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 Native Bridge to Success Program guides new Alaskan Native, Native American and Native Hawaiian freshmen and transfer 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 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. New out-of-state freshmen who plan to attend an August NAU Orientation should enroll for the August 22-23 Orientation session. This will allow the out-of-state freshmen to fully participate in the Native Bridge program should they be accepted.

Participants will be assigned a peer mentor and OISS staff member to receive mentoring during the 4-day program and throughout the academic year.

Additional benefits of the program include:

• Early move-in to assigned fall residence hall
• A head start on becoming familiar with campus community, class locations, and other key places
• Enjoy the opportunity to meet other new Native/Indigenous students
• Enroll in an 8-week Transition to College course (NAU 100) with other Bridge students
• Upon completion the 4-day program and fall term requirements, eligible students will receive a $275 textbook scholarship for the spring 2020 semester.

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).

Indigenous Transfer & Graduate Welcome event

This welcome day is geared for new incoming Indigenous transfer students and new graduate students attending the NAU Flagstaff campus to learn about additional resources, meet with Native/Indigenous faculty and staff, etc. The Welcome event will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Native American Cultural Center Gathering Room. For more details, contact Kiara.Weathersby@nau.edu or 928-523-8086.

Students needing professional counseling during the academic year (August-May) may meet with Dr. Angela Enno (NAU Counseling Services) for walk-in and appointments. Her fall schedule will be posted as soon as it becomes available. Contact: Angela.Enno@nau.edu

The Peer Mentoring Program is comprised of seasoned NAU college students who serve as Peer Mentors to new students. Application has closed for the 2019-20 academic year. Students interested in learning more about or being a part of any of the above programs are highly encouraged to contact Office of Indigenous Student Success (928-523-8086).

• 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 Native American 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