University of Saskatchewan
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy: The University of Saskatchewan is committed to creating and maintaining a positive environment for working and learning that is free of discrimination, as outlined in the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, based on any of the following prohibited grounds: religion, creed, marital status, family status, sex (including: gender expression, gender identity and two spirit identity), sexual orientation, disability, age, colour, ancestry, nationality, place of origin, race or perceived race and receipt of public assistance. Harassment is not limited to these prohibited grounds, and may refer to any repeated or single serious occurrence of inappropriate conduct, comment, display, action or gesture. Furthermore, both discrimination and harassment are prohibited by law and will not be tolerated. The university will respond to reports of discrimination and harassment as promptly and effectively as possible and will take appropriate action to prevent and correct behaviour that violates this policy. https://policies.usask.ca/policies/health-safety-and-environment/discrimination-and-harassment-prevention.php#AuthorizationandApproval

Children in Care Initiative - The U of S provides one of the most comprehensive university-sponsored funds in Canada to students leaving the child welfare system. The Saskatchewan Youth From Care Bursary pays for up to five years' of tuition, student fees, required books, accommodation, meal plans, and a stipend for personal costs, as well as a laptop and software to help recipients complete their first undergraduate degree. The university has allocated $100,000 annually from its operating budget to support for up to five students per year. Aboriginal Student Recruitment -- The Aboriginal Student Recruitment Officer is responsible for both recruiting and orienting aboriginal students, many of whom come from remote and northern communities. The Aboriginal Career Start Program - The University of Saskatchewan, in partnership with Dumont Technical Institute (DTI), Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT), and the Saskatoon Tribal Council, launched an Aboriginal Career Start program in an effort to provide practical experience and training to Aboriginal students. Eighteen graduates from DTI and SIIT receive paid, on-the-job training in a variety of university departments, such as financial services and human resources. The initiative is designed to increase the number of Aboriginal staff members that work on campus and also to help ensure communities have well-trained Aboriginal people working in them. The program should serve as a stepping stone to a long-term career with the university. An Aboriginal Initiative Fund for Faculty is under development.

Students with disabilities -- Disability Services for Students (DSS) assists students by offering programs and advocacy services and fostering an accessible and welcoming campus. Aboriginal Students -- Established in 1991, the Aboriginal Student Centre aims to increase the retention and success rates of Aboriginal students. Services include elders to provide spiritual teachings and counseling to students, financial assistance with scholarships, bursaries and awards, student loans, emergency loans and band funding and a graduation pow wow. http://students.usask.ca/aboriginal/ International Students -- The international Student and Study Abroad Centre assists all international undergraduate, graduate and exchange students and their families in their transition to the U of S and Saskatoon with settlement support and referrals. http://students.usask.ca/international/issac.php Sexual Orientation -- The USSU Pride Centre works with students, faculty and staff of all sexual orientations and gender identities in an open and progressive environment that advocates, celebrates and affirms sexual and gender diversity. (http://ussu.ca/main-page/centres/pride-centre/) Indigenous Voices is a professional development program for faculty and staff that stimulates dialogue, encourages learning and supports collaborative action in building reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Collaborating with colleges, schools, divisions and individuals, tailored programs are developed to meet the unique needs of our partners and support the exploration of Indigenous histories, worldviews, ways of knowing and contemporary issues.