Heritage University Native American Student Retention
Program
Heritage University Native American student retention program titled “Dream
Catchers” is designed to increase retention of Native American students by
providing culturally appropriate student support, thus enhancing the academic
and personal success of American Indian students attending Heritage University.
Strategies for success maintaining and enhancing community connections, providing
transitional support, tutoring, study skills, ongoing mentoring, as well as
academic, social, and cultural advisement. Since its inception, the program
has been highly effective in retaining Native American students at Heritage
University.
The dream catcher is a Native American artifact. Native Americans believe
it funnels all good dreams through the center of the inner circle. These good
dreams trail down the feather to the dreamer who lies beneath. The webbing
catches all bad dreams. Dawn’s sunlight melts away the bad dreams caught in
the web.
Heritage University Dream Catchers program creates support systems to “catch”
negative influences that can prevent Native American students from reaching
their dream of a university degree.
Expected student outcomes of the Heritage University Dream Catchers program
include:
- Student retention and academic achievement: Native American students
are encouraged to develop and participate, in a university community that
supports student retention and academic achievements leading to degree attainment.
- Academic Competence: Native American students are encouraged to
acquire effective academic skills that will facilitate the transition to
university life. Mentoring is provided by upper division Native American
students, faculty and staff.
- Acquisition of technology skills: Students are assisted in learning
technology usage and skills required by instructors. (e.g. word processing,
utilizing emails, My Heritage)
- Cross-cultural competencies: Students are encouraged to understand
and appreciate cultural difference and develop respect for all cultures including
their own. Students are also encouraged to participate in peer mentoring,
and develop significant relationship with students of all cultures.
- Students are encouraged to value the Native American tradition of giving:
Mentors and other available support network are expected to assist students
in developing their leadership abilities, toward the end enhancing their
contribution to their own specific Native American communities, as well as
the local and Heritage community.
For further information please contact the office of Provost /VP for Academic
Affairs and Academic Skills Center (ASC).