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Part-Time Program

All aspects from the application to curriculum of the part-time program is the same as the full-time program with exception of its delivery mode.

The part-time program is unique because of our community partnership with community-based First Nations institutions: First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) and Kenjgewin Teg. FNTI is located in Tyendinaga First Nation, ON and Kenjgewin Teg is located in M'Chigeeng, on Manitoulin Island, ON. The part-time program offer an opportunity for individuals who cannot study full-time to have access to the advanced standing Master of Social Work: Indigenous Field of Study (IFS).

About the Program

The part-time program begins with cultural camps with a goal to fully immerse the student in Indigenous wholistic healing practices. Attendance at culture camp is mandatory. This is where students engage in Indigenous healing practices and where the students begin to demonstrate a capacity to practice within this worldview and epistemology.

The curriculum for the program will be the same as the IFS full-time program. The course assignments may vary from the full-time program because the part-time course delivery is generally in one week intensive modules. The expectations regarding assignments, student development and performance, and activity will be the same as the full-time program.

Course instruction in this program offers a diverse array of delivery focused on:

  1. Maintaining the academic integrity of courses;
  2. Delivering the prescribed body of knowledge;
  3. Meeting the needs of part-time study students; and
  4. Creating the possibility of new course delivery options.

Course Delivery

Courses will normally be taught by the same professors that are on campus. Elders and student supports are also in classes. Students will be expected to participate in all aspects of the program. This includes: cultural camp, sweats, fasts, drumming, smudges or other cleansing processes. All courses will be taught in Circle where a smudge and prayer begin the class.

Classes are taught using a combination of Circle processes, dialogue, presentations, video and audio aids. Where possible, guest speakers are invited, depending on the resources of the delivery site.

Classes occur in one week intensive blocks and are generally delivered twice a term. Students can expect to be in class for an entire day throughout the week. It is important to note that some courses can be taught in a “block” format.

Courses can unfold in two ways:

  1. In week-long periods and with the course assignments being required after the course is finished; and
  2. In two-and-a-half days of classes which would be offered twice in one term or semester.

Students can expect to receive course outlines and readings prior to class. They can also expect to be completing assignments after the one week class session is over. Communication with part-time students occurs regularly and prior the start of each term. We tend to rely on email, internet and telephone for most of our communications outside of class sessions. FNTI students will begin the program classes at the Laurier campus in Kitchener in our Circle Room and will alternate classes between the two sites: Tyendinaga First Nation and the Kitchener campus. All Kenjgewin Teg courses will be delivered on Manitoulin Island with the exception of SK647.

The Field Placement

There is only one field placement in this program. Field placements of the part-time program generally will occur in the home community of the student unless otherwise arranged.

The field placement is maximally three (3) days per week over 24 weeks, but may vary depending on the student’s context. Students require the support of their employer and will work closely with the faculty member who is responsible for placement coordination and advising.