The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona

The UA President’s Native American Advisory Council strengthens the relationships between the University and the Native Nations and Tribes within the State of Arizona by serving as a communications conduit and by developing mutually-beneficial partnerships. Council members advise the President on matters of importance to Native communities as they relate to the University of Arizona.

Highlights of Council Accomplishments

• Recommended that the UA establish a full-time Tribal Ambassador position to strengthen relationships with Arizona Tribes and develop mutually beneficial partnerships. In 2007 the UA President created the “Special Advisor to the President for Native American Affairs” position and appointed Karen-Francis Begay to assume this role.
• Provided input into shaping the UA’s Strategic Plan 2011-2015.

Select Council Interests and Initiatives

• Greater focus on the recruitment of Native students to the UA. Native students remain underrepresented in the UA student population. The Council recommends that the UA work more closely with the Tribal Education Departments to develop or increase outreach and bridge programs for Native students.
• Improving the retention rates of Native American students by increasing the UA’s capacity to offer programs such as the First Year’s Scholars Program. Explore Tribal interest in requiring scholarship recipients to participate in programs such as First Year’s Scholars.
• Continued emphasis on culturally competent interaction with Tribes and respecting Tribal protocols for research in Native American communities.

Council Updates
Learn more about current events at the UA and access important messages from the Council.

Council Members
Review a list of the current Council members.

Stay Connected
We are committed to serving as a communications conduit between southern Arizona’s Native communities and the UA President. We also value and welcome your input. Please email your questions, suggestions, or comments.  Contact us.

Note: The Council accomplishments and interests/initiatives above are not an exhaustive list, but rather illustrative of the Council’s work. The University of Arizona is indebted to Council members who so generously volunteer their time and talent in support of students.