Community-based program launched to help PSE student retention

First Nations University of Canada launched the Indigenous Access and Transition Education Certificate (IATEC) program in September on the Piapot First Nation as an answer to problems many students face when transitioning to PSE. Officials at FNUniv say there is a large number of students who struggle with the transition to their second year of studies. The IATEC program is 10-months long, with transitional courses in math, English and science, as well as personal and cultural university preparedness. Students can receive 30 university credits upon successful completion of the program. FNUniv has also developed the Student Transition and Retention (STAR) program. Now in its third year of operation, the program helps students transition from first to second year. Larry Gauthier, FNUniv Registrar, said that the programs help to address some of the issues that stand in the way of student success. Regina Leader-Post