The Al and Bee Wagner Indigenous Student Transition Program
Program Overview
Brandon University and the Indigenous Peoples’ Centre is proud to offer the Al and Bee Wagner Indigenous Student Transition Program. The program will focus on offering transitioning support to Indigenous students starting their education at Brandon University under four pillars; academic, social, personal and cultural.
The program is open to Indigenous students entering their first year at Brandon University. Our transition program will unlock the potential of Indigenous students by developing their academic skills and by fostering social, community and cultural supports that will increase success rates at the university level.
“The program can be for any type of student, whether if you are C student or an A student. Just having support is so amazing and it is something I would recommend for anybody.”
Students will have support from committed staff and mentors, including traditional knowledge keepers and Elders, as well as strong peer-group support. There will be a wide range of culturally appropriate supports and resources; students can take part in ceremonies.
We will have a small cohort of students so that they can benefit from personalized attention that is Brandon University’s hallmark. The cohort will meet throughout the school year to get academic support through study groups, tutors, and the Academic Skills Centre.
The cohort will have access to personal supports from Student Services Counsellors and knowledge keepers. Students will have a weekly one on one check in with the Transition Program Coordinator. Monthly social events will be held throughout the school year to bring students together to build friendships and support each other.
Students who remain in the program can become peer mentors and tutors to other Indigenous students and graduates can become ambassadors of the program and BU in the future.
“It was really helpful for me and I found out about a lot of resources that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.”
Orientation
Students accepted into the Al and Bee Wagner Indigenous Student Transition Program will take part in an orientation at the end of August. During orientation students will learn how to navigate the campus and city. We will also look at: learning to learn, learning how to study, how to do research and how to write a paper. Our orientation will help students build connections by experiencing a sense of belonging and inclusion. We will end the orientation with a social activity.
“I felt very welcome and it was nice to know someone had your back.”
Applying
Who can apply?
Canadian Indigenous first year students that have been accepted to Brandon University. There is no additional application fee for this transition program (students must still pay the application fee to the university).
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted February 1st to July 19th, 2024. Students selected into the program will be notified by July 26th, 2024.
How to apply
Applying is simple. Please complete and submit the following online form
Please note the following:
- Please ensure that you have applied for admissions with Brandon University before applying to The Al and Bee Wagner Indigenous Student Transition Program. If you have not applied to Brandon University you can do so here
- Applicants are encouraged to self-identify as a Canadian Indigenous person.
- We ask all applicants to write a short letter answering the following questions as part of the completed application:
- Please tell us about yourself, where you come from and where you call home.
- Please tell us your educational goals.
- Why do you want to be in the Al and Bee Wagner Indigenous Student Transition Program?
- What are your plans after graduation?
Indigenous Transition Program Coordinator
Deidre Gregory
GregoryD@BrandonU.ca
Phone: 204-727-9623
Cell: 204-724-4581