Nipissing University

Background

Located in Northern Ontario, Nipissing University is one of Canada’s newest and smallest universities. Nipissing University College was formed in 1967 as an affiliate of Laurentian University, and received its charter as an independent University in 1992. Today, Nipissing is a primarily undergraduate university.

Full Description

This project received funding under Phase I of the University-Based Community Service-Learning Initiative.

The project, called “Biidaaban,” (which means a new dawn) embeds service learning in Nipissing’s pedagogy through a series of incremental projects. When developed, the projects will give students the option to obtain a service-learning minor as part of their undergraduate degree.

The most significant portion of the project involves students who volunteer with community and Indigenous organizations that assist young Northerners with literacy and numeracy challenges, specifically young Crees facing language barriers as they enter English speaking schools.

Biidaaban’s beginning phase builds on strengths in the Special Education/Educational Psychology course, as well as contacts with schools in the North Bay area and relationships with Indigenous organizations.

Overview

  • 2005-2009
  • $ 792,223
  • Funding Type: Past Initiatives
  • Initiatives: Community Service Learning