Indigenous First-Year Experience

About IFYE

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

Indigenous First-Year Experience students attend the University of Montana's N7 game.
IFYE students attend UM's annual Nike N7 basketball game in 2024.

Students Can Expect

  • IFYE cohort will consist of approximately 20 students;
  • 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;
  • Monthly check-ins with peer mentors and/or CIS staff;
  • Scholarship at the end of each semester based on academic performance.

Program Requirements 

  • To participate in the IFYE program, students must be registered for a minimum of eight credits per semester. 
  • Within the program, students 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 once per week;
    • Participate in IFYE events;
    • Meet with their IFYE Peer Mentors regularly;
    • Treat students, 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 2024-2025 academic year, please complete the following application. Students applying are required to have a minimum 2.50 GPA from their high school and/or transfer school.

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

Apply