Aboriginal Student Access Program (ASAP)

Program Description

The Native Centre at the University of Calgary has developed the Aboriginal Student Access Program (ASAP), a transition year access program for Aboriginal students.  ASAP offers two levels of study with core courses at the post-secondary level.  As well, the program offers advising and includes cultural, peer and tutorial support.  This is a full-time university program which may qualify for student loans and funding.

Program Objectives

The purpose of ASAP is to provide an alternate access route for Aboriginal students moving from high school or upgrading programs to post-secondary degree programs.  The program is designed to give students the foundations they need, as well as assisting in the selection of relevant post-secondary option courses for each student's target program.

Admission Requirements

ASAP is designed for students of Aboriginal ancestry (First Nations, Métis and Inuit).  Students interested in ASAP should have completed university entrance requirements at the high-school level.  Students currently enrolled in upgrading programs may take ASAP classes in combination with their upgrading classes, as long as they will be finished upgrading by the end of their second semester in ASAP.  Students will need to provide transcripts from high school, upgrading or other post-secondary programs.  An intake interview will take place to determine student goals and to conduct some preliminary assessment.

Open Studies Options

Students will be able to select up to two university credit-level courses from Open Studies.  All Open Studies courses will fulfill program requirements for students' target programs.

Schulich School of Engineering

The number of Aboriginal engineers in Alberta and in Canada at large is much smaller than it could and should be. The Schulich School has a special admission process for Aboriginal applicants. There are several spaces in both first and second year set aside for Aboriginal applicants. Aboriginal students are strongly encouraged to apply to the Schulich School, which also works with students who are interested in engineering and are in the process of upgrading their high school education either through Mount Royal College's Aboriginal Education Program or any other upgrading program. Read more.

Bow Valley College Upgrading Courses

Depending on students' target programs, some high school upgrading courses may be required.  These courses are offered through Bow Valley College.  (Note: High school equivalency classes may also be taken at other educational institutions, but must be recognized by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer - see: www.acat.gov.ab.ca/pdfs/AcadUpgrading.pdf

Contact

For more information, phone: 403-220-5975, or email: ASAP@ucalgary.ca