Aboriginal Student Services Centre (ASSC)

Student Supports

Aboriginal Student Lounge (RM 2L02) Lockhart Hall

The Aboriginal Student Lounge is the hub of excitement and activity on campus, home to over 1200 Aboriginal students, the student lounge is open 7 days a week from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. The lounge provides a safe and respectful atmosphere for students to study, create life-long relationships and host student events. All registered students have access to the computer lab (20 computers), printer and telephone services, 75 free lockers available and a number of cultural and social events taking place. 

Peer Tutoring

The educational pressures of pursuing an undergraduate degree may be demanding and challenging for many students. The ASSC Peer Tutoring program provides a valuable resource to students in areas of science, math, academic writing and essay compositions. The ASSC employ 10 - 15 tutors each year to provide Free one-on-one tutoring for all Aboriginal students in need of academic support. Students are required to honour their commitment to meet their tutor at the agreed date an time and to come prepared for the tutoring session.

Employer Speaker Series

In partnership with The University of Winnipeg's Career Resource Centre, the ASSC offers employer speaker sessions on Wednesday's in the Aboriginal Student Lounge RM 2L02. The speaker series provides an excellent opportunity students wanting to get a head start on summer employment, career opportunities and information on external scholarships and bursaries. Sessions begin at 12:30 p.m. and are very informal and relaxed and conclude with a question and answer period. The speaker series is open to all students of the University of Winnipeg and a light lunch is provided for those in attendance.

2012-13 ASSC guest speakers: The City of Winnipeg, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Workers Compensation Board, Manitoba Hydro, Public Service Commission of Canada - Staffing and Assessment Services Branch, Toronto Dominion (TD) Bank of Canada, Centre for Aboriginal Human Resources (CAHRD) - Staffing Solutions, Winnipeg Boys and Girls Club, Certified Management Accountants (CMA), Festival Du Voyaguer, Canadian Forces,  Aboriginal LYNX Program (University of Calgary) and the Province of Manitoba - Manitoba Children and Youth Opportunities.

ASSC Laptop Program:

Celro Solutions Representatives and TYP Coordinator Randy White

Through the generous support of the The University of Winnipeg - Office of the President, Associate Vice-President of Indigenous, Government and Community Affairs and Celro Solutions Inc. of Winnipeg have graciously donated laptops to the ASSC for students to borrow for research and essay compositions. Students may sign out a laptop for a 48 hour period, priority will be given to parents and students registered with Accessibility services.

Cultural and Social Activities The Aboriginal Student Council (ASC) and the ASSC host a number of social and cultural events for registered Aboriginal students and their immediate families.

Cultural Events:

• The last Friday of every month through the Elders-in-Residence, the ASSC hosts a Lodge Ceremony In Selkirk, Manitoba.
  
• The Elders-in-Residence provide various teachings and cultural workshops within the centre, including Moccasin & Star Blanket workshops, Talking Stick and Medicine Teachings  
• Monthly potlucks are held the first Wednesday of every month from 12:30 p.m.  - 1:30 p.m. in the Aboriginal student lounge RM 2L02 and is open to all members of the University of Winnipeg.
• Spring Graduation Powwow hosted by the ASC and ASSC held in April of each year.
  

Social Events:

Transitioning into a post-secondary urban environment may be challenging not only for the student but for their immediate family members as well. The ASSC and ASC provide various social activities throughout the academic year including:

• Family Nights - Halloween and Christmas Party
  
• Bowling Night(s)
• Pool Night
  
• Movie Night(s) - All students are welcome to attend movie night within the centre, pizza or hot dogs, snacks and drinks are provided by ASC

ASSC Monthly Newsletter

Each month the ASSC produces a monthly news letter informing students of the various activities held within the centre. Including a calendar of Aboriginal Student Council (ASC) social activities, upcoming Employer Speaker session guests, Elder-in-Residence schedule and cultural teachings and activities, information on Aboriginal internal & external scholarships, employment opportunities and relevant University of Winnipeg information.