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The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
JH A O O O O
SMOKE SIGNALS - April 18, 1996
SSL
In the Beginning . . .
Since the Grand Ronde Restoration Act of 1 983 was
passed, the Education Division initially consisted of
one staff person and three service programs: Higher
Education, Employment Assistance - Adult Vocational
Training, and Adult Education. There were 13 stu
dents enrolled in these programs. At the conclusion
of the 1 984-85 academic year the overall "drop out"
rate was approximately 70. Our initial budget was
approximately $65,000 per annum.
In review of the last 1 3 years, the Education Divi
sion has expanded it's services which now include:
Higher Education: Four year BSBA Programs.
Adult Vocational Training: Licensing, certificate,
associate degree programs.
Adult Education: G.E.D., Adult High School Comple
tion, and Adult Basic Education Programs.
Johnson O'Mally: Supplemental services to students
enrolled in Willamina & Sheridan School Districts.
Early Childhood Education: Child Care Development,
Before & After School Care, and Pre-School Educa
tion. Head Start: Facilitated by the Tribe with services
provided by Yamhill Community Action Program for
3-4 year olds.
Library Program: A Library Services & Construction
Act grant provides for materials for tribal use.
Trust Fund Scholarships: Tribal funds provided to
further support members in pursuit of AABSBA
Vocational Training and Graduate Degrees such as
Master's, Doctorate and professional schools such
as Law, etc.
Achievement & Recognition: Awards provided to
youth Kindergarten to 1 2th grades for outstanding
academic progress, academic improvement, and lead
ership. Family Math & Science Program: A volunteer pro
gram which provides supplemental activities for youth
Kindergarten to 8th grades.
Tribal Education Training: Provides "Short Term
Training" for members seeking pre-employment train
ing, employment enhancement and re-entry into
school or training.
Currently, the Education Division consists of 1 1 pro
grams. At the conclusion of 1 995, services were
provided to 522 members for pre-school to post sec
ondary educational levels. Over the last three aca
demic years the over all "drop out" rate has gone
from 30 in '93-'94, 32 in '94-'95, and 18 in
'95-'96.
As we enter 1 996, staffing has grown to 8 perma
nent positions and 4 seasonal temporary positions.
The current educational '96 budget is approximately
$562,713. New projected services include devel
oping a Career Planning program, increased college
course offerings in the community, and developing
additional partnerships with higher education insti
tutions to foster long distance learning, establishing
a cultural education program in collaboration with
other tribal programs and the local school district.
In the future the Education Division will continue to
keep with the established Mission: "The Division of
Education will provide educational opportunities for
all members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand
Ronde Community of Oregon. A comprehensive of
fering of educational opportunities, from pre-school
through post secondary levels, structured to ensure
quality, accessibility, equity and cultural relevancy,
providing educational services designed to promote
lifelong learning."
Education Short Term
Training Highlights. ..
During the 1 994-1 995 academic year the Tribe pro
vided additional funds to the Education Division which
established the Short Training Program. Since Fall
of 1 995, the Division has entered into a partnership
with Chemeketa Community College. Resulting from
this relationship, the Division has since developed a
Short Training Program, to enable members to gain
pre-employment training as well as employment en
hancement. Short Term Training does not replace Higher Educa
tion or Adult Vocational Training. Duration for train
ing is 1 0 months or less. Members can apply one
time for short term training. If they wish to con
tinue training or their program runs more than 10
months, they need to apply for Adult Vocational
Training.
Since the training program and community college
partnership have been established a variety of courses
have been offered for the membership and public (at
tuition costs). Training classes and course offerings
include:
Writing 121, 122, 123, English Composition
Speech 110, 111, Introduction to Speech & Per
suasion of Speech
Algebra 075, 080, 095, Introduction to College
Algebra
History 257, Ethnic History of the Native American
Computer Science 100, 110, Introduction to Micro-Computers
Accounting, 050, Fundamentals of Accounting
Medical Terminology 051, Fundamentals
Life Skills
Prior to the opening of Spirit Mountain Casino, the
Short Term Training also offered pre-employment
classes in Cash Handling, Telephone Skills, Food &
Beverage Handling, and Customer Service.
Concluding Summer and Fall Terms, a total of 21 8
people obtained Short Term Training assistance.
College course offerings enrollment has realized a
steady increase from 21 participants to the current
81 enrolled students.
Look for increased course offerings and training pro
grams in 19961
Student Responsibilities:
1 . All students are responsible for having their grade
reports sent to the Tribal Education Program upon
completion of each TermSemester. Either make
arrangements with the Registrar's Office to have the
reports sent directly to the Tribal Office or mail a copy
of your grade report to the Tribal Office yourself.
2. Students, please notify the Education Program of
address changes and telephone number changes when
they occur.
3. If emergencies occur that effect your attendance
notify the Education Program and the College
IMMEDIATELY! (Tribal Education Office, College
Business Office, College Financial Aid Office and
College Registrar's Office)
4. You must maintain a 2.00 GPA and successfully
complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per term
semester to be eligible for assistance.
5. Students who are placed on PROBATIONARY
STATUS will not be awarded the following term
semester until they have provided the Education
Program an OFFICIAL COPY of their transcripts.
Transcripts must include the term of probation and
must show successful completion of 12 credit hours
earned with at least a 2.00 GPA. NO AWARD WILL BE
RELEASED UNTIL TRANSCRIPTS HAVE BEEN
RECEIVED.
6. Continuing students must file their Federal Financial
Aid Forms each year by February 15. You must provide
a copy of your application to the Education Program for
filing verification.
7. All Students must sign a "Release of Information"
form regarding attendance, financial aid transcripts,
education budget, progress and grade reports.
8. It is your responsibility to remain in "good academic
standing". If a student demonstrates an "on again, off
again" pattern of being placed on PROBATIONARY
STATUS, they may be placed on probationary status for
one complete academic year. Failure to meet minimum
academic requirements during this period will result in
SUSPENSION.
9. Students who withdraw from school due to medical
or health related reasons must obtain a "Statement of
Verification" from their physician or health care
provider identifying need to withdraw from school.
Students must also obtain a "Statement of Release"
from their physician that indicates ability to return to
school. Copies of physicians statements must be
provided to the Education Program.
1 0. Students entering their SENIOR year are required to
have a GRADUATION AUDITEVALUATION completed
Fall TermSemester of the academic year the expect to
graduate, and provide a copy of the AuditEvaluation to
the Tribal Education Program.
Please keep in contact with the Tribal Education
Program staff. We are here to provide assistance and
support for you while you are attending school.
DEADLINE DATES
Education Program to be
considered for funding:
FALL TERM SEMESTER: July 1
WINTER TERM SPRING SEMESTER: November 1
SPRING TERM: February 1