Native American Studies
Frequently asked questions about the application process for Konaway Nika Tillicum
1. How do I know if my child would benefit from Konaway Nika Tillicum?
Konaway Nika Tillicum is an enrichment program for Native American students who would benefit from being immersed in a college setting and exposed to the learning and career possibilities of college. The main concern of school personnel or tribal members nominating students for the program, and for the Konaway Nika Tillicum staff evaluating student applications, is whether the program will be a positive experience for the student. If you feel your child is a candidate for Konaway Nika Tillicum but are not sure, give us a call at (541) 552-2986.
2. When would my child attend?
Students will be arriving on the SOU campus Saturday, July 13, 2013 (check in between 1:00-2:30pm) through Saturday, July 20 (closing ceremony at 10:00am).
3. Is there a deadline?
Yes, the application deadline is June 15. Students are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. When a student's application file is complete, it is reviewed for selection. If the program is full, students for Konaway Nika Tillicum will be put on a waiting list.
4. Who should fill out your Student Recommendation Form?
A teacher, educator or tribal community member who knows you well and can speak about your abilities and interest. Once they have filled out the form they must put the recommendation in a sealed envelope with their signature across the seal and return it to you.
5. When will students be notified of acceptance?
We will begin sending out notification letters in June and will continue throughout the spring as applications are received. NOTE: No application is reviewed until all parts of the documentation are received. Make sure your Student Recommendation Form is filled out by your reference! Do not forget to include a copy of a recent grade report.
6. How much does it cost to attend Konaway Nika Tillicum?
Konaway is a completely self-supported program, generating funds each year through grants, donations, and fundraisers. We attempt to provide scholarships for all of our students at $825.00 per child. Many students may be eligible for state, federal or tribal funding. Please inquire with the appropriate agencies as to whether your child is eligible. Each household is required to pay a $50.00 fee upon student acceptance, which will reserve their spot in the academy.
7. Is any financial assistance available?
If you are a member of an Oregon tribe, information about financial assistance is available by contacting your local Tribal Educational Department. If you are not a member of an Oregon tribe, contact our office and we will provide you with a financial assistance application.
8. When should payment of the tuition balance occur?
The balance of tuition may be paid after the student is notified of acceptance. Payment in full is due July 1.
9. What happens if an accepted student is unable to attend Konaway Nika Tillicum?
We appreciate hearing as soon as possible. There may be a student on the waiting list we need to notify.

IS YOUR APPLICATION PACKET COMPLETE?
By sending in your completed Konaway Nika Tillicum application, you can insure that there are no loose parts that could be misplaced and that your application will not be delayed in the review process because it is incomplete. This checklist should help you make sure you've included everything needed by the Konaway Nika Tillicum staff for application processing.
____ A completed APPLICATION FORM
____ STUDENT STATEMENT - a statement written by the student of a least one page explaining their interest in and commitment to attend Konaway Nika Tillicum. (This can be included on the application form.)
____ INFORMATION ABOUT SPECIAL INTEREST, leadership, activities, Native American community involvement and awards. (This can be included on the application form.)
____ ONE CONFIDENTIAL LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION, from a teacher, educator or community member. The recommendation must be returned to the student in a sealed envelope with the references signature across the seal.
____ GRADE RECORDS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR.
A SPECIAL NOTE:
Please remember the application DEADLINE is June 15!

Questions?
Contact Brent Florendo,
Program Coordinator
(541) 552-8580
florendb@sou.edu

