UND forms partnership with Turtle Mountain Community College

On August 3, 2010, University of North Dakota President Robert Kelley and Turtle Mountain Community College President, James Davis, met at Turtle Mountain Community College for a tour of the facility and to discuss collaboration between the two institutions.

  

Turtle Mt. Community College, Belcourt, ND

Located three miles from Belcourt, North Dakota, the Turtle Mountain Community College (TMCC) is nestled within the boundaries of the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation.

 

Established in 1972, the Turtle Mountain Community College has continued to grow in population and as an academic institution. Not only has Turtle Mountain Community College been expanding in population and new facilities, they have also been building new relationships with other institutions.

 

The University of North Dakota has long since been a partner of TMCC, however, it has never been a formalized relationship. In 2009, the North Dakota State Legislature passed legislation that both required and encouraged tribal colleges and mainstream institutions to enter into collaboration.

 

In the past two years, UND has been meeting and discussing with TMCC about the potential collaboration. There has been a lot of discussion, which has begun to lay the groundwork for the future of the two institutions.

 

For UND students or even students who are in need of a different route, TMCC can offer remedial courses for those who are not entirely up to par with the average college student. From there, they can spend less and catch up while preparing for a smooth transfer from one institution to the other.

 

This partnership provides many new opportunities for the students of both TMCC and UND. As a smaller college that prides itself on having one of the lowest costs of attendance in the state, TMCC can offer students a cheaper route.

 

Instead of spending a large sum of money for the first two years, which are similar in every college, students can attend TMCC for the first 2-3 years. Then the student can transfer to UND to complete the remainder of their schooling.  

 

Not only does this process assist students from financial standpoint, it also allows students who are unable to jump into a large institution take a “baby step” into bigger college life.

 

This can help many students gradually become accustomed to college life. Also, students who chose this route and are serious about college are likely to have higher grade point averages.

 

As institutions, TMCC can use this new partnership to expand in many different areas. President James Davis had a plan of action.

 

“With the new collaboration, TMCC can expand to offer four years programs. We have a nursing program that will be offered in January 2011. With UND, we hope to expand it by offering a Registered Nurse program within the next few years. “

 

Other areas being explored for development included:  early childhood, mathematics, and engineering. Cassie Trottier, an incoming freshman at TMCC who plans on majoring in early childhood had some thoughts to share on the partnership.

 

“When I heard about the partnership and how it might expand into early childhood, I was very excited. I chose to come to TMCC because it was a great financial decision and now I get access to resources from UND to help me become a better graduate. I know that this partnership will make a positive impact on a lot of other students at both colleges.”

 

TMCC is very well known for keeping their culture going through the generations. By doing so, they are better able to train graduates and replenish society with educated members. President Davis also stated some thoughts on how UND and TMCC can work together to promote the continuation of the culture through arts and humanities.

 

“We’ve attempted to have an arts & humanities program here at TMCC, but due to an array of reasons, have been unable to maintain a strong program. With UND, we can develop interest and programs by having demonstrations at both institutions. There is much talent to be shared by both student populations.”

 

UND is able to use their technology and resources over long distances to assist many students from site to site.  This provides a better opportunity for students no matter where they are.

 

The future looks very promising for continued discussions on what the two institutions can accomplish. In fact, UND and TMCC plan to meet two to three times within the academic year. They will meet at both institutions to become more familiar with one another institutions.

 

This partnership boils down to one main idea; help students at both colleges who want to enrich their education. UND, with their many resources, and TMCC, with their affordable rates, will work together to provide communities with a better scholar.

 

At the end of the meeting, UND President Dr. Robert Kelley presented President James Davis with a collection of Native American artwork UND has collected over the years. Some of the artists were from the Turtle Mountain Reservation, which highlights the bond the two institutions already share and will continue to maintain.

http://www.dakotastudent.com/news/und-forms-partnership-with-turtle-mountain-community-college-1.1542488