- Retention; we can focus more on keeping Creek students enrolled, currently a great number of Native American students enroll in higher education but drop out after a few semesters.

- Graduation rates; increased retention is correlated with higher graduation rates, currently institutions produce a limited number of Native American graduates in comparison to the numbers that enroll.

- Ownership; Native American students will be welcomed to campus, on state and private institutional campuses Native American students may perhaps get lost in the vast number of students.

- Socialization; Native American students will be for the first time in the majority and have opportunities to interact frequently with others of similar interests and backgrounds.

- Accessibility; Native American students who prefer not to attend institutions miles away from home may now choose to attend a campus that is convenient and familiar.

- Cultural; Native American values will be the basis for the campus as well as for academics, activities, and student organizations.

Are there other tribal colleges in Oklahoma?
- The Comanche Nation is developing a tribal college in Lawton with the assistance of Cameron State University. Others, including the Cheyenne- Arapahoe and Pawnee Nation, are developing institutions of higher education as well. Nationwide there are 33 tribal colleges, however Oklahoma does not have an accredited tribal institution.

What difference will a College make to us and our citizens?
- Instead of having a regular curriculum established by non-tribal members that stresses priorities for general society, our curriculum will reflect sensitivity to tribal values, culture, traditions, language and lifestyles.

- We will set our own educational priorities to meet tribal, Creek chartered community, and individual tribal citizen preferences and needs. For example, if we choose to emphasize the Creek language that will be our choice or if we prefer to offer courses in Creek Government we can do that as well. The possibilities are limitless and potential is great.

How many students will enroll?
- We have set a goal of 200 students for the year 2008.

- A needs assessment survey revealed that a majority of citizens were interested in attending the tribal college. Of 386 tribal citizens from the 8 districts 44% of those interested in attending college indicated they would attend a tribal college and in addition 42% responded that they would possibly attend a tribal college. When the survey group was asked if they had others in their family who was interested in attending a tribal college 25% responded yes and 47% indicated unsure.

- Using the needs survey responses as an indicator of interest for enrolling in a tribal college, we believe the survey data verifies an significant student pool to meet our enrollment goal.

What are the benefits from a tribal college?
- The tribal college can offer courses and degrees that are consistent with the needs of the tribal government, chartered communities and individual citizens.

- The tribal college can design academic programs to meet higher educational priorities established by tribal leaders.

- The tribal college can train tribal employees to meet certification requirements.

- The tribal college can inspire tribal members to pursue a higher education and
college degree.


PLANNING
Where is the tribal college located?
- We have an administrative office at 600 N. Mission in Okmulgee and classrooms on the OSU- Okmulgee campus in the Division of Health and Environmental Technologies Building and in the Human Development Building at the Creek Complex.

- We are planning for our own campus and new buildings for the tribal college; which we anticipate will begin in 2008.

What is the name of the College and how was it chosen?
- The Regents selected a name that reflected our academic mission, tribal jurisdiction, service area and educational emphasis. The name was approved by the National Council.

Who will be in charge of running the College?
- The tribal college board of regents will be the governing board. After the tribal college legislation was adopted the Principal Chief nominated citizens for the board who were confirmed by the National Council.

- The tribal regents is the policy making body and has hired the president to be the Executive-in-charge of day to day operations.

How long will it take to build a College?
- The tribal college can be opened without having a separate building by utilizing space from OSU- Okmulgee, tribal programs and leasing space. However, as enrollment and programs increased we have begun planning for a new facility.

- A new facility can be completed in 18 to 24 months after we obtain funds.

- Building a college happens in phases and is determined by need.

Why do we need the OSU-System?
- The leadership of the OSU system has been supportive of the Muscogee Creek
Nation and has willingly offered to assist with the development of the tribal
college.

- The established working relationship between Muscogee Creek Nation and OSU-
Okmulgee is necessary for the tribal college foundation.

- Location, curriculum, accreditation and leadership were reasons for choosing OSU-Okmulgee as the tribal college partner.

What kind of education will be offered, degrees and classes?
- Associate degrees that require approximately 60-68 college hours and 2-3 years of study.

- Associate degrees are offered in Gaming, Tribal Services, Native American Studies with an emphasis in the Mvskoke Language or Mvskoke Studies and Police Science.

- According to the tribal higher education needs assessment results indicated that Health and Business were the preferred courses of study.

- In addition to the general education subjects and major area courses, classes are offered in the Mvskoke language, Native American History, Tribal Government and other specialized courses that are not offered at other institutions.

What are the steps for starting a College?
- Tribal legislation is needed to provide the foundation for the tribal college.
Specifically, legislation establishing the Muscogee Regents for Higher Education
and confirmation of the Board of Regents are fundamental to the development.

- Adopt a name for the College and a charter.

- Develop the College administrative, academic and student services systems.

- Become a member in the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.

- Receive accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and membership in the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Can we afford to have a College?
- If we designate the tribal college as a priority we can afford it.

- At an average cost of $5000 yearly for a Creek student to attend a Public college, the cost for 50 Creek students attending public institutions would be $250,000 per year. This is money that will go into state accounts and not return to benefit the tribe, whereas a tribal college and the tribe would benefit from this revenue if these same students enrolled in the tribal college.