African Nova Scotian/Canadian Support Services

Addressing students’ needs is the utmost priority of the staff dedicated to supporting African Nova Scotian/Canadian students. We believe that with persistence and a tailored one-on-one experience, students will be able to thrive and succeed throughout their academic careers.

How CBU Supports ANS Students

Personalized guidance and support throughout the entire academic journey
Building and nurture a supportive network of students and dedicated staff
One-one-one mentorship and coaching
Tutoring
Advising and course selection advice
Celebrating African culture through events and on- campus activities
Advocating on student’s behalf with stakeholder groups

Meet Our Team

Dionne Romard
Student Development Officer for Students of African Nova Scotian and Canadian Descent
Dionne’s role is to promote and support student success by fostering internal and external relationships through various networks available to Students of African Nova Scotian/Canadian Descent. Dionne provides academic and mentoring support to students enrolled at CBU in all fields of study including direct from high school, transfer and mature learners. Dionne is also responsible for developing and maintaining effective relationships with community representatives and stakeholders and developing new ideas to ensure student development and success.

Reann Arsenault
Student Development Officer, Program Coordinator Working with African Nova Scotian Youth
Reann develops and delivers youth programming for African Nova Scotian children and youth. This program aims to provide African Nova Scotian youth and children with an early introduction to post-secondary studies and raise awareness of the career opportunities available in sciences, healthcare and other areas of study.

Brittany Oakley
Recruitment and Engagement Specialist for Students of African Nova Scotian and Canadian Descent
Brittany is dedicated to empowering African Nova Scotian/Canadians Students by providing personalized guidance and ensuring a supportive academic journey. She collaborates with various community organizations, educational stakeholders and internal partners to build a supportive network for students to succeed and reach their full potential at Cape Breton University.

Wanda Robson Scholarship

Wanda Robson was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Wanda has become known as the youngest sister of Viola Desmond, who challenged the practice of racial segregation in a New Glasgow, Nova Scotia movie theatre in 1946. She was a single mother who worked hard to raise her family and, later in her life, would marry her loving and doting husband, Joe Robson. In 2004, at the age of 76, Wanda graduated from Cape Breton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, fulfilling her lifelong dream of pursuing a university education. Wanda was also given an honorary degree from CBU in 2014 for her efforts in ensuring her sister’s legacy would not be lost to history. Wanda has been a steady and forceful voice for social justice in her sister’s name for more than 20 years.

CBU dedicated a scholarship for ANS students in memory of Wanda Robson. More information about the Wanda Robson Scholarship can be found here.

Additional Support Services

In addition to providing specialized assistance, additional support services available for ANS/AC students include:

Fostering time management, organization, and study skills for students who may be struggling in these areas;
Connecting students with resources and tutoring services, and, on request, sit with students while receiving advice from faculty on course selection and advice;
Connecting students to volunteer opportunities, as well as peer mentorship, career mentorship, and other services and opportunities within the broader Cape Breton community;
Liaising with the Community United for Black Education (C.U.B.E);
Providing student orientation, resource days, and university tours for high school students.