Prepared by Barry McLoughlin, BA, BEd, MDE Director of Lifelong Learning, Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, 2011
Northern Nishnawbe Education Council NNEC offers a First Nations controlled regional model of Post Secondary Student Support: - established and expanded over 30 years - politically incorporated by 24 First Nations - geographically spanning 200,000+ square kilometers - financially operated within economies of scale - strategically guided by a common mission - strategically captured by a common vision - consistently administered by a common policy - dedicated to community and professional development - committed to cultural growth and academic success
Post Secondary Student Support Program The Post Secondary Student Support Program aims to enhance the professional capacity of 24 partner First Nations, across a vast region of Northwestern Ontario extending to the Hudson Bay coast.
PSSSP NNEC s Post Secondary Student Support Program provides financial, social and academic assistance to eligible students from area First Nations. NNEC sponsors and supports eligible applicants accepted into accredited college and university programs.
Northern Nishnawbe Education Council is committed to supporting a First Nations education system that enforces academic standards, reinforces cultural identity, and enables learners to contribute with confidence to the well-being of the global community. NNEC Chiefs Resolution, AGM, October, 21 2009
Our vision focuses on healthy sustainable communities. We foresee a future where the results of our efforts create a positive influence in the lives of children and their parents. This vision sees a world in which First Nations people succeed without loss of their identity and have the courage to change their world according to their values. NNEC Chiefs Resolution, AGM, October, 21 2009
Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development Canada AANDC is considering Post Secondary Student Support Program Policy options for 2013 that include: - converting PSSSP grants into repayable loans to increase enrolment - devolving the program to a 3 rd party for the administration of the PSSSP - replacing PSSSP with Aboriginal Post- Secondary Education Savings Accounts These Government of Canada options further threaten post secondary access and education opportunities for remote First Nations members across Northwestern Ontario.
Program Funding Currently, multiple factors contribute to the lack of PSSSP funds impeding 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 to guide the distribution of post secondary dollars for 24 First Nations.
Eligibility Levels PSSSP 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 one additional year, to be considered for funding.
September 2011 Student Intake Projected tuition, travel, materials, and living allowance costs permitted 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 students A select few self-funded PRIORITY #2 students have since been approved due to FT student deferrals and withdrawals without penalty.
John Gregg Native Language Instructor Diploma, 2011 Lakehead University Kasabonika First Nation
First Nations College Access Certificates Diplomas University Access Diplomas Bachelors Masters Doctorates Bearskin Lake 12 3 4 2 1 1 1 Cat Lake 3 1 1 1 Deer Lake 2 1 1 Fort Severn 3 1 1 1 Kasabonika 7 1 1 1 4 Keewaywin 5 2 1 2 Kingfisher Lake 5 1 3 1 KI 5 1 1 1 2 Lac Seul 14 1 1 5 4 2 1 Mishkeegogamang 6 1 3 1 1 Muskrat Dam 1 1 North Caribou Lake 2 2 North Spirit Lake 1 1 Pikangikum 2 2 Sachigo Lake 7 1 1 1 1 3 Sandy Lake 10 2 2 3 1 2 Saugeen 1 1 Wunnumin Lake 4 1 1 2 TOTALS 90 14 9 24 9 10 19 4 1
Archie Mekanak Bachelor of Arts, 2011 Lakehead University Wunnumin Lake First Nation Alec Oombash Bachelor of Arts, 2011 Lakehead University Cat Lake First Nation
Mary Laur Master of Arts, 2011 Laurentian University Mishkeegogamang First Nation
First Nations College Access Certificate Diploma University Access Certificate Diploma Bachelors Law Masters Doctorate Bearskin Lake 7 1 2 2 2 Cat Lake 1 1 Deer Lake 3 2 1 Fort Severn 3 3 Kasabonika 2 2 Keewaywin 2 1 1 Kingfisher Lake 5 1 4 KI 4 1 1 1 1 Lac Seul 19 6 3 2 1 7 McDowell Lake 1 1 Mishkeegogamang 3 3 Muskrat Dam 3 1 1 1 North Caribou 11 1 5 3 2 North Spirit Lake 1 1 Pikangikum 1 1 Sachigo Lake 10 1 1 1 1 6 Sandy Lake 16 2 2 1 6 2 2 1 Saugeen 1 1 Wunnumin Lake 1 1 Wapekeka 1 1 TOTALS 95 4 7 23 4 21 9 22 1 3 1
Carrie Lynn Trout Native Child and Family Services Diploma, 2010 Confederation College Lac Seul First Nation
It is important that leaders, parents, guardians and students understand that: - policies are developed to ensure the equitable treatment of all students - policies are intended to secure the safety and security of all students - policies are applied to ensure the integrity and success of NNEC programs
It is important that students understand their rights: - to the privacy of information - to be informed of PSSSP policies and procedures - to be treated respectfully by NNEC staff and students
It is important that students understand their rights: - to discuss academic circumstances, without fear of reprisal - to have PSSSP issues resolved in a fair, equitable, and timely manner - to file a complaint or appeal without fear of reprisal
It is important that students understand their responsibilities: - to be informed of PSSSP policies and procedures - to comply with program policies and procedures - to treat staff and students with respect - to provide program/course documentation on schedule
It is important that students understand their responsibilities: - to complete all course work, on schedule - to attend all required classes and tutorials - to arrive on time and remain for the duration of the lesson/tutorial - to maintain a minimum 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA)
It is important that students understand their responsibilities: - to consult with NNEC prior to withdrawal from a course/program - to refrain from verbal or physical abuse of NNEC staff or students - to not enter an NNEC building under the influence of alcohol/ illicit drugs
Student Support Services NNEC s Post Secondary Student Support Program offers counselling and financial 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, BEd Counsellor, Sioux Lookout Thomas Cromarty, JD Law - Osgoode Hall, 2009 Sachigo Lake First Nation Terrilynn Capay Memorial Award Recipient 2009 Leona Scanlon, BA, BEd Head 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, admission requirements, institutional expectations, campus life, and housing - assistance with enrolling children in day care and schools - assistance with budgeting and banking procedures - guidance on academic and financial responsibilities and legal rights - referral to appropriate agencies and professionals for support - academic counselling, encouragement, and assistance with tutoring - career counselling
Financial Support Financial support for students includes: Tuition Fees Partial or full tuition fees are paid for full time and part time students who are accepted into accredited Canadian and international programs of study. Tuition fees are calculated at comparable rates to Ontario post secondary institutions.
International Studies A student may enroll in an international program of study provided the minimum academic prerequisites are comparable, the number of credit hours are equivalent (within 10 per cent) and the program credits are transferable to a Canadian institution. Tuition payments are made directly to Canadian institutions upon receipt of an invoice. International tuition payments are reimbursed directly to students upon receipt of an invoice.
Student Fees Full time student fees are paid for by NNEC including, but not 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 by the post secondary institution for a full time and part time student.
Travel Full time students who must move away from a permanent place of residence 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 approved dependents.
Travel Assistance Travel assistance supports the required costs of return transportation from the student s permanent place of residence. Financial aid is based on the most economically appropriate means of transportation and subject to NNEC discretion. Students must contact their counsellors at least 3 weeks prior to departure 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 and working professional students based on available funding to assist with the costs of living - shelter, utilities, food and clothing. A daily living allowance is provided to modular students to assist with accommodations and meals.
Academic Probation and Suspension NNEC has the right to place a student on academic probation at any time, if the student s social behavior or academic performance is deemed to be unsatisfactory. If social behaviour or performance does not improve, upon advisement, funding will be suspended. Funding is suspended immediately in extreme cases of misconduct.
A New Post Secondary Student must: - be a registered band member of an NNEC area First Nation - apply to university or college and be accepted into the program - provide NNEC with: a) an original copy of the acceptance letter b) an original secondary school transcript and a photocopied high school diploma OR an original high school equivalency transcript and a photocopied certificate c) if applicable, prior original post secondary transcripts and prior photocopied post secondary certificates and diplomas d) a photocopied Status Card e) a Letter of Support from the Band Council f) an original Educational Assistance (EA) Form g) an original Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities Form h) a Consent for Release of Information Form Full-time candidates must apply by May 30 th for September funding.
Application Review Process Education funding applications are reviewed by a panel of counsellors in consult with the Director of Lifelong Learning. Reviews are conducted in accordance with criteria prescribed by the 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 their status and informed of appropriate next steps. Appeals Process A wait-listed or denied applicant who believes policy was not fairly applied may appeal the decision in writing to the Director of Lifelong Learning. The individual case will be reviewed in consultation with PSSSP staff and the applicant. A final letter to the applicant indicating NNEC s final decision concerning the case will be sent within 15 working days.
Program Levels To be eligible for funding assistance, candidates must be accepted into a college, university, or educational program that grants an accredited certificate, 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 time funding) Level 1 College certificate / diploma programs (1 3 years of full time funding) Level 2 University diploma / undergraduate degree programs (3 5 years 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 and partial support to completion)
Program Levels Students may continue to receive funding assistance if graduating from: - 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 program Students are expected to complete the program in the normal time frame. Eligible students may receive support funding for one full time program per year and for one program at each level.
Eligibility Priority 1 applicants are most often approved for funding without delay. NNEC encourages candidates who are declined funding to commence or continue through self-funded or external means. Students may then earn Priority 2 continuing successful student status to improve the likelihood of sponsorship. Students may receive one additional year of support to complete a program provided: the program can be completed within the additional year, the student demonstrates adequate progress, and the counsellor recommends the student for support.
Governance Post Secondary funding assistance is an investment in the future of First Nations. Professionals are needed across the spectrum to advance governance at local, regional, provincial, national, and international levels. Post secondary students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible adults, and demonstrate: - self-initiative and organization - respect and responsibility - diligence and reliability
Student Responsibilities Students are accountable for their actions. Inappropriate conduct may result in failure or termination of sponsorship. New students sign a Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities acknowledging their contractual rights and responsibilities with Northern Nishnawbe Education Council. It is the responsibility of students and staff to ensure that limited funds are expended in the best interests of participating First Nations.
I keep having to remind myself, yes, I am Dr. Cutfeet now. I kee Chief Donny Morris, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation Barry McLoughlin, Director of Lifelong Learning, NNEC, Sioux Lookout Leona Scanlon, Head Post Secondary Counsellor, NNEC, Thunder Bay James Daniel Cutfeet, M.D., Lakehead University Northern Ontario School of Medicine Kitchenuhmaykoosib 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 for additional help
Step Two If the problem situation persists (i.e. repeated truancy) or there is a more serious incident (i.e. verbal abuse), the counsellor will consult with his or her supervisor and an appropriate course of action 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 student sponsored by the organization. Student files include, but are not limited 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 authorizes PSSSP staff to access their files and post secondary institutions to share information. Student consent grants NNEC the right to release vital information to the NNEC Board approved auditor and affiliated Government of Canada officials. Financial information may be released from the date of sponsorship through seven years after completion of the student s post secondary studies. Students may access their files upon request.
Anita Olsen Harper, PhD Doctorate of Philosophy Education University of Ottawa, 2011 Lac Seul First Nation Terrilynn Capay Memorial Award Recipient 2011... to be presented by Chief Clifford Bull at the October 2011 Annual General Meeting of Chiefs to recognize NNEC s most prestigious graduate
Northern Nishnawbe Education Council offers a REGIONAL FIRST NATIONS MODEL OF POST SECONDARY STUDENT SUPPORT The NNEC Board of Directors endorses continued ADMINISTRATION BY REGIONAL FIRST NATIONS EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS as the viable First Nations controlled option in PSSSP administration for 2013 Board of Directors Resolution 2009 PSSSP Logo Designed by Kevin Belmore The logo features a male and female standing side by side facing a bright and whole future. They walk the red earth path of lifelong learning amidst the boreal forest. The knowledge seeking wolf and introspective bear serve as spirit guides along the journey to self-actualization. For further information contact: Barry McLoughlin Director of Lifelong Learning Northern Nishnawbe Education Council bmcloughlin@nnec.on.ca