Our Story
The Newcomer Students’ Association (formerly the Newcomer Students’ Association of Ryerson; NSAR) was founded by Sara Asalya in 2016. Sara identified gaps in the way we approach newcomer, immigrant and refugee students in post-secondary institutions, particularly around providing a robust and accessible transition system. This was the impetus that drove her to establish the Newcomer Students’ Association, the first platform of its kind at Ontario post-secondary institutions, to support and empower newcomers, immigrants and refugee students to build fellowship, capacity and community through their shared lived experiences.
Through this platform, we strive to provide newcomer, immigrant and refugee students with the tools and resources they need to fully and equally participate in all aspects of the Canadian society. We work to affect change to shape a more robust and accessible support and transition system for these students. We function as a platform for them to share their lived experiences and voice their needs, concerns and expectations. We continue to research ways to enhance their educational experience and civic engagement.
Make sure to follow us on social media @NewStudentsCA to keep up with our work.
Our Mission
The Newcomer Students’ Association aims to provide a safe space to empower newcomer, immigrant and refugee students to build fellowship, capacity and community through their shared lived experiences.
Our Vision
Our vision is of an inclusive society that values the skills and contributions of newcomers, immigrants and refugees, and actively engenders a sense of belonging within communities.
Our Values
Community
We strive to build an inclusive community for newcomer, immigrant and refugee students that allows our members to fully and equally participate in all aspects of Canadian society. We address the needs of our community, remove barriers to economic, social and civic participation, and build a sense of community and belonging among our members.
Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and Inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We embrace the diverse and rich perspectives, knowledge, backgrounds and identities of our community. We purposefully include and centre the narratives and experiences of all newcomer, immigrant and refugee students regardless of their immigrantion status, physical abilities, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.
Empowerment
We empower newcomer, immigrant and refugee students by centering their voices and amplifying their stories. Our efforts, initiatives and contributions are all in response to the constantly changing needs, expectations and feedback of students. We promise that when those needs evolve, we’ll evolve with them.
Inspiration
We know that newcomers, immigrants and refugees who are able to socially, civically and economically engage and integrate within their new homes feel a stronger sense of belonging and empowerment. We hope to inspire that sense of engagement and belonging with our platform, and provide this community with a transformative experience.
Solidarity
None of the work we do is possible without building solidarity with other grassroots and social justice movements as well as building allyship and strategic partnerships with community organizations.
Storytelling
We want to be a safe space where newcomer, immigrant and refugee students can share their stories and lived experiences, so together we can cultivate a sense of belonging and empowerment. We use storytelling to bring about social change. We harness the power of storytelling to advocate for newcomer, immigrant and refugee students.
NEWCOMER STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION 