STONE CHILD COLLEGE Created By Dr. Kadene Drummer

Located on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation Box Elder, MT Rocky Boy's unusual name came about from a mistranslation of the name of a tribal leader, whose name meant something akin to "Stone Child".

Profile 26 miles south of Havre (population – 12,000) Over 6,000 enrolled tribal members Stone Child College chartered on 5/17/1984 Granted full accreditation in June 1993.

Stone Child College Student Population Served ,1881, Fall 2011 Current enrollment on Aug. 30, 2011 is 268 with one week to still add.

Mission Stone Child College (SCC), a tribally controlled community college, exists to deliver post- secondary education in the Rocky Boy Community. SCC will provide student access for educational training needs through accredited certificates and degree programs for transfer, workforce entry, continuing and developmental education.

Vision "Making our Dreams Happen with Academic Excellence, Culture and Commitment"

Core Values Preserving the Past, Educating the Present, Planning for the Future

Guiding Principles To provide further specificity to the Mission Statement, the SCC Board of Regents has committed the college to the following principles: Preserve and promote the languages, cultures, and histories of the Chippewa Cree. Assist tribal organizations in staff development, planning, research, and other needed services.

Guiding Principles continued Collaborate with other institutions and agencies in furthering the interests of the college and community. Continually assess institutional programs and student achievement for increased efficiency and effectiveness.

Guiding Principles continued Maintain a student-centered, life- long learning oriented environment, including opportunities for leadership and community service.

Native American Studies Natural Resources Studio Art Water Quality Addiction Studies Native Communities Psychology Associate of Arts Degrees Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Health & Physical Education Health Promotion Industrial Technology Industrial Technology Education Liberal Arts Math

Certificate Programs Accounting - 1yr Construction Tech. - 1 year Customer Relations - 1 year Physical Fitness - 1 year Pre-Engineering - 1 year Pre-Nursing - 1 year Associate of Science Degrees Allied Health General Science General Business Office Administration Information Systems

Challenges in Programmatic, Planning and Strategic Efforts to Increase Graduation and Retention Rates  Below national (27.5%) and Montana (29.7%) two-year graduation rates with SCC being at 7%.*  Below national (52.5%) and Montana (45.8%) first-time college freshman returning their second year with SCC being at 40%.* *data from 2008 National Center for Higher Education Management System-Retention Rates

Resource Challenges Reported by students from Chippewa Cree Tribe  Students need longer daycare facility hours to allow for required class time and study hours.  Students need a calendar that recognizes cultural and community events.  Students need an inexpensive place to purchase meals on campus.  Students need a staffed writing lab/learning center. *data from Dr. Drummer’s 2009 research

Resource Challenges Reported by students from Chippewa Cree Tribe cont.  Students need a work space/resource room that contains supplies and tables for the purpose of completing course work.*  Students need access to academic clubs and opportunities to enter competitions without having to be completely financially responsible for travel and registration.* *data from Dr. Drummer’s 2009 research

Programmatic Challenges Reported by students from the Chippewa Cree Tribe  Programs/initiatives that focus on improving student persistence, responsibility, preparation for the transition from high school to college.  Course on study skills and time management.  Transition programs/clubs that address the student’s willingness to leave their comfort zone and develop their social skills, study skills, and class attendance and preparedness. *data from Dr. Drummer’s 2009 research

Programmatic Challenges Reported by students from the Chippewa Cree Tribe cont.  Collaborations with K-12 schools and the community to develop programs that encourage early preparation for college.  Awareness of Native American centers on campuses and professional development seminars on cultural diversity.  Increased faculty and student interactions.  Create an advisory committee charged with increasing student retention. *data from Dr. Drummer’s 2009 research

Programmatic Challenges Reported by students from the Chippewa Cree Tribe cont.  Recognize and award student success.  Develop a comprehensive college finance and budgeting workshop that includes the whole family.  Develop and maintain a data base to collect educational and cultural issues data. *data from Dr. Drummer’s 2009 research

In Conclusion: The SCC Retention Committee, college administration, and faculty have a great desire for our students to succeed. We are committed to continue to work diligently to increase the retention rate of our students. We are seeking “smarter ways” to reach this goal. We are pleased to be part of this Student Success Collaborative in the hope of gaining information to implement successful practices.

Thank you for your attention and we welcome you to visit anytime.

Stone Child Webpage