ISAP first-year learning communities
In ISAP learning communities, students with shared academic goals come together in popular first-year courses and weekly gatherings with upper-year peer mentors.
Find your pathway
Medicine Wheel Learning Community
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)
Examples: nursing, engineering, health sciences, natural sciences, environmental science
Star Blanket Learning Community
Social sciences and humanities
Examples: psychology, sociology, economics, Indigenous studies, Indigenous governance and politics, Indigenous justice and criminology
Willow Hoop Learning Community
Humanities and fine arts
Examples: history, English, studio art, drama, creative writing, wîcêhtowin theatre, Indigenous storytelling
”The ISAP feeling of community within the university's huge environment really helped me feel like I belonged!” –First-year ISAP student
More ISAP opportunities
ISAP Common Courses
Course sections that emphasize Indigenous perspectives and collaborative learning—available to students at all levels of study.
ISAP STEM+
Academic and career mentorship to help you build skills for success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
ISAP Peer Mentorship
Upper-year students: get leadership training and share your knowledge as an ISAP peer mentor or student ambassador.
Summer Start
Kick-start your university learning journey at this three-day event in August.
The ISAP advantage
ISAP offers a strong start to 60+ academic programs in the College of Arts and Science and across USask.
ISAP courses are taught by dedicated and culturally responsive instructors who put your learning first
ISAP learning community students are eligible for Bookstore Bursaries and ISAP First Year Acheivement Scholarships
95 per cent of ISAP students say they would recommend ISAP to a sibling or friend
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the ISAP student experience
ISAP is committed to Indigenous student achievement. We offer:
- popular first-year courses
- small class and cohort sizes (< 40 students)
- dedicated and culturally responsive instructors
- peer mentorship and social connection—a community for learning!
- support with inter-college transfers, professional college admissions, and career preparation
- academic advising through the Trish Monture Centre for Student Success
- subject-specific tutorials and study groups
- access to preparatory courses in biology, chemistry, physics and math
- a strong foundation for success at ISAP Summer Start each August
- ISAP Bookstore Bursaries available to ISAP First Year LC students at start of term to purchase course materials
- $1500 ISAP First Year Achievement Scholarships are awarded to ISAP LC students annually, three per disciplinary stream
ISAP LCs include reserved seats in large classes, as well as small cohort ISAP class sections. ISAP classrooms meet and exceed standards for instruction and student engagement, and are strong preparation for continuing studies in the 60+ degree programs offered in the College of Arts and Science.
ISAP classes invite Indigenous students to challenge themselves in a team-focused learning environment. ISAP maintains a high instructor-to-student ratio to maximize opportunities for co-learning, connection to Indigenous culture and perspectives, and development of academic confidence in each student.
ISAP students take responsibility for creating a growth-oriented environment within ISAP classrooms—an approach that, since 2012, has a proven track record of increasing students’ sense of belonging at USask, increasing their academic confidence within and beyond ISAP courses, and supporting student retention and academic achievement.
ISAP supports students as whole people, operating within a network of campus programs and services that attend to students' academic, emotional, cultural and financial needs.
As in all academic programs, preparation and regular attendance in ISAP classes, extended learning opportunities, tutorial and laboratory sections are essential to success. ISAP students self-monitor their academic progress, and have the advocacy of dedicated Indigenous advisors when they require advice during their studies.
ISAP Bookstore Bursaries, available to all First Year ISAP LC students at start of term, support students with the "front end" purchase of learning materials at start of term.
ISAP First Year LC students are eligible for competitive ISAP First Year Achievement Scholarships, with nine $1500 prizes awarded each spring.
Yes—the Aboriginal Student Achievement Program (ASAP) changed its name to Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways (ISAP) in 2019.
ISAP's community hours fall on the same day and time between ISAP LC cohorts—this allows us to bring the whole ISAP community together for special events like our term end celebrations, faculty and Elder visits, and to host other guests and speakers.
Yes, you certainly can.
Most students in first-year ISAP learning communities will be taking two to four ISAP courses together, and adding an elective (or two) from general course offerings.
For example, a student in the Term 1 Star Blanket LC might select ISAP sections of English 113, Sociology 111 and Psychology 120, and might also register in a general population first-year course options that connect to their: e.g., History 115 “The Vikings: History and Myth” and Philosophy 110 “Introduction to Philosophy”
Step 1: Apply to USask.
Step 2: Once you have been assigned an NSID you are able to request ISAP LC and course reservations through our online sign-up form.
Step 3: Our ISAP programs team will process your course reservation request, and may get in touch to confirm your course selections. Be sure to include up to date contact information!
Step 4: In order to register in your reserved ISAP seats, you must receive and accept your letter of admission to USask. For support completing required steps, contact admissions@usask.ca and view advice online.
Step 5: Registration for ISAP students opens in early June. You will receive a message with detailed instructions the week before the first year registration window, and ISAP Staff will be available to support your registration process as needed.
Provincial, federal and band-administered educational sponsorship notices are awarded at different times throughout the year. Many students do not receive notice of financial sponsorship until late spring or mid-summer—but sign-up for ISAP courses and learning communities opens in early spring.
Signing up for and requesting seats in ISAP classes can proceed before you have secured funding.
Course registration can also be initiated before you have secured funding; you will not be charged for course tuition as long as you withdraw from courses before the deadline for registration changes—usually the third week of September for Fall Term, and the third week of January for Winter Term.
ISAP courses and learning communities are available to all First Nations, Inuit and Métis students who have qualified for admission to the College of Arts and Science.
All students should ensure that they have attained prerequisite credits to succeed in their course selections – for more information, view the academic programs catalogue.
*Note: Students admitted through the USask Transitions Entrance Program (USTEP) can request registration in some ISAP courses—ask your USTEP advisor for more information.
ISAP has limited seats, which are prioritized for First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Native American students who have committed to academics at this point in their life and learning journey.
Seats in some courses offered through ISAP are made available to non-Indigenous students on a term by term basis.
Non-Indigenous students interested in ISAP cohort courses should consult the ISAP programs office isap.info@usask.ca to inquire about availability.
More answers to common student questions
Visit Arts and Science Indigenous student FAQS or get in touch!
In the news
Stories about ISAP students, staff and faculty have been featured in media around the world—including The New York Times, Eagle Feather News and The Globe and Mail.
Get in touch
Sandy Bonny
Kevin Sawatsky
Michayla
Logan
Partners
ISAP is a collaborative program with contributions from a dedicated interdisciplinary team, including 15 academic departments in USask’s College of Arts and Science and leadership from the Office of the Vice-Dean Indigenous.
ISAP is proudly offered through the College of Arts and Science with support from our sponsors: