Lakehead University
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

The Gateway program at Lakehead University is designed for students who do not meet the university’s traditional entrance requirements but who exhibit academic potential. The program is modelled after First Year Experience programs in the United States and is based on the theory that high school marks are not necessarily indicative of students’ ability to be successful in postsecondary studies. Admission to the Gateway program was determined through the assessment of applicants’ marks for the 2007 cohort (required minimum average of 65 per cent). Seventy-two students accepted their offer to be part of the Gateway program in 2007. In 2008, the admissions team not only examined applicants’ high school transcripts but also required the submission of a supplementary application form. On this form applicants were asked to describe why they wanted to attend Lakehead University and to outline how they planned to be successful. Each applicant was also asked to provide an academic reference who could speak to their ability to perform at the university level. Thirty-two students accepted their Gateway offer in 2008. The content and structure of the Gateway program is based on best practices from student retention research. As outlined in the Offer of Admission, students are required to take part in mandatory academic advising sessions. Each student is assigned an academic advisor with whom they work throughout the academic year. Students meet with their advisors monthly (more frequently if required), to work on course selection, transition issues and goal setting. Gateway advisors act as referral sources for students, helping connect them to resources like the Learning Assistance Centre, Health and Counselling and faculty members. The advisor also stays in regular contact via e-mail, informing students of important academic and social events on campus. In addition to receiving mandatory academic advising, students are required to successfully complete a student success course in order to continue into Year 2 of their program. For the 2007 cohort, this course was a half-credit University Seminar course. It was offered through the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies and was taught by an instructor who is an academic advisor as well as a sessional lecturer in the department of English. The course focused on critical thinking and on providing students with the opportunity to enhance their writing, research and comprehension skills. Students were required to complete assignments, tests and a research project. For the 2008 cohort, the student success course was modified to provide continual and practical support to students. The course was changed from a half-credit course to a full-year, non-credit course and was taught by an associate professor from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. The course had a pass-fail structure, and attendance was mandatory, forming a major part of the evaluation. The restructured course included information on study skills, time management, test preparation and personal health and wellness at university. Students were also required to meet individually with the professor to help encourage faculty connections. Peer leaders were also incorporated into the class, and they helped to deliver lectures, run small group meetings and provide support to students taking the course. In 2007/08, 65 per cent of the students admitted into the Gateway program who completed a self-declaration questionnaire identified themselves as first generation university students, 17 per cent were visible minorities, 38 per cent were mature students and 9 per cent were students with disabilities. http://www.heqco.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/Lakehead%20ENG.pdf The NNEP is a nine month preparation program that will help you get the necessary skills and academic requirements you need to enter the nursing degree program at Lakehead University. We’re here for you. Our mission is clear… "To improve the health care of Aboriginal people by increasing the number of Aboriginal Nurses who would provide culturally appropriate care. The Native Nurses Entry Program provides access to a Baccalaureate Nursing Education for those of Aboriginal ancestry who do not meet the regular University entrance requirements." The program at a glance The program offers four academic preparation courses: English Chemistry Mathematics Biology In addition, three special purpose courses are also offered: Communications Professional Orientation Study Skills/Logical Reasoning Field Placement The NNEP combines traditional and western medical practices The program is based on two semesters of twelve weeks each, as well as two weeks of field experience. You may choose to conduct your field experience in your own community or other Aboriginal health-care setting. With the support of faculty, staff, peers, and the community, your successful completion of the program (with a minimum 70% average) will ensure your eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Science Nursing degree program at Lakehead University. http://nativenursing.lakeheadu.ca/?display=page&pageid=1 The Native Access Program (NAP) is a nine-month preparatory program created with you in mind! We are here to support your success! NAP is designed for those students who identify as Aboriginal (First Nation, Metis or Inuit). You may apply as a recent high school graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or be a mature student. A mature student is a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident that has not been engaged in fulltime studies for at least two years and has completed less than one year at a community college and does not meet the general admission requirements. You will study in a culturally supportive and friendly environment while you take courses in subject areas such as English, Math, Science, Indigenous Learning and University Transitions. Upon successful completion of the NAP you will earn three full course equivalents (university credits) and may be considered for admission to a Lakehead University program*. https://www.lakeheadu.ca/academics/other-programs/access-programs/native-access-program The Aboriginal Cultural and Support Services provides the following: INDIVIDUAL SERVICES Access to our Aboriginal Transition Advisor for personal, academic, and transitional support, which includes housing, daycare, or other needs* Workshops on healthy living and mental health Aboriginal Student Housing Toolkit On- and off-campus service information sessions and referrals* ACADEMIC SERVICES Academic workshops and referrals to various Lakehead departments* Application, course selection, and registration assistance Assistance with appeals, withdrawals, and special examinations Advocacy support* Academic, essay, research, and computer support Tutor support CULTURAL SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES Elder-in-Residence – provides individual and group support Cultural teachings, smudging, and ceremonies Four feasts per year* Sweat Lodge Site and Medicine Garden* Monthly Miijin Noongom - student potlucks* Traditional Craft Sessions* Annual Fall Harvest and Powwow – showcasing Aboriginal culture* * These services are not currently available at Lakehead University Orillia, however efforts are currently underway to extend these services to the Orillia Campus. FINANCIAL SERVICES Assistance with applications for scholarships, bursaries, sponsorship, OSAP, and Métis and First Nation Status registrations Referral to scholarships and awards Referral to job opportunities and employment and training opportunities https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/student-services/tb/aboriginal-services Student Accessibility Services staff provides support and services to students with disabilities. The Accessibility Advisor, the Access Strategist and / or the Assistive Technologist are available to provide assistance with the following: Understanding your disability Reviewing assessments Facilitating the provision of Academic Accommodations Demonstrating and/or training available assistive devices and/or software programs Developing Learning Strategies Arranging test and exam accommodations Collaborating with staff and faculty New Student's Check List https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/student-services/accessibility/students-with-disabilities Other programs or offices that support underrepresented groups: Aboriginal Awareness Centre (Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU)) The AAC was designed to assist the learning opportunities for all students, staff, faculty and other members of the university community about Aboriginal history, current social problems and contributions made by Aboriginal peoples. Most importantly, it will provide occasions, teachings, ceremonies, traditions and worldview. The AAC offers programs and services in areas such as, but not limited to: Sports and Referral, Aboriginal Issues, Advocating and Lobbying, Cross Culture Training, Traditional Healing, The Four Sacred Medicines, How to Approach An Elder Protocol, Sweatlodge Ceremony, Pow-wow and Protocol, Traditional Art Workshops, Traditional Arts and Crafts Workshops, Aboriginal Speaker Series, Discussion Groups, Stereotypes and Myth Breaking, Traditional Feasts, and Aboriginal Library/Resource Centre. https://www.mylakehead.ca/?pageid=4&title=Student Department of Women's Studies The program of Women’s Studies welcomes students who want to further their understanding of the importance of gender and how it intersects with other analytical categories such as race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, ability and age. The department’s interdisciplinary degree programs and faculty assist students in examining how these intersecting categories have been used to create social inequalities and how these inequalities have been, and are being, challenged. We offer a broad range of subjects in the social sciences, humanities, and health and behavioural sciences so that students can critically assess the extent to which past, current and emerging models of knowledge reflect the diversity of women’s experiences and scholarship. Pride Central (LUSU) The Lakehead University Student Union Pride Central is an educational, lobbying, support and referral service which provides a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gendered, two-spirited, queer, intersex, and allies (LGBTTQIA) students. It is open to all Lakehead University students (and community) with a focus on ending discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. http://pride.lusu.ca Gender Issues Centre (LUSU) The Gender Issues Centre is a centre for all Lakehead University students. Mission Our services are used by students to encourage communication, action, awareness, self-reflection and compassion. Description We initiate and support positive action in relation to issues and concerns which surround gender, socio-economic status, ethnicity, religion, culture, family life, sexual orientation, gender identity and differences in physical or mental ability. https://www.facebook.com/genderissues Multicultural Centre (LUSU) The MCC is an education, lobbying, support and referral service, which is open to all Lakehead University students regardless of ethnic background. The MCC hosts events that acknowledge and celebrate the cultural diversity at Lakehead and around the world. Often, there are a series of interactive diversity nights on campus. These nights are multidimensional and take the form of workshops, concerts and cultural dinners. In addition to awareness the Centre is a place of advocacy and action! The MCC works hard to connect Lakehead students with opportunities to support the humanitarian and social justice causes that they care about. They provide a welcoming and inclusive space where students can discuss issues such as cultural identity, racism and international development concerns. https://www.mylakehead.ca/?pageid=4&title=Student Lakehead International https://www.lakeheadu.ca/units/lakehead-international Learning Assistance Centre Catering to the diverse needs of every individual student we welcome into our campus, Lakehead University strives to accommodate the learning requirements of everyone through the availability of assistive technology devices, specialized computer hardware and software. Disability Services and the Learning Assistance Centre are ready to help you at Lakehead-Orillia. We have quiet exam spaces, and assistive technology, such as Dragon Naturally Speaking, Kurzweil, ZoomText, and Inspiration . If you have a particular preference or suggestion on how we can make your learning experience even better, please let us know. https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/helpdesk/computer-labs/orillia_learning_assistance_lab/node/16911 Harassment and Discrimination Coordinator Sherry Herchak - sherry.herchak@lakeheadu.ca or 343-8356, who can provide confidential advice and assistance on how to deal with the situation and, if you choose, initiate the formal complaint process. Office of Human Resources http://hr.lakeheadu.ca/index.php Accessibility Committee Includes representation from both of the University’s campuses (Orillia and Thunder Bay) including faculty, various administrative departments, representation from the Lakehead University Student Union, and students. Office of the Ombudsperson https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/ombuds-office Union representatives

The Board of Governors of Lakehead University believe that all members of the University community have the right to study, to work, and to live in an environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination including, but not limited to any or all that are based on the prohibited grounds of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Lakehead University believes in the necessity of providing safeguards for members of the University community against harassment and discrimination. The Ontario Human Rights Code, provides that every person has a right to freedom from discrimination and harassment on the grounds of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, visible or not visible disability, age, marital status, family status, the receipt of public assistance and record of offenses or other grounds as may be amended in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. The University has a Harassment and Discrimination Coordinator, reporting to the Vice-President (Administration and Finance), who will coordinate educational initiatives and the complaint services related to this policy for the University community. Behaviour from members of the University community that constitutes harassment or discrimination on any of the prohibited grounds as set out in the Ontario Human Rights Code shall not be tolerated. Individuals who believe they have been harassed or discriminated against shall have the right to complain and receive due process under this Policy. Complaints of harassment and discrimination should be directed to the Harassment and Discrimination Coordinator. Individuals can file complaints via formal and informal processes. For more information see the policy. https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/policies/human-resources/harassment-and-discrimination-policy-and-procedures In 2013 Lakehead created a Task Force on Sexual Assault Education, Prevention and Support. They created a policy on "SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY AND PROTOCOL: DEALING WITH SEXUAL HARASSMENT, SEXUAL STALKING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT" some of which deals with helping Lakehead enhance and expand existing supports for victims of sexual assault, as well as "developing a means to more effectively educate the University community about the pervasiveness of sexual assault, and to minimize stigma and sexual assault myths" according to committee member Dr. Lori Chambers. https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/policies/general/sexual-misconduct-policy-and-protocol

http://bolt.lakeheadu.ca/~analysis/MYAA_Report_Back_0910_Lakehead_Final.pdf https://www.lakeheadu.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/72/accessibility/2013-2018-accessibility-plan.pdf http://hr.lakeheadu.ca/uploads/Lakehead_University_Accessibility_Plan_2011-12.FINAL[1][1].pdf