Wizipan Leadership and Sustainability Program at THE INDIAN UNIVERSITY OF NORTH AMERICA®


Wizipan Leadership and Sustainability Program at THE INDIAN UNIVERSITY OF NORTH AMERICA® Crazy Horse Memorial®, Black Hills, SD
A unique partnership between The Indian University of North America®, the Crazy Horse Memorial® Foundation & South Dakota State University
Earn a 15 credit hour Certificate from SDSU
Apply Now for Fall Semester 2020
PROGRAM DATES: August 31st – December 16th, 2020
WIZIPAN LEADERSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
- Unique semester long, immersive academic experience is grounded in Lakota philosophy.
- Based on the Lakota term – Wachante Hecha Wizipan (The Heart of Everything that Is).
- Uses experiential education, Indigenous narrative, language, culture, and kinship to land as its primary learning tools.
- Combines coursework in American Indian studies, Natural Resource Management, Global Food Systems, and Leadership.
- Courses will provide students with the skill sets needed to understand the potential of their leadership roles in their own communities.
- Encourages students to evaluate and understand the relationship of care of self (trauma, mental, physical, spiritual health), care of community (kinship and family), care of environment (land, food, and sustenance), and care of culture (language, narrative, ceremony).
- Students successfully completing the program will earn 15 undergraduate credits and a certificate in Leadership and Sustainability from SDSU.
- Classes will be taught in an innovative, interdisciplinary, hands-on style emphasizing Indigenous experiential learning.
- Includes field trips, mentorship, group discussions and collaborative inquiry projects.
- For more information visit https://www.sdstate.edu/wizipan
Wizipan Courses (3 credits each):*
- NRM 110 – Introduction to Natural Resource Management
- ABS 203 – Global Food Systems
- LEAD 210 – Foundations of Leadership
- AIS 492 – Special Topics in American Indian Studies
- NRM 498 – Undergraduate Research Project
*Subject to South Dakota Board of Regents approval
How Much Does It Cost?
- The Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation® will fund the tuition, lodging, and a complete meal plan for each accepted student.
- Students will be responsible for the cost of their books and their own personal expenses while enrolled in the program.
- Students will also be responsible for a $50 Room Insurance Deposit which is refundable.
Applicants: Ideal applicants will have achieved college sophomore standing by August 2020 and will be prepared to fully participate in a comprehensive, immersive, residential university program with a full academic course load. Applicants should come prepared to work in a team of their peers to collaboratively identify important issues and learn to develop and research resolution strategies. If selected, you will contribute to living in an autonomous learning community where your questions about sustainability and leadership matter. You will learn how to do research and effect meaningful community change!
Admissions:
- Preference is extended to enrolled members of Federally Recognized tribes; however, application and admission is open to all qualified students.
- Students must be currently enrolled or have intention to enroll in a degree granting college, university, technical school or other higher educational institution, and be in good academic standing.
- All applicants must complete the Fall 2020 Wizipan Program application.
It is currently available online at https://www.sdstate.edu/wizipan/application-form
- Priority Application period closes on March 16, 2020 (materials mailed must be postmarked by that date). Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis.
- Student status for SDSU will be determined on an individualized basis
- One letter of recommendation is required from someone familiar with your academic achievement and/or workplace performance.
- Preliminarily selected applicants must complete a telephone interview with the application committee.
- Applicants who are selected for admission will be required to submit college transcripts prior to June 16, 2020.
- If accepted to the program, additional paperwork related to code of conduct, medical insurance, immunizations and verification of student status for SDSU will be required.
- A $50 deposit for room insurance will be needed from each student.
Student Life –the WIZIPAN Program at THE INDIAN UNIVERSITY OF NORTH AMERICA®
- Students will live in modern dormitory facilities on-site, sharing a room with no more than one roommate.
- Each room is fully furnished and has its own private bathroom complete with shower.
- Laundry facilities are available on site.
- All students will have a complete meal plan which includes three meals/day and snacks. Most meals are provided at the Laughing Water Café at the Crazy Horse Memorial. Special dietary needs can be accommodated.
- Classes will be held Monday through Friday each week.
- The Wizipan program includes several academic field trips. Some evening activities will also be required. Transportation will be provided for all required activities.
- Many optional recreational opportunities may also be arranged for interested students and may also include transportation.
- Students who are comfortable with their academic workload may apply for an optional part time job at Crazy Horse Memorial. Student worker salary starts at $11.00/hour
- Students could be employed at the Welcome Center, Ticket Office, Restaurant, Gift Shop or Museum / Cultural Center
Questions? We’d love to hear from you!
- Rachel Lindvall – SDSU Wizipan Program Coordinator.
- (605) 394-2236. Ext. 115
- Email: Rachel.lindvall@sdstate.edu
- John Little -The Indian University of North America®.
- (605) 440-3453
- Email: Indianuniversity@crazyhorse.org
Download the flyer in PDF format here and in MS Word Format here