Aboriginal Business Administration Certificate
What is the Aboriginal Business Administra on Cer ficate (ABAC) Program? The Aboriginal Business Administra on Cer ficate (ABAC) is designed to provide pathway programming for those Aboriginal students who do not meet the criteria for direct admission or transfer admission to the undergraduate program and for Aboriginal students who wish to obtain a cer ficate in business but do not want to study in a four year degree program. ABAC allows Aboriginal students to study business educa on at the Edwards School of Business while concurrently mastering gaps in their high school prepara on. The program incorporates significant student success ac vi es designed to assist students with their transi on to studying business in a Canadian University se ng. Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the ABAC program will earn an Aboriginal Business Cer ficate of Proficiency from the University of Saskatchewan. Upon successful comple on, students may choose to apply to the Bachelor of Commerce program during the regular applica on period. Students in good standing who have met ABAC program standards will be admi ed to the Bachelor of Commerce degree program upon applica on with full transfer credit. 1
Program Highlights Only 2 years to complete the cer ficate (based on 24 credits per year) Flexible admission standards students can apply for direct entry, transfer or mature admission Pathway programming available for students who need to upgrade their high school math Over half of the classes are cohort-based: students are in classes with their program peers, crea ng a sense of community and belonging Enhanced student support through the zero-credit business skills courses, math tutoring, business visits and workshops led by Edwards staff ADMISSION TO THE ABAC PROGRAM REQUIRES AN APPLICANT TO BE OF FIRST NATIONS, METIS OR INUIT ANCESTRY All credit classes transfer to the B.Comm. program upon successful comple on of the ABAC program should a student choose to con nue in Edwards and pursue a business degree Career services exclusively for students of the Edwards School of Business Cer ficate of Proficiency from the University of Saskatchewan upon comple on 2
Math Bridging Program If you are interested in pursuing a course of study at the University of Saskatchewan that requires that you have Foundations of Mathematics 30 and/or Pre-Calculus 30 (Grade 12 MATH B 30 and/or MATH C 30), the Rawlco Resource Centre offers the opportunity to build that bridge to your future. 3
Two years to complete Flexible admission standards Credits transfer to B.Comm. 4
ABAC Plan of Study The aim of the ABAC program is to provide students with programming in the following areas: Quan ta ve aspects of business decision making Qualita ve aspects of business decision making Exposure to university level humani es and social sciences Library and computer skills Business life skills and transi on support Founda ons of Mathema cs 30 and/or Pre-Calculus 30 (Grade 12 MATH B 30 and/or MATH C 30) Tuition In 2012, students paid approximately $4900 in tui on based on 24 credit units. For more informa on on tui on and fees please visit the U of S website: explore.usask.ca/moneymatters Being a student in the Edwards School of Business has been a positive learning experience. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but it s all worth it. There are so many resources available to help achieve your goals. - Talya Favel, Edwards student 5
ABAC Program Term 1 (Sept - Dec) Commerce 119.3 - Business Competencies Economics 111.3 - Price Theory and Resource Alloca on One of English 111, 112, 113, 114.3 Commerce 101.3 - Decision Making I Commerce 115.0 - Business School Life I (Math Skills, English Wri ng Skills, Group Work) Term 2 (Jan - April) 3 c.u. of Social Sciences or Humanities Economics 114.3 - Money and Income Commerce 105.3 - Intro to Organiza onal Behaviour Commerce 100.3 - Business Communica ons I Commerce 115.0 - Business School Life I Term 3 (Sept - Dec) Math 104.3 or Math 102.3 Commerce 204.3 - Intro to Marke ng Commerce 201.3 - Intro to Financial Accoun ng 3 c.u. of Social Sciences or Humanities Commerce 120.0 - Business School Life II Term 4 (Jan - April) Commerce 104.3 - Business Sta s cs I Commerce 203.3 - Intro to Finance Commerce 211.3 - Human Resource Management Sr. Commerce Elective.3 Commerce 120.0 - Business School Life II 6
Rawlco Resource Centre The Rawlco Resource Centre is a dedicated space for Aboriginal students at the Edwards School of Business. Aboriginal students are encouraged to use the centre for studying, group mee ngs and accessing resources. The Centre is fully equipped with computers, resource materials, printer, telephone, fridge and a lounge area. The Rawlco Resource Centre is a very valuable service offered to aboriginal students. When I first came to Edwards, I was shy and didn t know anybody. The time I have spent studying and using the computers in the Rawlco Centre has given me the opportunity to make friends with other First Nation students at Edwards. - Kim Gamble, Edwards student 7
Rawlco Resource Centre Services Rawlco Aboriginal Business Student Ambassadors Aboriginal business students can help to promote a business educa on to Aboriginal youth. Developing professional networks and being role models or mentors are some of the ways Aboriginal Edwards students and alumni can support the Edwards School and their communi es. Rawlco Aboriginal Business Student Services Assistants Students can apply to become Student Assistants at the Rawlco Resource Centre to assist in the implementa on of recruitment, reten on and gradua on strategies for Aboriginal students at the Edwards School of Business. Tutoring Assistance Assistance is available for individuals or small groups to receive extra help in classes or to prepare for an exam or assignment. Math Bridging Program The Greater Catholic Saskatchewan Schools and the Edwards School of Business offer a Grade 12 math program on campus available to all students of Aboriginal ancestry. The classes will be offered in the evenings using the classroom resources of the Edwards School of Business and funding will be provided through the generous support of the Rawlco Resource Centre Trust Fund. Awards and Scholarships There are thousands of dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries available for Aboriginal students in the ABAC program as well as the B.Comm. degree program. Professional Development Fund Aboriginal business students enrolled in the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan have opportuni es throughout their academic career to be funded for a variety of ac vi es that support their academic success and develop their professional network. Elder Services Many First Na ons, Mé s, and Inuit students prefer to seek the support of an Elder to assist in personal and professional development. This guidance may be a missing link in the transi on to a new home and ins tu on that can be vital in enhancing your student experience at the Edwards School of Business. The Rawlco Resource Centre is pleased to support you in these efforts. Cultural Events Throughout the year the Rawlco Resource Centre will host First Na on cultural events that are open to students, faculty and staff. 8
9 The Rawlco Centre has a very comfortable atmosphere and is an excellent place to find resources, study and meet fellow Aboriginal business students and non- Aboriginal business students and it always gives you opportunities to network with students, staff and the business community. - Mel Merasty, B.Comm. 2012
Admission to ABAC Applicants must meet the following criteria: Direct Entry Admission o First Na ons, Me s or Inuit ancestry o Complete Grade 12 o Students must have a minimum of Math A30 (Founda ons of Math 20 or Pre-Calculus 20); however, evidence of the successful comple on of MATH B30 and comple on of MATH C30 (Founda ons of Mathema cs 30) is highly recommended o Minimum university entrance average (70%) Transfer Admission o First Na ons, Me s or Inuit ancestry o Complete Grade 12 standing with evidence of the successful comple on of MATH B30. o Comple on of MATH C30 (Founda ons of Mathema cs 30) is highly recommended o Have a empted 18 or more credit units of transferable post-secondary level studies o Minimum university transfer average (60%) o Transfer credit will not be rewarded for any cohort classes in the program Mature Admission o Applicants must meet the following criteria: o First Na ons, Me s or Inuit ancestry o 21 years of age by the first day of classes o Canadian ci zen or a landed immigrant o Entering the first year of study. Applicants who have completed 18 credit units or more of university-level credits are not eligible to apply for Mature Admission Mature admission requires applicants to submit additional information. Please check the ABAC website for details. How to Apply Check out admission requirements and how to apply at: edwards.usask.ca/programs/aboriginal The deadline to apply is July 1st. 10
Contact Us For more informa on about the Aboriginal Business Administra on Cer ficate or the Rawlco Resource Centre, please contact us at the Edwards School of Business: Tel: 306.966.1307 or 306.966.4785 Fax: 306.966.2515 Email: aboriginalinitiatives@edwards.usask.ca Rawlco Resource Centre of Aboriginal Ini a ves Edwards School of Business PotashCorp Centre 25 Campus Drive Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A7 www.edwards.usask.ca/programs/aboriginal The Edwards School of Business develops business professionals to build nations.