Program Overview

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Introduction to the Indigenous STEM Access Program

The Indigenous STEM Access Program (ISTEM) is an eight-month program designed for First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit people who have not met the regular or mature student entry requirements for the programs in the Sciences at Lakehead University.

Program Description

The ISTEM Program is intended to provide the necessary skills and academic preparation for successful transition into first-year studies in many of the programs in the faculties of Science and Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, and Health and Behavioural Sciences. The program honors and celebrates Indigenous heritage while providing culturally appropriate supports and services, including academic advising, tutoring, Elder visits, cultural activities, personal counseling, and assistance with community connections for services such as housing and child care.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the ISTEM must be First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit and must meet one of the following criteria:

• Recent high school graduates not meeting the required admission criteria for programs in the Sciences.
• Mature students, extraordinary students, or college/transfer students not meeting the required admission criteria for programs in the Sciences. Applicants must also be fluent in English to attend this program.

Important Dates

• Status of Application: Open (application being accepted for the next academic year).
• Deadline to Submit Copies of Your Transcripts: Two weeks after you apply.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete and submit the application package. There is no cost to apply. In addition, arrange for copies of official transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities attended to be sent to Lakehead University, if applicable.

Program Structure

The program includes four academic preparation courses:

• Academic Communications and Writing (ENGL 1012, ENGL 1016).
• Chemistry (CHEM 1050, CHEM 1070).
• Mathematics - Functions and Trigonometry (MATH 1051).
• University Seminar - Academic Skills (UNIV 1015). In addition, 1.0 FCE of elective courses (up to 2.0 FCE maximum) will be taken based on availability. Electives may include:
  • Planet Earth (GEOL 1100, 0.5 FCE).
  • Crust of the Earth (GEOL 1130, 0.5 FCE).
  • The Environment (GEOG 1170, 0.5 FCE).
  • Statistics (MATH 0212, 0.5 FCE).
  • Foundations of Kinesiology (KINE 1110). Electives vary from year to year.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition fees for the program are as follows:

Arts (Includes ISTEM)

Thunder Bay

Year	Tuition	Ancillary Fees	Total	1st Installment	2nd Installment	1.0 FCE Tuition	1.0 FCE Total	0.5 FCE Tuition	0.5 FCE Total
1	$5,984.51	$1,473.19	$7,457.70	$3,728.85	$3,728.85	$1,196.90	$1,331.31	$598.45	$665.66
2	$5,955.86	$1,389.06	$7,344.92	$3,672.46	$3,672.46	$1,191.17	$1,325.58	$595.59	$662.79
3	$5,915.30	$1,389.06	$7,304.36	$3,652.18	$3,652.18	$1,183.06	$1,317.47	$591.53	$658.74
4	$5,398.29	$1,389.06	$6,787.35	$3,393.68	$3,393.67	$1,079.66	$1,214.07	$539.83	$607.03

Orillia

Year	Tuition	Ancillary Fees	Total	1st Installment	2nd Installment	1.0 FCE Tuition	1.0 FCE Total	0.5 FCE Tuition	0.5 FCE Total
1	$6,597.93	$1,473.19	$8,071.12	$4,035.56	$4,035.56	$1,319.59	$1,454.00	$659.79	$727.00
2	$5,955.86	$1,389.06	$7,344.92	$3,672.46	$3,672.46	$1,191.17	$1,325.58	$595.59	$662.79
3	$5,915.30	$1,389.06	$7,304.36	$3,652.18	$3,652.18	$1,183.06	$1,317.47	$591.53	$658.74
4	$5,398.29	$1,389.06	$6,787.35	$3,393.68	$3,393.67	$1,079.66	$1,214.07	$539.83	$607.03

International Students

Year	Tuition	Ancillary Fees	Total	1st Installment	2nd Installment	1.0 FCE Tuition	1.0 FCE Total	0.5 FCE Tuition	0.5 FCE Total
1	$30,236.00	$1,473.19	$31,709.19	$15,854.60	$15,854.59	$6,047.20	$6,181.61	$3,023.60	$3,090.81
2	$30,235.65	$1,389.06	$31,624.71	$15,812.36	$15,812.35	$6,047.13	$6,181.54	$3,023.57	$3,090.77
3	$30,235.65	$1,389.06	$31,624.71	$15,812.36	$15,812.35	$6,047.13	$6,181.54	$3,023.57	$3,090.77
4	$29,825.98	$1,389.06	$31,215.04	$15,607.52	$15,607.52	$5,965.20	$6,099.61	$2,982.60	$3,049.80

Ancillary Fees

Ancillary fees for undergraduate full-time students in Thunder Bay are as follows:

• Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den): $99.00
• Student Athletic Fee: $141.80
• Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee: $25.00
• Health Services Support Fee: $96.76
• Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders Building: $30.00
• LUSU Capital Fund: $62.00
• LUSU Medical/Dental: $435.00
• LUSU Bus Pass: $282.00
• LUSU Activity Fee: $164.00
• Aboriginal Programming Fee: $2.00
• AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association Fee: $0.50
• Nanabijou Fee: $5.00
• Social Action Fee: $2.00
• Sustainability: $6.00
• WUSC - World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students): $7.00
• Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) Fee: $21.00
• LU Radio Fee: $10.00

Total compulsory ancillary fees for undergraduate full-time students in Thunder Bay: $1,389.06

For part-time undergraduate students in Thunder Bay, ancillary fees per course are as follows:

• Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den): $19.80
• Student Athletic Fee: $28.36
• Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee: $5.00
• Health Services Support Fee: $19.35
• Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders Building: $6.00
• LUSU Capital Fund: $12.40
• LUSU Activity Fee: $32.80
• Aboriginal Programming Fee: $0.40
• AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association Fee: $0.10
• Nanabijou Fee: $1.00
• Social Action Fee: $0.40
• Sustainability: $1.20
• WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students): $1.40
• CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) Fee: $4.20
• LU Radio Fee: $2.00

Total part-time per course ancillary fees for undergraduate students in Thunder Bay: $134.41

Conclusion

The Indigenous STEM Access Program at Lakehead University offers a unique opportunity for Indigenous students to access science programs. With its comprehensive approach to academic preparation and cultural support, the program aims to increase the representation of Indigenous students in science fields. By providing detailed information on program requirements, tuition fees, and ancillary fees, this guide aims to support prospective students in making informed decisions about their academic pursuits.