Progress 09/01/24 to 08/31/25

Outputs
Target Audience:August 2024 Launched fall advising and mentorship programs; began Tribal outreach planning with four Tribal Nations September 2024 Hosted financial literacy workshops in partnership with Dr. Roman Balderas October 2024 Held Indigenous Peoples Day & Trail of Tears Walk; Launched Career Connections series October 2024 Facilitated inaugural Native American Leadership Council convening with seven Tribal Nations November 2024 Celebrated Native American Heritage Month with three major events; hosted First Friday with MC December 2024 Honored fall graduates and presented cultural blanket awards to five students January 2025 Continued peer mentoring and academic interventions with returning students February 2025 Hosted Cherokee Storytelling event; resumed financial literacy series April 2025 Held spring Stickball Tournament with 320 participants; featured food, art, and cultural demonstrations May 2025 Hosted year-end social; honored spring graduates; student interns completed service June 2025 Continued work on Tribal MOUs; maintained internship onboarding and digital platform updates July 2025 Hosted Chickasaw Nation citizen students and staff on campus tour 114 participants Evaluation of Outcomes: Recruitment and Enrollment: Fall 2025 enrollment reached 1,490 Native students, including 251 new freshmen -- the largest incoming Native cohort to date. This marks a significant milestone in NASS's recruitment strategy. Retention and Completion: 96% retention rate for first-time and transfer Native students between Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. 210 Native students graduated in Spring 2025, with an additional 85 projected for December 2025. 47 Native Scholar Awards were distributed for academic excellence and leadership. Internship Program Development: NASS supported four student interns in distinct focus areas in 2024 Spring and six in Fall 2025.?Interns contributed to major events, designed student-facing media, and demonstrated leadership development. Two graduating interns advanced into postsecondary leadership roles, reflecting strong outcomes from the internship-to-career pipeline. Sense of Belonging and Engagement: NASS's new centrally located office improved visibility and increased daily walk-ins. Programs were co-designed with student leaders, reinforcing cultural relevance and ownership. Key programming highlights: Indigenous Peoples Day and Trail of Tears Walk: 45 participants First Friday (Nov. 2024) Intercultural Gathering: 25 participants Stickball Tournament (April 2025): 320 participants Storytelling and cultural events embedded identity-building across semesters Financial Literacy and Career Development: Fall and Spring sessions on budgeting, Tribal financial aid, and scholarships averaged 25 students per session Career Connections offered resume building and mentoring Career advising was embedded in one-on-one sessions with referrals to internships and alumni Support for Native RSOs: NASS provided funding, mentorship, and space for: NALSA (Native American Law Students Association) NASA (Native American Student Association) AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) RSOs led events, panels, and peer mentoring, reinforcing student engagement and leadership. Tribal Relations and University-to-Nation Engagement: Tribal working partnerships with Quapaw, Osage, Cherokee, and Muscogee (Creek) Nations Cherokee Nation in preliminary conversations to work with UARK's World Languages Department on Cherokee language revitalization Preliminary MOU discussions began with University administration in regard to Quapaw and Cherokee Nations Tribal partners enhanced NASS's ability to support cultural advising and referrals Institutional Impact and NALC Engagement: The first Native American Leadership Council convening (Oct. 2024) brought together Tribal leaders, higher ed officials, and UARK administration. Outcomes included: Policy collaboration pathways Shared recruitment planning Framework for continued nation-to-university engagement Digital Infrastructure - nass.uark.edu: Launched in 2024, the NASS website now serves as a national Indigenous student resource hub. It includes: Curated scholarship and financial aid resources Tribal documentation support Calendars, internship listings, and mentorship sign-ups Family and Tribal Nation-facing materials Up-to-date links to Tribal higher ed contacts and programs Web analytics confirm high engagement from across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and beyond -- demonstrating national reach and relevance. Summary: The 2024-2025 academic year was marked by transformative growth for Native American Student Services (NASS) at the University of Arkansas. With the continued support of the NBTS grant, NASS significantly strengthened its role as the institutional hub for Native student success, cultural engagement, and Tribal-university collaboration. Key achievements include record-breaking enrollment of Native students, a 96% retention rate for first-time and transfer Native students, and the successful graduation of over 200 students -- many of whom participated in cultural ceremonies that celebrated identity alongside academic achievement. These outcomes were supported by the expansion of culturally responsive advising, peer and professional mentorship, targeted academic interventions, and experiential learning through a revitalized internship program. The relocation of NASS to a more central and visible campus space contributed directly to increased student engagement and daily interactions, further solidifying a sense of community and cultural belonging. Events such as the Stickball Tournament, Indigenous Peoples Day, and Cherokee Storytelling reflected a deepened investment in Indigenous ways of knowing and cultural visibility across campus. The internship program continued to demonstrate its dual purpose: fostering career readiness while expanding NASS's service capacity. Interns supported communication via running the NASS Instagram page, NASS website blog posts, graphic design, Native Student Network student newsletter, event coordination, data collection, and storytelling -- gaining practical skills while contributing meaningfully to their community. The year also saw notable progress in strengthening Nation-to-Nation relationships. Through formal partnerships, ongoing MOU development, and collaborative initiatives like the Cherokee Language program, NASS is positioning the University of Arkansas as a leader in Tribal engagement and Native student policy consultation. The inaugural convening of the Native American Leadership Council had participation from Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Quapaw Tribe and the Peoria Tribe of Oklahoma, with Muscogee Nation and Shawnee Tribe and Osage Nation having appointed members but unable to attend. This meeting laid the foundation for sustained, cross-sector collaboration between Tribal Nations and university leadership. Digitally, the launch and growth ofnass.uark.edutransformed NASS into a regional and national resource hub. The site has extended the university's impact far beyond campus, providing Tribal families and students with access to scholarships, events, and culturally relevant college navigation tools -- especially those in rural and underserved communities. The 2024-2025 year affirmed that Native student success is most effective when rooted in cultural values, community leadership, and sustained institutional support. With strategic partnerships, student-centered design, and grant-backed infrastructure, NASS has elevated its programming from supportive to transformational. Moving forward, NASS will continue expanding outreach, institutional accountability, and student empowerment, guided by the principles of sovereignty, respect, and reciprocal learning. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The internship program continued to demonstrate its dual purpose: fostering career readiness while expanding NASS's service capacity. Interns supported communication via running the NASS Instagram page, NASS website blog posts, graphic design, Native Student Network student newsletter, event coordination, data collection, and storytelling -- gaining practical skills while contributing meaningfully to their community. The year also saw notable progress in strengthening Nation-to-Nation relationships. Through formal partnerships, ongoing MOU development, and collaborative initiatives like the Cherokee Language program, NASS is positioning the University of Arkansas as a leader in Tribal engagement and Native student policy consultation. The inaugural convening of the Native American Leadership Council had participation from Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Quapaw Tribe and the Peoria Tribe of Oklahoma, with Muscogee Nation and Shawnee Tribe and Osage Nation having appointed members but unable to attend. This meeting laid the foundation for sustained, cross-sector collaboration between Tribal Nations and university leadership. Digitally, the launch and growth ofnass.uark.edutransformed NASS into a regional and national resource hub. The site has extended the university's impact far beyond campus, providing Tribal families and students with access to scholarships, events, and culturally relevant college navigation tools -- especially those in rural and underserved communities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Digitally, the launch and growth ofnass.uark.edutransformed NASS into a regional and national resource hub. The site has extended the university's impact far beyond campus, providing Tribal families and students with access to scholarships, events, and culturally relevant college navigation tools -- especially those in rural and underserved communities. The 2024-2025 year affirmed that Native student success is most effective when rooted in cultural values, community leadership, and sustained institutional support. With strategic partnerships, student-centered design, and grant-backed infrastructure, NASS has elevated its programming from supportive to transformational. Moving forward, NASS will continue expanding outreach, institutional accountability, and student empowerment, guided by the principles of sovereignty, respect, and reciprocal learning. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Academic year 2025-2026 will be the third year for this program. Activities will include expanding internships for undergraduate students and expanding relationships with Tribal Nations.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Sense of Belonging and Engagement: NASS's new centrally located office improved visibility and increased daily walk-ins. Programs were co-designed with student leaders, reinforcing cultural relevance and ownership. Key programming highlights: Indigenous Peoples Day and Trail of Tears Walk: 45 participants First Friday (Nov. 2024) Intercultural Gathering: 25 participants Stickball Tournament (April 2025): 320 participants Storytelling and cultural events embedded identity-building across semesters Financial Literacy and Career Development: Fall and Spring sessions on budgeting, Tribal financial aid, and scholarships averaged 25 students per session Career Connections offered resume building and mentoring Career advising was embedded in one-on-one sessions with referrals to internships and alumni Support for Native RSOs: NASS provided funding, mentorship, and space for: NALSA (Native American Law Students Association) NASA (Native American Student Association) AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) RSOs led events, panels, and peer mentoring, reinforcing student engagement and leadership. Tribal Relations and University-to-Nation Engagement: Tribal working partnerships with Quapaw, Osage, Cherokee, and Muscogee (Creek) Nations Cherokee Nation in preliminary conversations to work with UARK's World Languages Department on Cherokee language revitalization Preliminary MOU discussions began with University administration in regard to Quapaw and Cherokee Nations Tribal partners enhanced NASS's ability to support cultural advising and referrals Institutional Impact and NALC Engagement: The first Native American Leadership Council convening (Oct. 2024) brought together Tribal leaders, higher ed officials, and UARK administration. Outcomes included: Policy collaboration pathways Shared recruitment planning Framework for continued nation-to-university engagement Digital Infrastructure - nass.uark.edu: Launched in 2024, the NASS website now serves as a national Indigenous student resource hub. It includes: Curated scholarship and financial aid resources Tribal documentation support Calendars, internship listings, and mentorship sign-ups Family and Tribal Nation-facing materials Up-to-date links to Tribal higher ed contacts and programs

Publications

Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The Native American Student Services (NASS) Department at the University of Arkansas is dedicated to supporting Native American students in their academic, cultural, and social endeavors. The department offers a variety of services aimed at enhancing the university experience for Native American students and promoting cultural awareness and inclusion within the campus community. This includes fostering a sense of vision and purpose, creating a sense of belonging, supporting improved recruitment and retention, identifying and removing barriers, and offering financial assistance. Key functions and offerings of the NASS include: 1. Academic Support: NASS provides resources to assist students in achieving their academic goals. This includes advising, tutoring, and workshops designed to help students excel in their coursework and navigate university requirements effectively. (Sense of Vision & Purpose) 2. Retention Initiatives: NASS implements strategies to improve retention rates among Native American students. This includes monitoring academic progress, providing early intervention for students facing challenges, and creating a supportive community that encourages students to persist and graduate. 3. Personal and Social Support: NASS offers a welcoming space where students can find support and connect with peers and collaborates closely with student organizations like the Native American Student Association and American Indian Science and Engineering Society. The department provides community, mentorship programs, and social gatherings to foster a supportive environment that addresses the unique challenges Native American students might face. (Sense of belonging) 4. Advocacy and Outreach: The NASS serves as an advocate for Native American students, working to ensure their voices are heard within the university administration. It also engages in outreach efforts to recruit Native American students and build relationships with Native communities. With partners including the Admissions Department and College Access Initiative. NASSD has created the Native American Leadership Council to facilitate consultation between appointed tribal officials and the University of Arkansas. (Sense of Vision & Purpose, College Prep) 5. Scholarship and Financial Aid Assistance: The department helps students identify and apply for scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically available to Native American students, easing the financial burden of higher education. (means/funding) 6. Cultural Programming: The department organizes events and activities that celebrate Native American heritage and traditions. These events provide students with opportunities to engage with their culture, share it with others, and build a sense of community on campus. (Sense of purpose/belonging) Overall, the Native American Student Services Department collaborates purposefully across all phases of the university to uplift learning, discovery, and partnership opportunities, fostering the success of our students and the tribal nations and communities we serve. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?August 2023 First internship cohort established December 2023 Recognize December Graduates February 2024 Native American Student Serviced Director seated in position in the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative in the School of Law. May 2024 Held blanket ceremony recognizing May graduates May 2024 Met with College Access Initiative to discuss recruitment strategy May 2024- July 2024 Implement Eco-REU July 2024 Implement Native Youth in Food and Agriculture Leadership Summit July 2024 Establish Native American Leadership Council (first convening scheduled Oct. 2024) August 2024 Host Indigenous Student Welcome Event August 2024 Launch Native American Student Network Newsletter September 2024 Expand Native American Student Services Internship Cohort How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The following Council Members have been recruited and confirmed by Native American Student Services Director, Greg Jones July 2024 Chief Ben Barnes, Shawnee Tribe Chief Craig Harper, Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner, Cherokee Nation Higher Education Director Krista Pierce, Quapaw Nation Director of Education Community Services Elsa Lowe, Muscogee Nation Director Postsecondary Education Katie Ackerman, Chickasaw Nation Cultural Advisors Committee Member Ray Lasley, Osage Nation First in-person meeting of the council took place October 24, 2024 and will be in contents of year two report. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The primary contribution to economic support for students during the project period is through the internship program. Eight students in year one benefited from paid internships through the Native American Student Services program. Their work was diverse and specialized to their skills and interests as well as their perceived needs for our campus. Work products from the internship include a summary report on affordable housing options for students, a garden bed in a Trail of Tears historic site being replanted with native and culturally significant plant species, and a coed stickball (traditional Indigenous sport) tournament held on campus in the spring of 2024 bringing hundreds of Indigenous guests to campus to play and spectate. Each activity conducted by interns supports them financially, gives them relevant work experience and skills building, and many projects improve the sense of belonging, generating compounding effects of the internship program to meet three of the four identified challenges.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Recruitment: Fall of 2024 saw 310 new freshman and transfer AI/AN students, indicating an increase of 52 students over a two-year period. This is below the desired increase of 50 students per year. Compounding increases are anticipated as more outreach to area high schools and college fairs takes place in proceeding years of the project. A brief was prepared and presented to Student Affairs staff at the University of Arkansas in May 2024 indicating that AI/AN people are 15% of the population in the region (Arkansas and Oklahoma border counties). AI/AN students make up only 3.8% of enrollment at the University of Arkansas in Fall 2024, demonstrating the high potential for increase. This analysis is attached as Appendix D. Retention: The AI/AN, 6-year graduation rate increased to 64.3% (up from 63% in 2021). The first-year retention for 2023 stayed the same, 81.7%, and the number of students graduating in four years has decreased to 47.5% of freshman in the 2022-2023 academic year. The first effects of the program are expected to be seen in the 2024-2025 academic year, the first full year of project implementation. The Native American Student Services Internship program is contributing to the academic success of students participating. Of these interns, two have graduated and all others have of been retained to the next school year.

Publications