Ryerson University Midwifery Education Program Aboriginal Admissions Process

The Ryerson University Midwifery Education Program offers both a regular and an Aboriginal Admissions Process (AAP). Full details of our regular admissions process are available on our website. Aboriginal applicants may choose to apply through the AAP; this is a voluntary process, with candidates self- identifying as Aboriginal if they so chose. The AAP has two aspects:

1. It offers a minimum of 3 spaces in each incoming class specifically to Aboriginal students
2. It seeks to maximize Aboriginal applicants’ opportunity to gain admission to the MEP.

The MEP acknowledges the historic and current systemic discrimination and racism, as well as the ongoing legacy of colonialism that disadvantages Aboriginal peoples in a variety of contexts, including the educational sector. The AAP is designed to counter some of the systemic disadvantage that may make it harder for Aboriginal applicants to access the MEP, and to ensure that a number of spots are protected for Aboriginal applicants. The MEP acknowledges the value that Aboriginal students bring to the MEP as scholars as well as the benefit they bring to both the general and the Aboriginal midwifery communities in Ontario and across Canada.

The AAP is in keeping with the efforts of Ryerson’s Aboriginal Strategic Plan, Ryerson Aboriginal Students Services and broader policies in the university that focus on the recruitment, retention and student success of Aboriginal students across Ryerson.

Stage 1
All Aboriginal candidates, like all applicants to the MEP, must meet the minimum academic requirements for entry to the MEP.

Stage 2
All Aboriginal candidates, like all applicants, must submit a Personal Letter. Aboriginal Personal Letters are read and scored by an Aboriginal midwife and an Aboriginal midwifery consumer. All Aboriginal candidates whose Personal Letters meet the minimum standard proceed to the interview stage.

Stage 3
If both the academic and Personal Letter requirements are met, Aboriginal applicants are invited to an interview. The interview lasts for 45 minutes and is conducted by an Aboriginal interview team that whenever possible, normally consists of an Aboriginal midwife, an Aboriginal midwifery consumer, and an Aboriginal faculty member from the MEP. All candidates are ranked in order of strength of interview, and additionally are given an individual assessment of 'recommended for admission' or 'not recommended for admission'.1

Stage 4
All Aboriginal candidates are also requested to complete the standard admissions interviews (Multiple Mini Interviews) with the intent of maximizing spaces for Aboriginal students within the program.2

1. Ryerson Aboriginal Student Services (RASS) has a process in place to invite applicants who do not receive an offer of admission to meet with an Academic Support Advisor to see if the applicant is interested in reapplying to Ryerson or to another post-secondary institution. RASS endeavors to provide support through identifying what is needed to ensure a successful application.

2 Any AAP spots not filled by Aboriginal candidates will be filled with candidates from the general applicant pool.