Regional tribal higher ed specialists spend day strengthening partnerships

A group of American Indian tribal higher education specialists and tribal college officials spent Friday, Oct. 14, on the UND campus as honored guests.

The visitors represented longtime partners of the University, committed to providing the highest level of services and support to American Indian students who are or may be transferring to UND.  The day, organized and hosted by UND's office of American Indian Student Services in cooperation with regional tribal colleges, included collaborative efforts to improve the transfer and transition process for American Indian students who choose to embark upon or continue their higher education experience at UND.

The "Transfer Stars" is designed to address issues related to students who first elect to attend their home community tribal college prior to transferring to the University.  Transfer Stars invited liaisons from each of the participating tribal colleges to come to campus for training, information and discussions designed to strengthen relationships between the University and the tribal colleges, long recognized as primary partnering institutions when it comes to recruiting American Indian students.

Tribal community colleges currently participating in the Transfer Stars project include Cankdeska Cikana Community College at Fort Totten; Sitting Bull College at Fort Yates; Turtle Mountain Community College at Belcourt, and Sisseton-Wahpeton College located at Agency Village, SD.  The project aims to successfully transition tribal college graduates to bachelor granting institutions such as UND.  Currently, the Transfer Stars Project is in the process of selecting prospective students for a fall campus visit; interested tribal college students should contact the transfer liaison at their school or Kristy Zaste, Transfer Stars project coordinator at 701-777-2949.

Representatives from the University's Indian related programs and a wide variety of UND departments, offices, and programs met with the Transfer Stars liaisons and visitors, covering topics of importance to incoming transfer students and those who advise them. They shared information on the admission process, financial aid, student services, program opportunities and housing.

The UND Dean of Students Cara Halgren and the Vice President of Student Affairs Lori Reesor also greeted the tribal visitors; however, the highlight of the day was having lunch with UND President Robert and First Lady Marcia Kelley, along with getting a tour of the unique and beautiful president's residence, which President Kelley refers to as the "People's House." It was constructed a few years ago and completed shortly after President Kelley began his administration.

"President and Marcia Kelley were truly gracious hosts who really went out of their way to ensure that the tribal higher education specialists felt valued, appreciated, and most welcome," said Michelle Kozel with UND American Indian Student Services.

For more information, contact: Michelle Kozel at 701-777-6329 or michelle.kozel@email.und.edu