Services
Whether you are a new or returning student, we are excited for you to join our community! While COVID-19 has us learning, studying and working online, there are still ways to connect to the Indigenous community at TMU!
The TMU Aboriginal Student Services (RASS) team endeavors to provide a culturally supportive environment to promote academic excellence and serve as a place to balance academic learning with traditional teachings and culture.
We understand that the transition to online learning and news of the pandemic overall may lead you to feel anxious, fearful and frustrated. As well, it must be raising questions about what to do and how you will complete the semester.
Even though we cannot meet in person, our staff are still available to our Indigenous students to answer any questions they may have. Please contact a member of our team.
How we support the Indigenous students
At RASS we use circle of support, web-based models. Our aim is to support students in a way that is fluid and connected from the moment of their application to their graduation. This means that instead of seeing one person for one matter, and another person for another, the RASS team works with one other to assist students in a wholistic way, both within our space and in relationship with other resources on campus.
All of our Indigenous students have access to the services we provide such as academic advising and referral, bursary and scholarship information, writing support, tutor assistance, financial planning and more.
Indigenous Traditional Counselling
Indigenous students can connect with RASS’s Traditional Counsellor who provides traditional counselling and “wholistic” support inclusive of one’s physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being. Students can also get in touch to learn more about talking circles, workshops and ceremonies.
Counselling support in collaboration with the Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC)
Starting in fall 2021, counselling support provided by an Indigenous counsellor is available for Indigenous students and is being offered as part of the university’s response to the ongoing uncovering of undocumented burial sites at Indian Residential Schools. The continued uncovering of undocumented burial sites adds further layers to the intergenerational/historical trauma experienced collectively by the Indigenous community. It is the collective responsibility of the campus community to create spaces that centre Indigenous students, faculty and staff and to attend to the community's grief and anger with healing and action.
The CSDC is working in collaboration with Aboriginal Initiatives and RASS to offer counselling support to Indigenous students. Lisa Lafreniere (Indigenous trauma counsellor, nutritionist, and social worker) is available and can connect with students.
Get in touch with Jean to make an appointment
Indigenous students looking to learn more or book an appointment can contact Jean Tsai (Co-Coordinator, CSDC) at j.tsai@torontomu.ca.
Academic referrals
RASS is available to support Indigenous students who need assistance with course selection, to discuss course load or to talk about their academic goals.
Tutoring and academic support
RASS can support Indigenous students who are struggling with their academic courses, we can also set you up with an academic tutor.
Admissions support and advocacy
Through our partnership with the TMU Admissions Office, RASS’s provides a unique, "wrap around" admissions process for Aboriginal learners. The RASS team works closely with the Aboriginal Academic Support Advisor to provide seamless support to Aboriginal peoples interested in applying to TMU's academic programs. If you are looking to submit an application to TMU, please contact us.
Financial planning
Our team can assist Indigenous students in identifying available financial resources information and assistance in applying for Aboriginal sponsorship. They can also help you understand how to complete bursary and scholarship applications. Contact one of two members of our team:
Get in touch with Diane (Aboriginal Learning Support Facilitator)
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 553326
Email: dsimone@torontomu.ca
Room: KHW-389-B
Availability: Monday to Friday | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Orientation to the university
Planned in partnership with our Aboriginal Peer Supporters, the RASS team can provide Indigenous students with an orientation to TMU. You’ll have the opportunity to meet other Indigenous students and staff, learn about our programs and services and support to help you attain your personal and academic goals.
Get in touch with the Aboriginal Peer Support team
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 556660
Email: abpeers@torontomu.ca
Availability: Monday to Friday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: KHW-372