Ñý¼§Ö±²¥

silhouettes of two people in tradition Native American clothing in front of a dramatic sky

Coalition for Indigenous STEM

Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ IFYE

The Indigenous First-Year Experience (IFYE) is a one-year program which welcomes tribally affiliated freshmen and first-year transfer Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to UM by creating a collective through a seminar and Living Learning Community. The program includes community-building, mentoring, culturally relevant activities, and faculty and administrative involvement to aid in the transition from home to on-campus life. IFYE will assist new Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with study skills development, help expand their knowledge of relevant programs, increase financial literacy, and address barriers and opportunities specific to tribally connected Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ at the university.

Students posed in front of a teepee at the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥
IFYE Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ attend UM's orientation where they worked together to build a teepee in 2024.

Students Can Expect

  • IFYE cohort will consist of approximately 20 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥;
  • Join the IFYE Living Learning Community (LLC);
  • Weekly seminar attendance;
  • Weekly study tables with peer mentors;
  • Bi-monthly activities focused on culture and well-being;
  • Opportunity to join the IFYE Activities Committee (IAC) and help plan events;
  • Monthly check-ins with peer mentors and CIS staff;
  • Scholarship at the end of each semester based on academic performance.

Program Requirements 

  • To participate in the IFYE program, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ must be registered for a minimum of eight credits per semester. 
  • Within the program, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ are expected to: 
    • Participate and register in the IFYE seminar for one full academic year;
    • Attend the IFYE seminar each week;
    • Live in the IFYE LLC on campus;
    • Attend study table or receive tutoring twice per month;
    • Participate in bi-monthly IFYE events;
    • Meet with their IFYE Peer Mentors regularly;
    • Treat Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, staff, faculty, and property with respect;
    • Review and follow the UM Student Code of Conduct.

Application

If you are interested in joining the IFYE program for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year, please complete the following application. Students applying are required to have a minimum 2.50 GPA from their high school or transfer school.

If you have any questions regarding the IFYE program, please contact the CIS team at indigenous.stem@umontana.edu.