The SSIA program is the first of its kind in Ontario, offering an in-depth understanding of the evolving landscape of newcomer reception and support in Canada. This one-year accelerated option allows you to build on your current credentials, upgrading your education or choosing a career specialization. This program consists of a seven-week summer semester starting in early May, followed by a regular academic year starting the day after Labour Day and concluding in mid-April.
Learning through a critical and anti-oppressive lens, you will graduate prepared to support immigrants and refugees from diverse backgrounds. The program, which is grounded in equity, social justice, and anti-oppression principles, provides insights into pre-migration conditions and how to offer meaningful support to individuals and families throughout the migration and integration process.
You will gain knowledge and skills required for social service work with a specific focus on settlement counselling and case management aligned with the experiences of those newly arrived in Canada or undergoing the settlement process. Community development is highlighted with a focus on co-creation and co-design with citizens of the community to identify and respond to gaps in service. Additionally, you will develop advocacy skills to represent clients' needs, fundraising and proposal writing to secure resources, and program planning, development and evaluation to create and assess effective support programs. Success in this program is measured by your ability to grow, challenge personal beliefs, and promote social justice, human dignity, and equality.
Please note that due to the nature of this program and profession, some course work and field placements are held in-person to adequately form interpersonal communication skills.
Graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to pursue many different educational pathways including Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction (BMHA) program.
