About Diné College
General Information
MISSION STATEMENT
Diné College is a public institution of higher education chartered by the Navajo Nation. Our mission is to
apply the Sa'ah Naaghai Bik'eh Hozhoo principles to advance quality student learning:
• Through Nitsáhákees (Thinking), Nahat’á (Planning), Iiná (Living), and Siihasin (Assuring).
• In study of the Diné language, history, and culture.
• In preparation for further studies and employment in a multi-cultural and technological world.
• In fostering social responsibility, community service and scholarly research that contribute to the social,
economic and cultural well being of the Navajo Nation.
Strategies to Implement the Mission
• Two-year transfer programs
• Diné Studies and Language
• Developmental Studies
• Research projects and consultant services
• On-site outreach programs
• Articulation with other institutions
• Center for Diné Teacher Education
ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT
Diné College has a comprehensive academic assessment program to measure student learning. Its purpose is to specify measurable student learning outcomes in accordance with the college mission, assess student learning in terms of the outcomes, and use the results to improve academic programs. Students are required to participate in assessment activities periodically during their studies at Diné College. Data are collected when students enter the College, and additional data may be gathered each semester and prior to graduation. Assessment activities may include surveys, essays, tests, and portfolios. Student responses are confidential and anonymous and do not effect grades in any way.
DRUG FREE POLICY - ZERO TOLERANCE
A drug-free school policy has been adopted by the College and the Navajo Nation in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (P.L. 101-226). The College is committed to
preventing the abuse of alcohol and the illegal use of drugs and alcohol by students and employees. Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco are also prohibited in College buildings and vehicles.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Diné College does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. The College complies with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1975, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, and the Navajo Preference in Employment Act. Equal opportunity for employment and admission is extended to all persons.
FERPA
Social Security or CX numbers are used for students' identification and records only. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 protect the privacy of such information. The College provides access to specified official records related to the student and an opportunity to change such records if they are inaccurate while providing for the challenge of actual grades received. Only the Registrar’s Office and other authorized personnel have access to student files. To insure that their rights are upheld, students are required to file requests for non-disclosure on an annual basis if withholding of directory information is desired. Such requests will be honored for one academic year.
Administration
Ferlin Clark
President
Ph.D., University of Arizona
Ed.M., Harvard University
B.A., Fort Lewis College
Elvira Bitsoi-Largie
Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs
Ed.D., Arizona State University
M.S., University of New Mexico
B.S., University of New Mexico
Ronald R. Belloli
Vice President of Administration & Finance
B.S. Wayne State University; CPA
Curtis Ray Benally
Vice President of Institutional Advancement
M.F.A. University of Oklahoma
B.F.A. Weber State University
Dr. Wesley K. Thomas
Academic Dean, Division of Humanities and Social/Behavioral Sciences
Ph.D., M.A. & B.A., University of Washington
A.A., Navajo Community College
Priscilla A. Leonard
Dean of Enrollment and Student Services
M.A. Northern Arizona University
B.A., Northern Arizona University
A.A. Eastern Arizona College
Priscilla Weaver
Academic Dean, Division of Math/Science/Technology and Business/PE
M.A. & B.S., New Mexico State University