually cover the periods from September to December, January to April, and May to August. Student is an individual who has successfully applied to be funded under the programs and is maintaining the conditions of the programs in order receive financial support to successfully attain a post secondary diploma. Subsidized Tuition Rates is the amount that AANDC provides to First Nation students attending Post Secondary institutes within Canada. April 1, 2014 Page 11