California State University, San Bernardino to accept more Native American transfer students

California State University, San Bernardino and California Indian Nations College in Palm Desert have reached an agreement to increase the number of Native American transfer students to the CSUSB campus.

Under the agreement, both schools will create a college preparation program with the goal of increasing the number of First Peoples individuals earning a bachelor's degree. Currently, CSUSB serves about 145 students who self-identify as Native American.

"This partnership is unique in the Cal State University system, and we're proud to be at the forefront," said CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales before signing the agreement Tuesday in Palm Desert.

"We're making history," added CINC President and Chief Executive Officer Celeste Townsend.

Starting next school year, California Indian Nations College will provide all students with a program of studies that meet the admission requirements for transfer to California State University, San Bernardino without the need for remedial college courses.

California Indian Nations College currently serves 80 students who represent 43 tribes.

The school was charted by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians in 2017, and aims to be the first standalone, fully-accredited tribal college in California in decades.

The university will guarantee admission to CINC graduates who meet transfer qualifications, and it will offer programs to help Native American transfer students stay in school and graduate in a timely manner.

CSUSB will also develop a comprehensive Native American student recruitment and retention agenda with a website or dedicated webpages for all Native American students, faculty, staff and alumni to network.

The university acknowledged that academic institutions have historically excluded Native American students, and said it is committed to removing barriers to entry and providing a supportive and culturally competent environment once they are enrolled.

“As an anchor institution in the Inland Empire, CSUSB is here to serve all our region’s residents in order to build a better future for San Bernardino and Riverside counties,”  Morales said.

Transfer students make up more than 50% of CSUSB's student body and more than half of last year's incoming Native American students.

"We want to ensure that CINC's students are included in the transfer pathways that we are committed to building," said Rachel Beech, associate vice president of enrollment management.

Native American students from CINC and CSUSB say they hope this agreement will lead to a bigger university presence for students from their cultures.

"This is monumental for younger generations and makes me excited for their future," said third-year CSUSB student Andrew Rodriguez.

CINC student Gabriela Armenta plans to transfer to CSUSB this spring.

"Finding a school where I can relate to students with similar traditions and cultural backgrounds is hugely important to me," she said. "It's a no-brainer, I want to be part of this."

Jonathan Horwitz covers education for The Desert Sun. Reach him at jonathan.horwitz@desertsun.com or @Writes_Jonathan.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: CSUSB to accept more Native American transfer students