Higher Education Institution
Languages:
- Inupik
Public | Two-year institutions
Ilisagvik College
Barrow, Alaska 99723
Iñupiaq Studies- Honor the Past While Training for the Future Institute Background
The Iñupiaq Studies Program at Iḷisaġvik College offers students an opportunity to pursue certifications in Iñupiaq culture and language and lead the way to complete an Associate of Arts degree. The program incorporates Iñupiaq language, history, knowledge, values, and traditions to enhance student learning.
Through this program, students will be able to achieve an understanding of fundamental principles of Iñupiaq grammatical construction, be able to read, write, and speak Iñupiaq at the beginner level, be able to develop objects of art in the Iñupiaq style, and demonstrate increased understanding of the relationship of Iñupiaq culture to the land, sea and animals.
In addition to those who want to pursue certificates or a degree, Iñupiaq Studies classes provides personal enrichment, which meets the individual needs and interests of the communities and students it serves.
- Access
- Accountability
- Keys to access and accountability
Improve Access for all learners in more languages
Techniques to Retain HULs
- Free language courses • Free tuition • Zoom option
Obstacles that HULs face
Offer classes specifically targeted to HULs
Yes
Adapt delivery modes to HULs
Specific practices that are the reasons your HULs enjoy success in your program
Practice 1
Iḷisaġvik College incorporates Iñupiaq language, culture and traditions into all aspects of the Iñupiaq Studies Program. Iñupiaq Studies hosts the Iñupiaq Fine Arts Festival, and more recently, Iñupiaq Language Lunch n’ Learns, language classes are free, and are offered via Zoom.
Practice 2
Every semester, the Iñupiaq Studies Program puts on an Iñupiaq Fine Arts Festival where students in Iñupiaq Studies classes get to showcase projects that they have created. Originally, the Iñupiaq Fine Arts Festival was a combination of students showing artsy projects they created and also students conducting speeches in Iñupiaq. Recently, due to the program growing, we decided to have separate events for the arts and Iñupiaq language, which is really exciting! I believe that one of the reasons why our program is growing is because people get to see what is happening in the program and the word gets out.
Practice 3
In addition, Iñupiaq language classes are free at Iḷisaġvik. This is a huge stepping stone for the institution as a whole. Students get to learn their language freely, which is how it should be. For students admitted into the Iñupiaq Studies Program, a language class is required in order to graduate. However, for other programs at the college, language classes are not required, but it is good to note that all students are required to take any one Iñupiaq Studies course of their choosing in order to graduate.
The distance student population taking IÑU courses is growing. In order to accommodate all populations, language classes are offered via Zoom.
Increase ACCOUNTABILITY Through Transparency And Documentation
Program publishes clear description of its goals and requirements
Yes
Program makes public its efforts to increase HUL enrollments
Yes
Program makes public its definition of student success
Yes
Program incorporates online learning in order to increase access and/or improve learning
Yes
Co-curricular Offerings
- History, economics, social sciences
- Performing and fine arts
Emphasize in your language program
- Cultural Literacy
- Employment opportunities
- Language Proficiency
Implement any workforce preparation activities
Yes
- Internships in an employment setting
Support co-curricular collaborations
- Community associations
Keys to access and Accountability
Recruit teachers from HUL communities
Yes
Teacher profile reflect
Yes
Offer in-service professional development
Yes
Support professional development focused
- Emergent Bilingual Learners from NA & heritage/immigrant communities
- a) Instructional techniques b) Materials development c) Use of authentic materials d) Incorporation of cultural learning in the language classroom
Program partner with any of the following
- Heritage communities
Private business enterprises that benefit HULs
No
Partnerships with philanthropic
No
Language immersion opportunities
Yes
Program conduct any of the following as part of their in-country language immersion programs
- Pre- and post-program assessments for students
- Language proficiency
Institution Information
Institution classified as a Minority Serving
Yes, Tribal College and University (TCU) (Please list the federally recognized Tribal affiliations)
Actively Recruit Students from following groups
- Alaska Natives
Is Language Required
No
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)