PART I INTRODUCTION PART II POST-SECONDARY DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY PART III APPLICATION PROCESS   - Eligibility Criteria - Application Deadline Dates - Application Procedures - Application Renewal Deadline Dates - Notification of Acceptance for Funding - Notification of Refused Application for Funding - Notification of Deferred Application - Confidentiality and Informed Consent - Priorization Procedures     PART IV   LIMITS OF ASSISTANCE           - Levels of Assistance         - UCEP         - Level I Programs         - Level II Programs         - Level III Programs         - Assistance Provisions      PART V   FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE           - Tuition         - Textbooks         - Travel         - Living Allowance         - Tutorial Assistance         - Bereavement Travel     PART VI  STUDENT OBLIGATIONS TO PSSSP           - Application Renewal         - Official Transcripts         - Proof of Textbook Purchases         - Proof of Travel         - Change of Application Status         - Student Address and Course Confirmation Form         - Rules & Regulations      PART VII  SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS           - Academic Achievement Scholarship: Level I         - Academic Achievement Scholarship: Level II         - Northern Nursing Scholarship         - One-Year Health Related Studies Incentive         - Level III Studies Incentive         - MD. Studies Incentive         - Special Performance Award     PART VIII  APPEAL PROCESS     PART IX  GRADUATING STUDENTS     PART X  NON-INSURED HEALTH BENEFITS     PART XI  NATIVE & NORTHERN EDUCATION ROOM     PART XII  NATIVE COUNSELLING SERVICES     PART XIII  APPENDICES     PART I INTRODUCTION   The objective of the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) is to assist members of the Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) in gaining access to post-secondary education and to graduate with the qualifications and skills needed to pursue individual careers and to contribute to the achievement of Inuit self-government and economic self-reliance. This policy became effective April 01, 1989 and will apply to all student applications for the 1989-1990 academic year and thereafter. This policy replaces the Post-Secondary Education Assistance Program, E-12 Guidelines dated October, 1977. The policy also supercedes departmental directives which relate to the application of the E-12 guidelines including rates of training allowance and limits of assistance. The PSSSP provides financial assistance to eligible Inuit towards the costs of their post-secondary education at a public post-secondary institution. This document outlines: the criteria to be met by students in order to qualify for financial assistance; the types and maximum levels of allowances and incentives available through the PSSSP; and the maximum duration of assistance that may be provided with respect to various levels of post-secondary education. The LIA reserves the right to revise the contents of this handbook at any time during the academic year. PART II POST-SECONDARY DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY   Academic Year - defined by the post-secondary institution, but will not be less than eight months duration. Administering Organization - organization responsible for administering the PSSSP. Continuing Student - student enrolled in post-secondary studies on a continuous basis without interruption in their current level of studies (exclusive of spring semester). Correspondence/Distance Education Student - student enrolled in one or more courses whereby all work is completed at home or in his/her home community and all educational material is forwarded through mail, courier, email/internet or teleconference system. Deferred Student - applicant who has applied for assistance and who has received acceptance into a post-secondary institution, but due to insufficient funds could not be provided with assistance (refer to Part III, Section G). This applies only to the Fall semester intake. Dependent - person who is dependent upon the student and who does not receive income in excess of the level of income allowed for a dependent by Revenue Canada's Income Tax regulations. Dependent Spouse - person who is married to the student or a person who has lived common-law with the student as husband or wife for a period of at least six months. This person is dependent upon the student and does not receive income in excess of $17,000.00 per year (12 months prior to application). Fiscal Year - April 01 - March 31 Full-Time Assistance - includes tuition, books, travel, living allowance. Full-Time Student - student attending post-secondary studies on a regular full-time basis. University students must be enrolled in a minimum of four credit courses or twelve semester hours of credit. In technical and community college institutions where the courses have been predetermined by the institution, students must register for all courses as outlined (refer to Part VI, Section G). Immediate Family - parent, brother, sister, children, spouse and grandparent. Part-Time Assistance - includes tuition and books. Part-Time Student - student qualifying for tuition and books only. Post-Secondary Education - a program of studies, offered by a Canadian public post-secondary institution, for which completion of secondary studies or equivalent is a prerequisite for admission. Post-Secondary Institution - a degree, diploma or certificate granting institution which has been recognized by a province and includes educational institutions affiliated with, or delivering accredited post-secondary programs by arrangement with a [public] post-secondary institution. Program of Studies - post-secondary program, one academic year or greater in duration, leading to a certificate, diploma or degree. Public Institution - post-secondary institution which receives the majority of its funding from federal and provincial governments. Returning Student - applicant previously funded under the PSSSP and had discontinued, but is reapplying for full-time studies. Semester - part of an academic year as defined by the post-secondary institution. Fall semester (September - December), Winter semester (January - April), Intersession (May - June), Summer Session (July - August) and Spring semester (May - August). Single Parent - parent who has a dependent child(ren) residing with him/her. PART III APPLICATION PROCESS   A. Eligibility Criteria In order to be eligible to participate in the PSSSP, you must be a member of the Labrador Inuit Association. Members interested in applying for assistance must: have successfully completed secondary school and have been accepted by an accredited public university or college into a program of studies which has secondary school graduation as an academic prerequisite; - or - have been accepted as a mature student by an accredited public university or college for registration into a program of studies which has secondary school graduation as an academic prerequisite; - or - have been previously assisted through this program and have been accepted for further studies by their university or college. NOTE: ANY PERSON WITH INCOME IN THE FORM OF SALARY, EI BENEFITS, SOCIAL ASSISTANCE OR OTHER INCOME ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FULL-TIME EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. B. Application Deadline Dates Applications for full-time and part-time studies must be received by the Administering Office on or before the deadline dates: Fall Enrollment - April 1st Winter Enrollment - November 1st Spring/Intersession/Summer Enrollment - April 1st Applications received after the application deadline dates will be held until it can be determined if funds are available. If funds are not available, late applications will be voided and applicants will be required to reapply. C. Application Procedures Applications for financial assistance received by the LIA administering office must follow the process as outlined below:   DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRED DATE OF RECEIPT PHASE I 1. A completed application form By specific deadline date (as listed above) PHASE II 1. A recent transcript of marks 2. A completed worksheet 3. A copy of a letter from the institution confirming receipt of your application 4. Counselling Sessions All documents must be received prior to the selection process which starts June 1st PHASE III 1. Documentary proof of acceptance 2. Final high school transcript 3. Completed Release Form 4. Completed Affidavit (if claiming dependent(s)/dependent spouse) All documents must be submitted as soon as it becomes available in order to complete and process file PHASE IV 1. Mandatory workshops All applicants must attend workshops as scheduled by LIA Education Staff. Must be completed prior to issuance of first month's living allowance. Applications lacking any of the above information will not be processed until all required information has been submitted and mandatory counselling sessions and workshops have been completed. D. Application Renewal Deadline Dates Application renewals for full-time and part-time students must be received by the Administering Office on or before the deadline dates: Fall Enrollment - April 1st Winter Enrollment - November 1st Spring/Intersession/Summer Enrollment - April 1st E. Notification of Acceptance for Funding Applicants approved for funding will be notified in writing and/or by telephone. All approved applicants will be required to attend orientation workshops with an LIA Education Counsellor. Applicants approved for funding will be required to complete a release form. F. Notification of Refused Application for Funding Applicants not approved for assistance will be informed in writing of the reasons for this decision. G. Confidentiality and Informed Consent Once accepted to the PSSSP, the student's file and its contents are considered privileged information. The Administering Office and the student will adhere to the principle of confidentiality (respecting the rights of privacy) and informed consent (written or verbal consent to disclose details); thus, no personal information on a student's record will be released to persons outside of the education staff, executive, parents/guardian or academic professional without the written consent of the student. H. Priorization Procedure Due to a ceiling being placed on the level of funding available for post-secondary studies, the PSSSP may not be able to provide assistance to every applicant. As a result, all applications will be priorized using the following formula: seat allocation will be determined by multiplying the percentage of membership per community by the number of available seats. The number of seats available will be determined using the annual average cost per student. The Priority for seat allocations are as follows: Continuing Students Deferred Applicants (placed in accordance with seat allocation for their community) LIA Specified Programs New applicants and returning students who were in before but had to discontinue before completing their program. Returning students who have completed a program of study at a lower level Leniency and late applications In the event we have more applications than seats available, priorization within communities will then be based on academic performance using transcript of marks provided. PART IV LIMITS OF ASSISTANCE   A. Levels of Assistance Assistance is provided for four levels of post-secondary education: UCEP - University College Entrance Program Level I - College and technical programs Level II - Undergraduate programs Level III - Advanced or professional degree programs B. UCEP Programs specifically geared to prepare students for entrance into a certified college or university program of study. C. Level I Programs Colleges and technical institutions offering a program of studies leading to a certificate or diploma which is one academic year or greater in duration and which have as a prerequisite, completion of high school graduation or equivalent. D. Level II Programs Undergraduate programs Bachelor degree programs which have as a prerequisite an undergraduate degree E. Level III Programs Master's Programs Doctoral Programs F. Assistance Provisions For certificate, diploma, or Level II degree programs, assistance will be provided for the number of academic years of a program of studies as officially defined by the institution offering the program. Master's and Doctoral Programs may be funded on a full-time basis for the duration of the program as defined by the institution. Students enrolled in an approved level of studies can be assisted for up to one additional academic year if such extension is supported in writing by the Dean or Department Head. No extension will be granted due to failed, dropped or repeated courses, or from loss of credits due to transferring to another institution or by taking courses not specific to your program of studies. It is the student's responsibility to provide a medical certificate for an additional academic semester or year of study for medical reasons. Additional assistance for personal reasons must be substantiated according to the circumstances. Acceptable personal reasons are restricted to: marital breakdown of the student; and/or serious illness of the student's spouse or the student's dependent(s), mother, father, brother or sister, which requires the student's extended presence with his/her family. Students who have completed a Level I program of studies, with assistance from this program, are ineligible for Level I assistance. Students may be assisted in Level I studies after dropping out of Level II studies provided less than ½ of the program of studies has been completed. If a student resumes Level II studies, the previous time spent at Level II will be counted for assistance purposes. Students who have completed a Level II program of studies, with assistance from this program, are ineligible for Level I and Level II assistance. Students who have completed a Level III program of studies, with assistance from this program, are ineligible for Level I or Level II assistance. When students change programs or institutions within one of the levels, the academic years used for each program within this level will be counted for assistance purposes. Students who have previously completed a portion of post-secondary studies without assistance from this program, upon approval, will receive assistance for the balance of their program of studies. NOTE: Also see Regulations (Part V, Section 9) for more information PART V FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE   A. Tuition Tuition assistance for full-time, part-time and correspondence/distance education students includes cost of tuition, student union/council fees and other applicable fees as listed by the institution. However, this program does not cover application fees. Assistance is provided for actual cost of tuition fees for Grant and Aid Programs at the Canadian public post-secondary institution closest to the student's home community. In cases where students register in programs of study that have a previous program of study as a pre-requisite; and where the current program of study does not provide a professional designation, this program will only qualify for a maximum of $4,000.00 for tuition. Tuition assistance will be paid directly to the institution for all full-time, part-time and correspondence/distance education students. Upon registering, students must identify themselves to the registrar's or cashier's office as being an LIA sponsored student. Please note: we do not cover the full cost of tuition fees for COST RECOVERY PROGRAMS. B. Textbooks For full-time, part-time and correspondence/distance education students, the full cost of books will be issued when the student provides the required information. (See Part VI, Section C). Advances for book purchases for full-time students may be issued by the Administering Office to a maximum of $100.00 per semester. No further book advances or reimbursements will be issued until the required listed information has been provided. Any unused portion of the advance will be deducted from the student's living allowance cheque. No book advance will be issued to part-time and correspondence/distance education students. C. Travel Students who are required to travel from their place of residence to attend their program of studies qualify for a return travel allowance (once every semester) for themselves and any dependent who resides with them. Travel assistance will be equal to the cost of an excursion airline ticket from the student's place of residence to the nearest public post-secondary institution which offers the program of studies selected by the student. Students deciding to travel beyond this will be responsible for any additional costs of transportation. However, students who are enrolled in a Master's or Ph. D. program will qualify for full travel benefits for anywhere they decide to study in Canada. Travel assistance does not include the removal of household effects or the cost of excess baggage. Travel will be calculated using the most cost-effective mode of public transportation. Students attending institutions in Atlantic Canada can book their airfares through Carlson Wagonlit/Mokami Travel when first leaving to attend post-secondary studies. Students are required to book return airfares at least two weeks in advance in order to avoid any travel delays and to keep travel costs down. (See Appendix C for Carlson Wagonlit/Mokami Travel contact information.) Students travelling outside of the above areas or by alternate means of transport must contact the Administering Office in St. John's to make special arrangements. All students must provide travel receipts for each travel period. Any student failing to comply with this request will not receive any further travel allowance until the Administering Office receives official proof of travel for the previous travel period. Travel allowances will not be issued to students for any travel period where the student did not travel. Any student enroling for intersession or summer school is entitled to ½ the cost of return excursion transportation from the student's permanent place of residence to the nearest public institution which offers the program of studies selected by the student. Part-time and correspondence/distance education students are not entitled to travel. However, students who qualified for full-time PSSSP funding but who chose to attend full-time studies while receiving EI benefits or Social Assistance will be eligible for travel benefits in addition to tuition and books. Note: Students must follow regulations of the airlines for changing dates or submitting tickets for refunds. All changes to tickets must be done prior to travel date or the ticket will be voided and no refund given. D. Living Allowance Allowances to help cover student's living expenses for full-time students will be provided at a rate not to exceed LIA's current established maximum levels (refer to Appendix B). Please note: LIA does not issue T4's for funding received under the PSSSP. These funds are not taxable and do not need to be reported as taxable income. Living allowances will be paid to the student on a monthly basis if the student is maintaining their own accommodations, or for the full semester if the student is residing in a university or college residence. Living allowances for a fraction of a month are prorated for the number of days assisted. For example, a single student whose period of assistance begins on August 25 will be provided the following living allowance for August: $743.00 ÷ 31 (days) x 7 (days) = $168.00 Living allowances are paid for Christmas and study breaks. Students are responsible for their accommodations, heat, light, food, etc. This also includes room charges and meal plans for those staying in university or college residences. Any students claiming dependents (ie: spouse and/or children) will be required to submit an affidavit with supporting documentation before we can determine the eligible living allowance rate. Supporting documentation includes: - baptism certificate; - proof of income of spouse; and - proof of support provided. Affidavits are available on this website. Additional copies may be obtained by contacting any LIA office. Part-time/correspondence/distance education students are not eligible for living allowances. E. Tutorial Assistance Tutorial assistance will be made available to students only after approval has been obtained from the Administering Office. The following set of guidelines has been established and must be followed by all students. Tutors will be limited to 15 hours per semester per course. After five hours of tutoring has been used for any given course, students must ask their tutor to provide a report of their progress to the Administering Office and students must request approval for further tutoring. This procedure is required after each five hours of tutoring service. All tutors must be approved by the LIA Administering Office. Any student who books a tutoring session but fails to attend the session and payment is issued to the tutor will have the cost of the session deducted from their living allowance cheque. Students are required to sign only for the amount of time they were tutored. If an invoice is received for an amount not within these guidelines, the student will either be held accountable to pay out of pocket or to have the additional amount deducted from their living allowance cheque. The following rate schedule will be used where possible. If you have access to a tutor that cannot work within these limits, please call for further instruction. Student tutors (with 2 yrs post-sec training) - $10.00 per hour Student tutors (with 3-4 yrs post-sec training) - $12-15.00 per hour Professional tutors (Tutors Unlimited, Instructors, etc) - Prescribed rate (approx $15-20 per hour) A limited amount of additional hours may be made available (particularly in the first couple of years of study) for students who are Inuktitut speakers upon receipt of a report from the tutor. This request must be made to the Education Administrator. All students are encouraged to utilize the Help Centres in their respective institution. If you are unaware of what services are available at your school, please contact someone in your student services department or speak with your academic advisor. A copy of these guidelines should be provided to your tutor with the commencement of service. F. Bereavement Travel LIA will provide bereavement travel to full-time students, which will include the cost of return airfare from their school location to their home location in the event of the death of an immediate family member as defined in Part II. PART VI STUDENT OBLIGATIONS TO PSSSP   Once a student is accepted under the PSSSP, he/she undertakes the responsibility of providing the following documentation: A. Application Renewal Students must provide an application renewal form for each semester of studies. This form must be received by the Administering Office by the deadline dates as outlined (Part III, Section D; Renewal Forms are provided on this website. Students failing to provide renewals for any given semester may be removed from the program and would then be required to submit a new application to regain entry into the PSSSP. Rules affecting new applications will apply. (Refer to Appendix A for deadline dates.) B. Official Transcripts Students must provide a transcript of marks for each completed semester of studies. Students are required to sign a release form authorizing the institution to release to LIA an official copy of his/her marks and any pertinent information relating to the student status. However, as universities are usually late in submitting official transcripts, students must submit a copy of their grade report or transcript for each semester by the specified deadline date (See Appendix A). Students who do not get grade reports must submit a letter from their institution with their current marks. For example, if a student is registered in a year-long course and a grade is unavailable after the fall semester, it is the student's responsibility to get a letter from the instructor with a mark to date. Any student who will have an incomplete course, deferred exam or an extension for any course must notify the LIA with the reason for such action. Education funds will not be released to any student without written verification of their current student status. (Refer to Appendix A for deadline dates.) C. Proof of Textbook Purchases All students will be reimbursed for the full cost of required textbooks when the following information is submitted: name and address of student; list of courses enrolled in for the semester and/or year; course outlines which identify the required texts. If outlines are not available, a handwritten list of textbooks required for each course with an institution officials' signature will be acceptable; and original cash register receipt. If the name of the text does not appear on the receipt or a cash register receipt is not available, a handwritten receipt including the name and price of the book signed and stamped by a bookstore official must be submitted. All book receipts must be submitted in the semester they apply to. Book receipts submitted in a fiscal year for books purchased the previous year will not be entitled to reimbursement. (Refer to Appendix A for deadline dates.) D. Proof of Travel Students must provide travel receipts for all travel. Students are reminded that: it is mandatory to book return tickets at excursion fares; no money will be paid out for travel not taken; and anyone booking at last minute will be given student standby or one half the cost of excursion airfare. Any additional costs will be the student's responsibility. E. Change of Application Status If there is a change in a student's program of studies, institution, marital or dependent status, they must submit a new completed PSSSP Application for Educational Assistance Form immediately (Application forms are provided on this website.) F. Student Address and Course Confirmation Form All students must provide at the beginning of each semester a completed Student Address and Course Confirmation Form with their mailing address, telephone number, email address, student identification number, LIA membership number, and name and number of each course registered in for the current semester. A new Student Address and Course Confirmation Form is required immediately upon a change of address (Forms are provided on this website.) Failure to provide updated address information will result in a delay in students receiving their funding. (Refer to Appendix A for deadline dates.) G. Rules & Regulations Course Load All full-time students registered in a Level I program of studies at a Certificate or Diploma granting institution (excluding university certificate or diploma) must be registered in all courses as predetermined by the institution and/or must be registered in a minimum of 18 semester hours of credit. Anything less is considered part-time studies. All full-time students registered in a Level II program of studies at a Degree granting institution must be enrolled in a minimum of 4 credit courses or 12 semester hours of credit in each semester or in the full course load as predetermined by the institution. Anything less is considered part-time studies. All full-time students registered in a Level III program of studies at a Degree granting institution must be enrolled in the minimum requirements for their program as determined by the institution. Anything less is considered part-time studies. Foundation/Non-Credit Courses Full-time students may be permitted to register for foundation courses only after it has been recommended by the institution and approval is granted from the Administering Office. Dropping Courses If a student intends to drop a course, he/she may do so only after receiving approval from the Administering Office, and only if they still meet the requirements of the program. Students dropping courses must do so before the financial drop date as defined by the institution and must complete the appropriate forms to eliminate any additional charges. Any student who drops a course after the drop date is responsible for the tuition and book charges for that particular course. Financial penalties for tuition charges will be deducted from students' living allowance cheques. Students dropping a course should also take note of possible academic penalties of the drop date as defined by the institution. Academic Responsibility It is mandatory for all students to attend classes and labs on a regular basis and write all required assignments/reports/papers and exams. Persons found not attending classes and labs on a regular full-time basis or not submitting scheduled required assignments/reports/papers and exams will be placed on immediate probation, or in some cases, may be removed from the program. During the probation period, students will be expected to bring all of their required workload up to date, attend regularly scheduled classes and labs and write/complete all assignments/reports/papers and exams when due and to maintain a satisfactory level of academic performance. If students do not adhere to the probationary conditions, they may be removed from the Post-Secondary Student Support Program and they may be required to repay all funds allocated on their behalf for the semester. Part-time and correspondence/distance education students who fail to complete their course(s) will have their funding discontinued and will be required to repay all funds allocated on their behalf. Students are required to maintain a satisfactory level of academic performance and remain in clear standing at all times with the institution. To ensure a student is keeping within this guideline, transcripts will be reviewed after each semester. If a student fails one or more courses, or fails to maintain clear standing with the institution, he/she will be placed on probation for the next semester of full-time studies they register for. If a student fails to show marked improvement in academic performance or fails to regain clear standing with the institution, their funding will be discontinued and they will be removed from the PSSSP. If a student is required to withdraw from the institution, they will also be removed from the PSSSP. Attendance Regulations Students will not be allowed to miss more than 15% of their regular scheduled class time for any given semester or for any given reason. Any day a student is away from classes for any reason will be counted as absent days in this policy. A verbal warning will be given upon 5% of days absent. A written warning will be given upon 10% of days absent. Students may be removed from the program upon 15% of days absent. This policy has been implemented to try and curb a growing problem that is negatively affecting students' success. Students are encouraged to try and attend all classes. If you are unable to attend class due to illness, we strongly suggest that you make a point of informing your instructor and/or professor as to the reason for your absence. Students who are absent from classes without reason may also see a reduction in their living allowance. Funding Responsibility If a student enters an appeal to an institution which has required them to withdraw, they must also enter an appeal with their sponsor, the LIA. (See Appeal Process, Part VIII.) Winning an appeal with the institution will not guarantee reinstatement of funding by the sponsoring organization, the LIA. If a student has used more than half of the funding allocated for any particular level of study in which they are or were currently registered, they will not be permitted to switch to another level of study unless proof of extenuating circumstances are apparent. A student will not be permitted to make more than two switches between levels of study unless proof of extenuating circumstances are apparent. Once a student has been removed from the PSSSP, that student must fund themselves or seek alternate sources of funding for one full semester of studies (full-time) at the same or higher level of studies at a recognized public institution to be eligible to re-apply for educational assistance. Upon completing this semester, students must provide a transcript showing proof of full-time status with passing grades and must be in clear standing with the institution. Any student discontinuing their program must immediately notify the LIA in writing of the reasons for discontinuation. Students may be requested to refund all or a portion of the education benefits provided to them and/or on their behalf. Students must notify the institution of their intent to withdraw in order to avoid additional expenditures beyond the date of leaving full-time studies. A student who cannot attend studies for more than 2 consecutive weeks due to illness or illness of a dependent will not receive living allowance or other benefits beyond the first two week period. If the student is attending a program whereby he/she can continue with their program following the period they have missed due to illness, their living allowance and benefits will be reinstated. Medical Drop Any student who cannot continue with their studies due to illness may apply for a medical drop. An application for a medical drop may be made in writing to the Staff Education Committee and must state reasons for the medical drop. This request must be accompanied with supporting medical documentation. A student will not be allowed more than two medical drops for the duration of their studies. Any additional medical drops may be considered discontinuation of studies and students may be required to repay all funds paid to them and on their behalf for that dropped semester before they are eligible to reapply for benefits. Any student who has been granted a medical drop must provide a medical clearance from their attending physician in order to be eligible to return to full-time studies. In the event a student has to discontinue studies due to injuries sustained in an accident and where a claim for damages and loss of income/benefits is made, we will charge back the full cost of benefits paid for the period when the student did not academically benefit. Management of Educational Benefits Students are expected to manage the assistance funds made available to them in a manner which ensures that all educational fees and related expenses are paid when due. Cheques will be issued to students in advance on a schedule developed by the administrators of the program. Students will be notified of payment dates. ABSOLUTELY NO ADVANCES ISSUED. Students receiving monies for which they have no entitlement are required to return these funds immediately. Any abuse of the funds made available through this program will result in the termination of the assistance to the individual abusing the program.   Failure to meet the requirements and regulations of this program may result in hold back of funds until all requirements are met. Consistent delays in providing required documentation and information may result in termination of assistance. PART VII SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS   Scholarships and Incentive Awards will be issued to full-time students sponsored by this program. For more information on eligibility for these awards, please read the description of each. Students applying for these awards must complete an application form which can be found in Part XIII, Appendix D of this website, and must provide a letter of support from an instructor or professor as part of the application process. The application deadline date for PSSSP Scholarships and Awards is January 31 of each year. A. Academic Achievement Scholarship: Level I In recognition of academic excellence, one scholarship in the amount of $1000.00 will be presented to a student in Level I studies who has achieved a B or 70% average or higher and meets the following criteria: successful completion of one full year of a program of study; student who has achieved a B average or 70% or higher; student must be doing a normal course load as defined by the institution (for a student in college or technical institution, the normal course load is predetermined by the institution in their program descriptions); and student must be continuing in their program of studies and must be in clear standing with their institution and sponsoring organization. B. Academic Achievement Scholarship: Level II In recognition of academic excellence, one scholarship in the amount of $1000.00 will be awarded to a student who meets the following criteria: successful completion of one full year of a program of study; student who has achieved a B average or 70% or higher; student must be doing a normal course load as defined by the institution (university student must be doing 5 credit courses or 15 hours of credit per semester); student must have declared a major and must present documentation to confirm this; and student must be continuing in their program of study and must be in clear standing with their institution and sponsoring organization. C. Northern Nursing Scholarship A Northern Nursing Scholarship will be awarded to a student registered in a Bachelor of Nursing Program. One scholarship in the amount of $1000.00 will be awarded to a student who meets the following criteria: successful completion of one full year of the program; student must have passing grades in all courses and maintain the passing average as prescribed by their program; student must be doing a normal course load as determined by the institution to ensure they complete their program in the prescribed time frame; and student must be continuing in their program of study and must be in clear standing with the institution and their sponsoring organization. D. One-Year Health Related Studies Incentive Students enrolling in a one-year health related program of studies are eligible for this award. (Health related studies are determined by the classification under Health Canada regulation.) This award may be issued in the second semester of studies. The set rate for this incentive award is $500.00. This award will be presented before the end of the second semester of study. Eligibility for this Incentive is conditional upon the following criteria; student must be registered in all courses as listed by the institution to ensure completion of the program in the time frame listed; student must show a transcript upon completion of the first semester verifying that the entrance level requirements of the institution has been maintained; and student must be in clear standing with their institution and sponsoring organization. E. Level III Studies Incentive A Level III studies incentive will be available for all Level III students in their first and second year of studies. This award is offered to encourage more students to enroll in a program of higher learning and to help offset additional costs associated with this level of studies. The award amount is $1000.00 per year for each of the two years. The award will be presented in the second and fourth semester of studies. Eligibility for this Incentive is conditional upon the following criteria: receipt of written confirmation of the Level III program of studies; student must present written confirmation of current academic standing; and student must be in clear standing with their institution and sponsoring organization. F. MD. Studies Incentive An MD. (Doctor of Medicine) Studies Incentive will be available to all MD. students for each year of their program of studies as determined by the institution. The award amount is set at $1,000.00 per year for each year of the program. The award will be presented before the end of the fiscal year (March) each year. Eligibility for this Incentive is conditional upon the following criteria: receipt of written confirmation of the program of studies; student must present written confirmation of academic progress; and student must be in clear standing with their institution and sponsoring organization. G. Special Performance Award The Administering Organization may issue a Special Performance Award where a noticeable improvement in performance is achieved. The Staff Education Committee may select recipients for this award based on knowledge of the student's background and overall performance. This award is set at $1000.00. This award may not be issued each year but rather where and when the Administering Organization feels a student deserves the award based on his/her performance. Eligibility for this award is conditional upon the following criteria: student must be enrolled in and attending a full-time program of studies; student must be registered in the minimum number of courses required for education benefits, (University students must be enrolled in 4 credit courses or 12 semester hours of credit and College students must be enrolled in the predetermined slate of courses as prescribed by the institution's program, but not less that 18 hours of credit); student must be in clear standing with their institution and sponsoring agent. No application is required for this award. This award is determined strictly by the Staff Education Committee. PART VIII APPEAL PROCESS   To ensure fairness and equitable treatment to all students, the Administering Organization has an appeal process in place. Where a student is convinced that the Administering Organization's guidelines are not being fairly applied to his/her situation, then the student shall have access to an appeal hearing. There will be NO APPEAL for any one of the following situations: 1. refusal of assistance due to unavailability of funds; 2. failure to meet conditions of probation after being re-admitted on an appeal except for death in the immediate family, family break-up or serious illness and only when events are documented during the period of studies and regular contact has been maintained with PSSSP staff and/or the Native Liaison Officer; 3. to regain access into the Post-Secondary Student Support Program with an outstanding balance on a previous student account exceeding $400.00; 4. where students have dropped courses which leaves them with less than 4 credit courses or 12 semester hours of credit or in the case of technical institutions or colleges where the number of courses as outlined by the institution are not completed. Students should keep in mind the Administering Organization's regulations are different from the institution's guidelines for determining full or part-time status. (Refer to Part II); and 5. clear abuse of program funds. Appeal hearings can be heard with all participants present or through teleconference, whichever is the most time and cost effective. *If a student enters an appeal to an institution which has required them to withdraw, they must also enter an appeal with their sponsor, the LIA. Winning an appeal with the institution does not guarantee reinstatement of funding by the sponsoring organization, the LIA. Appeal Guidelines In order to initiate an appeal, the student must submit a letter to the Administering Office detailing their reasons for the appeal along with the following information: 1. a copy of the student's appeal to the institution (if applicable); 2. a copy of the student's readmission into the institution (if applicable); 3. any documentation relating specifically to the basis of the appeal (doctor's notes, death certificates, etc); 4. if the appeal is for medical reasons, then a letter from the doctor and/or professional counsellor certifying the student's condition is warranted with the following information: the dates of the appointments; and recommendations made to student by doctor and/or counsellor as well as length of time student received treatment; 5. if the appeal is for academic reasons, then a letter from the professor or student's academic advisor(s) detailing the problems the student experienced (if such information has been relayed to the professor or student advisor). In addition, students must submit: 1. their current address and telephone number; and 2. the name, address and telephone number of the person selected by the student to represent him/her at the appeal hearing. (A student representative cannot be an LIA Board Member, an LIA employee or a family member.) Once this information has been received from the student, the Education Administrator will forward a package of information to the Appeal Committee with the following information included: 1. a copy of the letter to the student from the administering organization detailing the action being taken against the student; 2. a letter from the student initiating an appeal; 3. a copy of the student's appeal to the institution (if applicable); 4. a copy of the student's readmission into the institution (if applicable); 5. copies of any documentation relating specifically to the basis of the appeal (ie: doctor's notes, death certificates, doctor or counsellor appointments, comments, etc.); 6. a copy of the student's most recent transcript; 7. a copy of the written statement from the Education Administrator and/or Native Liaison Officer regarding their contact with the student; and 8. a copy of a report from the student's professors (if applicable). An appeal must be launched by the student within thirty days upon receipt of the notification of action taken by the Administering Office. The Appeal Committee will hold an appeal hearing within sixty days after receipt of the appeal package from the Administering Office. The Administering Office will send notification to the student of when the package was forwarded to the Appeal Committee. The Appeal Committee will review an appeal ONLY when all required information has been received. The Administering Office will submit an appeal to the committee ONLY when all pertinent information has been compiled. In situations where an appeal is launched for academic reasons, the Administering Office will conduct an investigation which will involve contact with institution officials and professors. The Appeal Board's decision is final. All appeal requests should be forwarded to: Labrador Inuit Association 95 LeMarchant Road, Suite 203 St. John's, NL A1C 2H1 ATTN: Appeal Committee         PART IX GRADUATING STUDENTS   Graduating students must provide LIA with a final transcript of their marks and a copy of their diploma, certificate or degree. We also request students to provide us with a picture of themselves, preferably a graduation picture. If a graduation picture is not available, a recent picture of any size would be appreciated. We are preparing a photo album of all of our graduates and hopefully someday we will be able to have another graduate book printed. PART X NON-INSURED HEALTH BENEFITS   Non-Insured Health Benefits cover health related expenditures that are not covered by provincial health or social assistance plans and are provided to Status Indians and Inuit by Medical Services Branch, Health and Welfare Canada. You are eligible to access these benefits if you are a member of the LIA or if you are a newborn of a member up to 12 months of age. Members can identify him/herself as a member by producing their membership card. In the St. John's area, most pharmacies and optical companies will bill LIHC directly. When you enter a pharmacy or optical office, simply inquire if there is an account already set up between them and LIHC. If the organization you are dealing with does not have an account set up with LIHC, then you can explain to them that you are covered as a member of LIA and they can call the LIHC office at 497-8356/8353 or toll free at 1-866-497-8145 to clarify any questions they may have. One must remember, however, that these companies do not have to set up an account. It is suggested that if they do not want to set up an account, then you should probably take your business elsewhere, or pay for services out of your own pocket and LIHC will reimburse you upon receipt of your invoice. All bills for members residing outside Labrador will be paid upon receipt of an invoice. Dental benefits are different because these benefits are not covered from the office in North West River, rather they are covered through Blue Cross. When you visit your dentist you may explain to them that you are covered as a member of LIA. Your dentist should then fill out a Blue Cross form and send it to the Moncton address. If there are any problems, the dentist may call the above numbers for clarification. Receipts or invoices for medical benefits other than dental should be forwarded to: Labrador Inuit Health Commission P.O. Box 234 North West River, NL A0P 1M0 ALWAYS HAVE YOUR LIA CARD HANDY WHEN SEEKING HEALTH BENEFITS   PART XI NATIVE AND NORTHERN EDUCATION ROOM   The Faculty of Education (Native and Northern) at Memorial University of Newfoundland has provided a room for the purpose of study for students in this program. The room is located in the Education Building on the 3rd floor, Room E-3046. Tel.: (709) 737-7971 In order to have access to this room, you must request a key from the Aboriginal Student Centre, Native and Northern Education, Room E-2014. PART XII NATIVE COUNSELLING SERVICES   The Labrador Inuit Association has established a counselling office at Memorial University of Newfoundland. The Native Liaison Office is responsible for providing counselling and advise to all native students in the St. John's area. The Native Liaison Officer will assist students with registration, course selection, information on the services available at the institutions in the area, tutorial assistance and any other areas requiring assistance. The mailing address for the Native Liaison Office is: Teresa Best Native Liaison Office, UC-4003 Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John's, NL  A1C 5S7 Tel. : (709) 737-3495/2118 Fax: (709) 737-7601 E-mail: teresab@mun.ca Similar counselling services are available to students studying in the Maritime Provinces. The following are addresses of education counsellors:   Native Education Counsellor Holy Cross, Room 13 St. Thomas University P.O. Box 4569 Fredericton, NB E3B 5G3 Tel. : (506) 451-1681 Mi'kmaq Resource Centre University College of Cape Breton P.O. Box 5300, Room CE268 Sydney, NS B1P 6L2 Tel. : (902) 563-1660 Email: diane@compu-clone.ca Native Education Counsellor Henson College/Dalhousie University A1220 LeMarchant Street Halifax, NS B3H 3J5 Tel. : (902) 494-8863 These services may also be available at various institutions located across the country. Please consult your school for further information on such services. PART XIII APPENDICES   The following documents are forms used in the Administration of the Education Program: A. List of PSSSP Deadline Dates  {Click To View} B. PSSSP Living Allowance Rates {Click To View} C. PSSSP and Carlson Wagonlit/Mokami Travel Contacts {Click To View} D. PSSSP Required Documents {Click to View} APPENDIX A (Back to List) PSSSP Deadline Dates Application Deadlines Fall Semester Winter Semester Spring/Intersession/Summer April 01 November 01 April 01 Application Renewal Deadlines Fall Semester Winter Semester Spring/Intersession/Summer April 01 November 01 April 01 Student Address and Course Confirmation Forms Fall Semester Winter Semester Spring/Intersession Summer Semester September 17 January 17 May 17 July 17 Marks Fall Semester Winter Semester Spring/Intersession/Summer January 17 April 30 August 30 Book Receipts Fall Semester Winter Semester Intersession Spring Semester Summer Semester November 17 March 17 June 01 July 17 August 01 Newsletter Submissions October 20th Issue December 15th Issue February 20th Issue April 15th Issue July 20th Issue October 01 November 30 February 01 March 31 June 30 Note: Fall Semester Winter Semester Spring Semester Intersession Summer Session September - December January - April May - August May - June July - August APPENDIX B (Back to List) PSSSP Living Allowance Rates Maximum Levels of Assistance for Living Expenses   Maximum Monthly Allowances A. Single student living with employed parent $319 B. Single student $743 C. Married student with employed spouse - with 1 dependent - with 2 dependents - with 3 dependents - $55 per month for each additional dependent $743 $935 $1,133 $1,326 D. Married student with dependent spouse - with 1 dependent - with 2 dependents - with 3 dependents - $55 per month for each additional dependent $985 $1,150 $1,326 $1,491 E. Single Parent - with 1 dependent - with 2 dependents - with 3 dependents - $55 per month for each additional dependent $1,150 $1,326 $1,491 NOTE: THESE RATES ARE EFFECTIVE AS OF SEPTEMBER 2003 APPENDIX C (Back to List) PSSSP and Carlson Wagonlit/Mokami Travel Contacts Labrador Inuit Association 95 LeMarchant Road, Suite 203 St. John's, NL A1C 2H1 Tel. : (709) 754-2587 Fax: (709) 754-2364 PSSSP Enquiries Only: Toll Free: 1-877-777-2589 e-mail: psssp@nunatsiavut.com Lucy Brennan - Program Director e-mail: lbrennan@nunatsiavut.com Margery White - Financial Manager e-mail: mwhite@nunatsiavut.com Bobbi Shiwak -Education Officer e-mail: bshiwak@nunatsiavut.com Peggy Montague - Secretary/Receptionist e-mail: psssp@nunatsiavut.com Native Liaison Office, UC-4003 Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John's, NL A1C 5S7 Tel.: (709) 737-3495/2118 Fax: (709) 737-7601 Teresa Best - Native Liaison Officer e-mail: teresab@mun.ca Education Counsellor Labrador Inuit Association P.O. Box 33 Postville , NL A0P 1N0 Tel.: (709) 479-9823 Toll Free: 1-866-475-9817 Fax: (709) 479-9829 Jodie Strangemore - Education Counsellor e-mail: jodie@nf.aibn.com Carlson Wagonlit/Mokami Travel 2 Bennett Street P.O. Box 491, Station 'C' Goose Bay, NL A0P 1C0 Tel.: (709) 896-2477 Toll Free: 1-888-665-2641 Fax: (709) 896-5557 Trudy Larkham - Travel Agent (LIA Account) e-mail: trudy@mokamitravel.com APPENDIX D (Back to List) PSSSP Required Documents All forms were created with Adobe Writer 5.0 and you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view/download them. Please click the icon below in order to download this program for FREE. {For each form: Click to open or right click and select "save target as" to save to your computer} PSSSP Application for Educational Assistance Each student should submit a completed form to the LIA office. If any student should change their program of studies, institution or has a change in marital or dependent status a new completed application form is required. Application Renewal Form In order to verify which students will be continuing with their program of study, students are required to submit a completed application renewal form every semester. Student Address and Course Confirmation Form All students must provide a completed student address and course confirmation form at the beginning of each academic semester. All forms must include their mailing address, telephone number or a number where a message can be left for them, email address, student identification number, LIA membership number, and the name and number of each course registered in for the current semester. A new student address and course confirmation form must be completed immediately upon a change of address. Release Form Upon acceptance into PSSSP, students are required to sign a release form authorizing the institution to release an official copy of his/her marks and any pertinent information relating to the student's file. Affidavit Applicants claiming dependent children and/or spouse are required to submit an affidavit along with their application form. Scholarship Application Form Students wishing to apply for any of the scholarships/awards listed in Part VII must submit a scholarship application, along with a letter of support. Tutoring Claim Form Students requiring tutoring services must complete a tutoring claim form and submit it within the same semester to which it applies.