Only 23 percent of American Indian students who enroll at the University of Montana graduate within six years.

In an effort to improve that number, UM officials are working on a plan to evaluate and address barriers to academic success among indigenous people.

"It’s kind of meant to be a map for the next five years," says UM professor Kathryn Shanley, chair of the committee drafting the plan.

According to the committee, increasing retention involves gaining a greater understanding of historical and contemporary indigenous realities. Shanley says challenges are sometimes alleviated simply by providing information about the academic system, and cites an example of a frustrated student who came to her asking advice.

by Jessica Mayrer

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