April 19, 2024

AIHEC WEEKLY UPDATE

The Collective Spirit and Unifying Voice of our Nation's Tribal Colleges and Universities

HIGHLIGHTS

Federal, State and Local Legislators attend Inaugural American Indian & Indigenous Education Summit

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tribal College & University Initiative

Webinar Series

April 24th 3:30-4:30pm EASTERN TIME

The EPA is devoted to empowering Indigenous students to enter its workforce. We will be discussing what we are hoping to accomplish – the framework and desired goals – and the great activities already taking place. The webinar is open to anyone interested in learning about this initiative and potential collaboration. The presentation will be a virtual webinar event. If you have any questions, please email whiteman.denmi@epa.gov or Richmond.jonah@epa.gov

Register here: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/59acc2b3-82c4-4e1a-a624-04a16f3f016e@88b378b3-6748-4867-acf9-76aacbeca6a7

IHEART

Looking for Student Panelists

Looking for several student panelists of Indigenous heritage to speak about their academic journey, potential barriers to education, and how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has (or has not) played a significant role in their endeavors at the upcoming IHEART AIAN Health Professions Workforce Summit.

Social Work
Dentistry
Nursing
Undergraduate (with the intent toward a higher degree in the healthcare workforce)

The summit is on May 7^th/8^th, but this particular panel will be on the 7^th from 12:35pm – 1:25pm CST.

Contact Stephanie Dobbs, Program Manager, IHEART at: sdobos@aaip.org

EVENTS & WEBINARS TO CHECK OUT

Please consider taking part in a 90-minute virtual focus group on how to increase access to federal restricted-use datasets and the Standard Application Process. We want to hear from researchers at HBCUs and minority-serving institutions. This effort is funded by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the National Science Foundation (NSF). It is led by RTI, a nonprofit research institute, in collaboration with WhitworthKee Consulting.

JOB/INTERNSHIP

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FIND THESE AND OTHER JOBS HERE AT THE TRIBAL COLLEGE JOURNAL JOB BOARD

From Dreams to Reality

Our great linguistic diversity is declining precipitously, and Indigenous languages are at the greatest risk. But there is hope. Tribal colleges and universities may be the greatest force for Native language sustainability in North America.

Why Tribal Colleges Are Key to Culturally Appropriate Policing in Indigenous Communities

Deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions and knowledge, TCUs are forging a new path where Native people reclaim their role in ensuring community safety through culturally appropriate community policing.

Tribal College Journal On Campus

Tribal College & University News Round-up

Other News

Crow Tribe looks to educate younger generation on centuries of land loss

Law Enforcement Agencies Visit Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Looking for Applicants

Sac State partners with California Tribal College to boost Native American student success

American Indian College Fund President Cheryl Crazy Bull Contributing Writer to Book Honoring Legacy of Vine Deloria, Jr.

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED

AIHEC Welcomes Lisa Vandever

Coordinator - Native Environmental Internships

Ya'at'eeh, I am Towering House clan, born for the Mexican peoples clan. My maternal grandfather is Black streak wood peoples clan and my paternal grandfather is Bitter water peoples clan.

I am Lisa Vandever from Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona. I have been in education for almost 15 years as a teacher, mentor, advocate and researcher. Teaching on the Navajo and Hopi reservation, I have experience working with elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. I have also worked at the first tribal college, Dine College, as an advisor and first year experience coordinator. I have conducted research with the University of Arizona in a consortium project with Arizona State Department of Education. I gained experience in policy and advocacy at the national level by working with Tribal communities at Northern Arizona University: Institute for Tribal Professionals and the National Congress of American Indians. I am mother to 3 beautiful boys and walk in life with my partner and husband of 14 years. Ahe'hee (thank you).

FAFSA Update from the U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education and the IRS identified three issues that impact a small amount of FAFSA forms which are identified in a new Electronic Announcement. From these issues, the Department and IRS estimate that approximately 5% of previously submitted FAFSA applications need to be reprocessed because the errors would result in decreased financial aid eligibility for students if unresolved. More than 80% of applications were not affected by these tax issues and the Department plans to reprocess the errors in the first half of April.

The Department released another Electronic Announcement this week regarding information on the Universally Unique Identification Numbers (UUIDs) that the Department is building and will send directly to institutions. The list will identify the student records that are unaffected by the known errors.

The Department will be hosting a webinar on Friday, April 5th to answer the most common technical questions which will include questions that have been received from schools, software developers, and states. Please register for the webinar here.

The department also launched a new page this week that includes updates and messages from Federal Student Aid Leadership.