Indigenous Circle on Education (ICE)
Terms of Reference – December 1994
Updated August 2017
Background
Loyalist College is committed to increasing access and success for Indigenous students. At present, the College has approximately 350 Native students attending programs; however, there is currently no way to determine the total number of Indigenous students (including non-status students) that are attending the College full-time, part-time, evening, day, on a satellite campus, through a Community Employment Services program, or in a contract training program.
Preamble
The Loyalist College Indigenous Circle on Education and Loyalist College will work in a partnership. It is through this partnership that both parties shall address the concerns and needs of Indigenous students.
Mission
The critical mission of the Indigenous Circle on Education is to encourage the development of a college environment which will assist in obtaining full access, participation and success for Indigenous students in Loyalist College programs. The Indigenous Circle on Education will ensure that all Indigenous programs and targeted support services of Loyalist College address the educational needs of the Indigenous community. The Indigenous Circle on Education will bring a unique Indigenous perspective and voice to the College.
Mandate
- To interact directly with the President and the Board of Governors of Loyalist College on issues related to education, training, and services impacting on Indigenous students.
- To participate in the creation of a partnership between the institution and the Indigenous communities at large to promote First Nation, Métis and Inuit educational and training needs.
- To seek funding, research, and direct the writing of proposals that address general and specific Indigenous education and training needs that will ensure continuing participation and enhanced completion rates.
- To report on the effectiveness and adequacy of the services and programs of Loyalist College as they relate to present and future First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.
- On the basis of this evaluation, to report to the governing body of the institution on the effectiveness of current programs and on measures that may be required to improve any aspect of the programs and services as they relate to the Indigenous community and students.
- To have the authority to approve or veto the design, development, and implementation of appropriate and relevant Indigenous training programs and services.
- To monitor and approve the expenditures of funds allocated for the implementation of Indigenous programs and services at Loyalist College.
- To involve current students in the Indigenous Circle on Education to play an active role in decision making.
Meetings of the Indigenous Circle on Education
The Indigenous Circle on Education will meet quarterly or more often as the need arises. The Chairperson and Co-Chairperson will determine the timing and frequency of meetings. When necessary, meetings may be held by conference call. All meetings will be open for delegations to present their ideas and suggestions.
Membership of the Indigenous Circle on Education
Full membership of the Indigenous Circle on Education will be reserved for Indigenous representatives. The Loyalist College President will be an ex-officio member and other College staff members (as decided by the Indigenous Circle on Education) will be non-voting resource people. Membership will include designates of the seven Indigenous Education & Training Strategy stakeholder groups, as well as individuals representing local Indigenous constituencies and communities. Two current and one graduate Loyalist College Indigenous students may be members of the Indigenous Circle on Education.
Resource People
The Indigenous Circle on Education will appoint resource people as required to:
- Liaise between the College and the Indigenous Circle on Education;
- Advise and make representation on issues before the Indigenous Circle on Education;
- Report on a regular basis on plans, activities, targets, progress, and budgeting;
- Undertake to prepare submissions and reports, as directed by the Indigenous Circle on Education.
Vacancies
When vacancies occur, the Indigenous Circle on Education, in consultation with provincial and local groups, will identify an appropriate candidate to fill the position. Vacancies should be filled in a timely manner so that no position is vacant for more than one Indigenous Circle on Education meeting.
Quorum
A quorum will consist of 50% plus one of the attending membership of the Indigenous Circle on Education at any meeting.
Review of the Terms of Reference
These terms of reference are subject to review from time to time as deemed appropriate by the members of the Indigenous Circle on Education.
Board Linkage
The Indigenous Circle on Education will recommend Indigenous nominees for a position on the Board of Governors. When appointed, the Indigenous member of the Board of Governors will sit on the Indigenous Circle on Education and act as liaison to the Board.
Hiring Panels
When new individuals are being hired to work in providing targeted Indigenous services, or targeted academic programs, the Indigenous Circle on Education will be asked to nominate one Indigenous Circle on Education member to participate as an interview panelist, along with other College staff (usually one staff from Human Resources and two from the hiring department).
Approved by the Aboriginal Circle on Education at Loyalist College on December 14, 1994
Updated by the Aboriginal Circle on Education at Loyalist College on August 16, 2017