Despite its name, the University of Regina’s Aboriginal student centre (ASC) isn’t just for Aboriginal students.
The newly expanded centre where students can hang out, study, and use computers welcomes all students, said manager Misty Longman.
Longman shared a story about the U of R’s Facebook “Confessions Page” where students anonymously post their views about the university.
“There was one where a student said, ‘Every time I walk past ASC there is always food,’ and they want to come in and eat, but their white guilt stops them,” she said.
“We are a student support centre with intrinsic aboriginal culture,” said Longman.”But it is open for all students. It is really important that across campus people understand that.”
The centre officially opened its new location in the Research and Innovation Centre (RIC) on the U of R campus in April.
Organizers knew they needed more space when they started seeing up to 50 students a day drop in to the cramped room in the old location in College West.
“Our old centre was still open to everyone,” said Longman. “But you had this narrow door, and walked into this room that was cramped with people. I think that was really intimidating.”
The new location offers the students a spacious environment.
First Nations University (FNUniv) and the U of R continue to collaborate to deliver programs and services to Aboriginal students through the ASC. “One of our mandates is to provide cultural support,” said Jayleen Francis, Student Success Facilitator for ASC.
