STUDENTS NEEDING ACADMENIC ACCOMODATIONS
Ontario colleges and universities are required to provide a variety of supports for students to help them be successful.
- Contact your Student Accessibility Centre for more information.
- For information about the supports that are available and how to access them, the Government of Ontario has several resources online at: Transition Resource Guide
- For information about your rights in Ontario colleges and universities, go to: Barrier Free Education For Students With Disabilities
The Ontario Native Education Counsellors Association has information about how to get additional supports. Visit:
Finding Support for School for more information
CONNECTING FOR SUCCESS
Everyone needs some help at one time or another. The following are services found in most post-secondary institutions and in the community.
- Student services
- Indigenous support services
- Finance Office
- Post-Secondary funding counsellor
- Academic advisor
- Mentor / Tutor
- Health Services
- Family Doctor
- Your family and friends
Use the My Contacts form at Resources and Additional Information to write down contact information for these people and services.
Accessing the available resources in my college such as cultural rooms, the Indigenous student advisor, the campus elder, my peers, my professors, and program coordinator allowed me to create my own support system in the facility that was easily accessible and created a sense of security for myself in this new chapter of my life.
Indigenous Support Services
Along with student services for all students, Ontario colleges and universities have Indigenous support centres. These centres may offer the following:
- Cultural activities
- Occasional food and drop-in feasts
- Elder support and guidance
- Study tips (i.e., essay writing, managing time, meeting deadlines and meeting your personal goals)
Orientation Activities
- College and university programs usually have orientations in September. This is a good place to meet new friends and familiarize yourself with the campus, programs and supports offered by your school.
- Some orientations for Indigenous students are held off-campus in various urban centres.
Participating in cultural events on my campus allowed me to connect with these supports on a personal level while also connecting to my culture. Connecting to my culture was also important in ensuring my well-being and creating the balance between traditional and contemporary life that many of us Indigenous students often are faced with.
Mackenzie Young, Mattagami First Nation
Northern College Graduate – Social Services Program