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 Mound 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.
Does the tribal college have financial aid?
The tribal college has scholarship funds for Muscogee citizens and tuition waivers for Native Americans who are pursuing a degree from CMN. Students also may apply to OSU-Okmulgee for other financial aid by completing the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) once each year. For tribal college financial assistance students will apply at the CMN office.
When and where are classes offered?
We have arranged our class schedules so that individuals with full time jobs can take classes. Most classes start at 5:00 p.m. and meet once or twice a week for either 1 ½ to 3 hours. Most classes are offered in Okmulgee; however, depending on the demand from other communities classes may be offered at other sites. Previously we have offered classes in Tulsa and plan to offer classes at other community sites as well.
Does the tribal college have residence halls (dorms) for students?
The tribal college has made housing arrangements with OSU-Okmulgee for students who plan to stay on campus and are full time students. If students plan to live on campus please let us know as soon as possible in order for us to reserve a room for you. Students will need to apply to OSU-Okmulgee for housing through the tribal college.
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 will be awarded. Associate degrees are offered in Gaming, Tribal Services, Native American Studies with an emphasis in the Mvskoke Language or Mvskoke Studies and Police Science. In addition to the general education subjects and major area courses, classes are offered in the Mvskoke language, Native American History, Tribal Government, Indian Land Issues and other specialized courses that are not offered at other institutions.
Will College of the Muscogee Nation course credits that I receive be transferable to other colleges?
Yes, the courses will transfer to other colleges. The College of the Muscogee Nation has entered into an agreement with OSU-Okmulgee to ensure that courses offered by CMN are transferable to any institution where the OSU courses are transferable.
Why do we need a College with one here in Okmulgee and others in the region?
- Muscogee Nation will control the degree programs, courses, curriculum and schedule, currently non-Creek institutions control what is offered and when.
- 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 are enrolled in the tribal college?
For the fall semester 2007 we have an enrollment of 137 students and for 2008 we have set a goal of 250 students. 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 a significant student pool to meet our enrollment goal.
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