Education Programs
Key First Nation
Post Secondary Education Assistance Program Polocy
COPYRIGHT 1995 BY THE KEY FIRST NATION
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the Key First Nation.
Amended January 22, 2002
Amended June 4, 2004
The Post Secondary Assistance Program as administered by the Key First Nation on behalf of its members will be to fulfil Treaty Obligations as a collective right by encouraging and assisting Treaty/Status Indians of Key First Nation.
- To maintain their Treaty rights to post-secondary education.
- To graduate with qualifications and skills needed to pursue individual careers and interests.
- And/or contribute to the achievement of Indian self-government. This commitment includes financial assistance as outlined in the policy.
In this policy the ‘Committee' refers to the KFNPSE Committee and all decisions of the Committee are subject to review by the Chief and Council. All decisions with respect to approval of funding will be initially made by the Committee but will be reviewed, approved, and ratified by the Chief and Council. The Chief and Band council are the governing body and will make all final decisions in relation to eligibility amounts or levels of funding as based on KFNPSE Policy.
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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ASSISTANCE
- The student must be a registered/member of the Key First Nation for whom it administers the Post Secondary Education program.
- To verify student's status, students must submit a photocopy of status card or a letter from INAC confirming their registration.
- The program must have a grade 12 as an entrance requirement.
- The student must be accepted or enrolled in a provincially recognized post secondary institution. (Affiliations to institutes are not acceptable.)
- The program must be longer than 8 months in length, lead to a diploma, certificate or a degree.
- Support will be provided within the limit of funds allocated by Indian and Northern Affairs. If support for the number of eligible applicants exceeds the budget, applications will be deferred according to the rules set out in the KFNPSE Policy.
- Students are required to sign the contract included with the post secondary application.
A. Level of Education
Level I - University/College Prep.
Program, University Entrance Program
(A maximum of 8 funding months.)
Level II - Community College/Technical Programs
(A maximum of 16 funding months)
Level III - Undergraduate Programs
(A maximum of 32 funding months)
Level IV - Second Degree (A maximum of 16 additional funding
months)
Level V - Professional Programs as set out by Institution
- Masters, PH.D & Doctorate
Part –Time Status
- 11 credits hours or less per semester
- Books, tuition, applicant registration fees will paid.
- This will not affect student-funding months available.
Full – Time Status (12 credit hours or more per semester)
- Books, tuition, applicant registration fees, and living allowance wil be paid.
C. Students are required to enroll only in classes that are mandatory for successful completion of their program. Classes that are taken only to be eligible for full time status will not be allowed.
D. Students enrolled in programs, that are “work at your own pace” will be only funded according to the institutes expected completion date. Any additional time required to complete the program will not be considered for additional funding. A contract will be signed by the student outlining a timeframe in which the program must be completed.
E. Students will be funded to a maximum of eight funding months per year.
F. Spring/Summer
semester:
Students will only be funded under these conditions:
- Student is in final year of program and will graduate after summer session.
- Required program classes are not offered in regular session.
G. Students may be assisted for up to one additional year per level for medical (doctors certified) or personal reasons.
H. Level V (Professional Programs)
The following guidelines shall apply:
- A contract will be signed by the student outlining a time frame in which the program must be completed.
- Funding arrangements will be based on the length of the Institutions program.
- Part time-only tuition, books, applicant fees, and thesis costs will be paid.
- Full time-tuition, books, applicant fees, thesis costs, and living allowance will be paid.
I. Program Transfers:
Students who transfer programs or
institutions require approval of the Post Secondary KFNPSE Committee prior
to approval of additional funding.
J. Students will be advised of student funding months upon approval of funding.
K. Tutor Support:
- Tutorial assistance must be supported by the written advice of the Dean, Professor, or Academic Advisor or KFNPSE Committee.
- Tutors must be academically proficient in the area of the students study(s), at the descretion of the Key First Nation Post Secondary Coordinator or Key First Nation Post-Secondary Committee.
- Students must submit a receipt to be reimbursed to a maximum of $100.00 for an eight-month period of tutorial support.
L. Book Allowance:
Students will be given $250.00 per semester. Any amounts
over and above will be reimbursed upon receipt. Book allowance will only
cover required reading materials as set out by the Post Secondary Institute
in attendance. Students are encouraged to donate used textbooks to the Post
Secondary department.
M. Student(s) enrolled and accepted into the programs of Level 1 are required to take a minimum of four (4) classess or twelve (12) credits per semester
N. Students who exceed their limit of funding months will be eligible for tuition and books only based upon KFNPSE Policy or KFNPSE Committee support approval.
PRIOITIZATION OF APPROVAL OF APPLICATIONS
A. Priorities for approval of applications shall be based on the following
categories with Group 1 being the first set of applications to be approved.
The priorities are based on student funding application deadlines. Applicants
must fill out an application and sent in to reapply. Reapplication must be
completed for every semester prior to the deadline dates:
FEBRUARY 28 - SPRING/SUMMER
JUNE 30 - FALL
OCTOBER 30 - WINTER
Group 1
- Regular grade 12 graduates entering regular post-secondary programs (Not University Entrance Programs)
Group 2
- Continuing students with a least the minimum grade point average requirements for program completion.
Group 3
- Students returning after a personal & medical leave of absence.
- University Entrance Programs, Transfer Year Programs & University Access Programs.
- Mature students.
Group 4
- Students in second degrees and professional degrees.
Group 5
- Readmitted "Required to Discontinue" students.
- Students with overpayments who have not been funded for the obligatory two years.
- Students who have repaid mandatory overpayments.
B. Once applicants received a priority category, they will be wait listed
according to the date they applied.
C. Wait listed students who pay their own fees for one academic year will
be considered as returning students as in Group 2 provided marks are as per
program requirements.
D. Post Secondary Education Graduates:
Graduates are required to sit out
or be employed for a minimum of two years after the time of graduation or
the completion of their chosen program.
E. Professional Programs:
students entering professional
programs immediately after the successful completion of their undergraduate
degree will be considered for funding, providing all requirements are met,
also if the program costs are within budget.
A. Every effort should be made by Key First Nation Post Secondary to recover overpayments to students who misuse funding.
B. An annual report and financial review of Post Secondary funds will be made available to Key First Nation Membership.
C. When an abuser of Post Secondary funds is discovered, the following procedures will be followed:
- An investigation by the Post Secondary Coordinator into the situation.
- Write a letter to the individual stating the findings supported by documented information.
- If the student is, in fact, found to be an abuser, the student will no longer receive any kind of financial assistance from the program for three years.
D. Three-strike Infraction Rule:
This is subject to any
combination of the three mentioned infractions: the three-strike infraction
rule is in effect. This means after a student incurs three of the infractions
in section E the student will be reviewed by the KFNPSE Committee subject
to receiving further funding.
E. Infractions:
Students will be responsible for paying course cost for
any classes from which they withdrew. This includes no papers (NP's), incompletes
(INC's), and classes dropped after the institutional deadline date.
F. Medical Withdrawals:
Students will be exempt from
paying course costs for any classes they withdrew for certified medical reasons.
The institution must honour medical reasons in attendance. A medical withdrawal
will include all classes in which the student has registered for that term.
Students with medical withdrawals will be classified as Group 2 for one year.
Any student requiring more time off will be required to submit a new medical
documentation.
G. Overpayments:
Overpayments are not to exceed the maximum of $500.00 and
are to be repaid by the end of the semester. If a student does not repay,
they will be removed from funding and will be eligible to reapply after three
years. They will be the last category to be considered for funding. They
will not be eligible for an extension of funding beyond the normal course
completion dates. In addition, they will have to go on probation with Key
First Nation Post Secondary regarding progress and attendance for one academic
year.
H. Mandatory Overpayment:
The individual must repay
the overpayment. A mandatory overpayment shall be enforced in the event that
an individual receives financial support from the Post Secondary program
without committee approval. A mandatory overpayment is warranted in specific
cases of abuse.
I. Reimbursements:
Reimbursements will only be considered for students that
have been pre-approved by the KFNPSE Committee. Students who pay for their
education costs without placing application to the Post Secondary Education
will not be eligible for reimbursements.
A. The following structure will be maintained in determining living allowances:
| Monthly Allowances ($) | |
| 1. Single Student | 800.00 |
| 2. Married student with employed spouse with 1 dependent with 2 dependents with 3 dependents $50 per month for each additional dependent |
800.00 |
| 3. Married student with dependent spouse with 1 additional dependent with 2 additional dependents with 3 additional dependents $50 per month for each additional dependent |
895.00 1045.00 1205.00 1355.00 |
| 4. Single student with 1 dependent with 2 dependents with 3 dependents $50 per month for each additional dependent |
1045.00 1205.00 1355.00 |
| 5. Joint Custody Student with 1 dependent with 2 dependents with 3 dependents $25 per month for each additional dependent |
860.00 940.00 1015.00 |
B. Spouses will be considered dependent if they work 20 hours or less a week.
C. Married status will also include common-law couples.
D. Definition of a dependent child is one that is under the student's care. If a child is over 16, he/she must be in school attendance. (If anyone is receiving funding for the care of the dependent, the Post Secondary student is disqualified from claiming this dependent.) A copy of a current health card must be provided before funding for dependent(s) is approved.
E. Joint Custody
A Custody Court Order must be provided by the student in addition to regular
documentation in order to qualify for extra funding.
A. Includes student's fees for registration, tuition, tutorials, initial professional certification and examination fees, Criminal record check (must be a requirement for course), one time application fees (receipt must be submitted) and the cost of books and supplies, which are listed as required by the post secondary institution. Key First Nation has the flexibility to adjust tuition support to meet the needs of the students.
B. Private or Foreign Institutions:
Students attending
private or foreign (including out-of-province) post secondary institutions
will be eligible for support at the same rate charged by the Canadian public
institution in Canada nearest to the student's place of residence which offers
a comparable program at the time of application.
C. Students enrolled in a foreign institution will be eligible for support at the same rate charged by a Canadian institution for that particular program. Funds to be paid in Canadian dollars will include tuition, books, applicant fees, and living allowance.
D. Institution Scholarships:
Students who obtain scholarships
to attend a certain institution will be eligible for extra funding if needed.
All regulations governing eligible students, programs, and institutions must
be met.
E. Fees paid to accredited private institutions will be comparable to those paid to the public post secondary institutions. The student will be responsible for the remainder and will be informed.
F. If a student chooses electives that are expensive compared to regular class costs, a letter must be submitted to the KFNPSE Committee for prior approval. Regular class costs will determine the support given.
A. Graduation Assistance
The graduation allowance will be based as follows:
- Certificate: $200.00
- Diploma: $300.00
- Degree: $500.00
- Second Degree $500.00
- Masters $500.00
B. Practicum
A one-time grant of $400.00 to defray cost of practicum is available. The practicum must be a required part of the student's program. In the event that there are a number of practicums that the student must serve, the student must choose for which practicum he/she wishes to receive the grant. The student must not be eligible for practicum funding from any other course.
Advances were defined as monies that have to be deducted from future student allowance payments. A letter must be submitted to the Coordinator stating the purpose of the advance. Advances should be payable in the following situations:
A. To cover a damage deposit one time only during the duration of their program with a receipt to be submitted. Not to exceed $300.00.
B. To cover emergency medical expenses. There is to be a $100.00 limit, and it is to be given at the discretion of the Post Secondary Education Coordinator.
C. No advance will be given to students who are on probation or who may be otherwise in danger of being asked to discontinue their program. This will be in effect if the advance cannot be recovered in total by the end of that funding period.
A. Students with special needs (i.e. disabled persons) will qualify for special needs funding related to the individual's post secondary program.
B. In the family unit, Key First Nation makes available assistance not elsewhere provided for recognized handicaps, disabilities, and special needs. This assistance is to be provided to enable the eligible student to precede with his/her studies.
C. A Special monthly allowance will be given to diabetics who need special foods for their diet for up to a maximum of $100.00 per allowance. A doctor's certificate must be received before any special allowance is given.
D. Assessment to be conducted by Post Secondary Coordinator and Committee.
A. Every student has a right to appeal a decision regarding funding to the KFNPSE Committee.
B. The student must reply within 14 days after the committees decision.
C. The matter must be referred in writing to the Post Secondary Education Program Coordinator and/or Committee members who must reply within 7 days to that appeal.
D. The student must attend the appeal process in person, or designate, if not possible, by conference call. If the student or designate is not present, the appeal is terminated.
E. The Appeal Committee shall consist of members of one Committee member, a Chief or Councillor, an elder and an independent Band member with a Grade 12 education, General Equivalency Diploma equivalent or be a post-secondary graduate. No representation by the Appeal Committee shall be appointed from the student's immediate family. Immediate family consists of grandparents, parents, siblings, children, and spouse or common-law spouse. The Appeal Committee shall be given 7 days to review the Policy before their final decision.
F. The appeal committee guidelines must be strictly enforced.
G. When a student's application for funding has been refused because there are no funds, the appeal process is not applicable. A letter will be sent informing the student as to their status on the wait list.
H. The Appeal Committee's decision is final.
A. The student submits by registered mail a written report with supporting documentation to both the Post Secondary Coordinator & KFNPSE Committee. The student will send copies to whomever he/she feels shall require knowledge of the situation expecting the appropriate confidentiality to be maintained.
B. The KFNPSE Committee will recommend a decision at the next regularly
scheduled meeting and their decision is subject to review and approval by
the Chief and Council, with the Chief and Council having the authority to
substitute its decision for that of the Committee
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A. There shall be an annual policy review every April 15.
B. The policy review committee shall consist of the KFNPSE Committee and the Chief and council.
C. Chief and Council shall appoint committee members after making application for Committee membership. There are no limits in terms served by the Elder. Committee members could be full time or successful graduates. Post secondary students are encouraged to submit committee applications. Attendance at post secondary education meetings is mandatory. Failure to attend two (2) consecutive Committee meetings will result in immediate dismissal.
D. Committee members and Committee Elder shall be accountable to the Chief and Council and to all post secondary students by maintaining good conduct and by being approachable by all the students. Committee members who have been Required to Discontinue will automatically be removed from the KFNPSE Committee.
E. Expenses are to be paid from Key First Nation post secondary funds.
F. An allowable expense for the committee is a per diem of $50.00 for the month.
G. Students are encouraged to submit policy recommendations to the KFNPSE Committee for future discussion.
H. KFNPSE committee will meet at least once a month.
A. The following scholarships and incentives shall be made available to Key First Nation students.
1. Academic Award - $500.00
Eligible students must be enrolled full time in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year and receiving the highest marks in any field or faculty. Awards would be based on previous academic year's grades. Eligible students must have a G.P.A. of at least 70%. The committee will award to the student with the highest G.P.A.
2. Entrance Award - $500.00
To be given to regular academic grade 12 students receiving the highest marks and entering directly into a regular post secondary program. Eligible students must have graduated by June 30 of the current year. They must be accepted as a regular full-time student in a recognized post secondary institution in the year they graduated from grade 12 (not University Entrance Prep or Pre-Tech).
3. Undergraduate Incentives - $500.00
To be awarded to one student with the highest G.P.A. in the following programs listed:
- Commerce
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Law
- Engineering
- Journalism
- Medicine
- Applied/Physical Science
| · Nursing | · Genetics |
| · Physiotherapy | · Agriculture |
| · Dentistry | · Veterinarian |
| · Speech Pathologist | · Physics |
| · Biology | · Chemistry |
These scholarships should be ongoing and available after the student is accepted into the faculty and maintains a G.P.A. of 70%. A letter of acceptance from the faculty must be submitted along with application.
4. Professional Programs - $500.00
Incentives are to be given to students enrolled in graduate programs. A one-time grant will be given after the successful completion of one year and an acceptable G.P.A. of 70%. Students program must be longer than one year.
A. The KFNPSE Committee is to be in charge of distributing the scholarships and incentives.
B. In the event that a student qualifies for all scholarships and incentives, that student will receive one of his/her choice.
C. The amounts of the scholarships shall be determined by the KFNPSE Committee in the amounts specified in the policy.
D. Scholarships in every category are to be given every year.
E. Students on the wait list paying their own fees should be considered for scholarships and incentives. To be eligible, these students must be considered full-time by the institution where they are enrolled.
No confidential information regarding students shall be released unless conflict arises. Information is released to the KFNPSE Committee and PSE Coordinator if and when students involve them in the conflict. The student will be advised of information released and will be given copies of the information that is released. The student, Post Secondary Coordinator, and the KFNPSE Committee should decide what information could be released. Non-confidential information that can be released in reports is student's names. Student names will be released in all KFNPSE Committee meetings, so that unbiased decisions are made.
Budget summary information shall be released in newsletter once a year following the end of the fiscal year March 31. The budget is the responsibility of the KFNPSE Committee.
The KFNPSE Committee and or the Chief and Council must approve all financial expenditures.
Funding Application Deadlines
Deadline dates are as follows:
February 28 - Spring/ Summer
June 30 - Fall
October 30 - Winter
| Committee Structure | Address | Phone |
| Chief
Isabel O'Soup Ex-Official |
C/O
Box 70 Norquay, SK S0A 2V0 Email:ijosoup@yahoo.ca |
(306) 594-2866 |
| Fred
Brass Councillor |
C/O
Box 70 Norquay, SK S0A 2V0 |
(306) 594-2020 |
| Fernie
O'Soup Councillor |
C/O
Box 70 Norquay, SK S0A 2V0 |
(306) 594-2393 |
| Pearl
Papequash Committee Elder |
C/O
Box 70 Norquay, SK S0A 2V0 |
(306) 594-2555 |
| Felix
Keshane Committee Member |
C/O
Box 70 Norquay, SK S0A 2V0 |
(306) 594-2968 |
| Allan
O'Soup Committee Member |
PO
Box 626 Canora, SK S0A OlO |
(306) 594-2637 |
| Burton
O'Soup Committee Member |
3871 33rd Street West Saskatoon, SK S71 5W4 |
(306) 987-9865 |
| Vonda Papequash Committee Member |
C/O
Box 70 Norquay, SK S0A 2V0 |
(306) 594-2476 |
Robert M. Brass |
C/O Box 70 Norquay, SK S0A 2V0 |
(306) 594-2866 |
| Angela Desjarlais Director of Education |
C/O Box 70 Norquay, SK S0A 2V0 Email:agdesjarlais@yahoo.ca |
(306) 594-2020 |
Assistance
Application Form (new application)
Assistance Application Form (continuing application)
CIBC Bank Deposit Authorization
TERMS OF REFERENCE:
“Academic Year” is as defined by the post secondary institutions but usually not less than eight months in length.
“Post Secondary Education” means a program of studies, offered by a recognized post secondary institution, for which completion of secondary school studies (Grade 12) or its equivalent is normally a prerequisite.
“Post Secondary Institutions” are degree, diploma, and certificate granting institutions that are recognized by provincial authorities and include educational initiations affiliated with, or delivering accredited programs by arrangements with, a post-secondary institution.
“Public Institution” is a post-secondary institution which receives the majority of its funding from federal and provincial governments.
“Semester” refers to a part of the academic year, as defined by the post-secondary institution. Semesters usually cover the periods from September to December, January to April, and May to August.
“Dependant” means a person other than a spouse, who is dependant upon the student as defined by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. The definition includes a residency provision whereby a “dependant” must be living with and is supported by the student.
“Dependant Spouse” is a person who is married to the student for a period of at least one year prior to application for assistance, and is dependant on the student. This includes common-law relationships
“Family Unit” includes children and spouse.
“UEP” is University Entrance Program.
“UAP” is University Access Program.
“TYP” is Transfer Year Program.
“Waitlist” in the event that the number of applications exceeds the budget, students will be placed on a list until funds become available. Waitlists are terminated after every semester.
“RTD” is a person required to discontinue from the Post Secondary Institution.
“Abuser” a student deliberately concealing his/her actions and other pertinent information which would reduce or terminate his/her financial sponsorship in any area of funding under this program.
“Graduate Student” is a student certified by the post-secondary institution as enrolled in a graduate program.
“Personal” to be dealt directly with that individual's needs.
“Probation” to be kept under monitoring regarding marks and attendance.
“Suspension” to be revoked of any type of financial assistance from the Post-Secondary Program until a certain time.
“Special Grants” graduation assistance, practicum costs.
“Special Needs” student with special needs, such as, disabled person, diabetics, etc.
“Immediate Family Members” includes spouse, mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter and grandparents.
“GPA” grade point average.
“KFNPSE” KFNPSE.
Key Band
P.O. Box 70
Norquay, Saskatchewan
Canada
S0A 2V0
Phone: (306) 594-2020
Fax: (306) 594-2545
© Copyright 2005 Key First Nation
- Norquay, Saskatchewan CANADA,
All rights reserved