The National Institute for Native Leadership in Higher Education

  presents the

  13th Annual National Institute

(A Professional Development Institute and Personal Retreat for Educators
Serving Native American College and College-bound Students)

  Sunday, July 23, 2006 - Thursday, July 27, 2006

Mohegan Sun
1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard
Uncasville , CT 06382
Toll Free: 888-777-7922
http://www.mohegansun.com

Sponsored by:
W. K. Kellogg Foundation
Lumina Foundation for Education
Mohegan Tribe

RECRUITMENT - RETENTION - REINTEGRATION - RESEARCH

This year's Institute will place a strong emphasis on the connections between Native student issues. We will look at effective practices in the recruitment and retention of Native students as well as their reintegration back into their home communities after they have finished their education. Additionally, we will examine the connections between these issues and research that is available or needed to further develop strategies to increase the effectiveness of Native students' education.

YOU ARE INVITED

Are you an educational professional who works directly with Native students that are in college or are preparing to enter college or who works with other types of Native American education programs? Have you ever wished for a conference specific to your professional needs that also met your personal and cultural needs? If the answer to either or both of these questions is yes, then please join us this July 23-27, 2006, for a truly unique gathering of your colleagues.

The National Institute for Native Leadership in Higher Education (NINLHE) is an alliance of higher education professionals committed to changing colleges and universities in ways that enable Native students to earn degrees while strengthening their cultural identities. NINLHE supports Native students by strengthening the skills and staying power of administrators, faculty and staff working directly with those students. By providing job skills training, peer networking and opportunities for personal and cultural renewal to these key individuals, we impact the lives of thousands of Native students. Founded in 1993 by the Native American program directors at Dartmouth College and Stanford University, NINLHE has provided training and support to over 800 educators from nearly one hundred different universities, tribes and national education organizations from across the U. S. and Canada.

This year, with continued support from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the Lumina Foundation for Education, and the Mohegan Tribe, NINLHE is pleased to invite you to apply to attend our 13th Annual National Institute, at the Mohegan Sun located in southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is adjacent to the shoreline sights and attractions of Mystic and the Rhode Island coast. Rain or shine, winter or summer, southeastern Connecticut is a majestic place to visit. With its rolling hills and sparkling rivers, the Nutmeg state is rich in culture and history.

As a premier destination worldwide, Mohegan Sun includes a 34-story, 1,200 room luxury hotel, a world-class spa, the shops at the Mohegan Sun - a retail shopping experience, 30 restaurants, food and beverage outlets, and three entertainment venues.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE ANNUAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE

The Institute is a time for professional empowerment and personal renewal. Our training workshops are designed by experts in fields vital to Native student success and are kept small to give participants an intensive professional development experience. The workshops focus equally on interactive skill building and information gathering. Participants are given ample opportunity to draw on the accumulated wisdom and experience of trainers as well as colleagues. Other core activities include information-sharing discussions on "hot button" issues in Native higher education today.

In an atmosphere of collaboration, friendship, and fun, participants are also offered opportunities for spiritual renewal and personal empowerment. Each day begins with prayer and reflection by our "elder-in-residence." The "elder-in-residence" will direct each day's activities and offer valuable context in which to consider our shared experiences.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

NINLHE's Annual National Institute brings together education professionals from universities, colleges, tribal colleges, and tribal education programs who:

• Are directly involved with Native American students in both academic and student affairs or are interested in supporting and sustaining such programs
• either work with Native American student programs that already have established records of success, or have the desire to do so
• are devoted to strengthening students' cultural and spiritual identities as an integral part of their educational experience
• can roll up their sleeves and get work done
• are "movers and shakers," or have the desire to be
• have a good sense of humor and work well in groups
• are not harmfully involved with alcohol or other drugs

We ask participants to approach this gathering as they would a ceremony, in a good way, with minds and bodies unclouded by alcohol or other drugs, with a commitment to take part in all of the events, and with hearts and spirits open to giving, receiving and sharing. If your application to attend is accepted, please be advised that you will be required to sign a "Contract of Participation" agreeing to these conditions.

NINLHE is also interested in helping institutions and organizations create cooperative teams of change agents. Please feel free to copy this application packet and pass it along to colleagues you feel would contribute to and benefit from the Institute.

APPLICATION, REGISTRATION, HOTEL AND TRANSPORTATION

FRIDAY, APRIL 14th. Your application to attend the Institute must be completed and returned to the NINLHE office NO LATER than Friday, April 14th. Applicants will be notified of their selection by Friday, April 21st.

REGISTRATION FEE

FRIDAY, JUNE 2nd. The registration fee for NINLHE's 2006 Annual National Institute is $425 US dollars. Your fee will cover the cost of continental breakfast/lunch each day, Monday night Feast dinner and Closing dinner on Wednesday night, as well as all training workshop and instructional materials. Purchase Orders cannot be accepted for payment. Full payment must be received by either check or money order, NO LATER than Friday, June 2nd. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made for late payment of registration fee; if the registration fee is not received by the due date, you will be removed from the participant list. Unfortunately, we cannot accept credit cards.

MONDAY, JULY 24th. Registration for the Annual National Institute will begin on Monday, July 24th, from 7:45 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. The schedule for the Institute will be posted on our website.

MOHEGAN SUN - CODE "NINLHE1"

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21st. A special discounted rate for either a SINGLE or DOUBLE occupancy room has been negotiated. The rate is $139 US dollars per night plus local tax, currently 12%. When you call the hotel, ask for Code: "NINLHE1". PLEASE NOTE that the negotiated room rate of $139 will be available only the days of the actual Institute (nights of July 23, 24, 25, 26, checking out July 27th). If you wish to arrive earlier and/or stay later, the lowest hotel rack rate at the time that you call will be offered.

It is MANDATORY that all participants be in residence at the Mohegan Sun throughout the Institute. The last day to lock in this special rate is Wednesday, June 21st. After that date, the NINLHE group block rate will be released and the hotel will charge "market rate" for any rooms still available.

TRANSPORTATION

Participants will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own air and ground transportation between home and the Institute site. Information on airport shuttle services and rental car options will be sent to you once your application to attend has been accepted.

DEADLINES

REGISTRATION FEE CANCELLATION POLICY

THURSDAY, JUNE 15th. If you are accepted but find that you cannot attend, you must submit a WRITTEN REQUEST postmarked NO LATER than Thursday, June 15, 2006, in order to receive a refund less a $125 administrative fee. NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE AFTER JUNE 15, 2006.

For further information, please contact Louise Chavez at (505) 277-2614 or louisec@unm.edu.

Our website address is http://ninlhe.unm.edu.