U of M to Provide Free or Reduced Tuition for Native Students on all Five of its Campuses

<p>The tuition waiver program is available to enrolled citizens of federally recognized tribal nations in Minnesota. </p><p>--</p><p>Feven Gerezgiher reports:</p><p><br></p><p>Starting next fall, the University of Minnesota is providing free or reduced tuition for Native American students on all five of its campuses.</p><p><br></p><p>The University of Minnesota has offered free tuition to American Indian students on its Morris campus from its founding. This goes back to 1909, when Congress deeded a boarding school to the state of Minnesota with the stipulation that an institution of learning be maintained and American Indian students “be admitted free of charge.”</p><p><br></p><p>The tuition waiver program is available to enrolled citizens of federally recognized tribal nations in Minnesota. Students must be starting their first year of an undergraduate program or transferring from a tribal college.</p><p><br></p><p>Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College President Stephanie Hammitt said this is a good thing.</p><p><br></p><p>“Anything that we can do to help the students to make it easier, make it less stressful for them to continue on -  that's what we want to support,” she said.  “And definitely with lower or free tuition, that is something that is going to benefit all those students.”</p><p><br></p><p>Hammitt said having the financial assistance to attend a large, research institution like the University could encourage students to pursue different fields or advanced degrees.</p><p><br></p><p>University officials said in a release that they’re working to improve retention and graduation rates of Native American students by increasing financial assistance and by reinforcing student support programs.</p><p><br></p><p>Hammitt said extending the tuition assistance to transfer students from tribal colleges helps set students up for success.</p><p><br></p><p>“Some students might not feel comfortable going directly to a university setting,” she said. “And therefore, you know, a smaller tribal college might