First-Generation Admission Policy to First-Entry Undergraduate Programs

Approved by Senate, November 2017

Queen’s encourages participation in post-secondary education by First-Generation students. We offer First-Generation candidates, including Crown Wards, an additional and alternative admission pathway to the first year of a full-time, first-entry undergraduate degree program.

Candidates must apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) and should expect to meet the general admission conditions for each program (at minimum the university admission average) and deadlines for undergraduate admission, including completion of the Personal Statement of Experience (PSE) and supplementary essay, portfolio or audition where required.

Candidates seeking admission consideration under this policy should submit a separate letter to Undergraduate Admission stating that they wish to be considered under this policy and provide a letter of support from their local Pathways to Education, Boys and Girls Club of Canada or Crown Ward Coordinator. Candidates must be registered with their local Pathways to Education community, Boys and Girls Club Raising the Grade program or as a Crown Ward in order to qualify for this alternative pathway. In addition to the student’s Personal Statement of Experience, admission to Queen’s University will depend on the assessment of the student’s program pre-requisites (or equivalences) as well as the student’s overall average. The number of students admitted each year under this policy will be determined in the annual enrollment plan upon consultation with the faculties and schools.

Offers of admission will be made to First-Generation candidates whose total application shows strong evidence of academic preparedness and potential. Students who are admitted under this policy will be encouraged to make use of the academic advising and academic support services available to all students at Queen’s University. The Student Experience Office, Student Academic Support Services, Student Awards and Academic Advising are important resources for First-Generation students. In addition, the students will be introduced to the contacts and services available at the Student Experience Office and the Student Awards Office during the application process, upon admission, and during Orientation. Queen’s University encourages students to access these services throughout their time at Queen’s.