USAO Logo

Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions

Since 2017, USAO has received nearly $6 million in grants as part of the federal government’s Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions program. The NASNTI grant programs are designed to improve USAO’s capacity to increase the retention, success and graduation rates of Native American and low-income students who make up a significant portion of USAO’s student population.

PART A: NEW PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS 

Financial Literacy

Financial literacy helps students with budgeting, understanding credit, saving strategies, student loans, and so much more. The Financial Literacy Coach offers financial resources, workshops, and counseling. Basically, they're your go-to resource for all things money-related, and they're here to empower you to make smart financial decisions both now and in the future. 

Experiential Learning   

The image depicts the Experiential Learning Cycle, which is represented as a circular flowchart. At the center of the cycle is the text "Experiential Learning Cycle." Surrounding this central circle, there are four arrows arranged in a continuous loop, each labeled with a phase of the cycle. Moving clockwise, the arrows are labeled experiencing, reflecting, thinking and acting. The arrows indicate the cyclic and iterative nature of experiential learning, suggesting that learning occurs through a repetitive process of experiencing, reflecting, thinking, and acting.Experiential Learning is the process of learning by doing. By engaging students in hands-on experiences and reflection, they are better able to connect theories and knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world situations.

Experiential learning opportunities exist in a variety of course- and non-course-based forms and may include community service, service-learning, undergraduate research, study abroad/away, and culminating experiences such as internships, student teaching, and capstone projects, to name a few.

The Experiential Learning Coordinator assists with internship and career opportunities.  

Student Equity  

The Coordinator of Accessibility Support and Equity ensures that USAO’s campus is accessible and equitable for students. They aim to foster educational equity, improve academic resources and promote community development to ensure all students have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. 

PART F: IMPROVING STUDENT SUCCESS IN REMOTE LEARNING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY 

Technology Resources

Students may checkout a laptop or hotspot through the NASNTI Technology loan program in Nash Library. Assistive technology is also available to students who need them. Checkouts are available through the Coordinator of Accessibility Support and Equity.  

Online Learning Support  

The Instructional Designer and Instructional Technology Specialist work together to develop online courses and workshops to help students thrive in online classes.  

Mental Wellness  SUpport

All current USAO students have access to TAO (Therapy Assistance Online)