Nurturing Academics Through Indigenous Values in Education (NATIVE) is a subsection of the NDGNS UW program designed for second-year students and above. You must be a current undergraduate entering your second year or above at UW-Madison, and have been actively engaged in other NDGNS UW programming options (above) for one full academic year to be eligible to apply to the NATIVE fellowship.
NATIVE fellows receive a stipend for successful completion of program activities. This financial support creates more capacity for scholars to focus on academics and meaningful campus involvement and professional development. NATIVE offers opportunities to build community and relationships and pursue a variety of interests on campus, while scholars work towards completion of a Leadership Certificate.
NATIVE is a year-long commitment, from early September through late August. We encourage participation for two full program years, which will allow you to complete the Leadership Certificate while breaking the work into clear and manageable tasks. You are limited to two years of participation in NATIVE, encouraging you to explore the many other opportunities available on campus!
Leadership Certificate 15 Off-Campus Civic Engagement Hours
NATIVE fellows will choose one of their four semesters to complete 15 off-campus Civic Engagement hours for the Leadership Certificate.
TWO-YEAR NATIVE FELLOWSHIP PLAN:
Fall Year 1:
- Attend two campus events from our program calendar per bi-weekly pay period, and complete a reflection on these events.
- Attend a small group Leadership Certificate advising appointment (October/November).
Winter Year 1:
- Work on Leadership Certificate written assignments.
Spring Year 1:
- Attend two campus events from our program calendar per bi-weekly pay period, and complete a reflection on these events.
- Reflection Partner meeting – Introductions.
Summer Year 1:
- Work on Leadership Certificate written assignments.
Fall Year 2:
- Choose an approved activity that will fulfill a minimum of 15 off-campus Civic Engagement Hours for the Leadership Certificate, and complete a reflection on these activities.
- Reflection Partner meeting #1.
If you have completed all Leadership Certificate tasks, you may apply to complete the certificate by November 1st. However, we recommend completing the certificate in the Spring.
Winter Year 2:
- Work on Leadership Certificate written assignments.
Spring Year 2:
- Attend two campus events from our program calendar per bi-weekly pay period, and complete a reflection on these events
- Reflection Partner meeting #2 completed prior to deadline (see Leadership Certificate Canvas).
- Apply to complete the Leadership Certificate:
- Present your Leadership for Change Capstone at the NDGNS UW Career & Mentorship Gathering (February/March)
- Submit any outstanding assignments – final deadline is April 1st
Summer Year 2:
- Sign up to attend SOAR as an NDGNS UW student ambassador, or participate in other approved virtual activities
NATIVE Fellowship Policies
Attendance and Participation:
NATIVE fellows receive a stipend in exchange for attending two program-approved campus events per bi-weekly pay period. These events are designed to promote academic success, professional development, and/or holistic wellbeing.
NATIVE fellows will submit their attendance verification within 24 hours of the event, including a photo from the event for verification, to ensure payment of your stipend. Late or missing submissions will result in reduced payment or non-payment of your stipend for the pay period. Visit this page for the Attendance Reflection link.
Leadership Certificate Advising and Reflection Partner Meetings
Meetings for the Leadership Certificate count as one of two events for the pay period in which they occur.
- Group advising meeting: NATIVE fellows in their first year of the Leadership Certificate will be offered several appointment times to choose from for group advising. If you cannot attend these times, you are required to schedule a one-on-one advising appointment with Mao Thao by to November 1st.
- Reflection partner meetings: You will be placed into a reflection partner group, with other scholars who are beginning the Leadership Certificate at the same time. You are required to complete three meetings with this group, which you will schedule at your convenience as a group.
Failure to attend required Leadership Certificate meetings, or otherwise comply with program policies, may affect your ability to continue in the program. If your group has difficulties scheduling a Reflection Partner meeting, please contact NDGNS UW with documentation that you have made reasonable attempts to schedule. We will work with you to find an alternative reflection partner arrangement.
No other meetings count as events – you must choose events from our calendar. While we highly encourage meeting with advisors, mentors, and other academic support staff as needed, this is part of your general responsibilities as a student and not part of the fellowship.
Excused Absences:
You may substitute one event per semester with a online module and 250 word reflection – these modules can be found on the Leadership Certificate Canvas.
In case of unavoidable lack of participation due to severe illness, family or personal emergencies, or other extenuating circumstances, you must contact NDGNS UW as soon as reasonably possible to discuss an alternative participation plan for the pay period: Indigenous@cdo.wisc.edu
Assigned Work for Leadership Certificate:
Leadership Certificate tasks and deadlines can be found on their program’s Canvas page. Complete all Leadership Certificate tasks as assigned on Canvas.