College Models Integration Among Academic Peers

Whitehorse – The Student Services group and First Nations Initiatives at Yukon College have been busy demonstrating to peer academic communities their new partnership model. Yukon College endeavors to use integration as a vehicle to bring the diverse student and staff population together. The integration model was presented to the academic community at Northwest Community College (NWCC) and at the national Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (CACUSS) conference in Edmonton in June.

The consortium of Yukon College presenters, which included students and staff from various departments, explained to the audiences the program initiatives that are principle in culturally integrating both students and staff together. “We are a proud community to be leading the direction on sustainable communities at a national level,” says Colleen Wirth, Director of Student Services. “Involving stakeholders is part of Yukon College’s effort in building a successful and dynamic organization within our communities.” The College’s inclusive model provides students with the capacity to assist in planning the programs. Student Services staff are cross-trained in areas so that the differing perspectives can add value to the students’ experience.

Cultural integration programs offer exposure to students and staff on drumming circles, sweat lodges, snowshoe activities, traditional food hunts and community meals. There is an elder living in the college Residence who is available to speak with students and staff. The principle intent of programming takes a holistic approach where the mind, body, and spirit are considered in the teachings of community learning. Students are encouraged to become involved in local and global activism, volunteerism, and community participation. The recent addition of a designated outdoor learning classroom, that comes with a fire pit and named after respected elder Roddy Blackjack, offers opportunities for creating different learning dynamics.

There will be more opportunities for Yukon College to present the integration model at the upcoming Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) conference at Aurora College in Yellowknife in October.

Contact:

Ann Bowen

Coordinator  College Relations

Yukon  College

867 668 8786

abowen@yukoncollege.yk.ca