AIMA Recommendations Action Plan 2024

Recommendation 1:
Retention and Graduation Council

The Retention and Graduation Council developed a five-year retention and graduation plan (2022- 2027). The plan sets five- year and annual targets for retention and graduation rates.

1. Establish & Share Goals: Define specific, measurable retention and completion goals for American Indian students.

2. Current Initiatives: Offer culturally relevant programming and events to foster a sense of community. Ensure access to financial aid and scholarship resources tailored to American Indian students.
3. Integration of Tribal Partnerships: Partner with Tribal College Presidents & Tribal Education Directors to create a seamless transition pathway for transfer students.

Sep Eskandari, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Kim Hayworth, Vice Chancellor for Student Access and Success

Stephanie Cowen, Director, Student Services, City College

Laura Gittings-Carlson, Director of Advising and Student Support Services/TRIO

Sunny Day Real Bird, Director of American Indian Outreach for Native American Achievement Center

Lingya Ma, Data/Research Analyst, Institutional Research

Anna Talafuse, Assistant Professor, College of Business

Heather Thompson-Bahm, Department Chair, Busiess, Construction, Energy Technology, City College

Recommendation 2:
Senior level point of contact

Recommendation 3:
Department points of contact

Financial Aid
Alora Blue, Financial Aid Specialist, (406) 657-1780, alora.blue@msubillings.edu

Advising Center
Bryan Grove, Assistant Director, (406) 657-2169, bryan.grove@msubillings.edu

Disability Support Services
Greg Gerard, Interim Director of Disability Support Services, (406) 657-2283, greg.gerard@msubillings.edu

Student Health Services
Jerry Girard, Student Health Director, (406) 657-2153, jerry.girard@msubillings.edu

Admissions
Kealy Dowd, Associate Director of Recruitment, (406) 896-5910, kdowd@msubillings.edu

Housing and Residence Life
Kathy Kotecki, Dean of Student Engagement, (406) 657-1696, kkotecki@msubillings.edu

HumanResources
Paula Highlander, Human Resources Director, (406) 657-2117, paula.highlander@msubillings.edu

Employment and Career Services

Dr. Becky Lyons, Director of Career & Employment Services, (406)- 657-2168, blyons@msubillings.edu

Recommendation 4:
Collect/Share/Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to guide and improve American Indian enrollment and student success.

Overall American Indian Info available to MSUB Campus:

 -OCHE Generated Data/Reports

 -MSUB Internal Aggregate Reports

 -American Indian Enrollment, Retention & Graduation Rate info. part of standard internal reporting

Detailed Student Level Info.

1. APEX Advisor/Enrollment several reports-student level data-enrollment, class list, not returning
2. Possible Modifications to Support AIMA. Add an American Indicator to record.
3. Argos American Indian Outreach Application-provides American Indian student list with contact information
4. Ad Hoc Requests via online form (*link 1)

1. Semester reports on NA enrollment, retention, and graduation sent to admin. & Department Chairs.
2. Utilize data to make informed decisions & impact Strategic Plan

Responsible Office:
Information Tech.

 -Sunny Day Real Bird, Director of American Indian Outreach, (406) 657-2144, 2630 Normal Avenue

 -Joann Stryker, Institutional Research Director

(*link 3)

(406) 247-5752

Recommendation 5:
Request campuses consider how to include American Indian voice in the search process when hiring campus leaders and assess leadership candidate’s knowledge and experience working with American Indian students, faculty and staff.

Training and Orientation:

-Develop interview questions that specifically address candidates’ experience and understanding of working with American Indian students, faculty, and staff.

-Offer cultural competency training for all search committee members to ensure a respectful and informed hiring process.

Develop Interview Questions and Evaluation Criteria:

1. Collaborate with American Indian representatives to draft interview questions focusing on candidates' experience and initiatives involving American Indian communities.
2. Establish clear criteria for evaluating candidates' responses and experiences.

Cultural Competency Training:

1. Provide resources and support for ongoing learning and sensitivity.
2. Work with Chancellor’s Cabinet and HR to ensure every staff member completes the IEFA module.

-Paula Highlander,

Director of Human Resources, (406) 657-2117, paula.highlander@msubillings.edu

-MSUB DEI Committee

-Andrea Aebersold, Executive Director of Center for Teaching and Learning, (406) 657-247-5720, andrea.aebersold@msubillings.edu

Make necessary adjustments based on feedback and changing needs to ensure continuous improvement.

Recommendation 6:
Provide annual professional development opportunities for all faculty and staff in the areas of Indian Education for All, American Indian culture and cultural sensitivity and the history of Montana’s First Peoples.

Recommendation 7:
Dissemination of professional development

The action plan is to seek support from Chancellor, Provost & Vice Chancellors to support 3, 4 & 5.

-Paula Highlander,

Director of Human Resources, (406) 657-2117, paula.highlander@msubillings.edu

-Supervisors

Recommendation 8:
Strategy to Leverage Apply Montana and FAFSA Completion Initiatives to Support American Indian Students in Accessing the Montana University System

To improve access to the Montana University System for American Indian students, we will leverage Apply Montana and FAFSA completion initiatives. Our strategy includes partnering with Tribal education offices, local and tribal high schools, and community organizations to raise awareness and conduct informational sessions.

Work with TRIO Educational Opportunity Center and Office of Admissions.

• Establish Partnerships
• Create Resources
• Plan and Conduct Outreach Events
• Implement Tracking System

TRIO Educational Opportunity

Kimberly Kost, Academic Counselor, (406) 657-2182, Kimberly.kost@msubillings.edu