The Mno’Chigewin: Native Student Success Program is a network for students who self-identify as Native American. With the assistance of faculty and staff, students are exposed to a variety of academic, professional, social, and cultural activities. The program begins with a three-day interactive Maajtaadaa! orientation. Once the academic year begins, students are transitioned into the Mno'Chigewin program which operates under four primary pillars:

  • Mentorship
  • Academic Support
  • Leadership Development
  • Community Service/Civic Engagement

The program is specifically designed to introduce students to resources that will support their academic, cultural, and emotional well-being. Mno'Chigewin promotes and facilitates meaningful interactions with the goal of improving academic success, retention, and graduation.

*Mno'Chigewin is open to all GVSU students.

Winter 24 Meeting Schedule

flyer showing the dates and times of our monthly meetings

Register For Maajtaadaa! Student Orientation

Maajtaadaa! Orientation is a three-day program specifically designed to introduce new Native American students to the Grand Valley State University campus and to connect you to resources and services that will support your academic, cultural, and emotional well-being. The three-day orientation program will offer various workshops that will assist you in your first year at GVSU. You will also have opportunities to participate in year-round programming through various educational and professional development events and outings in both the fall and winter semesters. This program is intentionally designed to create culturally-responsive and educational spaces for our diverse communities. Programming is open to students regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected identity.


Register For Mno'Chigewin

Are you a currently enrolled GVSU student who identifies as Native American? You can join Mno'Chigewin at any point during your time at GVSU. Transfer students, upper classmen and graduate students are invited to join as well. Once you are registered you are a part of our program until graduation. Students who have registered for Maajtaadaa! Orientation do not have to register, as they are automatically added.


Contact Information

Belinda Bardwell

A photo of Lin Bardwell the assistant director for The Mno’Chigewin: Native Student Success Program

Lin Bardwell (she/her/hers)
Assistant Director

Office of Multicultural Affairs
Native American Student Initiative 
Division of Student Affairs

Grand Valley State University
[email protected]
(616) 331-2177



Page last modified June 27, 2024