Contact or leave a message for GRPSEO staff via direct lines and e mail (see link above)

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The Grand River Post Secondary Education Organization therefore exists to empower Onkwehon:we through higher education, within available resources.

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GRPSEO Governance and Operations

A Memorandum of Understanding (1992), between the Six Nations Council (elected) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) provides for the local administration of the Post Secondary Student Support Program.    

The Post Secondary Board is mandated to direct the operation of the Grand River Post Secondary Education Office (GRPSEO). 

Post Secondary Board policy begins with the understanding that the moral ownership of the Grand River Post Secondary Education Organization are Onkwehon:we with Grand River Territory lineage.

Board Policy is based on the belief and vision that acquiring knowledge, skills, capabilities, and confidence empower individuals to be self-sufficient and contribute to their communities and society at large. Post Secondary education provides a path to do this.   

Board policy clearly states organizational expectations including limitations placed on operations.  

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Core Functions of the GRPSEO   The GRPSEO provides encouragement and student support services to Onkwehon:we students throughout their post secondary education experience. Student responsibilities are defined at the beginning of the GRPSEO/student relationship in order to ensure student responsibility for decisions and accomplishments.   Eligible students requesting funding have access to funding within available resources.  GRPSEO Education Counsellors commit considerable time to new students to assist them to understand and fulfill their new responsibilities regarding assistance through the GRPSEO.  Parents are encouraged to be informed about post secondary assistance through the GRPSEO and are invited to general information sessions throughout the year.  Students who wish their parents (or primary care givers) to have access to their individual post secondary information at the GRPSEO must provide written approval for Third Party Access to information. This approval provides authorization for one academic year and may be terminated at the student's decision.  The GRPSEO finds family support to be critical to student success and encourages this continued participation in support of student success.  The GRPSEO also encourages families to begin saving early for their child's education. The funding through the GRPSEO has not kept pace with the increasing costs of attending post secondary on a full time basis so students must increasingly rely on other sources. top	Outcomes and Accountability In achieving our collective purpose, the Grand River Post Secondary Education Organization places a high value on organizational integrity and efficiency.  The GRPSEO strives to operate in an accountable and consistent manner.  The GRPSEO consults the moral ownership of the organization, on a regular basis, to ensure that the organization is on the right track when it comes to community expectations about results and the values that guide the organization.  The GRPSEO then reports issues and outcomes on a regular basis.  The GRPSEO measures outcomes in student accomplishments leading to graduation. Organizational resources are expended in support of this outcome.  The GRPSEO reports on student graduation outcomes on an annual basis.  The Grand River Post Secondary Education Office (GRPSEO) financial audit is completed through Collins Barrow, the auditing firm for the Six Nations Elected Council.  The GRPSEO further provides an annual enrolment report to INAC as per the 1992 MOU mentioned above.  This report is issued to the Six Nations Confederacy Council and the Six Nations Elected Council at least once per year as well as to other key stakeholder organizations. Individuals may also request a copy of this report by contacting the GRPSEO or view the report on our web site at www.grpseo.org
Results-Post Secondary Graduation   Six Nations post secondary students continue with high rates of success!  The following chart Entitled, "Multi-Year Student Status Comparison" shows the outcomes for Six Nations students who received funding through the Post Secondary Office over the past six years.  Note especially the high number of graduates and students who complete their year successfully.   Graduate Recognition Special recognition is given to graduates and award recipients at the Annual Student Recognition.  The 16th Annual Student Recognition was held August 14, 2008 with a record number of scholarships issued to students.  A commemorative CD-Rom of the event is produced each year. The CD-Rom is also used as an education resource with younger students.  Graduate photos are published annually in local and regional newspapers. Financial contributions from Grand River Employment and Training and Imperial Oil assist with this graduate acknowledgement.  The Six Nations Grads poster series is published annually. The posters inspire younger students. The poster series is issued to elementary schools at Six Nations and Aboriginal Services offices on campuses upon request.   Graduates by Institution – data from 1999  top

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Six Nations post secondary students contribute significantly to broader society   

The fact that 786 Six Nations students were enrolled in post secondary programs in 2008-2009 has significant implications – not just for Six Nations people but for the broader public both now and in the future.  

Beyond Economics

Each Six Nations student contributes individually to cross-cultural understanding and their chosen profession given their personal knowledge, skills and understanding of the world. Although these contributions are difficult to “quantify” they must not be overlooked.  Six Nations graduates are actively engaged in protecting and building our collective future from the local to international levels.    

Even before graduation, our students are called on to “educate” others about Aboriginal peoples and in doing so correct stereo-types that are all too prevalent. Upon graduation, most graduates become de facto diplomats for their people at some time in their lives.     

With time, the impacts of significant numbers of Aboriginal people in a given field produce positive measurable impacts.  For example, social work, teaching, law and law enforcement professions have been significantly changed given the participation of Aboriginal professionals. There are significant changes to medical training competencies regarding Aboriginal health. We look forward to the changes that more Aboriginal health professionals will bring to our health services and our health status overall.  

Our PhD graduates are teaching in Canadian universities; engaged in research and mentoring our students. We know there are still much misunderstanding and prejudice that can hinder our students but having our graduates in the institutions has proven critical to our students’ successes.   
 

Economic Contributions

Seven hundred eighty-six (786) Six Nations students make significant economic investments (over 6 million dollars) to the economies of the communities, cities and provinces where they attend.  Every full time post secondary student makes significant contributions to the local economy where they live and learn. They pay tuition (helping to pay faculty and staff salaries), buy books, use transportation, pay residence fees or rent, buy food from grocery stores, buys clothes, pays residence fees or rent and on and on…

• The number in brackets means the number of provinces/ states with the colour coded enrolment.

In support of student success and graduation…  

• Student funding, within available resources, is provided for:  

  •  Mandatory tuition at Canadian public post secondary institution rates, 

  • Boo k allowance to a maximum of $400 for a full time semester  (in effect since 2001),

  • Education allowance at $800 per month (in effect from 1996), 

  • Mandatory program fees for college students to a  maximum of $2,000 per year, 

  • Mandatory program fees for undergrad, graduate and post graduate students to a maximum of $1,000 per year, 

  • Tutorial assistance funding to a maximum of $150 per semester. 
    

• Incentives are issued if funds become available within a fiscal year (this happens when students withdraw or decide not to continue after being approved for funding and when students repay overpayments).   
  

• Accurate and timely information is available:   
  
  In 2008-2009, one student-parent information session was held in addition to the annual Post Secondary Information event.    
  
  Students receive the following GRPSEO publications: GRPSEO Student Information Calendar, and A Student Guide to Post Secondary Education Assistance and a 4 gig flash drive. Students also receive E-mail or mailed updates each semester.    
  
  The GRPSEO Community Awareness Strategy continued throughout the year.  Our on-going communication strategy involves morning radio\ spots, monthly radio shows (discontinued after January 2009 due to the temporary colosure of the local radio station CKRZ),  the student calendar, e-mail, web and print updates. The “save for education” awareness campaign continues with the issuing of savings banks to all grade one students at Six Nations. In 2008 the GRPSEO also participated in the annual Bread and Cheese Parade to further promote awareness for planning and saving for education.    
  
  The GRPSEO website is a key starting point for updates and current information. 

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The following summary of our contact rates gives an indication of our service volume.

• Student planning is required:
  
  The 13th Annual Post Secondary Information Evening was held in November 2008 with college and university reps on hand to answer questions.  Six Nations students enrolled at attending college and universities were on hand to answer questions.  
  
  An education plan is required of all first time funded students as well as from students making significant education plan changes. The education plan must demonstrate that the student’s choice of program and institution is based on sound information, also that the student has given consideration to potential barriers and support systems while enrolled in their program of study.   
  

• Student contact is maintained:  
  
  Mandatory orientations with first time funded students or student making significant education plan changes continue to support  student success. Students are more proactive with counsellors resulting in far fewer academic “fail outs”.  A subsequent student-counsellor contact schedule is established from the initial orientation session. The contact requirement may range from the once a semester minimum to once a week.  
  
  Students continue with at least one formal “contact” with their GRPSEO education counsellor per semester (more if identified at risk or needing extra support by their counsellor). Contacts are made by phone, E-mail or in-office sessions. The overall contact rate for 2007/09 was once again very high - 99%!    
  
  While enrolled, students are also required to:  

  • Submit marks/progress reports by scheduled dates.      
  • Submit a revised education plan if significant changes are planned.   
    

• Equipment - systems and service access are available for students :     
  
  The GRPSEO strives to provide a welcoming atmosphere for students.   
  
  Students continue to access fax, photocopy, computer, and Internet equipment at the GRPSEO.  The Internet station is an essential tool for students researching institutions, programs, scholarships, and bursaries.  Students are increasingly required to apply for admission on-line so the demand for these services continues to grow.    
  
  The GRPSEO web site is a key information access point for most students. Students access education assistance application forms and up to date policy information twenty-four hours per day via our web site at www.grpseo.org.  A special thanks to Virginia Martin for keeping the website up to date.

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The on-line application development went “LIVE” February 19^th, 2007.  The on-line application process is clearly facilitating the student application process. To apply on-line go to the website at www.grpseo.org

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• Student progress is monitored: 
  
  Student progress and marks review are completed by Education Counsellors for each semester to determine appropriate follow up for tutorial assistance, student program changes, cancellations, withdrawals, and overpayments if required. 
  

• Funding rewards SUCCESS: 
  
  Due to demand exceeding available funds, it is necessary to apply a priority system to provide as fair and equitable access to the limited funds as possible. There are seven priorities - priority 1 is for successful continuing students; priority 2 applies to recent high school graduates applying to post secondary for the first time. Beginning in 2006, the priority policy was revised to further support student success. Priority 7 now applies based on failures per semester. This means that a student assigned priority 7 will no longer have to pass all courses in the next semester to qualify for a higher priority. 
  

• Students are accountable 
  
  A student is assigned an overpayment for failed courses. An overpayment must be cleared to be eligible for future funding. Students are increasingly paying off their overpayments in lump sums to obtain the 15% reduction offered as an incentive to regain eligibility. 
  

  	Overpayment issued	Overpayments recovered	% recovery
  2004-05	$419,440.93	$266,665.87	64%
  2005-06	$585,656.38	$432,566.48	74%
  2006-07	$334,094.00	$409,752.00	123%
  2007-08	$714,854.16	$567,392.21	79%
  2008-09	$816,017.55	$550,966.55	68%

  
  

• Student accomplishments are recognized and rewarded: 
  
  Through on-going GRPSEO staff interaction with students. 
  
  Within available resources, scholarships and incentives are issued through the GRPSEO. 
  
  A history of student accomplishments (pictures and video tapes) is maintained at the office. 
  
  Each edition of the Board newsletter features a good news story about a student or graduate. The newsletter is distributed in the community. 
  
  Award and scholarship recipients are given special recognition at the Annual Student Recognition (the following list is from August 2008). We are pleased to note that the list of recipients continues to increase.

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• Positive learning environments for Six Nations post secondary students are supported by the GRPSEO within available resources.  
  
  The Board and staff support good access, equal opportunity, respect, and support systems for Six Nations post secondary students.     
  
  Board members and the GRPSEO Director continue to be involved in Aboriginal Education Councils at various post secondary institutes where a high number of our students are enrolled. These Councils advise college and university presidents regarding programming, student support needs, and also help to sensitize college and university staff regarding Onkwehon:we culture, language and history. The GRPSEO is active in Councils at Mohawk College , Niagara College , Fanshawe College and the following universities: Western and Brock.  The Board Chair was a member of the Mohawk College Board of Governors.  The Board Chair's term with the Board of Governors ended in August 2009.
  
  Board and staff members attend selected education forums to keep up to date on student support strategies and opportunities and to inform others of Six Nations post secondary education needs.   
  
  The GRPSEO Director participates in the Six Nations Ethics Committee which reviews all research applications dealing with Six Nations. It is encouraging to see a number of Six Nations graduate students focusing their research on Six Nations issues.   
  
• The GRPSEO Advocates for Increased Funding   
  
  The GRPSEO continues to advocate for increased funding through the submission of reports to the Department of Indian Affairs.   
  
  A Report of Eligible Costs for Unfunded Students as of June 28, 2007 was submitted to INAC. Unfunded data was as follows:  

• GPRSEO Professional services on a Fee for Service basis to First Nations
  
  The GRPSEO engages in fee for service to help cover the costs of operations.  The GRPSEO continues to market the GRADS data base, now in use by over thirty First Nation education organizations.  Our in-office expertise also provides technical support and training. 
  
  Policy Governance training, strategic planning and education policy review are also provided on a fee for service basis to First Nations organizations.

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Funding Allocations    

Resources are linked with student success and equitable distribution.   

Within available resources, the majority of funds are allocated based on student  priority and continued academic success.  The priority system is designed to provide fair and equitable access to limited funds as students pursue their goal of graduation. Successful continuing  students are rewarded with top priority for on-going funding.  If a student fails a course then students are expected to pay back the tuition funds, so once again, success is rewarded. Limited resources (primarily recovered overpayments) are assigned for incentive purposes to further support student graduation.

Limits of assistance apply at each level of post secondary study. The majority of students complete their program within the limits of assistance.       

The following graphs show rate of applications approved and distribution of student funds according to significant identifiers:

Students approved for funding very rarely allow this opportunity to be lost.  
“Suspended” applications in this chart, indicates the declining number of students unable to complete their year once it has started.  
Cancelled refers to student who apply and then change their mind and includes student who are not admitted to their programs of choice.  “Unfunded” is self-explanatory.  Note: 2009/2010 data is as of Sept 30, 2009 so does not reflect a full intake cycle.
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Note the lower % enrolment for students with dependents. This is a function of limited rates of assistance through the GRPSEO (allowance is $800 per month for all full time students) and the increase in program length for some programs.

The allocation of funds to students with membership under Bill C31 (1985) is consistent with overall membership statistics for each reported year. The allocation of funds to students by residence is reflective of the residence rates for overall membership.

• The number of students applying for post secondary has increased in the past three years.
• Tuition continues to increase but student funding has not kept pace e.g. tuition for law has increased from $5,000 five years ago to over $12,000.
• Mandatory program fees (in addition to tuition) for equipment and supplies at all levels of study continue to increase.  

Increased tuition and mandatory program fees means a higher per student cost resulting in fewer students funded.  

Of the applications received, over 30% are not funded, due to increased per student costs. The following graph shows the cost to fund all eligible applications received each year at the current rates of assistance.

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• Increased Demand (cost per student)  + Limited Resources  = Self-funding Required
  
  Students must seek supplemental funding or income to cover costs. The overall cost of ‘living’ while going to school increases. The student allowance of $800 no longer covers the cost of residence and a meal plan at several post secondary institutions in Ontario.    
  
  Without a significant change to the overall post secondary funding for Grand River :   

  • More students will go unfunded – note that students over the age of 25 represent over 40% of our post secondary enrolment       

  • More students will totally self-fund and ALL student will continue to partially self-fund as GRPSEO funding rates do not cover costs.

• Missed opportunities and lost potential 
  
  The number of Six Nations post secondary graduates increased significantly from the initial tracking data in 1992.    
  
  With over 30% of our student applications going unfunded due to lack of funds – imagine what our graduate numbers could be like!!!    
  
  The human potential is there!!!!  

Recorded Graduates  

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• Skill and knowledge gaps of high school students
  
  Six Nations continues to have a concern with the percentage of students who DO NOT graduate from high school. Poor high school completion rates results in higher demands on adult education, social assistance and longer time in high cost post secondary programs to achieve desired employability levels.
  
• There is wide spread concern over the skill and knowledge levels of our secondary school graduates. Many of our high school grads do not have the senior math and sciences they need to gain admission into strategic programs of study with high employment prospects. Alarmingly this is a trend across the province. Many colleges are requiring students to enroll in General Arts and Science programs to upgrade knowledge and skills before being considered for admission to post secondary programs leading to employment.  The cost of one or two years in college is much higher than a year or two in high school!

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A Message to All Families    

It is wise to save for your child’s education  

             Here are the facts:  

Every year available post secondary funding falls short of what is required.  

Every year students have to cover part or all of their costs of going to college or university.  

Costs continue to increase. Plan for the future - save what you can. 

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© 2000 GRPSEO.  Questions? Please contact info@grpseo.org