The University of Winnipeg 2012 Survey of Indigenous Students Summary of Results EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OVERVIEW During January, 2012 The University of Winnipeg (UWinnipeg) conducted a survey of Indigenous students. The information gathered from this survey is intended to improve programs and services for Indigenous students. This was the first survey of its kind at UWinnipeg. Every effort was made to conduct a census of all Indigenous students at UWinnipeg (approximately 10% of the student population) through e-mail, posters, an ad in The Uniter (campus newspaper), and through the Aboriginal Students Council. However, the number of students who responded to the survey was small. Additionally, those students who received a direct email invitation were those who had previously self-identified as Aboriginal. As such, care should be taken when interpreting the results of this student and the data should be used for informational purposes only. Future surveys of this nature should focus on increasing the number of respondents. When designing the questions on this survey, several items were taken from the Canadian Undergraduate Survey Consortium (CUSC) Survey of Undergraduate Students questionnaire. The CUSC survey is conducted once every 3 years with a random sample of at least 1000 undergraduate students from each of several universities across Canada. It is intended to reflect the opinions and situation of the typical Canadian undergraduate student. The CUSC survey was last conducted at UWinnipeg in 2011. We occasionally compare the results from the current Survey of Indigenous Students to the CUSC 2011 survey. These comparisons are not statistical in nature, but observational. Full CUSC reports can be found at http://www.cuscccreu.ca/home.htm RESULTS - GENERAL A total of 71 Indigenous students completed the survey. The majority of respondents were female (72%) and aged 27 or older (55%). Just over half of the respondents were single (54%), and just over half of the respondents reported having no 1
children (54%). Most respondents (80%) began their studies at UWinnipeg between 2008 and 2011. Compared to results from the 2011 CUSC Survey of Undergraduate Students, Indigenous students at UWinnipeg are older, more likely to be married, and more likely to have children. 68% of respondents have not interrupted their studies for 1 or more terms. Of those who have, the most common response was to have/raise children (11%), followed by employment (7%) and illness (6%). Compared to the CUSC survey, Indigenous students are more likely to report interrupting their studies to have/raise children (11% versus 2% on CUSC), illness (6% versus 3% on CUSC), and less likely to report interrupting their studies due to financial reasons (3% versus 9% on CUSC). 64% of respondents indicated size of university as an important reason in their decision in choosing UWinnipeg, followed by quality of academic programs (47%), university has a good reputation (47%), and availability of public transportation (36%). 85% of respondents plan on completing their degree at UWinnipeg. This is similar to results from the CUSC Survey (90%). RESULTS - ACADEMIC PREPARATION Respondents were asked to indicate on a scale of 1 (not at all) to 7 (very well) whether or not they felt that high school had prepared them academically for university. 29% of respondents selected 1 and, in total, 52% of respondents selected either 1, 2, or 3. This indicates that respondents do not feel as though high school prepared them academically for university. RESULTS - ABORIGINAL STUDENT SERVICES CENTRE Several questions were asked of respondents about UWinnipeg s Aboriginal Student Services Centre (ASSC). 30% of respondents use the ASSC on a daily basis, while 17% have never used it. The ASSC is a well used service, with over half of the respondents (56%) using the ASSC at least once a week. Of those who have used the ASSC (83%), computer access (78%), academic advising (69%) and Elders (59%) are considered the most important services of the ASSC. 85% of respondents indicated that the ASSC is important or very important to their success at UWinnipeg. 2
54% of respondents have visited the Elder at the ASSC. Of those, 74% indicated that the Elder is important or very important to their success at UWinnipeg. 1 RESULTS - FUNDING Respondents were asked to indicate their primary source of funding for university. 59% indicated band funding as their primary source of income, followed by government loan or bursary (10%), earnings from current employment (7%) and parents, family, or spouse (7%). Most respondents (68%) report that they did not have to wait to attend university because of financial concerns. When asked if they were concerned about having sufficient funding to complete their university education, 39% indicated that they were very concerned, 36% indicate some concern, and 25% indicated no concern. These results are similar to those on the CUSC survey, where 30% of respondents were very concerned, 45% expressed some concern and 26% indicated no concern. With regards to employment outside of school, 42% of respondents reported working (this includes off-campus employment, on-campus employment, or both). This is lower than the results from the CUSC survey, where 76% of respondents reported working on-campus, offcampus, or both. 2 RESULTS - HOUSING 52% of respondents indicated their permanent home prior to coming to UWinnipeg was in Winnipeg, and 25% indicated their permanent home prior to coming to UWinnipeg was on reserve. 39% of respondents are living in housing rented off-campus, paying all costs themselves, 22% are living with parents, guardians, or relatives, and 17% are living in housing rented off-campus, sharing at least some of the costs with others. These results are different from the CUSC survey, where respondents are less likely to be living off-campus (25% report living off-campus, either 1 An error was made in the wording of this question. There is more than one Elder available through the Aboriginal Student Services Centre, however, the survey question referred to one single Elder. 2 Due to the small sample size and the limited scope of this survey it is difficult to determine if this difference is a significant difference, or to interpret why this difference exists. Many factors such as children, age of the student, and reasons for attending university could affect this number. 3
paying all costs themselves or sharing costs with others), and more likely to be living with parents, guardians, or relatives (57%). 45% of respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with their current housing situation, 22% are neutral, and 33% are unsatisfied or very unsatisfied. 57% of respondents would consider living in student housing if a variety of types of student housing was available. RESULTS - CHILDREN 46% of respondents have at least one child. This is higher than the CUSC survey where 10% of respondents report having at least one child. Of those with children, 44% have never missed university class due to a lack of childcare, and 25% have missed less than once per term. 34% of respondents indicate that a licensed daycare is the primary caregiver for their child while they are at school. If there were space at the UWSA Daycare, 58% would send their child there, 29% would not, and 13% are unsure. 44% of respondents would not require daycare services during evening classes, 41% would require daycare during evening classes, and 16% were unsure. RESULTS FULL The remainder of this document presents the full results from all of the questions on the 2012 UWinnipeg Survey of Indigenous Students. In many cases respondents were allowed to select all that apply. In these instances the total percentage will add up to more than 100%. 4
1. Are you currently enrolled at The University of Winnipeg as a: Part-time student 10% 7 Full-time student 86% 59 Not currently registered 4% 3 2. What is your major? Haven't decided yet 28% 20 My major is: 72% 51 Total Responses 71 3. In what year did you first begin your studies at The University of Winnipeg? 80.3% began their studies between 2008 and 2011 5
4. Since starting your post-secondary education, have you ever interrupted your studies for one or more terms (not including summer sessions, or a work co-op term)? Please select all that apply. No 68% 48 Yes, due to illness 6% 4 Yes, for financial reasons 3% 2 Yes, for other family reasons 4% 3 Yes, required to withdraw by the university 3% 2 Yes, for employment 7% 5 Yes, to have/raise children 11% 8 Yes, to travel 1% 1 Yes, other reason 10% 7 Total Responses 71 5. Which of the following were important reasons in your decision to attend The University of Winnipeg? Please select all that apply. Wanted to live close to home 30% 21 Wanted to live away from home 6% 4 Offered financial assistance/scholarships 24% 17 Quality of academic programs 47% 33 Specific career-related program 34% 24 University has a good reputation 47% 33 Size of university 64% 45 Size of city/town 11% 8 Availability of on-campus residence 7% 5 Tuition fees 9% 6 6
Parents/relatives wanted me to enroll here 11% 8 Friends attending here 11% 8 Availability of public transportation Co-op program, internship, and other practical experiences Opportunities for international work/study abroad 36% 25 9% 6 7% 5 Athletic/varsity sports 0% 0 Other reasons 27% 19 Total Responses 70 6. Do you plan on completing your degree at The University of Winnipeg? Yes 85% 60 No 7% 5 Not sure 8% 6 Total Responses 71 7. During a typical year, how often do you use the Aboriginal Student Services Centre at The University of Winnipeg? I have never used the Aboriginal Student Services Centre 17% 12 1-5 times a year 17% 12 6-11 times a year 4% 3 About once a month 1% 1 2-3 times a month 6% 4 About once a week 6% 4 2-3 times a week 20% 14 Daily 30% 21 Total Responses 71 7
7a. What are the three most important services offered at the Aboriginal Student Services Centre? Please select three from the list below: Academic advising 69% 40 Computer access 78% 45 Personal counseling 26% 15 Transition year program 16% 9 Tutoring 24% 14 Elders 59% 34 Employment opportunities 14% 8 Other 21% 12 Total Responses 58 7b. How important is the Aboriginal Student Services Centre to your success at The University of Winnipeg? Not at all Important 0% 0 Somewhat Important 3% 2 Neutral 16% 9 Important 36% 21 Very Important 45% 26 Total Responses 58 8. During a typical year, how often do you visit with the Elder at The University of Winnipeg's Aboriginal Student Services Centre? I have never visited the Elder at the Aboriginal Student Services Centre 46% 33 1-5 times a year 18% 13 6-11 times a year 3% 2 8
About once a month 11% 8 2-3 times a month 3% 2 About once a week 6% 4 2-3 times a week 6% 4 Daily 7% 5 Total Responses 71 8a. How important is having an Elder available at the Aboriginal Student Services Centre to your success at The University of Winnipeg? Not at all Important 5% 2 Somewhat Important 5% 2 Neutral 16% 6 Important 16% 6 Very Important 58% 22 Total Responses 38 9. What is your average grade so far in the courses you have completed at The University of Winnipeg? A or A+ 6% 4 A- 3% 2 B+ 24% 17 B 25% 18 C+ 20% 14 C 7% 5 D 3% 2 I have not completed any courses yet 7% 5 Prefer not to say 6% 4 Total Responses 71 9
10. Did your high school education prepare you academically for university? Please answer using the following scale, where 1 = high school did not at all prepare me for university and 7 = high school prepared me very well for university. 1 29% 20 2 10% 7 3 13% 9 4 17% 12 5 19% 13 6 7% 5 7 6% 4 Total Responses 70 11. Thinking about the current academic year, please indicate which of the following sources you are using to help pay for your university education. Please select all that apply. Government loan or bursary 23% 16 University scholarship, financial award, or bursary 31% 22 Parents, family, or spouse 27% 19 Band Funding 62% 44 Manitoba Metis Federation/Louis Riel Scholarship FANS ( Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students) 1% 1 0% 0 Personal savings 18% 13 Loans from financial institution 6% 4 Earnings from summer work 17% 12 Earnings from current employment 21% 15 10
Work-study program at the University of Winnipeg Co-op program, internship, and other practical experiences related to your program 0% 0 0% 0 Other 8% 6 Total Responses 71 12. What is the primary source of funding for your university education. Please select only ONE option: Government loan or bursary 10% 7 University scholarship, financial award, or bursary 3% 2 Parents, family, or spouse 7% 5 Band Funding 59% 41 Manitoba Metis Federation/Louis Riel Scholarship FANS ( Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students) 0% 0 0% 0 Personal savings 3% 2 Loans from financial institution 1% 1 Earnings from summer work 3% 2 Earnings from current employment Work-study program at the University of Winnipeg Co-op program, internship, and other practical experiences related to your program 7% 5 0% 0 0% 0 Other 7% 5 Total Responses 70 11
13. To date, about how much repayable debt have you acquired to help finance your university education from the following sources? By repayable debt, we mean money you owe and have to pay back. No debt Less than $1,000 Between $1,000 - $4,999 Between $5,000 - $9,999 Greater than $10,000 Total Debt from government student loans Debt from loans from financial institutions Debt from loans from parents/family Debt from other sources 40 (63%) 3 (5%) 9 (14%) 6 (10%) 5 (8%) 63 43 (86%) 0 (0%) 5 (10%) 2 (4%) 0 (0%) 50 39 (78%) 4 (8%) 6 (12%) 0 (0%) 1 (2%) 50 41 (85%) 1 (2%) 2 (4%) 3 (6%) 1 (2%) 48 14. Excluding work related to a co-op program, internship, and other practical experiences, are you employed during the current academic term? Yes, both on and off campus 3% 2 Yes, off campus 32% 22 Yes, on campus 7% 5 No, but I am seeking work 26% 18 No, and I am not seeking work 32% 22 12
16. What impact has your current employment had on your academic performance? Very negative 3% 2 Somewhat negative 29% 17 No impact 44% 26 Somewhat positive 10% 6 Very positive 14% 8 Total Responses 59 17. How concerned are you about having sufficient funding to complete your university education? Not concerned, I should have sufficient funds Some concern, but I will probably have enough funds Very concerned, I may not have enough funds 25% 17 36% 24 39% 26 Total Responses 67 18. Did you have to wait to attend university because of financial concerns? Yes 32% 22 No 68% 47 13
19. Where was your permanent home before you came to The University of Winnipeg? Winnipeg 52% 36 A city in Manitoba (other than Winnipeg) 7% 5 On reserve 25% 17 Metis community 3% 2 Rural Manitoba (but not on reserve or in a Metis community) 4% 3 Other 9% 6 20. Where are you currently living? With parents, guardians, or relatives In on-campus housing (e.g., residence) In housing rented off-campus, sharing at least some of the costs with others In housing rented off-campus, paying all costs yourself In a home that you personally own 22% 15 1% 1 17% 12 39% 27 9% 6 Other 12% 8 14
21. Who do you live with? Please select all that apply: Spouse/Partner 35% 24 Child/Children 38% 26 Parents/Guardians 23% 16 Extended family 7% 5 Friends/Roommates 10% 7 Alone 17% 12 Other 7% 5 22. How satisfied are you with your current housing situation? Very Unsatisfied 20% 14 Unsatisfied 13% 9 Neutral 22% 15 Satisfied 25% 17 Very Satisfied 20% 14 15
23. What type of affordable housing would most meet your needs while attending university? Studio apartment 12% 8 1 bedroom apartment 34% 23 2 bedroom apartment 13% 9 3 bedroom apartment 7% 5 4 bedroom apartment 1% 1 House 25% 17 Other 7% 5 Total Responses 68 24. If a variety of types of student housing was available (e.g., apartments of various sizes) would you consider living in university housing? Yes 57% 39 No 42% 29 I already live in university housing 1% 1 24a. Why would you NOT consider living in university housing? The 27 response(s) to this question can be found in the appendix. 25. Do you have any children? Yes 46% 32 No 54% 37 Prefer not to say 0% 0 16
25b. Have you ever missed university class because you could not find childcare? Please answer thinking about how often per term (e.g., from September to December, or from January to April) you have missed class. Yes, less than once a month per term Yes, approximately once a month per term Yes, approximately once a week per term Yes, more than once a week per term No, I have not missed class because I could not find childcare 25% 8 9% 3 9% 3 12% 4 44% 14 Total Responses 32 25c. Who is the primary caregiver for your child/children when you are at university? School 16% 5 Daycare - licensed 34% 11 Daycare - unlicensed 0% 0 Family 19% 6 Friends 3% 1 Neighbour 0% 0 Other 28% 9 Total Responses 32 17
25d. If there was space for your child/children in The University of Winnipeg's on-campus daycare would you choose to send your child/children to the oncampus daycare? Yes 58% 18 No 29% 9 Not sure 13% 4 Total Responses 31 25e. If you were to take evening courses at The University of Winnipeg, would you require daycare services during that time? Yes 41% 13 No 44% 14 I don't know 16% 5 Total Responses 32 26. Are you aware of The Aboriginal Students Council at The University of Winnipeg? Yes 94% 29 No 6% 2 Total Responses 31 18
27. Are you a member of The Aboriginal Students Council? (To become a member, you must sign your name on the membership list located in the Aboriginal Students Services Centre)? Yes 68% 21 No 32% 10 Total Responses 31 28. The Aboriginal Students Council provides various services and resources. Which of the following are you most interested in (please check all that apply)? Advocacy on issues related to Aboriginal students 53% 17 Organizing social events 41% 13 Organizing cultural events (e.g., Pow Wow) 66% 21 Arranging for guest speakers 38% 12 Employment and volunteer opportunities Providing free access to computers, printers, and phones 47% 15 56% 18 Other 9% 3 Total Responses 32 29. What is your gender? Male 25% 17 Female 72% 50 Other 3% 2 Prefer not to say 0% 0 19
30. Are you: Married or common-law 25% 17 In a relationship (other than married or common-law) 22% 15 Single 54% 37 31. In what year were you born? 20.7% were born in 1975 or earlier (aged 36 or older) 20.6% were born between 1976 and 1980 (aged 32 35) 14% were born between 1981 and 1985 (aged 27 31) 28% were born between 1986 and 1990 (aged 22 27) 14% were born between 1991 and 1993 (aged 19 21) (missing data excluded) 32. Are you: First Nations (status) 72% 50 First Nations (non-status) 1% 1 Metis 17% 12 Inuit 3% 2 First Nations and Metis 0% 0 I do not identify as First Nations, Metis, Inuit, Aboriginal, and/or Indigenous 3% 2 Other 3% 2 20
33. What is your total annual household income? Less than $15,000 46% 31 $15,000 to $30,000 38% 26 $30,000 to $45,000 7% 5 $45,000 to $60,000 3% 2 More than $60,000 6% 4 Total Responses 68 34. Which of the following social media do you use? (Please select all that apply): Facebook 88% 59 Twitter 27% 18 LinkedIn 6% 4 Youtube 54% 36 flickr 1% 1 foursquare 0% 0 Other 10% 7 Total Responses 67 21