Services & Programs

Our creative and innovative programs encourage Native/Indigenous students to engage with our department, the Native American Cultural Center, and the university community. You will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, make friends, and become part of our family of support.

What is Bridge?

The Indige-Bridge to Success Program guides new Alaskan Native, Native American, Native Hawaiian and other people who identify as Indigenous freshmen students through the college transition process and provides an overview of the university community. Participants connect with key staff, faculty, and support services while meeting other students and building skills for success. The Indige-Bridge Program begins with a four-day residential program occurring one week before the fall term begins and continues throughout the academic year with additional programming. This year, our program was a two-day virtual event via Zoom. In the future, we hope to have this program return to an in-person event.

Participants are assigned a peer mentor and OISS staff member to receive mentoring during the program and throughout the academic year.

Additional benefits of the program include:

• A head start on becoming familiar with campus community, class locations, and other key places
• Enjoy the opportunity to meet other new Indigenous first-year students
• Enroll in an 8-week Transition to College course (NAU 100) with other Bridge students

The Indigenous Support Program offers new freshmen/transfer, continuing, and graduate students personalized academic and financial aid guidance along with peer mentoring support, referrals to campus resources, student organizations and cultural activities, and access to one-on-one support. Students interested in receiving support are encouraged to contact Office of Indigenous Student Success (928-523-8086).

Students needing professional counseling are highly encouraged to schedule an appointment with a NAU Counseling Services’ Path to Care counselor by calling (928) 523-2261.

The Indige-Peer Mentoring is comprised of seasoned NAU student students who serve as Indige-Peer Mentors (IPMs) to new incoming students. For information on how to become an IPM please contact OISS at issnatives@nau.edu or 928-523-8086 for more information. All student employment is facilitated via Handshake.

• Scholarships
• Internships
• Employment/Career Development
• Parent/Family

• Review your degree progression plan
• Referral to Academic Success Center for Weekly Tutoring Program (WTP) for additional tutoring support for select courses
• Overview of academic standing (probation, continued probation, suspension)
• Tips and strategies on how to be successful in your class(s)

The OISS helps the Office of Undergraduate Admissions recruit under-represented high school and community college students. We participate in university recruitment programs such as Discover NAU, campus visits, and special events like the annual Indigenous Visit Day (Nov) and Lumberjack Spirit Day (Feb).

• Guidance related to transitioning to college life
• Balancing multiple roles (student, family, cultural obligations, etc.) while in college classes
• Adjusting to living or commuting to Flagstaff or being an online student