LE,NOṈET

The LE,NOṈET Transition Seminar (IED 199) introduces Indigenous students in their first year of post-secondary to the skills, knowledge and resources necessary to successfully navigate university life. Students will have opportunities to explore academic and wellness strategies, connect with key resources, develop communication skills and form community.

This seminar will cover four main areas:

Academic Success Strategies and Skills

• Students will explore and develop skills in areas such as time management, note taking and effective studying. They will also learn to identify and connect with resources and staff on campus who specialize in offering academic supports (the Library, the Centre for Accessible Learning, the Centre for Academic Communication, etc.). By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of which skills and strategies work best for themselves, which resources and tools are available to them and how to access them and who to connect with for support.

Key Spaces, Resources, Services, and Supports

• Students will gain the knowledge necessary to confidently identify and access the services they need, create a network of support, understand how to walk in a good way here and form a sense of belonging in these spaces. They will do this by: exploring key resources and services offered throughout the university (OSL, Academic Advising, CAL, ISL and NSU); gaining an understanding of university policies, systems and expectations; forming connections with key people (including Campus Cousins and Elders) and with local lands and waters.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Students will connect with resources and services such as those offered through the Library and the CAC to build essential skills such as academic writing and presenting, reading strategies, critical thinking and navigating library resources. Students will gain the necessary skills to communicate their ideas, understand the information around them, self-advocate for their needs and create positive relationships.

Personal Development, Wellbeing, Cultural Connection and Social Responsibility

• Students will develop skills to build personal wellbeing and create positive relationships. Students will have opportunities to connect with resources, services and people that can offer them support in furthering their personal development and cultural connections. These include opportunities to explore and plan personal development goals, deepen cultural connections and build awareness of policies and teachings that guide us on how to best conduct ourselves within spaces and maintain positive relationships.

If you are interested in registering for the preparation seminar, please contact the LE,NOṈET First Year Coordinator. 

Indigenous Studies 310D (1.5 units)
* Pre-requisite for the Research Apprenticeship and Community Internship courses *

This weekly seminar will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in Indigenous communities, with Indigenous organizations, or within campus-based academic research teams through a Research Apprenticeship (320) or Community Internship (321). It includes a basic overview of historical and contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples, and an introduction to western and Indigenous research methodologies.

If you are interested in registering for the preparation seminar, please contact the LE,NOṈET Experiential Learning Coordinator. 

Indigenous Studies 320 (1.5 units)

Research apprentices complete 120 hours of research under the supervision of a UVic faculty member. Students must complete the IS 310D Preparation Seminar pre-requisite with a B+ (77%) or higher in order to register for this course.

Indigenous Studies 321 (1.5 units)

Community interns complete 120 hours of work experience carried out in an Indigenous community or organization of the student's choice. Students must complete the IS 310D Preparation Seminar pre-requisite with a B+ (77%) or higher in order to register for this course.

GS 500 (1.5 units)

This seminar will offer students an opportunity to explore important themes and issues related to Indigenous research methods and community engagement. Topics to be covered include developing Indigenous research designs, decolonizing the academy, doing research “at home,” and connecting research to projects of self-determination.

If you are interested in registering for the graduate seminar, please contact the LE,NOṈET Academic Manager.