University of Nevada, Reno: Inclusion of Indigenous/Native American students

Research question

What are the experiences of Indigenous/Native American students at the University and how does that contribute to their sense of belonging?

Background

Indigenous Relations provides input on issues relating to Indigenous issues, tribal sovereignty and the government-to-government relationships. The department works with university leadership to strategically plan student recruitment, student retention, academic/curriculum programs, University policies, and the University’s primary missions of education, research, and engagement.

Indigenous Relations will engage with Indigenous communities directly to foster strong university-community relations and learn how the University can best serve the Indigenous peoples in the region. The department works stakeholders to develop programs that build internal capacity at the University so that Indigenous students, staff, and students’ needs are met and opportunities are advance. This includes engaging in programming and initiatives designed to help improve outreach, retention, and graduation rates. The department works to advance the hiring of Indigenous faculty, meets with Indigenous students and student groups, and sets policy and vision or larger efforts to use decolonizing methodologies within the University.

Deliverables

Complete a survey that relates how Indigenous students feel about their inclusion and sense of belonging in result to experiences they have had at the University of Nevada, Reno. The complied report with findings will be used in the development of the Departmental Strategic Plan.

Suggested skills

• Analytical
• Communication, both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently
• Discretion and Confidentiality understanding
• Knowledge and ability to create surveys

Representative contact information

Daphne Hooper
daphnehooper@unr.edu
(775) 682-7614