Advisement

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

“Yá’át’ééh! & Welcome to Dine’ College! Please complete the following New Student Orientation Checklist to prepare for the semester”

1. Register for a ConexED account using the Chrome web browser. This student account is allowing you access to a virtual One-Stop-Shop to schedule and contact Student Services.
   • How to register for an account
2. All new students (first time in college) and high school concurrent students you may contact Stephanne Jim at https://dinecollege.craniumcafe.com/stephannejim for advisement. If you are a continuing, returning or transfer student, contact your program advisor on ConexEd https://dinecollege.craniumcafe.com/login for advisement.
   • How to schedule an appointment on ConexED
3. Log into your Blackboard account using the Chrome web browser https://dine.blackboard.com/ to begin preparing for classes. If you have issues logging into your account, submit an IT-Help ticket or contact IT staff at (928) 724-6675.
   • View Virtual Student Orientation at this link: https://dine.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-21482-dt-announcement-rid-3684706_1/xid-3684706_1 (you must be logged into your Blackboard account to access video link)
     • Student Orientation presentations will be on Blackboard. Follow these steps to access important documents provided on the video:
       • Log into Blackboard
       • Select “Student Services Online Orientation”
       • Select “Student Orientation Home”
       • Select “Student Orientation & Checklist”
   • To acknowledge a completion of the following items, submit an evaluation. The Evaluation is at the bottom of this page in RESOURCES
     • Viewed Student Orientation Video
     • Completed New Student Orientation Checklist
     • Email the evaluation to stephjim@dinecollege.edu as it will count towards your attendance and acknowledgment to our Dine’ College Student Code of Conduct.
   • IT Help Ticket
4. Log into MYDCPORTAL by visiting www.dinecollege.edu This will provide you access to all your student accounts using the same password and username:
   • MYDINECOLLEGE: Assess to course schedule, transcripts, and student academic tools
   • Blackboard: Access to your online courses, Student Services Online Orientation, Learning Center & Library
   • Outlook Web App: Access to your Dine’ College email. Staff, faculty and student email contacts can be accessed in the “TO” selection on a new email message.
   • Browse all other student accounts to become familiar with resources available for you
5. Read the following to familiarize yourself with online college expectations:
   • A laptop/desktop and Wi-Fi (internet) access is needed as an online college student. Using a phone or IPad will make your online learning experience in college challenging, creating barriers to your success.
   • Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome is the recommended web browser for Blackboard
   • IT Orientation
   • Blackboard Help
   • Learning about Media Share
   • Media Share & Blackboard
   • Videos:
     • Submit an assignment
     • Use Discussions
     • Test Overview
     • Joining a Zoom Meeting
   • Downloading Navajo Font: Log into MYDINECOLLEGE. Navajo Fonts will be available in Student Information & Tools.
6. Financial Aid
   • Complete your FAFSA (using your 2019 tax returns). If you need assistance contact a financial aid staff at (928) 724-6730. If you are attending for this coming semester, you will complete year 2021-2022 application. At the end of your FAFSA you are going to submit it electronically using your FSA ID, also using your parent FSA ID to sign it electronically as well.
     • School Code: 008246
   • If eligible, complete the Navajo Nation Scholarship Application.
   • Dine’ College Scholarships
   • Complete the Financial Literacy 101
   • Create a payment plan with the Cashiers Office. To make payments on your student bill call (928) 724-6687 or email grhaskie@dinecollege.edu
7. Course Material: If you have questions on your course material (such as textbooks or software for math), please email your instructor for further information.
   • Emailing your instructor: Locate their name on your course schedule. On your Outlook Dine’ College email when you begin a new email message, you can click onto “TO” and it will provide a search option. Using the search option type in your professor’s name to find their email contact information.
   • Visit Follett Online Bookstore to find the ISBN numbers for your required course material.
   • You may contact Financial Aid at finaid@dinecollege.edu or (928) 724-6730/6731 to get information on book vouchers.
   • Using the ISBN numbers for each required text you may research other websites to browse to compare prices that you can afford:
     • www.amazon.com/
     • www.chegg.com/
     • www.ecampus.com/
     • Dine’ College Textbooks on Facebook
8. If you are planning to visit a Dine’ College Center or if you have an in-person class, please schedule an appointment with a staff to get your student ID card.
   • Diné College Centers & Point of Contact for Student ID Cards:
     1. Foster Gorman for Tsaile campus 928.724.6744 email fgorman@dinecollege.edu
     2. Priscilla Cooley for Tuba City at 928.283.7504 pcooley@dinecollege.edu
     3. Nicholas Begay for Window Rock center 928.871.2230 x7606 email njbegaye@dinecollege.edu
     4. Peggy Willetto-West for Crownpoint center 505.786.7391 email pwilletto-west@dinecollege.edu
     5. Charlotte Topaha for Shiprock Center 505.368.3548 email ctopaha@dinecollege.edu Shiprock center by appointment only
     6. Gwen Dedman for Chinle Center 928.674.3319 email gdedman@dinecollege.edu Chinle Center by appointment only
   • Things needed to receive a student ID card:
     1. Fall Course Schedule: check your Dine’ College email, Registrar’s emailed your course schedule the day you completed registration. You may also visit www.dinecollege.edu, log into MYDCPORTAL, select MYDINECOLLEGE and select Course Schedule in “Student Information and Tools”
     2. Covid Vaccination Card: Both Covid-19 Vaccination shots are required to attend in-person classes
     3. If you do not get a student ID card made before your in-person class, be sure to have your course schedule an Covid-19 Vaccination Card available when being cleared with a campus Health Screener and to attend your class.
9. Tsaile Center Parking Permit:
   • Contact Campus Security at clifjames@dinecollege.edu or 928-724-6911 to request information on the parking permit application.
   • Below are a list of emergency numbers to call in case of an emergency at Tsaile Center:
     1. Campus Security Dispatcher 928-724-6802
     2. Campus Emergency 928-724-6911
     3. Campus Security Cellphone 928-349-3950
     4. Chinle Police Department 928-674-2111/2112
10. If you are interested in campus housing, visit the Dine’ College website for information. If you have, questions contact Residence Life Manager, Ms. Sharon Begay.
    • shbegay@dinecollege.edu
      (928) 724-6782
      www.dinecollege.edu/residence/residence-life
11. Library Services at Tsaile Center:
    • Hours
      • August 9-13: Monday through Thursday 8am to 5 pm; Friday 8am to 4pm.
      • Fall Semester hours begin on August 16: Monday through Thursday 8am to 7pm, Friday 8am to 4pm.
    • Community
      • Patrons from the community will not be allowed in the library until the whole campus opens for the public.
      • Students, faculty, and staff of the College only.
    • Admission to the building
      • College ID is required for admission to the building, preferably visible but at least shown upon request. Those without an ID must go get an ID before coming into the library.
      • The orange C-19 sticker must be affixed to the ID. Those without a sticker must go to a Screener, present proof of vaccination, and obtain a sticker.
      • Every patron must have a daily pass or they will need to go to a Screener and get one.
    • Masks
      • All patrons must wear a mask while in the building.

Questions about Shiprock Dine’ College Library or other Dine’ College Centers email: library@dinecollege.edu

Advisors

Advisement

All incoming freshmen and transfer students are required to meet with their academic advisor before registering for classes. Returning and continuing students can meet with either an academic advisor (if the student has less than 32 credit hours) or program coordinator and/or a faculty advisor (if the student has more than 32 credit hours). To schedule an appointment with your advisor, please call 928-724-6855 or you can email dcadvisors@dinecollege.edu.

What is Advising

Academic Advising is a collaborative relationship between the student and the advisor (academic or faculty). Using the Diné Educational philosophy, advisors and/or program coordinators at Diné College will assist students in developing their educational and career pathways. Advisors will assist students in understanding and completing their chosen program of study. Advisors promote critical thinking, resource development, and cultivate a plan of action to achieve student’s educational and career goals.

Diné College advisors fulfills its mission by using the Sa’ah Nagháí Bik’eh Hózhó (SNBH) principle as a framework to guide their students, based on Nitsáhákees (Thinking), Nahat’á (Planning), Iiná (Living) and Sihasin (Assuring).

Advisors Role and Responsibilites

• Provide accurate and consistent information
• Clarify program requirements and procedures
• Assist students in identifying appropriate institutional resources
• Facilitate relationships between the student and other individuals on campus who may provide assistance
• Uphold the academic standards of the institution
• Conduct new student orientation and provide educational programming
• Promote Student Code of Conduct, campus policies, and procedures

Advisors will periodically contact their advisees to review progress towards educational goals and provide assistance in all aspects of the college experience.

Advising sessions are to be kept confidential per FERPA Law (see link below). It is not necessary to make an appointment to see an advisor, but it is encouraged, especially during peak hours (early registration, meeting deadlines, etc.)

Student Right to Know Act

Disability Support Services

Students with Disabilities

The college provides reasonable accommodations with reference to academic support services to students with disabilities. A student with a disability who wants to seek accommodations for classes, should contact the Disability Coordinator at the Tsaile Campus (includes Chinle, Tuba City, and Window Rock) or Shiprock Branch (includes Shiprock and Crownpoint).

Students in postsecondary education are responsible for self-identifying; provide disability documentation, and request accommodations.

The college is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

Examples of reasonable accommodations:

• Ensure existing facilities are readily accessible
• Adaptive equipment & materials
• Note taking, recording lectures
• Extended times for homework, quizzes, exams, and special projects
• Out-of-classroom testing

Eligibility for accommodations:

A student requesting reasonable accommodations must provide documentation of a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the student’s ability to perform one or more major life activities. (The Americans with Disabilities Act definition; ADA, Title 42, Chapter 126, Section 12102). Documentation must be within the last three years. The student must update their file each semester, when requesting services.

Conditions that may substantiate limitation:

• Learning disabilities
• Hearing/Vision impairments
• Mobility/physical challenges
• Other health impairment
• Psychological impairments
• Traumatic brain injury

Disability services and FERPA:

Disability related information and documentation are treated the same as medical information and handled under strict rules of confidentiality. FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974), also known as the Buckley Amendment, provides faculty with free access to educational information in institutional files regarding students with whom they are teaching, advising or other capacity. Disability related records are excluded from free access under FERPA. Also excluded from free access under FERPA are inquiries external to the institution related to a student’s disability or academic progress.

Veterans

Veteran Services

The Veterans Services program is an integral component of Student Services at Diné College. Certifying Officials are available at most sites to assist Veteran students. Veterans benefit programs are available such as the Veteran’s Education & Training Benefits.

Diné College curricula and courses are approved by Arizona and New Mexico State approving agency for training of veterans and eligible dependents. Eligible students who are eligible to receive VA education benefits must comply with all VA regulations governing the GI Bill®.

Eligible Veterans should apply early

Please note that all Veterans Administration (VA) paperwork is processed at the main campus (Tsaile) before documents are submitted to the Regional Processing Office (RPO) in Muskogee, Oklahoma for final review and approval.

Types of Forms

Several types of forms for education benefits are  are available online at www.gibill.va.gov. All other forms can be obtained at the same website.

1. VA Form VA 22-1990. If you have never used your VA benefits prior to applying, you must complete an application for VA benefits.
2. VA form 22-1995. Veterans that have used their VA benefits prior to attending Dine’ College. This application informs the RPO you are requesting a change (place of training or change of program).
3. VA Form DD-2384-1 (Notice of Basic Eligibility or NOBE). Verify Selected Reserve to Montgomery GI Bill® must be signed and approved.

Rate of Pay: Rate of Pay schedules are available online at www.gibill.va.gov. Students can also check with the school representative at their respective campus.

Spouse and Dependents: If a deceased veteran was 100% disabled at the time of their death, a deceased veteran’s spouse and/or dependent may be eligible for VA benefits.

Previous College and/or Training Credits: If you previously attended other college(s) or training, you must obtain and submit copies of all other transcripts to the Dine’ College’s Registrar Office. VA regulations require that all transcripts be evaluated by the school Registrar Office. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all transcripts have been received and evaluated.

Student Status: As a Veteran student, you must keep the school’s certifying official informed of any changes that may affect your VA benefits (i.e., add, drop or withdraw a course). This constitutes a change in your enrollment, the VA Processing Office is notified, and adjustments are made to the student’s monthly rate of benefits.

Note: In accordance with the college policy, students must maintain Attendance and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Navajo Language & Culture Resource Program (NLCRP)

Mission Statement

The Navajo Language & Culture Resource Program (NLCRP) uses the Diné educational paradigm, Sa’ah Nagháí Bik’eh Hózhóón or SNBH to promote Diné language & identity to students. The program encourages the use and application of language, history and culture campus wide. NLCRP incorporates Diné teachings in student programs and builds cultural relevance into academic and student support services.

Vision Statement

The Navajo Language & Culture Resource Program is here to advance the Institution’s Diné identity, by inspiring students to carry on the Diné language & culture and keep it strong for generations to come.

What is Navajo Language & Culture Resource Program

The program goals are to introduce Diné language and culture to all Diné College students through workshops and other collaborations. The program incorporates Diné teachings and key principles of SNBH Nitsáhákees (Thinking), Nahat’á (Planning), Iiná (Living) and Sihasin (Assuring) to campus wide programs, to integrate traditional knowledge and teachings, with western philosophies. NLCRP supports and promotes a sense of Hózhó to our Diné College students.

Peer Mentor Program

Mission Statement

Our mission is to encourage commitment and strengthen the college experience of our Dine College students. Our mentoring services will connect students with an academically successful mentor.

Vision Statement

Peer Mentor Program prepares students to conquer the challenges mentees face while transitioning into college by improving the skills necessary for success in their academic careers.

Peer Mentor Program

A peer mentor provides support, encouragement, and information to incoming freshmen and transfer students, as they transition into college life. Peer Mentors are students helping students as a resource of support.

The mentoring program pairs a mentee with a mentor in order to help students transition from first year to second year. The program also assists referred students by seeking resources to become successful in the classroom and build the skills necessary to handle challenges in their academic career.

• Mentors have valuable knowledge acquired through their academic experiences, and understand how important support is for incoming students.
• Mentors are role models who are available to guide incoming students to build the skillset to become successful.
• Mentors serve as a friendly, added support system for students.
• Mentors are positive role models, by promoting an inviting and safe learning experience, while encouraging mentees to build self-esteem and self-confidence.

Mentor – Mentee Relationship

• Mentees are assigned to a mentor within the same field of study or based on other preferences.
• One-on-one meetings are scheduled between the mentors and mentees to discuss their progress.
• Mentor and mentees work together to plan study sessions, recommend resources to improve academic skills, plan and implement short-term, and long-term academic goals.