LAKE BABINE NATION POST SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAM POLICY

Transcription

1 LAKE BABINE NATION POST SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAM POLICY 1 1.1) The Post Secondary Education Program The Lake Babine Nation manages a post secondary education program, which is funded by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). INAC determines the amount of funding on a per-capita-basis. The funding provides the post secondary program with a fixed budget used to provide financial assistance to a limited number of members enrolled in university and college programs. An Education Committee consisting of members is responsible for making recommendations to the Lake Babine Nation Council on the overall operation of the post secondary program. This responsibility includes application review, policy implementation, budget development, and appeal procedures. 1.2) Who is Eligible for the Lake Babine Nation Post Secondary Program Only members of the Lake Babine Nation are eligible to apply to the post secondary education program. To receive full sponsorship, members must maintain full-time enrolment at a post secondary institution where full-time is defined as a minimum of 4 courses or the alternate - 3 courses and significant extra-curricular involvement associated with student-life (i.e. student politics, athletics, student-organized clubs or a formal work-study assignment). Exceptions: 1 st and 2 nd year students may be provided with exceptions to enrol in three courses provided that they have recommendation from their academic advisor within the institute. Exceptions will be based on GPA and other identified factors that hinder academic progress of the student. This policy is only restricted to students that can demonstrate the need for extra time (i.e. endorsed by the institution). Once your program of study has begun, any intent to transfer to another institution must be accompanied by a letter from the admitting registrar indicating how many courses will receive transfer credit. 1.3) The Purpose of the Post Secondary Program The post secondary program was established to support, promote and enhance academic achievement among members of the Lake Babine Nation. The program s purpose is to ensure those Lake Babine Nation members who wish to continue their education at a university or college level are provided an opportunity through the post secondary program. The program has the following goals: i) promote academic achievement among the Lake Babine Nation students This goal refers to the need to ensure that Lake Babine Nation members are kept informed about the community s post secondary program. It also refers to the role of the Lake Babine Nation Administration in initiating and coordinating events, projects and information which promotes academic achievement among the Lake Babine Nation students. ii) provide opportunities to Lake Babine Nation students for academic achievement This goal refers to the need for the administration to ensure that they have adequately administered the post secondary education program so that the program can continue into the future. The Lake Babine Nation regard education as a priority, and agree that they should maintain a program that provides Lake Babine Nation members with the opportunity to achieve a post secondary education. Chief & Council Lake Babine Nation.Approved by Chief and Council July 22, 2002

2 2 iii) establish and cooperate in projects and events which promote academic achievement This goal refers to the need for the Lake Babine Nation Administration to promote academic achievement by setting up tutorial groups, participating in graduation ceremonies, and hosting awards banquets. It also refers to the need for the Administration to participate with other groups and agencies in coordinating projects and events which Lake Babine Nation members recognize their potential for academic achievement. 2.1) Deadlines for Reporting Grades New students must apply for post secondary sponsorship by January 31 st each year. All applications must be accompanied with the necessary documents in order to be considered for funding. The early application date will provide assist the budget review of allocations for September 1 st post secondary enrolment. The Education Committee will meet in May/June to review all applications. Applicants will be advised in July 1 st on the status of their application (i.e. approved/not approved). When the school semester ends on the usual dates (i.e. December 31 st, April 30 th, August 31 st ), the student is responsible for submitting transcripts three weeks later (i.e. January 21 st, May 21 st, September 21 st ). Failure to submit transcripts by the deadline will result in the students living allowance being withheld until such documents are submitted. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that these documents are received by the administration. Seasonal travel allowance requests must be received two weeks prior to issuance of the post secondary living allowance. Travel will be provided at the beginning, end of term and during Christmas break. Seasonal travel rates are based on the least expensive mode of travel. 2.2) Types of Studies sponsored by the Post Secondary Program Funding from the post secondary program is used to provide financial assistance to members enrolled in the following types of studies: University and College Entrance Preparation (UCEP) Applicants to the university and college entrance preparation program must meet the post secondary program s eligibility criteria. The entrance preparation program is used to assist those high school graduates and mature students who need prerequisite college or university level courses to enter an academic or technical program. The UCEP program is not used to assist members to finish high school. Members applying to the UCEP program must be grade twelve graduates. Effective September 2002, students enrolled in the UCEP program must be enrolled in the minimum UCEP requirements to be considered full time status. These courses must be directly related to their academic plan. Limits on the University and College Entrance Program (UCEP) Full time students enrolled in the University and College Entrance Preparation Program will be sponsored for the duration of the preparation period, and the duration of the academic/technical college or university program. The duration of the university and college entrance preparation program may not exceed one academic year. Chief & Council Lake Babine Nation. Approved by Chief and Council July 22, 2002

3 College and University Undergraduate Program Applicants to the undergraduate program must meet the post secondary program s eligibility criteria. The undergraduate program is used to assist members who are attending an academic or technical university or college level program. The program is usually a four-year bachelor degree program or a two-year diploma program in a technical college, such as the British Columbia Institute of Technology. The under graduate program does not provide assistance for non-academic and non-technical programs, such as the programs found in a vocational or occupational school or college. Spring and Summer Intercession The student must be enrolled in three courses between May 1 st to August 31 st (or equivalent given the summer schedule). Living allowances may be pro-rated (i.e. the student may be enrolled for two 6-week courses May/June, and therefore will receive a living allowance for May and June only). Due to the irregularity of the Spring/Summer course schedule, students will submit written notification of specific courses with start & end dates. When the Education Department receives this from the student, a sponsorship letter will be sent to the institution. Limits on the University and College Studies Program Full time students enrolled in an academic or a technical college-level program will be sponsored for the two-year term of the diploma or the university transfer program. Full time students enrolled in an academic or a technical university level program will be sponsored for the four-year term of the degree program. Full time students enrolled in an academic or a technical university graduate program will be sponsored for the two-year term for a Masters degree, for the three-year term for a Law degree, and for the four-year term for a Doctorate degree. Students may apply to extend their program beyond these time limits. Approval will be at the discretion of the Education Committee who will meet each June to approve applications. Extensions beyond the proscribed limits may be accommodated by a cost-share formula (i.e. LBN will cover tuition and texts, the student will be expected to apply for Canada Student Loans to cover living allowances). Certificate Programs Applicants to certificate programs must meet the post secondary program s eligibility criteria. The Certificate program is used to assist members who are attending a college or university level program. The program is usually a 10 month certificate program. Each application will be reviewed individually for acceptance of sponsorship. 3.1) The Education Coordinator The Post Secondary Education Program employs and education coordinator to provide the following services: - to record all data associated with student sponsorship - to organize, coordinate and manage the post secondary program; - to provide information to members on the post secondary education program; - to explain the eligibility criteria, levels of financial assistance, and appeal process; - to assist members in identifying their post secondary goals and objectives; - to assist the Education Committee in reviewing the program s applications; - to pursue and maintain communication with the students funded by the program. 3 Chief & Council Lake Babine Nation.Approved by Chief and Council July 22, 2002

4 4 3.2) The Eligibility Criteria and Point System The post secondary program s eligibility criterion is structured to ensure that all applications from high school graduates receive preference for funding from the post secondary program. The criterion also addresses other areas which are considered important to the success of the program, areas such as preplanning, above average preparation for a post secondary program, residency and graduate programs. The criterion also ensures that funding is provided to members who identify alternative means to finance their post secondary education. Members who are high school graduates with a feasible academic plan Members who are high school honours graduates with a high GPA Letter of intent to serve the nation and it s causes (see below). Members who can demonstrate a cost-share mechanism (see below). Members who are continuing in a graduate studies program Members who are enrolled in post secondary institutions in the Central Interior Members who are enrolled in a technical post secondary program Members who are high school graduates who normally reside on-reserve (see below) 35 points 30 points 20 points* 20 points* 15 points 10 points 5 points 5 points*** *In the future, the Nation will need members to serve in the following areas: health, education, Social science, business, law, natural resource management, finance & administration. ** Cost share mechanism most commonly refers to Canada Student Loans, scholarships, bursaries and Work study assignments. *** On-reserve also includes those members living in close proximity to the reserves. 4.1) The Priority List of Eligible Applicants A priority list of eligible applicants has been established in consideration of the limited budget of the post secondary program. Applicants who are deemed to be eligible for sponsorship from the post secondary program are placed on a priority list. An applicant s standing on the priority list is determined by using the Eligibility Criteria and the Point System. Lake Babine Nation Education Committee will make recommendations to Chief & Council, which makes its decisions based on a point system. Examples of the Eligibility Criteria and Point System The following are examples of how the criteria and point system are sued to determine an applicant s standing on the priority list. Example 1: a member who normally resides in the community(s) of Lake Babine Nation, is a high school honours graduate with a feasible academic plan and can demonstrate a cost-share mechanism, and is enrolled in a technical program receives..65 points. Example 2: a member who is a high school graduate with a feasible academic plan and can demonstrate a cost-share mechanism, and is enrolled in a graduate studies program at the University of Northern BC receives..60 points. Example 3: a member who is a high school graduate with a feasible academic plan, but who does not reside in Lake Babine Nation community(s), and is enrolled in a technical program at the College of New Caledonia receives..40 points. Chief & Council - Lake Babine Nation.Approved by Chief and Council July 22, 2002

5 Example 4: a member who is high school graduate with a feasible academic plan, is intending to attend institution in the central interior and has submitted a letter of intent specify how they will serve the Nation when they graduate will receive..65 points. 4.2) Definitions of Terms in the Eligibility Criteria A feasible academic plan is considered to be a four or more year plan which includes a consultation letter from a post secondary counsellor and an acceptance letter into an academic program at a post secondary institution. A member who normally resides on-reserve is considered to be a member who owns a home on-reserve, or has lived on-rserve for more than five years and/or has constructed a house on reserve and intends to occupy the house. Or applicant lives in close proximity to the reserve. Alternative financial aide is considered to be all federal and provincial government student assistance programs, including the student loan program, as well as bursaries, grants, personal savings, scholarships, and investment funds. Members with high GPA (grade point average) refers to high school graduates who were not on the honour roll, but who maintained consistent grades which averaged more than 65 percent throughout their high school program ) Continuing Students Students who are continuing their post secondary studies and have achieved at least a 2.0 grade point average for all courses will continue to receive funding. Students who have failed three or more courses are removed from the post secondary education program, and are not eligible to reapply to the post secondary program for one year. To reapply to the program, students who have failed three or more courses must demonstrate their commitment by: Pay the tuition for and passing the failed course; Submitting a letter of reference from the department head or counsellor; Submitting a letter explaining the reason for the failure; Students who have failed one to two courses, but who maintained an overall 2.0 grade point average will still be eligible to receive funding. However, to remain in the program, the student must apply to the Education Committee for the funding for the next academic year, and must submit a letter describing reasons for the failure to maintain passing grade in the failed courses. The letter must be submitted following the completion of the January May semester or term. 5.1) Withdrawal from Program/Courses after final deadline Student who withdraw from their program or from one or more courses after the deadline for adding or dropping course must notify the Education Coordinator immediately. Students who withdraw from an entire program must reapply to the Lake Babine Nation Post Secondary Program and reimburse the tuition cost for the dropped program if they wish to be considered for future sponsorship. Students who drop one or more courses are required to reimburse the Lake Babine Nation Administration for the tuition costs to the start of the new academic year. Students who are enrolled in three courses and withdraw from one course will be considered part-time students; they are eligible for financial assistance for tuition, books and supplies, student and laboratory fees only. Chief & Council Lake Babine Nation.Approved by Chief and Council July 22, 2002

6 5,2) Types of Financial Assistance for full time Students Students who are attending a post secondary institution on a full-time basis are provided with financial assistance for living expenses, tuition, student and laboratory fees and text books directly related to their area o f study. No assistance is available for field trips, parking, library fees and school-age allowance/incentives. Some assistance may be available for tutoring services. The member ill begin their program of study and then make a special request for assistance. These request will be approved on an individual basis and depend on the availability of funds. Extraordinary costs may be provided based on demonstrated need. 5.3) Financial Assistance to part time Students Part time students who are eligible for financial assistance will receive funding for tuition, student and laboratory fees, books and supplies only. Nor living, seasonal travel or emergency travel allowances are paid to part time students. A part time student is a student enrolled in two or fewer courses at a post secondary institution. 5.4) Fraud Students who are found providing false information concerning their expenses and academic studies will have their post secondary funding cancelled immediately. In addition, the students will no longer be eligible to apply for assistance from the post secondary program. Students who have been providing fraudulent information on spousal income, dependents, and program attendance will not be eligible to submit a case before the appeal committee. The Education Department makes decisions regarding fraudulent activities. 6.1) Tuition Fees, Books and Supplies A letter of sponsorship is sent to the institution on the student s behalf. The student registers for their courses. The first week of classes the institution will forward an invoice to LBN. LBN will pay nonrefundable registration deposits (i.e. $ per term) so that students may pre-register as soon as the registrar allows. Tuition includes fees for courses, student fees and laboratory fees. Students receive an allowance twice a year for books and supplies. The sponsorship letter will include an allowance of $300.00, to be authorized at the beginning of the term (i.e. 3 terms per year equals $900.00). If the cost for books exceeds the year s allowance, the student may apply to the Lake Babine Nation Administration for an increase in the authorized amount. The Administration may also reimburse the student for any pre-authorized expenses related to course requirements based on the student s submission of receipts ) Living Allowance Criteria A living allowance, based on the student s household, is transferred to the student at the beginning of each month. The student is expected to maintain a bank account to facilitate direct bank transfers. The living allowance is used to pay costs for rent, food, utilities and daily transportation. The amount of the allowance is based on the following criteria. Chief & Council - Lake Babine Nation.Approved by Chief and Council July 22, 2002

7 Single student living with parents $ Single student $ With 1 dependent $ dependents $ dependents $ dependents $ dependents $ dependents $ $50 for each additional dependent 7 6.3) Definitions of Terms in the Living Allowance Criteria A dependent spouse is considered to be the wife or husband of the student, who may be employed, but is not receiving more than twelve thousand ($12,000) dollars per year. If the spouse is receiving more than $12, per year, the spouse is considered and employed spouse. A dependent is considered to be a child and/or youth who is seventeen years old or younger, who lives with the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) in the household. Students with a child over the age of seventeen must provide documentation which confirms support is being provided to the child. If the student is providing support to a child or youth who does not live at home, the student must provide documentation which confirms support is being provided. Court orders or family maintenance orders are considered acceptable documentation. A single student living with parents is not eligible for the single student only living allowance, regardless of whether or not the parent of parents are unemployed or are receiving social assistance. The student must identify whether or not he or she is living alone by submitting a rent receipt. Students living at home or in social housing will be subject to rental reductions (i.e. 25% deduction). 7.1) Damage Deposit Loan Students may apply in writing for a damage deposit reimbursement from the Lake Babine Nation Administration. Students who receive the one-time only reimbursement must give the Administration a copy of the receipt for the damage deposit. 7.2) Seasonal Travel Allowance A seasonal travel allowance is given twice a year to students who travel from the community of Lake Babine Nation to a post secondary institution. Students who travel from one town or city to attend a university or college in another town or city must apply in writing for seasonal travel allowance. Students who reside in a town where a university or college is located, and who attend that university or college are not eligible to receive the seasonal travel allowance. The seasonal travel allowance will be issued at the beginning of the school year and at the end of the year. Seasonal travel allowance requests must be received two weeks prior to issuance of the post secondary living allowance. 7.3) Travel Allowance and the Three-zone system The travel allowance allocation is based on a three-zone system: Zone one funding is given to students travelling from Burns Lake to post secondary institutions in Fort St. James, Vanderhoof, and Prince George. Students travelling in Zone once receive a one hundred-dollar travel allowance in September and May. Chief & Council - Lake Babine Nation.Approved by Chief and Council July 22, 2002

8 Zone two funding is given to students travelling from Lake Babine Nation to post secondary institutions in Quesnel, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Merritt, McBride, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Hazelton. Students travelling zone two receive a two hundred-dollar travel allowance in September and May. Zone three funding is given to students travelling from Lake Babine Nation to post secondary institutions in Vancouver, Lower Mainland, Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary, Prince Rupert, Terrace, Fort Nelson, Cranbrook, Golden and Caselgar. Students travelling in zone three receive a three hundred-dollar travel allowance in September and May. Please note that the post secondary program has no provisions to provide seasonal travel allowances to students travelling during Easter, and other holiday periods. Post Secondary students travelling to institutions located beyond zone three are eligible to receive a reimbursement for travel costs only. If costs for travel beyond zone three are less than the zone three travel allowance, then the student is eligible for the zone three allowance. Emergency Travel Grant Students are eligible to apply for an emergency travel grant to subsidize travel costs for bereavement in the immediate family. In the case of an emergency, the student must apply directly to Lake Babine Nation Administration for the grant. An application for the grant which is made by phone must be followed by a letter mailed or faxed to the Administration. The letter must state the type of emergency and the estimated travel costs. Unless agreed to in advance by the administration, the emergency travel grant will otherwise follow the allowance payment schedule used for seasonal travel allowances. 8.1) Change in the Student s Program Students who change their academic program will need to reapply to the post secondary program following the end of the academic year. A letter detailing reasons for the change must accompany the application. The academic years used by the student will be counted against the student s new program. 8.2) Extension of the Student s Program Students who require an additional semester or academic year to complete their studies must apply to the Lake Babine Nation Education Committee to extend their post sponsorship. The letter of application must be accompanied by an approval in writing from the post secondary institution s dean or department head. Students who do not complete their studies in a college or university program after the one-year extension period are no longer eligible to receive sponsorship to complete the post secondary education program. 8.3) Retroactive Funding Assistance Students who are eligible for assistance from the post secondary program and have completed a portion of their post secondary studies without assistance from the program will receive assistance for the balance of their program. Students who have completed their entire post secondary studies program without assistance from the post secondary program are not eligible to apply for retroactive payment for financial assistance from the post secondary program. 8 Chief & Council Lake Babine Nation.Approved by Chief and Council July 22, 2002

9 8.4) The Appeal Process Students who wish to appeal a decision of the Lake Babine Nation Administration regarding their post secondary program must first ensure a record of written communication. They may submit a written request to the Education Director of Lake Babine Nation. If the student proceeds to the first notice of appeal, they should include copies of all relevant written communication. Any appeal submission must substantiate the student s claim that the decision is unfair and inequitable. The first notice of appeal will be forwarded to the General Manager, who will receive the issues and communicate a decision within 15 days, with a written response. 9.0) Policy Amendments Policy amendments are the responsibility of Chief and Council, keeping in mind this policy is designed to maximize financial resources, encourage new enrolments and improve success rates. Amendments will be entertained when Chief and Council can demonstrate a need to revise policy. Policy amendments will be approved at a duly convened meeting of Chief and Council. 9 Chief & Council Lake Babine Nation.Approved by Chief and Council July 22, 2002