First-year Aboriginal students introduced to campus life

Posted: August 26, 2014 8:45 a.m.

Erin Goodpipe, first-year Arts student.
Erin Goodpipe, first-year Arts student. Photo: External Relations

The number of self-declared Aboriginal students attending the University of Regina continues to grow. In the winter semester of 2014, for example, the number of self-declared Aboriginal students attending the University was 1,298, an increase of 41 per cent from four years ago.

To welcome first-year Aboriginal students to campus life the University of Regina Aboriginal Student Centre in partnership with First Nations University of Canada recently hosted Orientation 101. The approximately 80 students who took part in the event had an opportunity to live in residence as well as attend workshops about topics such as budgeting, time management and writing. They also met with Elders, attended a pow wow workout, learned the layout of campus, and met other new students.

“The first time in a university can be intimidating. These kinds of support systems are extremely important to help people grow,” said Erin Goodpipe, a first-year Arts student.

Goodpipe is in the nitôncipâmin omâ Student Success Program – a Saulteaux term for “We Are Here.” The OMA Program, as it is called, provides reviews of class material, access to tutors, scholarship opportunities, personal support, and connections with other first-year students.

“Just having someone to talk to is very important,” adds Goodpipe, who has a summer job working at the Aboriginal Student Centre. “The supports and networking with people are huge reasons why people stay in university.”

There will be even more support in the coming academic year with the addition of Elder Noel Starblanket, who has extensive experience in leadership. Starblanket will join Elder Pat Sparvier in providing support for Aboriginal students making the adjustment to campus life.