The University of California Office of the President has launched the Native American Opportunity Plan (NAOP). This is a new initiative designed to ensure that in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees are fully covered for California students who are also enrolled in federally recognized Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes. This plan applies to undergraduate and graduate students. Non-resident supplemental tuition (NRST), campus fees and Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition are not part of the Native American Opportunity Plan.
The Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs encourages robust recruitment of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians into our graduate programs and is committed to the success of our students at UC San Diego. To that end the UC San Diego Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs has maintained the Tribal Membership Initiative fellowship since 2008. The TMI fellowship provides support to students who are members of federally recognized tribes or are Native Hawaiian. The TMI award includes one to three years of fellowship stipend, resident tuition and campus fees, and a one-time bonus (all funded by GEPA). At the graduate level the support offered by the Tribal Membership Initiative goes above and beyond the support offered by the NAOP.
Resources:
UCOP Native American Opportunity Plan (NAOP)
UC San Diego Tribal Membership Initiative
FAQs:
Question:
I received the TMI Fellowship. Can the NAOP be used to support the parts of my education normally funded by my department?
Answer:
No. The NAOP does not provide additional funds to the campus or TMI; rather, the NAOP establishes the expectation that support for tuition and fees will be made available (in coordination with existing campus policy).
Question:
I received the TMI Fellowship. Does the NAOP provide additional support on top of the TMI?
Answer:
No. The NAOP and the TMI come from the same budget. Additionally, the Tribal Membership Initiative goes above and beyond the support offered by the NAOP (including stipends and one-time bonuses).
Question:
I received the TMI Fellowship, however, I am beyond the terms of my TMI award and still enrolled/working toward my degree. Will the NAOP still provide in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees?
Answer:
Yes, however, funding sources and financial support packaging will be unique to each student depending on program/degree and department. Students can reach out to their Graduate Funding Coordinator within their home department for assistance. If needed, Graduate Funding Coordinators may submit a Services & Support ticket to GEPA for clarification.
Question:
I am not eligible for the TMI Fellowship. What other opportunities may be available to me?
Answer:
If you are a member of a tribe that is not federally recognized, additional support may be available through external organizations, including through the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Scholarship Fund.
To learn more about the Tribal Membership Initiative, please contact Angeline Yang avyang@ucsd.edu, Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs.