UNC Pembroke: North Carolina's Historically American Indian University

BE PART OF NORTH CAROLINA’S HISTORICALLY

AMERICAN INDIAN UNIVERSITY.

WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT PEMBROKE

On March 7, 1887, Croatan Normal School–the forerunner to UNC Pembroke–was established to train American Indian teachers. The law, which was in response to a petition from American Indians of the area, established a Board of Trustees and appropriated $500 to be used only for salaries. The school was established to train American Indian teachers.

A clapboard, two-story building was constructed by local Indians at a site about one mile west of the present location, and the school opened with 15 students and one teacher in the spring of 1888. The first diploma was awarded in 1905. Between 1939 and 1953, UNC Pembroke was the only state-supported four-year institution for the education of American Indians in the United States.

Today, as a constituent institution of the 17-campus UNC System, UNC Pembroke serves over 7,600 students pursuing one of more than 150 undergraduate and graduate pathways to a degree. As one of the safest, most inclusive and diverse campuses in the state, UNCP offers students the opportunity to excel in an environment rich in heritage yet focused on the future.

DEFINE YOUR PATH.

College of Arts and Sciences

American Indian Studies +

Applied Physics

Art

Art Education (K-12)

Art History

Studio

Biology

Agricultural Science

Biomedical

Biotechnology

Botany

Environmental Biology

General Biology

Molecular Biology

Pre-Physical Therapy

Zoology

Chemistry

Forensic Chemistry

General Chemistry

Molecular Biotechnology

*Pre-Health Professions

Pre-Pharmacy

Professional

Computer Science

Cybersecurity

General

College of Health Sciences

Exercise and Sport Science

Fitness Specialist

Health Promotion

Recreation and Sport Administration

Social Work

McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing

Pre-Licensure

RN-BSN Completion +

Pre-Professional Programs

Pre-Engineering

Pre-Law

*Pre-Health Professions

Allied Health

Dental

Medical

Medical Research

Medical Technology

Nursing

Pharmacy

Physical Therapy

Public Health

Occupational Therapy

Veterinary

Criminal Justice +

Cybersecurity

English

Literary Studies

Middle Grades Language Arts (6-9)

Professional Writing

Secondary Education (9-12)

Environmental Science

Geo-Environmental Studies

Geography

Geoscience

History

General History

Social Studies Education

Information Technology

Cybersecurity

General

Mass Communication

Broadcasting

Communication Studies

Journalism

Public Relations

Mathematics

Mathematics

Middle Grades Mathematics Education (6-9)

Secondary Mathematics Education (9-12)

School of Education

Birth-Kindergarten Education +

Elementary Education (K-6)

Health and Physical Education (K-12)

Special Education (K-12)

Licensure Areas

Art Education (K-12)

English Education (6-9) (9-12)

Mathematics Education (6-9) (9-12)

Music Education – Instrumental Keyboard

Music Education – Vocal (K-12)

Health and Physical Education (K-12)

Science Education (6-9) (9-12)

Social Studies Education (6-9) (9-12)

Spanish Education (K-12)

Thomas

College of Business and Economics

Accounting +

Business Administration +

Business Analytics

Economics

Entrepreneurship

Finance

International Business Management

Marketing

Music

Music Industry – Classical

Music Industry – Jazz

Music Industry – Songwriting

Music Education

Instrumental (K-12)

Keyboard – Instrumental (K-12)

Keyboard – Vocal (K-12)

Vocal (K-12)

Musical Theatre

Philosophy & Religion

Political Science

General Political Science

International Studies

Pre-Law

Public Policy and Administration

Psychology

Science Education

Biology (9-12)

Chemistry (9-12)

Earth Science (9-12)

Middle Grades Science (6-9)

Physics (9-12)

Sociology +

Spanish

Spanish with Teacher Licensure (K-12)

Theatre Arts

University College (Interdisciplinary Studies)

Applied Education Studies +

Learning and Development

Applied Management Information Systems +

Operations Management

Applied Professional Studies +

Financial Administration

General

Office Administration

Criminal Justice +

Sociology

General Studies +

Hospitality +

Resort, Hotel and Restaurant Administration

Public and Non-Profit Administration +

Allied Health Administration

General Public Management

Substance Abuse

+ Online-only option available for eligible transfer students.

150+

undergraduate and graduate pathways to a degree

GET THERE FROM HERE.

Collaboration with partner institutions to develop career pathways.

CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY (CWRU) SCHOOL OF LAW

Upon acceptance into CWRU Law School, a UNCP graduate will receive a scholarship, stipend and additional benefits provided by CWRU Law School.

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY (ECU) BRODY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (BSOM) EARLY ASSURANCE PROGRAM

Two of the 80 seats in the entering BSOM class are reserved four years in advance for outstanding students attending UNCP for their undergraduate program. Students selected as an Early Assurance student at BSOM will receive a four-year merit scholarship.

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY PUBLIC HEALTH

Provides an easier path for UNCP graduates to matriculate to degree and certificate programs offered by ECU’s Department of Public Health. ECU offers Master of Public Health and Doctor of Public Health degrees and an online certificate.

EAST CAROLINA SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE (SoDM) EARLY ASSURANCE PROGRAM

Guarantees admission of UNCP students into the SoDM Doctor of Dental Medicine program, upon meeting specific criteria and requirements. One of the 52 seats in the SoDM will be reserved three years in advance for outstanding students entering UNCP as first-year students.

THE INSTITUTE OF WORLD POLITICS

Qualified students receive $2,200 guaranteed scholarship per semester for IWP’s in-person academic programs, if accepted within IWP admission guidelines, upon graduation from UNCP. Additional merit-based scholarships, paid internships and work study positions are also available.

METHODIST UNIVERSITY PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Methodist will reserve a maximum of two seats in the program for qualified UNCP graduates who are identified as American Indians.

NC STATE UNIVERSITY 3+2 DUAL-DEGREE ENGINEERING PROGRAM (Electrical or Mechanical)

Students attend UNCP for three years majoring in applied physics. After the successful completion of all requirements, students attend NC State University’s College of Engineering for two years to complete a second degree in either electrical or mechanical engineering.

NC STATE UNIVERSITY 3+2 DUAL-DEGREE ENGINEERING PROGRAM (Civil or Environmental)

Attend UNCP for three years majoring in geo-environmental science. After the successful completion of all requirements, students attend NC State University’s College of Engineering for two years to complete a second degree in either civil or environmental engineering.

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY PRE-VETERINARY MEDICINE SCHOLARS PROGRAM

This program serves as a pipeline to prepare and inspire talented UNCP undergraduate students who wish to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Under this MOU, each year two qualified UNCP students from the Department of Biology will be guaranteed acceptance in the Tuskegee School of Veterinary Medicine.

UNC SYSTEM VETERINARY EDUCATION ACCESS SCHOLARS (UNC-SVEA) PROGRAM

This program allows for two students, plus one alternate, from each first-year class entering the NC State School of Veterinary Medicine to be selected from the UNCP Department of Biology. All UNC-SVEA Scholar students will be required to complete all academic requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree at UNCP, as well as meet all academic requirements for admission to NCSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

UNC ESHELMAN SCHOOL OF PHARMACY (ESOP) EARLY ASSURANCE PROGRAM

This program offers early assurance of admission into the UNC ESOP Doctor of Pharmacy Program after a minimum of two years of undergraduate study at UNCP.

UNCP AT A GLANCE

U.S. News & World Report has identified UNCP as the most diverse regional university in the South. Minority enrollment at UNCP is 58%. With over 30 tribes represented among the student population, 13% of UNCP students are American Indian, mostly from the surrounding Lumbee community whose history and legacy are interwoven with the university’s. BraveNation’s student body includes students from across the United States and approximately 20 countries.

OVER 53% OF AMERICAN INDIAN STUDENTS IN THE UNC SYSTEM ATTEND UNCP.

THAT’S 8X MORE than NC State University: the closest competitor in the UNC System for American Indian student enrollment

AND MORE THAN the other 16 UNC System schools combined.

STUDENT:FACULTY RATIO

14:1

(professors who know you by name)

NATIVE AMERICAN FACULTY

6.9%

By coming here, I knew I would have a strong support system as an Indigenous student. I wanted to experience a school that was more inclusive, respected the culture and wanted to bring awareness, and that’s exactly what this university does.

AHELAYUS OXOUZIDIS

UNCP Psychology major and member of the Kwaguʼł—a First Nations tribal nation in Canada

FIND YOUR NICHE.

There are countless ways to carve out your own Brave experience at UNCP. You can be a leader and a change maker, an athlete and an actor, an explorer and an adventurist. Here, you will find no limits to what you can achieve. Our campus is full of opportunities to make friends, make a difference and get involved. Whatever you’re passionate about, you can do it at UNCP!

120+

Clubs and Organizations

16

NCAA Division II Athletic Teams

Check out the events, programs and organizations specific to American Indian students:

Events/Programs:

• American Indian Heritage Month

• American Indian Graduation Ceremony

• American Indian Welcome Back Social

• BraveNation Powwow & Gathering

• Honoring Native Foodways

• Native American Read-In Literacy Campaign/Program

• Native Strong (American Indian Academic Success Program)

• Native American Speakers Series

• Southeast Indian Studies Conference

• Study Abroad

Student Organizations:

• Alpha Pi Omega Sorority Inc. (American Indian sorority)

• American Indian Heritage Committee

• American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES)

• Hok Nosai (American Indian Greek council that promotes high standards in the campus life of Greek-letter organizations at UNCP)

• Native American Student Organization (NASO)

• Phi Sigma Nu Fraternity Inc. (American Indian fraternity)

• Sigma Omicron Epsilon Sorority Inc. (American Indian sorority)

• Strengthening Our Ties: American Indian Learning Community

FAEL (First Americans’ Educational Leadership) Program:

• Trains and prepares graduate-level American Indian administrators who will improve educational outcomes for American Indian students in North Carolina.

FATE (First Americans’ Teacher Education) Program:

• Seeks to increase the number of highly qualified American Indian teachers who will teach in schools with significant American Indian student populations.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Safeguarding Our Natural and Tribal Heritage Youth Program: Partnership between UNCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide a two-week summer residential program for American Indian high school students.

Native American Speakers Series: Featuring nationally recognized American Indian scholars and artists who delve into diverse topics and issues including tribal governance, Native cuisine, health and wellness and Southeastern Native arts.

Southeast Indian Studies Conference: The only national conference dedicated solely to the unique histories and cultures of Southeastern American Indians. The conference serves as a critical venue for scholars, students and all persons interested in studying Southeast American Indian peoples.

Honoring Native Foodways: Helps UNCP students, faculty and staff honor, understand and sample foods that are Indigenous to the Americas and emphasizes healthy foods that have been part of traditional Indigenous diets for centuries.

BraveNation Powwow and Gathering: The BraveNation Powwow and Gathering celebrates the rich history and culture of America’s Indigenous peoples, featuring competition dancing, vendors and recruitment activities.

MMIW Walk: This event raises awareness of the alarming rate of American Indian women who are abducted and murdered, often in connection with domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault and sex trafficking and how to become an advocate for action to abate the crisis.

AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE CENTER

The American Indian Heritage Center (AIHC) centralizes programming for American Indian students at UNCP. The AIHC provides cultural, social and academic programs for American Indian students, as well as educational programming for non-Native faculty, staff and students.

AIHC INITIATIVES INCLUDE:

INDIGENOUS POWER HOUR

A monthly workshop series designed to provide a space for students to discuss a variety of topics related to college life, culture and health.

THE AMERICAN INDIAN CAREER NETWORK

Used to connect current UNCP students with American Indian professionals across North Carolina. This resource will support American Indian students in determining their career path. Students may contact individuals in the network to discuss career trajectory, educational paths, internship opportunities, job shadowing, etc.

ACADEMIC WORKSHOPS

The AIHC hosts monthly workshops to help students succeed during their time at UNCP. Topics include time management, study tips, stress management, picking a major, resume writing and more.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ CELEBRATION DAY

Each year the AIHC plans a celebration to commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, usually the second Monday in October. The event celebrates the resiliency of American Indian people and culture, bringing together Native and non-Native faculty, staff and students.

AMERICAN INDIAN GRADUATION CEREMONY

Each semester the AIHC hosts a special ceremony to recognize American Indian graduates. During the event, students receive a special American Indian Scholar stole that they can proudly wear during the university commencement ceremony.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR CULTURE.

SOUTHEAST AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES (SAIS)

The SAIS program offers diverse opportunities for Southeast American Indian peoples, communities, researchers and scholars. It celebrates their historical, social and cultural significance, serving as a vital affirmation of their contributions. Visitors to the SAIS suite can explore captivating displays of Southeastern Native art, regalias and period clothing. This space, designed for student comfort, provides a lounge, study area and hub for Native student organizations to collaborate.

AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES (AIS)

The AIS major at UNCP attracts inquisitive minds eager to explore the rich histories and contemporary issues of American Indian and Indigenous peoples worldwide. Our interdisciplinary program offers a comprehensive understanding of Native diversity across the Americas, with a focus on Southeastern Indian communities. Students choose from three concentrations—peoples and histories, social and cultural issues, stories and literatures—or create a custom focus. As a member of the Indigenous International Exchange Consortium, AIS provides study abroad opportunities in Canada, Australia and Hawaii, enriching the global perspective of our students.

DISCOVER A PROUD HERITAGE.

The UNCP campus is nestled in the heart of Pembroke, a town in the coastal plains of southeastern North Carolina. A community beaming with southern charm and university pride, Pembroke is the political and cultural center of North Carolina’s largest American Indian tribe—the Lumbee—and is located in Robeson County, one of the most diverse counties in the nation.

In less than two hours, you can be in the mountains, at the beach or dining in the state capital. But you’ll also find a lot to do right here at home. From Broadway shows at the Givens Performing Arts Center to the Lumbee Homecoming Festival, Pembroke has a lot to offer (make sure to try the world-famous grape ice cream).

Roadside markets, pick-your-own fruit farms, local wineries and fisheries, as well as several state parks, provide heritage and cultural opportunities for locals and visitors to Robeson County. Plus, kayakers and canoers can paddle their way down the 115-mile Lumber River. More than 80 miles of the river are designated as a wildlife and scenic waterway by the National Park Service.

MEET THE LUMBEE TRIBE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

The Lumbee Tribe is the largest tribe in North Carolina, the largest east of the Mississippi River and the ninth largest in the nation. The 55,000-member tribe resides primarily in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland and Scotland counties and takes its name from the Lumbee River, now known as the Lumber River, which winds its way through Robeson County. The town of Pembroke is the economic, cultural and political center of the tribe.

The Lumbee people were recognized by the state of North Carolina in 1885, the same year a separate school system was established to educate tribal members. In 1887, the state established the Croatan Normal Indian School, which today is The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

MUSEUM OF THE SOUTHEAST AMERICAN INDIAN

A cornerstone of our American Indian outreach and community engagement is the Museum of the Southeast American Indian (MSAI). The museum educates the public about the prehistory, history, culture, art and contemporary issues of American Indians. The MSAI contains permanent and frequently changing exhibits of Indian arts and artifacts representing the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Special emphasis is placed on the Lumbee, North Carolina’s largest tribe headquartered in Pembroke.

TOP-RANKED REGIONAL UNIVERSITY IN THE SOUTH.

INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE.

A great education and affordability come together at UNC Pembroke. Here, you can lay the groundwork for your future through classes that will challenge you, learn from professors who will encourage you and make friends who will inspire you. And, you can have all this without spending a fortune! Get in touch with us to schedule a campus visit and see for yourself why you belong here.

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Award determinations for merit scholarships are based on the student’s prior academic qualifications. Available to first-time freshmen who rank in the top of their graduating class in high school.

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

Friends, faculty, alumni, corporations and foundations have provided funds to aid students in the pursuit of academic achievement.

COMPASS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

This program provides scholarships to talented biology, chemistry, biotechnology and environmental science majors in their sophomore, junior and senior years. To apply, visit uncp.edu/compass.

UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AMERICAN INDIANS

These scholarships are designed to provide greater educational opportunities for American Indians who are residents of North Carolina and enroll at UNCP.

BRAVE ASSIST

UNCP offers a one-stop shop for students to apply for university scholarships. Students who wish to be considered for general scholarship opportunities must submit an application at uncp.edu/braveassist.

THE SPIRIT OF OLD MAIN

The Spirit of Old Main Scholarship provides funding opportunities for American Indian students at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. This merit-based scholarship is awarded to competitive American Indian students and covers all unmet financial need for four years. To maintain eligibility, students must maintain full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

These figures are the estimated yearly cost of attendance. Costs subject to change. Room & meal plan based on double-occupancy in Belk Hall with 12-meal plan.

*May be waived with proof of insurance.

*Room and board consists of on-campus, double-occupancy housing ONLY.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

FRESHMEN

TO QUALIFY FOR ADMISSION TO UNC PEMBROKE, YOU

MUST HAVE:

A. Four courses of English.

B. Mathematics: four course units in any of the following combinations:

• Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and one unit beyond Algebra II; or

• Algebra I, Algebra II and two units beyond Algebra II; or

• Common Core Math I, II and III, and one unit beyond Common Core Math III; or

• Integrated Math I, II, III and one unit beyond Integrated Math III; or

• NC Math I, II, III and one unit beyond NC Math III identified as meeting the 4 th level mathematics requirement for admission to UNC System institutions.

C. Science: three course units, including at least:

• One Life Science unit (e.g., Biology, Ecology, Zoology); and

• One Non-Life Science unit (e.g., Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Physics); and

• One Laboratory Science unit.

D. Social Studies: two course units, including one unit in U.S. History.

E. Two additional academic courses from English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Languages or Computer Science.

At UNCP, we evaluate every application individually to determine your readiness for academic success. Admission decisions are made on the basis of completion of high school requirements, overall weighted grade point average and class rank, as well as SAT/ACT scores (optional).

REQUIREMENTS

1. Create your MyUNCP account and complete our application, uncp.edu/apply .

2. Send in your $55 application fee.

3. Send in your official high school transcripts (if applicable, college transcript).

4. Submit your official SAT or ACT scores.

TRANSFER

• All students under the age of 21 with less than 24 credit hours at the time of enrollment are required to have passed minimum high school course requirements and meet freshman high school GPA and SAT/ACT requirements (optional).

• Students must meet a minimum 2.0 cumulative college GPA for all college courses as calculated by the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

• Students must be in good standing and eligible to return to the last school attended.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Create your MyUNCP account and complete our application, uncp.edu/apply .

2. Send in your $55 application fee.

3. Send in your official high school transcripts.

4. Send in official transcripts from ALL previously attended colleges and/or universities.

Although not required for admission, these supplemental items can significantly strengthen your application.

• Personal Statement

• Recommendations

Please note: Some academic programs at UNCP may have admission requirements that exceed those listed here. Please check with individual departments for additional admission requirements.

SAT-5534 / TOEFL-5534

ACT-3138 / FAFSA-002954

Spring: December 15

Fall: May 1