Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Sarah Nielsen

Abstract

Introduction: American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) students face significant systemic barriers in higher education, resulting in the lowest enrollment and graduation rates of any student cohort (Dabdoub et al., 2025; McMillan et al., 2025). Challenges such as cultural discontinuity and a lack of supportive “counterspaces” often led to occupational alienation and deprivation (Buckingham et al., 2023; Fetter et al., 2024; McMillan et al., 2025; Reitz & Graham, 2019). There is a critical need for culturally grounded interventions that address the unique needs of these students to foster a sense of belonging (Delgado-Guerrero & Gloria, 2025; Kuchynka et al., 2025). The purpose of this project was to develop a master program guide and toolkit that supports AIAN students in navigating the transition to a large midwestern university setting.

Methodology: A two-phase approach was utilized to develop the program. Phase one involved a comprehensive literature review to identify evidence-based strategies and common barriers related to AIAN student persistence. Phase two consisted of on-site engagement at an Indigenous Student Center, where informal conversations and observations were analyzed for gaps in service delivery (Reitz & Graham, 2019).

Results: A master program guide was created that combines the Model of Human Occupation [MOHO] (O’Brien, 2017) with the Medicine Wheel (Fox et al., 2020; Manitowabi, 2018) to restore occupational identity and academic habituation (O’Brien, 2017). The product includes several pillars: Introduction, Program foundations, Center (Mentor & Mentee), Environment (Counterspaces) (Buckingham et al., 2023; Kroeper et al., 2025; McMillan et al., 2025), Communication & Relationships, Purpose & Identity, Action & Routine, and Wisdom & Reflection.

Conclusion: The Mentor program provides a structured, culturally restorative framework that empowers AIAN students with the self-advocacy and resilience skills (Buckingham et al., 2023; Dabdoub et al., 2025; Fox et al., 2020; Hanham, 2025) needed to successfully graduate. By integrating occupational therapy principles (AOTA, 2020) with traditional Indigenous wisdom (Fox et al., 2020; Manitowabi, 2018), the program facilitates a successful transition and strengthens the student’s sense of belonging within the university community (Delgado-Guerrero & Gloria, 2025; Kuchynka et al., 2025).

Download

Share

COinS