nitôncipâmin omâ
nitôncipâmin omâ ("We are Here")
Student Success Program
University of Regina
The nitôncipâmin omâ (Oma) program is an initiative designed for Aboriginal student success through engagement and thus retention at the University of Regina. Through culturally relevant facilitation and support for first-year students, the likelihood of successful course completion and progress through their academic program is enhanced.
This cohort model includes 20 Aboriginal students who move through their first year of studies at the University of Regina as a group. Oma participants register in the same course sections for all base courses during their first year. These students also meet regularly to discuss transitioning to university, group study initiatives, and participate in integrated student success programming.
This cohort is supported by an Aboriginal Success Facilitator who attends all base classes with the cohort, facilitates study sessions, acts as a mediator between instructors and students, makes referrals to all university services and promotes student engagement. The Aboriginal Student Centre provides the Oma students with culturally relevant supports, workshops, advocacy, career related transitioning, study space, printers, computers, etc.
The Oma program has been in operation since the Fall 2010 semester. Aboriginal student retention rates in the Oma program have far exceeded previous post-secondary retention rates. In 2010-2011 for example, 70% of Oma students continued working on their degree requirements upon completion of their first year of studies, and during 2011-2012 it is estimated that 93% of Oma students will successfully complete their first year of studies. Given this success, the University of Regina expects to continue facilitating this program in the future. This program connects to the broader University of Regina Strategic Plan as it relates to culturally relevant services, engagement and retention.
Oma Program Video- http://www.isuma.tv/nitoncipamin-oma/nit%C3%B4ncip%C3%A2min-om%C3%A2-stu...
Oma Program Media Coverage - http://www.isuma.tv/lo/en/nitoncipamin-oma/ctv-indigenous-circle-oma-pro...
About You
About You
First Name
Bettina
Last Name
Welsh
Confirm a user name that will be displayed publicly to identify your entry
bettinawelsh
About You, Your Group, or Your Organization
Name
University of Regina
Country
Canada
Please confirm that this project could benefit First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples
Yes
Twitter URL
Facebook URL
Youtube URL
What categories best describe who your group or organization serves (check all that apply)
First Nations people, Métis people, Inuit people, First Nations, Métis and Inuit people.
What best describes your group or organization
University, Technical Institute or College.
How long have you, your group, or your organization been operating?
More than 5 years
Innovation
Name Your Entry
nitôncipâmin omâ
Tell us the story of your idea or project
nitôncipâmin omâ ("We are Here")
Student Success Program
University of Regina
The nitôncipâmin omâ (Oma) program is an initiative designed for Aboriginal student success through engagement and thus retention at the University of Regina. Through culturally relevant facilitation and support for first-year students, the likelihood of successful course completion and progress through their academic program is enhanced.
This cohort model includes 20 Aboriginal students who move through their first year of studies at the University of Regina as a group. Oma participants register in the same course sections for all base courses during their first year. These students also meet regularly to discuss transitioning to university, group study initiatives, and participate in integrated student success programming.
This cohort is supported by an Aboriginal Success Facilitator who attends all base classes with the cohort, facilitates study sessions, acts as a mediator between instructors and students, makes referrals to all university services and promotes student engagement. The Aboriginal Student Centre provides the Oma students with culturally relevant supports, workshops, advocacy, career related transitioning, study space, printers, computers, etc.
The Oma program has been in operation since the Fall 2010 semester. Aboriginal student retention rates in the Oma program have far exceeded previous post-secondary retention rates. In 2010-2011 for example, 70% of Oma students continued working on their degree requirements upon completion of their first year of studies, and during 2011-2012 it is estimated that 93% of Oma students will successfully complete their first year of studies. Given this success, the University of Regina expects to continue facilitating this program in the future. This program connects to the broader University of Regina Strategic Plan as it relates to culturally relevant services, engagement and retention.
Oma Program Video- http://www.isuma.tv/nitoncipamin-oma/nit%C3%B4ncip%C3%A2min-om%C3%A2-stu...
Oma Program Media Coverage - http://www.isuma.tv/lo/en/nitoncipamin-oma/ctv-indigenous-circle-oma-pro...
Define your idea / project in 1-2 short sentences
The nitôncipâmin omâ (Oma) program is an initiative designed for Aboriginal student success through engagement and thus retention at the University of Regina.
Select the stage that best applies to your solution
Growth (the project is up and running and is starting to move forward)
Social Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
Please tell us about the social impact of your idea or proect
It is believed that the nitôncipâmin omâ (Oma)program contributes to the well-being of the individual participants, their families, and the Aboriginal community through increased education levels and self-empowerment. The University community also benefits from the increased collaboration with Aboriginal students and staff.
Your Future Goal(s): Tell us what you hope to achieve with your idea or project in the next year
All Oma student successfully complete their first-year of studies
In 5 years, what will be different as a result of your idea/project?
There will be a proven program that incorporates culturally inclusive supports for Aboriginal students. This program will continue to grow into a Leadership/Mentorship program that includes second, third, fouth, Graduate, and PhD students, along with community partners.
Sustainability
Tell us about the people/ partnerships that are already involved and why they are important to your idea or project.
The Oma program has been in operation since 2010. This program is supported by the Aboriginal Student Centre, the Aboriginal Career Centre, and Student Affairs. There are many on campus partners that assist with programming for students and Faculty support.
If there are other people/partners that you will reach out to tell us who they are and why they will be important to your idea or project.
Approximately 100 words left (800 characters).
Describe the kinds of support you receive (other than money) or will need to support your idea or project (e.g.: donated, space, equipment and volunteers)
Currently this program operates out of the Aboriginal Student Centre at the University of Regina. Adequate study space is challenging, however, this program utilizes the University wide resources in order to accommodate current needs.
Do you currently have funding for your idea or project?
No (skip next two questions)
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| oma_program_brochure_2011-2012_page_1.jpg | 380.79 KB |
| oma_program_brochure_2011-2012_page_2.jpg | 327.05 KB |
 | 17 weeks agoBettina Welsh updated this Competition Entry. |
| 17 weeks agoBettina Welsh submitted this idea. |
