Diverse minds open doors
The Faculty of Arts and Science is pleased to announce a new initiative that supports the transition from high school to university. Students will have an opportunity to take unique courses that inspire curiosity and provide an open dialogue for discovery. This pathway is intended for students who are determined to earn a university education but have faced challenges in an academic environment. Through our customized classes, students gain the skills and knowledge required for continued success as they work towards their Bachelor of Arts or Science degree. The pathway admits students applying directly from secondary school who have an average below the 70% admission requirement.
Engaging Courses
This suite of courses provides students with an exciting opportunity to choose topics that are meaningful, relevant and applicable. Students will explore "Big Questions" from diverse perspectives, encouraging a dialogue between disciplines and modeling a productive learning environment where learning becomes a tool for building a better world, achieving academic success, and creating meaningful career opportunities.
In addition to the Arts or Science courses specific to the students area of study, students will take a Foundations Pathway core course in each semester and choose 2 of 3 Foundation Pathway transformation courses. The Foundation Pathway core and transformation courses have been uniquely designed by experienced faculty who have committed to being mentors and guides. These skill-building courses, that bolster academic success, take place in a small-class environment.
Experiential Learning
Student's personal and academic growth takes place through experiential learning in transformation courses that highlight the importance of community involvement, civic responsibilities and global citizenship. Experienced faculty members will be mentors and guides as they teach skill-building courses to bolster academic success and foster meaningful relationships with the Foundations Pathway students.
Lectures, guest speakers, and workshops will nurture an environment where students can develop critical thinking skills and analyse global events through the lens of their chosen discipline.
Your path, your way
In first year, students take a reduced full-time course load and receive support from a team focused on teaching the skills required to thrive in an Arts or Science degree. Upon successful completion of the Foundations Pathway, students will have earned up to 24 credits towards their Arts or Science degree. This strong foundation will provide tools and strategies that ensure continued academic success at Nipissing and offer Foundations Pathway students an easy transition directly into the second year of their degree program.
The reduced load enables students to participate in workshops and activities that support personal development. Students will also have access to:
- an advising team that will assist in creating a customized academic plan;
- a small-class environment with one-on-one faculty-student engagement;
- one-on-one guidance and access to various supports and services offered; and
- support from the top-rated Student Services team in Canada (Maclean’s University Ranking).
Student Testimonials
“...this program is exactly what every student should take who has any doubt in their minds about what they want to pursue. This program and these courses are a great introduction to what University is like and a great way to introduce you to the workload difference from high school. The teachers get to know you and are really friendly and helpful for any questions you may have.”
- Caden, Foundations Pathway Student
"…the discussion is applicable to all classes and real life. It lets us discuss in a smaller group on relatable topics which I enjoy. I like the hands on aspect of it. Not everyone learns the same, and I think this program is a perfect example. I like the different vibe of this course oppose to my other electives."
- Brooklyn, Foundations Pathway Student
"The first year foundations class has been a very beneficial course to take this year. This course has taught me so many skills that I would consider critical in my education yet have not been discussed in any of my other courses! Skills such as how to effectively study, time management and how to get the best out of your lectures has been so helpful and applicable to all of my other courses. I would definitely recommend this class to all first year students."
- Jessie, Foundations Pathway Student
Contact Us
Foundations Pathway,
Faculty of Arts and Science
100 College Drive, Box 5002,
North Bay, ON P1B 8L7
fyf@nipissingu.ca
705-474-3450 ext. 4315