CUMU Conference 2017

Even as colleges are becoming more diverse, American Indian and Alaskan Natives continue to be one of the most underrepresented populations. Of total college enrollment in the United States, they make up only 1% of the student body. Less than half will graduate. The gap in postsecondary participation and achievement is disquieting with (in)direct benefits that never flow to these students. The imperative to metaphorically (re)build the routes traversed by the 17th-century Jesuit missionary and explorer Father Jacques Marquette became clear for Marquette University. Guided by the institution’s strong social justice and inclusion mission the Office of Public Affairs engages tribes and their citizens on campus-wide programs and initiatives that acknowledges and respects their inherent tribal sovereignty. Responsible for governmental and community relations, Marquette University’s Office of Public Affairs has been a natural hub to nurture a consultative relationship with tribes. As an example, the newly formed Council on Native American Affairs will help guide the university on cultural and academic programming, policy, student services, Milwaukee Indian community and tribal engagement, as well as research initiatives as it pertains to American Indian communities. This collective of best practices is intended to enliven the university's mission, engender trust with tribes to further bidirectional collaborations and demonstrate that their constituents can find a home at Marquette University.