OGLALA LAKOTA COLLEGE Rebuilding the Lakota Nation Through Education
2018-2019 CATALOG Rebuilding the Lakota Nation Through Education Lakota Oyate kin Lakota Oyate kin Wounspe Tantanhan un Tokata Etkiya Igloapi Kte Wounspe Tantanhan un Tokata Etkiya Igloapi Kte 605.455.6000 • FAX 605.455.2787 • PO BOX 490 • KYLE, SD 57752 • WWW.OLC.EDU Oglala Lakota College He Sapa College Center Piya Wiconi 127 Knollwood Dr., Rapid City, SD 57709 Box 490, Kyle, SD 57752 342-1513 455-6000 FAX 342-8547 FAX 455-2787
Oglala Lakota College Nursing Program Pejuta Haka College Center Box 861, Pine Ridge, SD 57770 Box 370, Kyle, SD 57752 867-5856 455-2450 FAX 867-5724 FAX 455-2671
Eagle Nest College Center Pine Ridge Village College Center Box 476, Wanblee, SD 57577 Box 1052, Pine Ridge, SD 57770 462-6274 867-5893 FAX 462-6105 FAX 867-1241
East Wakpamni College Center Oglala College Center Box 612, Batesland, SD 57716 Box 19, Oglala, SD 57764 288-1834 867-5780 FAX 288-1828 FAX 867-1243
LaCreek College Center Wounded Knee College Center Box 629, Martin, SD 57551 Box 230, Manderson, SD 57756 685-6407 867-5352 FAX 685-6887 FAX 867-1245
Pahin Sinte College Center Cheyenne River College Center Box 220, Porcupine, SD 57772 P.O. Box 100, Eagle Butte, SD 57625 867-5404 964-8011 FAX 867-1242 FAX 964-8012
Pass Creek College Center Box 630, Allen, SD 57714 455-2757 FAX 455-2428
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Representatives of the Oglala Sioux Tribe Harry Eagle Bull Tribal President's Representative Gloria Coats-Kitsopoulos Tribal Education Committee Representative
South Dakota Representatives Elected by Districts Dennis Brewer Pine Ridge Village Pete Red Willow Eagle Nest Bennett Sierra East Wakpamni Madonna Peterson LaCreek Anthony Wounded Head Pahin Sinte Leonardo Salomon Pass Creek Vacant Pejuta Haka Donovan Youngman White Clay Garfield Apple Wounded Knee Shawn Garnette Student Representative Joe American Horse Council of Elders
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
District College Centers
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FALL 2018 CALENDAR
Support Staff Return July 16th Department Chairs Return July 30th Faculty Return August 13th Registration Ends August 17th Graduate Studies Program Orientation August 17th Assessment Days August 20-24th Course Cancellation Meeting August 21st ADD or DROP August 20-September 7th Classes Begin August 27th Last Week to Drop 100% September 10 -September 14th Labor Day (Office Closed, Classes Meet) September 3rd College Wide Make Up Day September 15th and September 28th Native American Day (Office Closed, No Classes) October 8th College Wide Make Up Day October 27th Veteran’s Day Holiday (Office Closed, Classes Meet) November 12th Registration Begins for spring semester November 13th College Wide Make Up Day November 17th Thanksgiving Day Holiday (Office Closed) November 22-November 23th Classes End December 7th Make-up Period December 10-12th Assessment Days December 13-14th Final Grades and Assessment materials due December 12th Faculty Christmas Holiday December 17-January 7th Support Staff Christmas Vacation December 24-27th SPRING 2019 CALENDAR Support Staff/Chairs Return January 2nd Faculty Return January 7th Registration Ends January 11th Assessment Days January 14-18th Course Cancellation Meeting January 15th ADD or DROP January 14-February 1st Martin Luther King Day (Offices Closed) January 21st Classes Begin (Sunday classes begin January 27th) January 21st Last Week to Drop 100% January 28-February 8th College Wide Make Up Day February 2nd and February 16th President’s Day (Offices Closed) February 18th AIHEC 2018 (Bismarck, ND) March 16-19th Spring Break (No classes) March 18-22nd College Wide Make Up Day March 23rd and April 13th Registration Begins for Fall semester April 15th Easter Holiday (Good Friday) April 19th Application to Graduate Program due April 26th Classes End (Sunday classes end May 12th) May10th Faculty’s Last Day May 17th Make-up Period May 13-15th Assessment Days May 16-17th Final Grades and Assessment materials due May 15th Last Day for Chairs May 31st Memorial Day (Offices Closed) May 27th Graduation/Pow-wow June 14-16th Last Day for Support Staff (24 pay period) June 14th Draft 6/27/2018
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Table of Contents Page Board of Trustees 1 Reservation Maps 1 Academic Calendar 2 Table of Contents 3 Mission and Purposes 4 President's Message 5 College History/Accreditation 6-7 Facilities 8 Governance 9-10 Policies and Procedures 10-11 Continuous Improvement and Institutional Effectiveness 11 Registrar 12-21 Financial Aid 22-28 Business Office 29-33 Instructional Division 34-38 General Education 38-40 Assessment Philosophy and Process/Assessment of General Education Outcomes 41-42 Foundational Studies Department 43-50 Learning Resource Center/Archives 51-52 Agriculture and Natural Resource Department 53-55 Community/Continuing Education Department 56 Student Support Services 57 Business Department 58-69 Education/Early Childhood Department 70-100 Humanities and Social Science Department 101-120 Lakota Studies Department 121-134 Math, Science and Technology Department 135-171 Nursing Department 172-178 Department of Social Work 179-188 Vocational Education Department 189-205 Graduate Programs 206-223 District Staff/Faculty List 224-229
THE CATALOG
The catalog is designed as a guide to the programs, policies, and procedures of Oglala Lakota College. The student or community member has the responsibility of becoming knowledgeable about the requirements and behavior expected of people who utilize the college.
The Oglala Lakota College catalog opens with an introduction that includes the Board of Trustees, maps of South Dakota, the Pine Ridge Reservation and the locations of the district college centers, Mission and Philosophy of the college, a note from the President, and general information about the history of Oglala Lakota College.
Subsequent sections of the catalog outline instructional programs, policies and procedures, community and student services, district centers, and course descriptions.
While providing information to students about the curricula and policies of Oglala Lakota College, the provisions of this catalog are not intended to be a contract between the college and the student. Oglala Lakota College reserves the right to withdraw or change any provision or requirement at any time.
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OGLALA LAKOTA COLLEGE
VISION, MISSION AND PURPOSES
VISION Rebuilding the Lakota Nation through Education
MISSION
The mission which emanates from the charter of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is to educate students for professional and vocational employment opportunities in Lakota country. The College will graduate well- rounded students grounded in Wolakolkiciyapi-learning Lakota ways of life in the community–by teaching Lakota culture and language as part of preparing students to participate in a multicultural world.
PURPOSES
-Tribal- Provides the Lakota with outstanding graduates. Promotes the study and practice of tribal sovereignty. Works with tribal entities toward building our nation. Helps students to gain meaningful employment and live healthy lifestyles.
-Cultural- Utilizes Lakota cultural values in all learning frameworks. Celebrates Lakota culture including sacred songs and ceremonies. Research, study, facilitate, and disseminate Lakota language, culture and philosophy. Provide leadership to maintain and revitalize Lakota culture and philosophy
-Academic- Encourages high student learning expectations through active and collaborative learning, which will be measured through assessment standards. Maintains a supportive campus environment through advising, counseling, tutoring, scheduling, and providing financial assistance. Practices open enrollment and students will acquire relevant knowledge, skills, and values to make a living in a diverse world, and to be a self-fulfilled person who is a contributing member of their family, community and tribe. Pursues the creation of Oglala Lakota University
-Community- Supports local communities in educational and other development. Engages people as active, productive members of their tiospaye and communities. Offers frameworks for leadership development in the context of communities and organizations. Provides lifelong learning through continuing education and community activities.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
From its inception in 1971, our college's mission has been to provide educational credentials to our students so they could compete for employment opportunities on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. As a result of having a college on the reservation, Lakota people are now employed in teaching, nursing, human services, business, computer, and vocational educational positions on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Oglala Lakota College was one of the first tribally controlled colleges in the United States. The concept of a tribally controlled college is that it be sanctioned by an Indian tribe and its governing body be comprised of tribal members; and meet the needs of reservation people in their pursuit of higher education.
From its initial status as a community college, Oglala Lakota College has grown to now offer Baccal- aureate degrees and a Master's degree in Lakota Leadership with an emphasis in Educational Administration along with A.A. degrees and certificates
Oglala Lakota College is a North Central Accredited college and was approved by the Higher Learning Commission. Our credits are transferable to any college depending on each institution's particular method of accepting transfer credit.
The Board of Trustees, local boards, administration, and faculty offer their support in your efforts to advance yourself through higher education. Thomas Shortbull
ADMINISTRATION Thomas Shortbull, President Diane Clifford, Assistant to the President Faith Richards, Personnel Director Vacant, EAP/Student Services Coordinator Marilyn E. Pourier, Development Director Cathy Ferguson, Gifts Coordinator Wanda O’Rourke, Data Entry Clerk Vacant, Athletic Director Leonard Ferguson, Maintenance Director
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COLLEGE HISTORY AND ACCREDITATION
Since the creation of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Oglala leaders have pressed the federal government to meet the educational obligations it promised in treaties and agreements. With the advent of efforts to extend tribal sovereignty by American Indians throughout the United States came a recognition by Lakota’s that control of education is also control of its destiny. On March 4, 1971, the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council exercised its sovereignty by chartering the Lakota Higher Education Center. This marked the commence- ment of a vision's realization, which continues to evolve in the history of the Oglala Lakota.
During its non-accredited years, the college entered into agreements with Black Hills State College (now Black Hills Statue University, University of South Dakota, and University of Colorado to "borrow" their accreditation for various associate degree programs. Students were taught on the reservation by faculty chosen by the college, but approved by the state institutions, who taught the same courses offered by South Dakota's colleges. It was a complicated system, which met the needs of our students.
The college awarded its first associate degrees in 1974. In 1978, the name of the college was changed to Oglala Sioux Community College to reflect its status as community college.
In 1979, Oglala Sioux Community College became a candidate for North Central Association accreditation. The college settled into its dispersed, decentralized campus system, which features college centers in each of the nine reservation districts.
In 1980, the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council allowed the college to occupy its present administrative center. Piya Wiconi is the most visible symbol of the college but the district centers are where the mission is being fulfilled.
When accreditation was granted in 1983, the degree offerings were a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Associate Degrees in Business, Education, General Studies, Lakota Studies, Nursing and vocation fields. In subsequent accreditations by North Central in 1987, 1992, and 1994, the college expanded its offerings to include Bachelor Degrees in Applied Science, Human Services, and Lakota Studies in addition to a Master's Degree in Tribal Leadership.
At the 1983 annual retreat, OSCC underwent another name change to Oglala Lakota College to reflect its status as a four-year degree granting institution and to replace the word Sioux with Lakota. Since Sioux is not a word in our language, the proper word to describe our people is Lakota.
A 13 member Board of Trustees governs Oglala Lakota College with membership coming from nine reservation districts, one designee from the Oglala Tribal Council, one designee from the Oglala Sioux Tribe President’s Office, one designee from the Council of Elders, and a student representative.
The comprehensive accreditation review in March of 1998 resulted in the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) granting continuing accreditation for all existing degrees including the Master’s degree in Lakota Leadership/Management and adding a Master’s Degree emphasis in Educational Administration. HLC removed all of its previous distance and site limitations as result of the 1998 review.
Oglala Lakota College stands ready to meet the education challenges of the 21st Century and will continue to assume a vital role in the development of this reservation's resources, people, and land.
6 Oglala Lakota College has been accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since June 20, 1983.
Oglala Lakota College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. On February 25, 2016, the Higher Learning Commission reaffirmed accreditation and removed the College from Notice. The College was placed on the Standard Pathway. On October 2, 2017, Oglala Lakota College successfully completed the Standard Pathway: mid cycle review with no sanctions. The college is required to submit an Interim Report in December of 2018.
The Higher Learning Commission is a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Il 60604-1411, telephone number 800-621-7440 or 312-263-0456, www.ncahlc.org, FAX 312-263-7462. The college offers accredited degree programs and certificates. The programs in Elementary Education, Educational Administration, and in Nursing are approved by the State of South Dakota. Graduates of the elementary education program are certified by the South Dakota Division of Education, and graduates of the nursing program are permitted to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) to become Registered Nurses. The Bachelor of Social Work degree was accredited by the Council of Social Work Education in spring of 2010.
7 FACILITIES
PIYA WICONI (located 6 miles southwest of Kyle)
Administration Building: President, Vice President, Business Office, Community/Continuing Education, Faculty offices, Financial Aid, Maintenance Office, Registrar
Woksape Tipi: Library-Archives, Faculty Offices, Studio.
Applied Science Building: Agriculture Education Office, Headstart Office, Vocational Education Dept.
Math & Science Building: Chemistry Lab, Dirt & Water Labs, GIS labs, Math & Science Faculty offices, Meeting rooms Native Science Field Center, SEMAA-AEL Classroom
Historial Center: Historical photographs and artwork displays chronicling the history of the Oglala Lakota from the early 1800s to the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. Graduates Studies and Lakota Studies Departments
Multi-Purpose Building: Athletics Department, Lakota Woglaka Wounspe School
District Centers: (located in the nine major reservation towns-see map on page 1) Offices for Center Directors, Assistant Center Director, Counselors, Classrooms, Computer labs, Library room, Tutors. Most classes are held at these centers.
He Sapa College Center: (located in Rapid City) Offices of Center Director Assistant Center Director, Counselor, Classrooms, Computer labs, Library room, Tutor
Nursing Building: (located in Pine Ridge Village) Offices of Nursing Program faculty and staff, classrooms Classes also facilitated at Pine Ridge Hospital and off reservation hospitals.
Cheyenne River College Center: (located in Eagle Butte, SD) Extension college center with offices for Academic Dean, Center Director, faculty, staff, Art studio and classrooms.
Community Facilities: Because of the size of the District Centers, classes are also held in local schools, churches, and other buildings. The cooperation and support of the entire reservation community has been a major factor in OLC's success.
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GOVERNANCE
An Overview of the Structure:
The Piya Wiconi Okolakiciye as the all College Senate is one element in the governance of Oglala Lakota College. Governance consists of the Board of Trustees, the President, the Piya Wiconi Okolakiciye, the local District College Center Boards and the Student Government Organizations.
The Board of Trustees is the only governing body which can make policy for the College. Nine board members are elected from the districts; two members represent the Oglala Sioux Tribe which are designees of the President, and OST Council, also one Student Representative from our Student Senate and a Council of Elder. The Board does receive many recommendations from many sources, and the above process provides an orderly means for all college inquiries and constituents to channel policy recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
Although only the BOT can make policy decisions, they have shared responsibilities with constituent organizations in its desire to assure influence and participation by students, staff, the president and local communities.
The District College Center Boards have delegated authority from the BOT as their actions pertain to the district college centers. There are nine (9) District College Center Boards: Eagle Nest, East Wakpamni, LaCreek, Pahin Sinte, Pass Creek, Pejuta Haka, Pine Ridge Village, Oglala, and Wounded Knee. Each of these centers make programmatic and personnel recommendations to the Board of Trustees. District Boards can approve community and other activities for their respective districts.
The President of Oglala Lakota College is the chief administrator for the college. The line and supervisory staff of the college implement BOT policy, make policy recommendations and develop procedures for implementing Board policy. The administrative structure follows a delineated table of organization for providing governance and operational decisions to the President who is responsible to the BOT. The organization of the college includes the Division of Instructional Affairs, the Division of Student and Community Services, the Institutional Development, and the Office of Fiscal Management.
The student governments are elected at the district level and represent the students from each district. Student input into the governance of the college flows through the District College Center Boards. Student representation is included in the Piya Wiconi Okolakiciye.
PIYA WICONI OKOLAKICIYE
Rationale:
The Piya Wiconi Okolakiciye provides the internal means by which all staff and students are assured their ideas and efforts will be considered. Individuals are elected to PWO as representatives of their constituency, not as a result of their position in the table of organization or their relationship to the district boards and district student government/organizations.
Institutions of higher education are unique organizations in that they are comprised of several distinctive constituencies. Each of these constituencies is served by the college and each has important knowledge to contribute to the services provided by the college. Oglala Lakota College recognizes the need for input from each constituency in the determination of policy and procedures.
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The college constituencies are: The Board of Trustees, Administration, District College Centers, Students, Faculty and Staff. The Oglala Sioux Tribe is represented through their constituencies. Prior to the creation of PWO, input from each of the college’s constituencies worked its way through the levels of the college structure. Piya Wiconi Okolakiciye was created to assure participation in the governance of the college by members who did not have direct access. This organization within the college is specifically for students, faculty, and staff. It provides a forum for addressing college-wide concerns and making consensus policy and procedure recommendations to the President and Board of Trustees.
Standing Committees:
Standing committees are the primary working subdivisions of PWO and transact business assigned by either PWO or the President of the college. Committees of the college include: Activities, Institutional Development, Instructional Affairs, and Student Services.
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Oglala Lakota College is unique. The college is planned and operated to meet the specific needs of the people on this reservation. This means an emphasis on Lakota culture and content in its programs meeting students’ needs from the very basics of study skills and high school equivalency tutoring and testing to college programs designed to prepare its graduates to enter the workforce. There are also workshops on specialized subjects ranging from horseshoeing to women's rights to Indian law. Finally, there are cultural events such as movies, film festivals, nationally known guest speakers on Indian literature, art and history and our own arts and crafts shows.
We feel Oglala Lakota College is an exciting and stimulating environment in which to learn and teach. We hope you will adopt this enthusiasm. Examine it critically -- then pitch in to make the college even better for your having been there.
STUDENT INFORMATION
Students at Oglala Lakota College have the right to the highest quality education possible and to fair and equitable treatment by all departments of the college. The college is obligated to provide students with the best possible environment, instruction, curriculum and resources. However, the responsibility for the quality of learning is that of the student. A quality education happens when learning is balanced interaction between students and staff.
In the event of a perceived unfair ruling made against a student, Oglala Lakota College has established a grievance policy and procedures for fair and equitable resolution of the issue. The grievance policy and procedures are detailed in the OLC Student Handbook.
DRUG-FREE ENVIRONMENT
Oglala Lakota College requires a drug-free work environment. All employees and students are required to comply with this policy. This policy is published in the OLC Policy and Procedure Manual and the Student and Employee Handbooks. Disciplinary measures may be necessary for violations of this policy will be referred to the appropriate professionals and officials. The College maintains an Employee Assistance Program and student assistance program to provide aid to individuals who may be experiencing problems.
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GUN-FREE/WEAPON-FREE CAMPUS
Oglala Lakota College adheres to its Gun-Free/Weapon-Free campus policy (refer to #52-500). All dangerous weapons, (defined as any firearm, knife, or device, instruments, materials, or substances, whether animate or inanimate which is calculated to inflict death or serious bodily harm) are banned from the Oglala Lakota College campus and properties. Weapons brought onto or carried on Oglala Lakota College property must have prior approval and conform to the safety regulations identified in the procedures. Weapons carried by authorized law enforcement personnel or used in military activities are exempt.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Academic dishonesty is the taking of an examination or the preparation of papers for credit wherein the student knowingly represents the work of another as his/her own; and/or knowingly breaks stated examination rules. A student may be expelled from the institution and barred from enrolling in future classes upon proof in a hearing of academic dishonestly.
STUDENT MISCONDUCT
1. Misconduct refers to any actual or threatened physical violence, gross disorderly conduct, interruption of classes or college business, repeated verbal abuse or harassment, vandalism to OLC college premises or property, attending college classes or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to properly supervise children on college premises, and any other student conduct causing a disruption in college classes or any transaction of college business.
2. A student may be expelled or barred from further classes for misconduct toward a College staff member, community member, another student, or a board member when this misconduct stems from College business or on college premises.
3. A student may also be expelled or barred for student misconduct occurring on the college premises or when occurring during college classes or events.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
Oglala Lakota College is committed to a comprehensive, deliberative, and continuous process of self- reflection and examination by using the results to enhance and improve all aspects of life at the college. Institutional effectiveness at Oglala Lakota College is defined as a process in which all members of the college community examine the extent to which an institution achieves its mission and goals . The college's institutional effectiveness process is an on-going, college-wide process of planning and assessment for the purpose of documenting the college’s achievement of its mission and goals while continuously improving its programs and services.
The institutional effectiveness process starts with the College’s Mission Statement, Vision Statement and Strategic Goals. The process devolves down to individual administrative and academic units and includes (a) developing a unit purpose statement and annual objectives and/or student learning outcomes supporting the college's mission and goals (b) developing procedures/assessment methods and criteria for measuring the success of the unit's objectives/learning outcomes and (c) documenting results and using results to showing that the unit is continuously improving its programs and/or services. The institutional effectiveness process at Oglala Lakota College is a continuous planning-implementing-evaluating- improving cycle and is applied at every level of the institution.
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REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
Leslie R. Mesteth, Registrar Don Giago, Assistant Registrar Kacena One Horn, Assistant Registrar
The primary purpose of the Registrar’s Office is to provide service. Through our service, we not only derive professional satisfaction, but students have a right to expect this from us. Counselors are available at each district college center to assist students with tutoring, attendance, personal and financial aid counseling. Counselors may also refer students to other resources if they are unable to assist students in their needs.
The college is interested in the welfare of its students. Students should work closely with their local district college center counselor. The personal contact of students with each district college center counselor begins within the community, during registration and continues throughout the year.
ACCREDITATION
Oglala Lakota College (OLC) courses are accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, Higher Learning Commission. The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education is accredited by the South Dakota Division of Education. The Associate’s Degree in Nursing is accredited by the South Dakota Board of Nursing.
COLLEGE ADMISSION POLICY
Oglala Lakota College pursues an open door policy in which all qualified students will be admitted without regard to race, religion, origin or political belief. Enrollment in the college does not guarantee admission to any specific program, nor to any and all courses of study. To qualify for full access to college level courses, students must demonstrate minimum 10.1 grade level of reading comprehension as indicated by college readiness assessment (see policy 70-300).
General Admission All applicants seeking admission to Oglala Lakota College must send each of the items listed below BEFORE, being admitted:
1. Complete Admission Application and declare a major.
2. Furnish a signed official copy of your high school transcript, or official General Education Development (GED) transcripts MANDATORY.
3. A student with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher will be required to submit documentation verifying the degree awarded.
4. Transfer students must send official college transcripts from all college/universities previously attended.
5. Verification of Tribal Enrollment if the student is a tribal member of a Federally Recognized Tribe.
6. Complete College Readiness Assessment (see policy 70-300).
Any student falsifying information is subject to being dropped from all classes. Oglala Lakota College does not admit under the “Ability to Benefit” criteria.
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ADMISSION (PROCEDURE)
A. Non-Degree Seeking Students Non-degree seeking students are students who are taking classes for professional development, certification renewal, or personal fulfillment and do not qualify for financial aid. • A non-degree seeking student with a baccalaureate degree must provide a copy of their unofficial college transcripts indicating the degree and year awarded. • A non-degree seeking student with no baccalaureate degree must meet all admission requirements including any pre-requisites in order to receive credit. • Tribal members wishing to visit the class may do so with instructor and center director approval (see policy 81-950). This is for non-credit.
B. New Entering Freshman Students New entering freshman students are students who have never attended a college or university must: • Attend mandatory institutional student orientation. • Review the student handbook. • Meet with the academic department advisor. • Complete the course readiness assessment (see policy 70-300). • Review the department handbook.
C. Transfer Students Transfer students are students who have attended another college/university and wish to transfer courses to OLC, students must provide: • OFFICIAL copy of all college transcripts to the Registrar’s office. • Adhere to the general admission criteria. • Transfer students who do not have approved transfer college credit for Freshman English and College Algebra must complete the college readiness assessment (see policy 70-300).
D. Degree Specific Admissions Students who are completing the general education requirements of the declared major must apply for admission into the professional degree area as specified in the Department Specific handbook; students must meet all degree entrance requirements and complete the following: • Attend departmental specific orientation. • Meet general admission criteria.
E. Early Entry • Junior or senior high school students with a GPA of 2.00 or higher may enroll in college level courses (see Policy 80-200-1). • Early Entry students must complete the college readiness assessment and meet the 10.1 reading level.
F. Readmission • Former students of Oglala Lakota College not enrolled for two semesters or longer, must apply for readmission to the Registrar by submitting a returning student application. • Official transcripts of additional work completed at any other college must be submitted. • If a student has dropped out for more than two semesters and has not successfully completed Engl 103 or Math 103 he/she must complete the college readiness assessment.
G. Admission of Veterans • Veterans wishing to attend the college may use their veteran’s educational benefits. Applications may be found on the GI Bill website, http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill .
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• Continuing students should notify the Registrar to fill out an enrollment certification for the semester (s) he/she will be attending OLC. • The spouse or child of a former or current service member may also qualify for VA educational benefits. • The veteran will need to stop in at the Registrar's Office and sign the enrollment certification a month before classes begin to receive certification and authorization prior to registration in order to receive monthly subsistence without delay.
H. General Education Development Classes (GED) • Students who have not completed high school and who do not have a G.E.D. may enroll for free G.E.D. classes at any of the college centers throughout the reservation. • For further information, contact the college center director or tutor in your local district.
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Rights Students at Oglala Lakota College have the right to the highest quality education possible and to fair and just treatment by all departments of this college. Student’s records and transcripts are confidential. Students have the right to timely and accurate financial statement and billing.
Students are to be treated with respect and to be fairly graded. Students can participate in the governance of OLC by active involvement in their local student organization and boards, Piya Wiconi Okolakiciye and may visit any College Board meetings. Students have the right to appeal any actions against them through the grievance procedures outlined in the policy manual.
Responsibilities Oglala Lakota College is obligated to provide students with the best possible environment, instructors, curriculum and resources for your education. However, the responsibility for the quality of learning is that of the students. It is the student's responsibility to be in class, or to make arrangements for obtaining the information if he/she must miss a class.
It is the student's responsibility to attend class prepared. This constitutes having the needed materials, completing required assignments, and being ready to learn. It is the student's responsibility to drop a class if they can no longer continue. It is the responsibility of the student to let the instructor/counselor know when information is not clearly understood or extra help is needed. It is the student's responsibility to study course material outside the classroom. Learning is an active process which cannot be obtained by passively listening to a lecture.
At OLC, the student has a wide range of rights which are stated and protected by the policy manual. Quality learning is only possible when the student accepts his/her responsibilities. Learning is the role of the student. The college's role is to assist the student in the process of learning. Together, we can build a great future for you and the Lakota people.
REGISTRATION (POLICY)
Registration is held at each of nine district college centers throughout the reservation and at the Rapid City Extension and Cheyenne River College Center. Registration for Fall semester begins in April and registration for Spring semester begins in November.
To be considered for registration, the applicant must meet all admission requirements.
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STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
OLC students will abide by the standards of conduct while on college premises. Every student has the right to a safe learning environment. To ensure this safety, OLC applies the following as acts of misconduct subject to disciplinary action: • Any actual or threatened physical violence. • Gross disorderly conduct. • Verbal abuse or harassment. • Vandalism of OLC premises. • Attending classes under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Failure to properly supervise children on college premises. • Any other student conduct that causes a disruption in classes or business transactions on college premises. • Failure to abide by the College’s Gun-free/Weapon-free Policy.
Oglala Lakota College shall have a zero tolerance for student confrontations that result in a violent act by one student against another student or any employee of Oglala Lakota College. A violent act shall include but not be limited to hitting or shoving another student.
EARLY ENTRY PROGRAM
Oglala Lakota College provides opportunities for high school students to achieve college credit under specific criteria called early entry. This program is offered to junior and senior high school students who would like to enroll into college courses up to seven credit hours a semester. They must have a written statement from their high school Principal or Counselor stating they are prepared for college level work, approve the student’s enrollment at OLC, and verification the student maintains a G.P.A. of 2.0 or above. An official transcript from the high school must be submitted with the statement. Early entry students must complete the college readiness assessments and meet the 10.1 reading level.
VISITING CLASSES
Tribal members are invited to visit, with the approval of the instructor and center director, all classes taught at Oglala Lakota College. Those who wish to pursue a course throughout the semester are invited to do so. There is no fee for "visiting" and no record will be kept. Those taking courses on a "visiting" basis must purchase their own books.
STUDENT ADVISING
The district staff will advise the student on which classes to register for from the CORE courses including General Education and Lakota Studies courses that are offered. It is expected that a student will complete the CORE component of the curriculum before beginning study in the major. A student who has already decided on a major should consult the admission requirements of the department of his/her major.
The student must satisfy all admission requirements for the major department and, in conjunction with the department chair and staff to determine a plan of study.
PELL will only be applied to those courses that relate to the declared degree and students can only work towards one degree at a time. Students may make their first change of major at this time without question. Once a student is admitted to a baccalaureate program, a second plan of study will be developed with the Department Chair.
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Students whose plan of study changes for a second or third time must submit their reasons in writing. The reasons for a change in majors must be approved by the Registrar and the academic departments involved. Academic advising can be requested at any time by contacting center staff or the department chair to set up an appointment.
STATUS SHEETS
Once a student enters a degree area, the student must obtain a status sheet/degree audit for that degree program from their official record on the Jenzabar website by going to advisor tab and degree audit, please review this with your counselor or academic advisor to ensure that it is correct. When thirty (30) credit hours have been completed, a student must review his/her progress with the department chairperson. This status sheet/degree audit should always be consulted when making course requests and enrolling for classes. (If a student fails to maintain continuing enrollment for one (1) semester, the student will come back in on the current status sheet.) All students in the education degree department move to the new status sheet, if any changes occur, due to state requirements.
STUDENT COURSE LOAD
During the fall, spring and summer semesters, 12 credit hours per semester is considered a full time course load. Students may enroll for up to 18 credit hours per semester. In special cases, upon the approval of the Department Chairperson(s), this maximum load may be increased. In all cases, a half-time load is one-half a normal full-time load.
HOURS OF RESIDENCE
A minimum of thirty (30) resident hours must be earned from Oglala Lakota College for consideration of awarding an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree. To receive an associate degree from OLC, 11 semester hours of the last 24 must be earned during the last year. To earn a bachelor’s degree from OLC, the last semester credit hours must be earned from OLC.
ENROLLMENT LIMITS
Oglala Lakota College reserves the right to cancel any class which does not have an enrollment of six or more students. The college will make every effort to offer courses requested and in a sequence which permits most students to obtain a degree in a two of four year cycle. To avoid class cancellations, each student should meet regularly with his/her district college center counselor in order to plan schedules for each semester.
Class size at Oglala Lakota College is limited to 30 students. If need exceeds 30 students, the same course will be offered the next semester. Foundational Studies class sizes are limited to the size of the computer lab at the college center.
ATTENDANCE
The purpose of the attendance policy is to ensure student success and support the financial aid office in Pell disbursement. Students are required to attend classes regularly. A student will be dropped from a course after three consecutive or five scattered absences by the instructor. OLC understands special circumstances of their students. At the discretion of the Instructor, up to two absences can be made up (see Attendance procedure 81-350-1). If the student is not dropped this may result in a failing grade and impact their financial aid and in-house scholarships. Absences not made up within one week will remain an absence.
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Student’s Responsibility: • Notify the instructor of an absence prior to the start of class. • Work with the instructor to make up an absence. • Comply with the course expectations to make up the class within one week. • Monitor attendance to ensure that attendance is correct. • Follow add/drop policy 80-300 and process 80-300-1. • Work with faculty and OLC College center staff when an early alert is submitted. Instructor’s Responsibility: • Attend faculty/adjunct faculty orientation • Seek assistance with recording attendance in Jenzabar. • Record attendance after each class for 15 weeks • Enter attendance in Jenzabar. • Monitor attendance to ensure that attendance is correct. • Notify students and center staff of cancelled and rescheduled class dates. • Make up all cancelled classes prior to the end of the semester. • Reschedule class in Jenzabar. • Follow add/drop policy 80-300 and process 80-300-1. • Determine and document special circumstance. • Work with students who demonstrate a special circumstance. • Ensure that student make up missed class within one week of approved absence. • Submit early alert and follow the early alert policy and procedures • Drop student from a course after three consecutive or five scattered absences. Monitoring • Weekly submission of attendance will be monitored by the Vice President for Instruction office: Administrative Assistant. • It is the Department chair’s responsibility for corrective action of faculty. • It is the Vice President for Instruction’s office responsibility for corrective action of adjunct faculty. *See procedures in student handbook.
DROP/ADD PROCEDURE
During registration and the first week of classes, all students who meet the registration deadline may change their enrollment by the following: Log on the Jenzabar website exweb.olc.edu/ics using your username and password that you acquire from the Registrar’s Office. If a student discontinues a subject and fails to follow the prescribed procedure for dropping a course, it may be recorded on his/her permanent record as an “F”. It is the student’s responsibility to verify that their schedule shows that the course is officially dropped. If a class is dropped after the third week, the student will be liable for the total cost of the tuition.
INCOMPLETES
An incomplete grade is given only when the instructor feels that special circumstances warrant it. In addition to the faculty providing all information necessary to determine an appropriate grade for the student, instructor, and Department Chairperson must sign a contract. Unless stated in the contract, all incomplete grades must be made up within one calendar year.
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GRADE POINT AVERAGE
Graduating with an Associate of Arts or Bachelor’s degree from OLC requires twice as many grade points as credit hours attempted (A cumulative GPA of 2.0). Grade points are as follows: A-4 grade points F-0 grade points W-not applicable B-3 grade points I-not application AU-not applicable C-2 grade points NP-No Progress, not applicable D-1 grade point SP-Satisfactory Progress, not applicable (Note! Some programs of study require a higher GPA above 2.0)
CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS
Freshmen students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 1.50 up to 30 credit hours completed. Thereafter, the student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00. This is consistent with the minimum graduation requirements at Oglala Lakota College.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
Transfer students will be responsible for maintaining a GPA of 2.00, if their transfer total applied and Oglala Lakota College credits equal more than 30 semester hours. They will be responsible for a GPA of 1.50, if the total applied credits equal less than 30 hours. All credits are not transferable to every education institution.
DEGREE OR CURRICULUM CHANGES
When a student changes degree objectives, he/she will be subject to the maximum time frame of the new degree without regard to time spent pursuing the previous degree. The student must realize that federal financial aid will be calculated according to the original time frame.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT COURSE
The purpose of a Graduation Requirement Course is to assist the student with continued persistence and timely completion of his/her degree. Graduation Requirement courses are intended for degree seeking students only. Non degree seeking students or students in special programs do not qualify for a GRC. Not all courses can be taught through this mode of delivery. All courses suitable for a GRC are designated by the Department Chair and approved by the Vice President for Instruction and Registrar. All GRC requests must be approved by the Department Chairperson and the Vice President for Instruction.
A GRC will not be allowed if the same course is offered on-line or within fifty (50) miles of the student’s home center. However, if there is a scheduling conflict, a student may still apply. Students are allowed two graduation requirements courses per semester. Students who successfully complete 45 hours towards their first AA/AAS or 96 hours towards their first Bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply for a GRC. Students must have an overall Grade Point Average of at least 2.75 and be in good standing, or 3.00 for the previous 24 credit hours, verified by the Registrar’s Office. Students must have demonstrated ability to work independently, utilize technology and be familiar with the current student information system.
Faculty will be required to utilize the approved student information system throughout the semester to enter attendance equivalent to the amount of work required by the course, midterm and final grades. Faculty must have the GRC syllabi that outline the expectations of the student. Faculty must fully inform the student of what is expected from the GRC. Faculty must keep record of this course orientation through sign in sheet and approved syllabi signed by both the faculty and the student.
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Department Chairs must ensure that the course is appropriate to be delivered in the GRC format, the syllabus is appropriate for GRC and will met the student learning outcomes, and departmental requirements for students success and assessment.
Remuneration and mileage
1. Faculty will be paid at the rate of $100.00 per credit hour for each GRC. Mileage will be paid to instructors for travel associated with GRC as per OLC mileage policy.
TRANSCRIPT REQUEST
Any student requiring a transcript must put their request in writing to the Registrar’s Office. Any student requesting a transcript needs a complete file (High School Transcripts, GED transcripts, Tribal Enrollment). The initial request will cost $5.00 and when multiple copies are needed each additional copy will cost $2.00. If a faxed or scanned copy is needed that same day, it shall cost an additional $2.00. These fees are Non- Refundable. Requests may take 2-3 business days to process. Requests shall be kept on file for one (1) academic year due to limited filing space.
APPLICATIONS FOR GRADUATION
Oglala Lakota College officially certifies graduates at the end of each semester and awards all degrees/certificates in the spring term. Students must apply for graduation to their counselor and/or faculty advisor who submit the application, fee, and typed status sheet to the Registrar’s office by the Fall Deadline is October 1st and the spring Deadline is March 1st.
It is the responsibility of the student to complete an application form for graduation and forward to the Registrar with the non-refundable graduation fee of $10.00. The district counselor and/or advisor will make every effort to assist the student in this process. All students must have a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of a 2.00 to graduate.
Note: If a student fails to complete the requirements for graduation by June 1st in the spring semester in which he/she applies, the student must reapply for graduation.
GRADUATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Students who graduate from Oglala Lakota College shall be eligible for assistance to pay outstanding tuition, fees and bookstore bills, or any outstanding debt.
Students who have graduated with an equivalent degree or higher degree are not eligible to receive assistance for additional lower or equivalent degrees or certificates at a later date. (i.e.: A student received a Bachelor’s Degree in 2013 and then received an AA Degree in 2014, the student is not eligible for the assistance in 2014 because he/she received a higher degree in the previous year.)
REGISTRATION FOR STUDENTS WITH MORE THAN SIXTY HOURS
Students with 60 or more credit hours should know that only the courses for their AA Degree may transfer to another institution four year program.
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ACADEMIC PROBATION/SUSPENSION
ACADEMIC PROBATION POLICY Any student who does not earn a grade point average of 2.0 (1.5 for students with 30 earned hours or less) in any enrolled semester or any student who has withdrawn from all of their credit hours in the past semester will be placed on academic probation.
ACADEMIC PROBATION PROCEDURE
1. A student on Academic Probation can enroll for 12 or more credit hours but to be removed from Academic Probation a student must satisfactorily complete the following semester and earn a grade point average of 2.0 (1.5 for students with 30 earned hours or less). 2. The Registrar shall initiate probationary proceedings by informing the student and district center staff in writing (where the student has claimed to be his or her “Home Center”). 3. The decision shall be binding and final for all courses offered by Oglala Lakota College. 4. The Registrar will maintain a current list of all students on probationary status.
ACADEMIC SUSPENSION POLICY
If a student does not earn a grade point average of 2.0 (1.5 for students with 30 earned hours or less) while on probation, the student will be placed on (Academic Suspension One). This means the student cannot enroll for one semester.
Students will remove themselves from Academic Suspension One by first sitting out for one semester, next by enrolling for the following semester and earning a grade point average of 2.0 (1.5 for students with 30 earned hours or less). There is no appeal for academic suspension one.
ACADEMIC SUSPENSION PROCEDURE
After sitting out for this one semester, they must successfully complete all enrolled classes in the following semester with a 2.0 grade point average (1.5 for students with 30 earned hours or less) or better.
Should the student fail to successfully complete his or her classes, they will be placed on Academic Suspension Two. Students placed on Academic Suspension Two will be barred from enrollment for one academic year or three semesters. Students may submit an appeal to their local board. Appeal Process for Suspension Two 1. A student can appeal the Academic Suspension Two decision to his or her district local board. The center director shall coordinate with the local board a time and place for the hearing. 2. The District Local Board and center director will schedule a hearing and notify the student in writing and request the student to provide a written and oral justification of their failing academic record with a plan as to why and how they will successfully complete a college education goal. Local Board members will recuse themselves due to conflict of interest and/or nepotism. 3. The District Board will only allow students to enroll in Oglala Lakota College with documented extenuating circumstances, i.e., personal health, medical issues, death in the immediate family, or other significant family issues. The appeal process is not intended to be used for common occurrences (i.e., work, transportation, family responsibilities, etc.). It is expected that individuals who have chosen to attend college be able to manage their studies in addition to other commitments and responsibilities. 4. The District Board will notify the Registrar and the student of its decision in writing. The decision will be binding and final for all courses offered by Oglala Lakota College.
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a. If the District Board’s decision is for the student to remain on Academic Suspension Two, the student will not be allowed to enroll for three semesters or one academic year following the decision. b. If the District Board’s decision is to allow the student to re-enroll, the student will again be placed on Academic Probation (see above). 5. If the student does not complete the following semester with the required grade point average, the student will not be allowed to have another hearing and will be barred automatically from enrollment at Oglala Lakota College for a period for two (2) academic years, Academic Suspension Three.
After sitting out for two (2) academic years, students will be allowed to enroll in Oglala Lakota College without being on probation or suspension and will be required to take the placement tests if they have not previously completed the core Math and English requirements. The student will use the most recent status sheet for their declared major.
The Registrar shall maintain and update a list of the status of all students on academic suspension three.
Note: *The President will appoint a committee to provide all hearings for the students placed on Academic Suspension Two from the Rapid City and Cheyenne River Extension Centers.
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FI A CIA AI
Billi K. Hornbeck, Financial Aid Director Cindy Iron Cloud, Financial Aid Officer Faith Moves Camp, Financial Aid Assistant
MISSION STATEMENT:
To help those students who need assistance to further their education. Priority will be given to those people with the greatest need. Aid is administered in accordance with the applicable laws of the United States regulations and policies of the Board of Trustees and the Oglala Lakota College, regulations of the college stated in the Oglala Lakota College catalog and the policies and procedures in this manual.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be completed as soon as possible once it is available in the Spring. The application may be filed by going to fafsa.ed.gov.
Financial Aid is available at Oglala Lakota College in the form of Grants, Employment, and Scholarships. Due to the limited amount of funds available through these aid programs, students who meet Satisfactory Academic Progress toward their declared major and who can demonstrate a need will be given priority.
Classification of Students. Freshman students (up to 30 hours attempted) must maintain a cumulative GPA of 1.50. Thereafter, the student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00. This is consistent with the graduation requirements at Oglala Lakota College.
GRANTS
Pell Grant Entitlement Program. Students must have filed the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. This is a federal program that offers assistance to any eligible student who needs it to attend a post-secondary educational institution. The value of the award may vary from $1,524 to $6095, depending on the amount of assistance reasonably available from the family. This award helps eligible students work toward an undergraduate degree. Once a student has earned a first Bachelor’s Degree, they are no longer eligible to receive PELL.
OST Higher Education Grant. Presently administered by the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Students must file the OST Higher Education Grants application. Students must also have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Pell Grant Application, on file before a needs analysis can be completed and submitted to Higher Education.
FSEOG. The Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program provides grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate a financial need. The average award to a student is 1,000 per semester.
Federal Work Study. Students employed under the Federal Work Study (FWS) Program can work a maximum of twenty hours a week, depending on the amount of the award. Students will be compensated at an hourly rate of $9.00 per hour. The average award is $1,800 per student per semester, but varies based on need.
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Eligibility of Student:
A. Preference to students with greatest aid eligibility, who have indicated on their FAFSA that they are interested in work. B. At least half time students (except during the summer session). C. U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or in the United States for other than a temporary purpose. D. Not in Default/or owe a refund to any Title IV programs. E. At least two work-study students will be hired in each district college center. F. Assignment of FWS to district centers is contingent on satisfactory compliance by the center in developing job descriptions, recruitment, supervision and evaluation.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Student Services Committee reviews and approves all institutional scholarship at OLC. Only complete applications submitted online will be considered for selection. The web site is www.collegefund.org where a student fills out the personal information, lists all extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, honors, distinctions and a personal essay. The student then contacts the college center staff to take a digital photo. • Students with complete submitted applications will be considered for selection. This includes the application, essay and photograph. • All photographs will be screened by the Financial Aid for appropriateness. Examples of inappropriate pictures are baby pictures, students wearing sunglasses, bandanas, unclear pictures, etc. Any repugnant or obscene photos will not be considered for a scholarship award. • Students must complete a FAFSA to be considered for selection to determine the financial need of each student. • All scholarships require a minimum of 2.0 cumulative G.P.A. • Students may receive up to two scholarship sources per semester, the scholarships total will not exceed the student’s financial need which includes all funding. • Native American students are to be considered first preference for all scholarships. • Students must be enrolled in at least 3 credit hours to qualify.
Students who receive in-house scholarships who drop or are dropped from all classes after their scholarship disbursement will be ineligible for in-house scholarships for the following semester. A student’s in-house scholarship privileges will be reinstated after a one semester ineligibility period. Eligibility will continue thereafter, unless a student again drops all of their classes after disbursement. After the second drop, a student will be in final suspension and no longer eligible for in-house scholarships. There is no appeal process if a student is suspended from in-house scholarships. All scholarships are need based.
Richtmyer Scholarship: In 1980, Dr. Robert Richtmyer presented Oglala Lakota College with a gift in memory of his late wife, Jane. Scholarship amounts vary depending on the amount of interest earned from the Richtmyer Endowment fund during the year. Students must present evidence of creative ability in Native American arts and crafts.
Crazy Horse Scholarship: Students must be of Lakota ancestry, must be in good standing academically, demonstrates a need and must submit a letter stating their educational goals.
Wilms Scholarship: Established for the purpose of financially assisting "young Indian males" to achieve a college education. This award is also based on the interest accrued from the Wilms Scholarship Endowment fund per academic year. Criteria to be considered will be: academics, school and community activities, leadership, potential for completing college and financial need. $500.00 will be awarded per student, in good standings, per semester. Males to be considered must be 35 years or younger.
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McAlpine Scholarship: This scholarship is open to Indians and non-Indians. The applicant must be an incoming freshman student; enrolled full-time; and an essay of her/his dream, vision, or something that pertains to achieving her/his goals.
Fund Exchange Scholarship: Applicants must be an enrolled member of a Federally-recognized tribe, must be a potential graduate for the current academic year, have an unmet need for financial assistance, be enrolled in a least 6 credit hours, have demonstrated academic achievement and have a cumulative semester GPA of 2.0 or better.
Edith Kooyumjian: Applicant must be an O.S.T. member, enrolled in at least 6 hours, 23 years of age or older, an undergraduate student, a need to support a family, and a financial need.
Davis: This is for students with a Voc-Ed major, enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe and a full-time student.
Lawlor: This scholarship is for students with a Lakota Studies Major, full-time enrollment, an Oglala Sioux Tribal member and an unmet financial need.
Long Wolf Memorial: This is for two undergraduate students who have demonstrated potential and sincere desire to perform college level academic work. Must be a member of federally recognized tribe, at least part-time enrollment, and demonstrate financial need.
American Indian College Fund: This is not a single scholarship, but is a number of scholarships we receive from the AICF with their own criteria and change every semester. Selections are to be decided by the Scholarship Committee.
Board of Trustees Scholarship: This scholarship has many different criterions scholarships are awarded to students with Perfect Attendance, Outstanding Community Involvement, A well written essay, and by Dept.: Applied Science, Humanities & Social Sciences, Education, Social Work, Lakota Studies, Agriculture, Math & Science, & Nursing. All students must have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA, Financial Need to be considered.
FINANCIAL AID REQUIREMENTS
All students must be aware of the following when applying for financial aid:
A. The student must apply for all financial aid in a timely manner to determine if he/she will receive Financial Aid to help pay for his/her educational costs. The general rule is if you plan to attend OLC, your financial aid application should be completed the semester prior to registering for classes.
B. Students are required to declare a major in order to receive any type of financial aid.
C. Selected students must verify the information reported on the FAFSA. If a tax return was filed, an IRS Tax Return transcript and verification worksheet must be in the students file in the Financial Aid Office. D. Students must not be in default on a federal student loan or owe any type of federal student aid repayment.
E. All applications should include Oglala Lakota College school code, which is 014659. Students, who need financial aid, are urged to contact the local District College center staff or the Financial Aid Office for general information. All Federal Financial Aid funding regulations state that a student receiving Federal Financial Aid must maintain satisfactory progress.
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SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY
In order to qualify and receive Federal Student Aid, the U.S. Department of Education requires that students maintain satisfactory academic progress in a program of study that leads to a degree program. Federal Student Aid includes Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and Federal Work-Study. Also, other agencies including tribal and scholarship programs may require students to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for their aid programs. The entire academic record of all students will be monitored at the end of each term to ensure compliance with the requirements specified below. Therefore, even the academic record of those who have not received Federal Student Aid in the past will impact future eligibility. Failure to meet the following standards will cause financial aid ineligibility for students who may have otherwise qualified for Federal Student Aid.
Satisfactory academic progress has both a qualitative and quantitative measure to monitor a student’s progress toward a degree or certificate:
1) Qualitative Requirement: Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average.
a) Freshman (1-30 attempted credit hours) – 1.50 b) Sophomore (31-60 attempted credit hours) – 2.00 c) Junior (61-90 attempted credit hours) – 2.00 d) Senior (91 or more attempted credit hours) – 2.00
2) Quantitative Requirements:
The students must demonstrate their pace of progression through their program of study. The pace is measured at the end of each term. The students must satisfactorily complete 67% of their courses in which the student has attempted overall.
Examples:
Term 1 Term Pace Cumulative Pace 9 hours completed = 75% 9 = 75% 12 hours attempted 12
Term 2 6 hours completed = 50% 15 = 62.5% 12 hours attempted 24
Term 3 12 hours completed = 100% 27 =75% 12 hours attempted 36
“Satisfactory Completion” means earning a passing grade of A, B, C, D, or P. Grades of I, W, or F are not considered passing grades.
If a student withdraws during the first two weeks of the term, it is not considered credit hours attempted. All courses withdrawn from the third week of the term to the end will be counted as credit hours attempted.
Incomplete grades are considered credit hours attempted.
*Please see the Credit Hour Maximum Policy for the required completion rate to receive a degree at OLC.
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REMEDIAL COURSES
Remedial courses will be counted towards the students’ overall pace of progression or the cumulative hours attempted.
REPEATS
Courses that are failed or withdrawn from, then repeated are considered in the hours attempted. Title IV funding can only pay a student one time for repeating a course that the student has passed with a “D". In accordance with Title IV (PELL, FSEOG, FWS) regulations, test out courses will not be paid by Title IV aid.
REVIEW
Following each term the Grade Point Average and number of credits attempted and completed for each Financial Aid recipient will be reviewed.
FINANCIAL AID WARNING
If a Financial Aid recipient fails to satisfy the Satisfactory Progress Rule in a particular term, the recipient will be given a Financial Aid Warning during the succeeding term of enrollment. Students are still eligible to receive Financial Aid during the warning period, but they must satisfactorily complete 67% of their overall enrollment with a cumulative Grade Point Average of: 1.50 for Freshman and 2.0 for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors.
NON-SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
FINANCIAL AID WARNING
If a Financial Aid recipient fails to satisfy the Satisfactory Progress Rule in a particular semester, the recipient will be given a Financial Aid Warning during the succeeding semester of enrollment. Students are still eligible to receive Financial Aid during the warning period, but they must satisfactorily complete 67% of their overall enrollment with a cumulative Grade Point Average of: 1.50 for Freshman and 2.0 for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. Unless the student totally withdrawals from all of their courses any time during the semester.
FINANCIAL AID INELIGIBLE
1. If a Financial Aid recipient fails to comply during the warning period, the Student will be placed on Financial Aid Ineligible status for all financial aid.
2. When a Financial Aid recipient totally withdrawals from all their courses any time during the semester, they will automatically be placed on Financial Aid Ineligible status for all financial aid.
APPEAL OF FINANCIAL AID NON-SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
1. A student may appeal Non-Satisfactory Progress by completing the Financial Aid Appeal Form and attach supporting documents to the Financial Aid Office by mid-term of the term during which the student is not eligible for financial aid.
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a. Reasons why he/she did not achieve minimum academic requirements which should include any type of unusual circumstances they may have been experiencing at the time. Unusual Circumstances that will be considered but not limited to are: illness, death in the family, injury, casualty losses due to weather (hurricane, tornado, mud slides, ground subsidence and other natural disasters), fire, theft, acts of God, or terrorism.
b. An explanation of what has changed that will allow the student to make Satisfactory Academic Progress at the end of the next term.
c. The appeal request will include an academic plan showing how the student will make SAP and the student must make academic progress under the plan at the end of the next term.
d. Students may have multiple appeals – but must be for different reasons.
2. An appeal committee will review the appeal and determine whether the Financial aid appeal is justified. The appeal committee’s decision is final. The student will be advised in writing of the decision for approval or reason of denial of his/her appeal no later than five days after receipt of such appeal.
a. If the appeal is approved and the student can demonstrate that they can make Satisfactory Academic Progress in one term they will be placed on Financial Aid Probation for one term.
b. If the appeal is approved and the student cannot demonstrate that they can make Satisfactory Academic Progress in one term, they will be required to submit an academic plan. This plan has to show how they are going to get back on track in a reasonable time. The plan will demonstrate the students map to graduation.
The academic plan will then replace the SAP standards. At the end of each term, the student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress will be measured against their plan. The students will have to follow the plan in order to receive financial aid. If the student fails or withdraws from any courses on their plan, the student they will again be required to meet the minimum SAP requirements in order to be eligible for any type of financial aid: 1. 67% overall completion rate 2. 1.5 (Freshman) 2.0 (All other students) overall grade point average
c. If the student’s appeal is not approved, the student will not be eligible for financial aid until they meet the minimum SAP requirements and is able to complete their degree within the maximum timeframe policy.
CREDIT HOUR MAXIMUMS
The U.S. Department of Education has established a limit on the number of credit hours a student can attempt and still remain eligible for Federal student Aid. This limit is based on 150% of the credit hours needed to complete the degree for which the student is pursing.
This will allow for curriculum changes, repeats, and enrichment course work that may be required for the field of degree.
This includes all attempted Oglala Lakota College courses as well as all transfer credit hours. In addition, this includes all semesters at Oglala Lakota College with or without financial assistance.
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Academic Progress toward the degree program will be measured at the end of each semester. The student will receive an update, as to the amount of financial aid left, with the satisfactory progress letter at the end of each semester.
If at any time, it becomes mathematically impossible for a student to complete their program with the number of credits left in their 150% timeframe – the student is no longer making Satisfactory Academic Progress and not eligible for Title IV aid.
The student will then request in writing, a reset in attempted hours to reflect their current major.
PELL GRANT LIFETIME ELIGIBILITY USED (LEU)
The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds a student may receive over his or her lifetime is limited by a new federal law to be the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding. Since the maximum amount of Pell Grant funding a student can receive each year is equal to 100%, the six-year equivalent is 600%. This is in effect as of the academic year 2012-2013. This includes all past Pell Grant awards each student received and the awards coming in the future semesters.
Therefore, if a student received a reset in their Pell hours for their current major and they have exceeded the 600%, they are no longer Pell Eligible as the LEU overrides the reset.
DUAL MAJORS
Students can only declare one major. Each semester, courses will be verified that they are on the students’ current degree plan. All Title IV funding will only pay for courses that are on each students’ degree plan. If a student chooses to take classes not on their status sheet, they will be liable for tuition and fees of the course(s) not on their degree plan.
The Financial Aid Student academic Progress will be reset with a change of major up to 3 times in a student’s academic career at Oglala Lakota College.
TRANSFER CREDITS
Transfer credits earned at another institution that are accepted at Oglala Lakota College toward the degree/certificate a student is currently pursuing shall be used in computing the total credits attempted and earned.
Once a student earns a Bachelor’s Degree, they are no longer eligible for a Federal PELL Grant.
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