ISSC
Indigenous Student
Success Certificate
Together, we'll build your Iniskim experience on a strong foundation
Not sure you have the grades or foundation to get into university? Want to start university after working, raising children, caring for family or another absence? Explore the Indigenous Student Success Certificate (ISSC) at the University of Lethbridge!
Rooted in Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Learning (IWKL), the ISSC helps Indigenous students gain the academic skills to enter into, and succeed at, ULethbridge.
About ISSC
What is the ISSC?
The ISSC is a full-time, first-year program for Indigenous students who may not meet ULethbridge admission requirements, have been away from school for a long period or who would prefer the support of a cohort. The eight-month program (September to April) provides:
- courses that count toward your degree
- cultural & peer support
- academic advising
- academic skills development
As an ISSC student you will be in a group (cohort) for your first year.
What can I learn in ISSC?
- Skills for academic success
- Effective writing techniques
- Library research and information gathering
- Mathematics and computer skills
- Creative-thinking techniques
- How to blend health, life and career
- How to bridge cultures and build knowledge in different subjects
- How to blend the wisdom of Indigenous culture into your university experience
- How to include IWKL in the sciences, social sciences, humanities and fine arts
Who is ISSC for?
The ISSC may be a good option if you:
- do not meet ULethbridge admission requirements
- have been away from school for a long period
- would prefer the support of group learning
For admission to the ISSC, you must:
- be a self-identified Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) person
- hold credit for certain high school (or equivalent) courses OR have been out of high school for at least one year
Contact us! Admission to the ISSC is on a case-by-case basis.
How do I get into ISSC?
- Speak with an Enrolment Officer or EleV Navigator
- Apply before the August 31 deadline
Admission into the ISSC is on a case-by-case basis.
There is no fee to apply.
What happens after ISSC?
Most ISSC courses count toward a degree, so you may continue into a ULethbridge degree program upon completing the ISSC successfully. Our Faculties and Schools offer more than 150 programs:
- Faculty of Arts & Science
- Faculty of Fine Arts
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Dhillon School of Business
Your learning facilitator and advisors will help you consider your options!
Find a circle of support at ULethbridge
Meet (a few members of) your Iniskim community
Shining Student Carrie Yellow Horn
Shining Student Piitakomii (Eagle Calling) Marla Medicine Shield, Addictions Counselling major
ULethbridge Indigenous students discover cultural connections through Mexican Mayan exchange
Siipoimoststa, Santanita Oka (BHSc '16), Indigenous mental health outreach worker, Iikaisskini Indigenous Services
How the Indigenous Student Success Cohort Helped Shining Student Siksiikakoan, Shane McDougall Thrive
Student-led Roots of Growth project reaches maturation with official launch
Indigenous Student
Enrolment Officer
EleV Kainai
Education Navigator
EleV Piikani
Education Navigator
EleV Siksika
Education Navigator