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
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).