Native American Students

Student Life is located in Suite 370 in the Oklahoma Memorial Union on the Norman campus. Ryan Lee is the Program Coordinator and the advisor to the American Indian Programs and Services. Students are encouraged to visit Student Life early in their academic careers and often.

OU’s Fraternity and Sorority Programs and Services is a community made up of 57 chapters, of which 30% of OU’s student body is a part of. Under this department, there are multiple umbrella organizations that house certain chapters on campus.  

• The Multicultural Greek Council houses 13 chapters including Asian interest, Latino interest, Multicultural interest, and Native interest groups including: 
  • The Alpha chapter of Iota Gamma, formally known as Sigma Nu Alpha Gamma, was founded at the University of Oklahoma in 2004. The goals of the chapter are to offer support as they encourage Native American men to succeed and move toward graduation. 
  • Founded in 2001, the Alpha chapter of Gamma Delta Pi is the first and only Native American Sorority on campus. The chapter focuses on furthering the lives of Native American women academically, culturally, and socially. 
• The Interfraternity Council (IFC) serves 18 fraternities within the council. IFC focuses on leadership, service, scholarship, and community within its 2,400 members.  
• Independent Greek Council, the newest council at the University of Oklahoma, is home to eight chapters with 500 total members. Their chapters focus on a variety of special interests such as technical studies, Christian-based, cultural celebration, and music interest.  
• National Pan-Hellenic Council is the governing council for all historically, but not exclusively, Black Greek-lettered organizations. The nine chapters are home to over 60 members. 
• The Oklahoma Panhellenic Association is home to over 3,200 members within 11 sororities. They work to promote excellence in academics, community and campus involvement, and sisterhood. 

Scholarship money can come from an institution like the University of Oklahoma, community organizations, local/state/national entities, national organizations, sports teams, alumni societies, and more.

Native American students attending OU may be eligible for, but not limited to, the following:

• National Award: The Office of Connection and Student Engagement administers National Award Scholarships and considers applicants who are in the Indigenous Recognition Program with a 29 or higher ACT (or SAT equivalent) and a 3.5 GPA. Students are automatically considered for this scholarship with their freshman application and is not based on financial need.

• Community Enrichment: The Community Enrichment Scholars program recognizes students who are involved in cultural, heritage, and community activities supporting the values of diverse communities. Students must complete their community essay to be considered.

• Connection and Student Engagement (CSE) Internship: Every year, 35-40 students are awarded the opportunity to serve as a CSE Intern. Interns receive a $1,500 tuition waiver for the academic year. Incoming freshmen are eligible to apply to intern their sophomore year.

• Other scholarship opportunities for Native students include through organizations such as the Native Forward, American Indian Science & Engineering Society, American Indian College Fund, and the Cobell Scholarship.

American Indian Programs & Services also encourages all students to connect with their individual tribal college readiness programs or higher education programs for tribally specific financial aid. 

Students may be eligible for more scholarship opportunities. Visit OU’s scholarship page to learn more.

As a state, tax-supported institution, the University of Oklahoma gives preference in tuition pricing to residents of the State of Oklahoma. Unfortunately, you will not qualify for in-state tuition as a non-resident of Oklahoma. Refer to our In-State/Out-of-State Tuition Policy for more information.

The American Indian Student Association (AISA) serves as the central student organization for Native and Indigenous students on The University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus. AISA increases the representation of Native and Indigenous peoples on campus through general meetings, events, and activities for students. Continual collaborations with fellow Native and Indigenous organizations across campus allows for successful social and communal experiences to reinforce the strength of students in the duration of their academic advancements at The University of Oklahoma.

Other cultural organizations are as follows: American Indian Science & Engineering Society, Gamma Delta Pi, Iota Gamma, Indigenous Graduate Student Alliance, American Indian Student Fellowship, and the Native American Journalism Association.

Indigenous People’s Day celebrates, recognizes, and advocates for Indigenous communities, histories, and culture. This holiday is celebrated annually on the second Monday of October. More information can be found through the American Indian Programs and Services page. 

With OU’s American Indian Programs and Services, programming takes place across campus for Indigenous People’s Day in October, Native American Heritage Month throughout November, and Indigenous Awareness Month throughout April. More information can be found through the American Indian Programs and Services page.

You can find your admissions counselor here: Connect with Your Admissions Counselor.

You can also reach out to Dr. Cassandra Cline, Admissions Counselor.

• Q&A with Cassandra Cline

OU offers programming throughout the year to help create a sense of belonging and foster community connections. 

• The American Indian Student Association (AISA) serves as the central student organization for Native and Indigenous students on The University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus. AISA increases the representation of Native and Indigenous peoples on campus through general meetings, events, and activities for students.

• The Native Student Welcome is offered each year during Camp Crimson for first year students to learn about our many community partners, student organizations, and faculty/staff on campus that support the Native American experience at OU. 

• American Indian Student Fellowship meets weekly on Monday evenings to share a meal among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Norman area community members.