You are now in the main content area

Services

Whether you are a new or returning student, we are excited for you to join our community! While COVID-19 has us learning, studying and working online, there are still ways to connect to the Indigenous community at Ryerson!

The Ryerson Aboriginal Student Services (RASS) team endeavors to provide a culturally supportive environment to promote academic excellence and serve as a place to balance academic learning with traditional teachings and culture.

We understand that the transition to online learning and news of the pandemic overall may lead you to feel anxious, fearful and frustrated. As well, it must be raising questions about what to do and how you will complete the semester.   

Even though we cannot meet in person, our staff are still available to our Indigenous students to answer any questions they may have. Please contact a member of our team.

How we support the Indigenous students at Ryerson

At RASS we use circle of support, web-based models. Our aim is to support students in a way that is fluid and connected from the moment of their application to their graduation. This means that instead of seeing one person for one matter, and another person for another,  the RASS team works with one other to assist students in a wholistic way, both within our space and in relationship with other resources on campus.

All of our Indigenous students have access to the services we provide such as academic advising and referral, bursary and scholarship information, writing support, tutor assistance, financial planning and more.

 Indigenous Traditional Counselling

Indigenous students can connect with RASS’s Traditional Counsellor who provides traditional counselling and “wholistic” support inclusive of one’s physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being. Students can also get in touch to learn more about talking circles, workshops and ceremonies.

Get in touch with Sloan (Traditional Counsellor) 

Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 552423 
Email: joanne.miller@ryerson.ca
Room: KHW-389-F
Availability: Monday to Friday | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 Academic referrals 

RASS is available to support Indigenous students who need assistance with course selection, to discuss course load or to talk about their academic goals.

Get in touch with Sam (Aboriginal Academic Support Advisor)

Phone: 416-979-5000, ext.  552609
Email: smandamin@ryerson.ca
Room: KHW-389-F
Availability: Monday to Friday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 Tutoring and academic support 

RASS can support Indigenous students who are struggling with their academic courses, we can also set you up with an academic tutor. 

Get in touch with Sam (Aboriginal Academic Support Advisor)

Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 552609
Email: smandamin@ryerson.ca
Room: KHW-389-F
Availability: Monday to Friday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 Admissions support and advocacy 

Through our partnership with the Ryerson Admissions Office, RASS’s provides a unique, "wrap around" admissions process for Aboriginal learners. The RASS team works closely with the Aboriginal Academic Support Advisor to provide seamless support to Aboriginal peoples interested in applying to Ryerson's academic programs. If you are looking to submit an application to Ryerson, pleasee contact us.

 Financial planning

Our team can assist Indigenous students in identifying available financial resources information and assistance in applying for Aboriginal sponsorship. They can also help you understand how to complete bursary and scholarship applications. Contact one of two members of our team: 

Get in touch with Sam (Aboriginal Academic Support Advisor)

Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 552609
Email: smandamin@ryerson.ca
Room: KHW-389-F
Availability: Monday to Friday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Get in touch with Diane (Aboriginal Learning Support Facilitator)

Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 553326
Email: dsimone@ryerson.ca
Room: KHW-389-B
Availability: Monday to Friday | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

 Orientation to Ryerson

Planned in partnership with our Aboriginal Peer Supporters, the RASS team can provide Indigenous students with an orientation to Ryerson. You’ll have the opportunity to meet other Indigenous students and staff, learn about our programs and services and support to help you attain your personal and academic goals.

Get in touch with the Aboriginal Peer Support team

Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 556660
Email: abpeers@ryerson.ca
Availability: Monday to Friday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: KHW-372