Nipissing University and Chippewa launch pilot project

Grade 12 students at Chippewa Secondary School now have the option of gaining advanced standing for two Nipissing University courses while they are still in high school. Nipissing University and the Near North District School Board have teamed up to launch this two-year pilot project.
This project is part of our ongoing commitment to work collaboratively with the educational partners in our community to offer better options for students,” said Director of Education Geof Botting.

Chippewa students are excited about how this unique opportunity will help them as they prepare to transition to post-secondary studies in their own community.

“I like it because it will give me a chance to focus more on my other subjects when I am studying at Nipissing,” said grade twelve student Carley Stickle. Another grade twelve student at Chippewa, Sarah Zuccherato, shared “It’s a benefit for me because I’ll be able to graduate from Nipissing more quickly.”

Starting in second semester, students who enroll in grade twelve Chemistry and English courses at Chippewa, who meet Nipissing University admission standards, and register at Nipissing University, will be given advanced standing for two elective courses in their university program.

“I am proud that we can partner with Nipissing University to offer such an opportunity for students at Chippewa. It is an excellent reflection of our staff and students and shows tremendous confidence in the programs that we offer at Chippewa," said Chippewa principal Lucio Pavone.

“Nipissing is committed to increasing access for qualified students and is investigating better pathways to make the transition to university more seamless. We are pleased to partner with Chippewa and the Near North District School Board on this project,” said Sharon Rich, dean of Nipissing’s Schulich School of Education. “The university will investigate the success of this pilot project with the goal of opening it to other school boards across the system.”

The longstanding partnership between the Near North District School Board and Nipissing University is a testament to our shared commitment of offering programs that benefit our students, in the communities we serve.