by Amanda Smith
Haskell Indian Nations University, has many opportunities for students, from athletic programs, fraternity/sorority, different clubs, and academic programs. Students join these activities, to keep themselves busy, to learn from it, share their knowledge with others, making friends, just getting the opportunity to be apart of a group here at Haskell. One of the academic programs here at Haskell is the Bridge/ KU Exchange program, that helps students experience taking a class at a big university, help with a research/working in labs, and just taking advantage of what benefits come out of this program.
Haskell Bridge/ KU Exchange program coordinator Becky Welton, has worked at Haskell for about 20 years, this includes working with the Bridge program for about 10 years and the KU-Haskell Exchange program for 3 years. Welton is a graduate from Northern Arizona University, with a degree in Applied Science and a minor in Business. She has held many jobs but her most rewarding is mentoring/advising students to reach their potential.
Coordinator Becky Welton, states, “The Bridge program is an undergraduate research program offered through a partnership with the University of Kansas and Haskell that is funded by the NIH. The program, started in the mid 90’s, provides a mentored research experience for students interested in addressing health disparities in Indian Country. Students are required to have a minimum 2.5 GP, be in good social standing and have good time management skills. Each year recruitment begins in the fall/early spring and the program supports 9 students. Ideally, applicants will have a desire to transfer to another 4-year university for four-year programs that Haskell does not offer; examples include Chemistry, Botany, Engineering, Human Biology, Music Education and many others. While the focus is bio-medical research, for many students this is their first research experience thus having a great experience with a good mentor is most important. Students receive research training, paid travel, and earn $12 per hour for their contributions to their lab. Additionally, there are opportunities for networking, attending seminars, presenting their research at symposiums and travel to professional conferences”. Along with the KU-Haskell Exchange program, “provides students the opportunity to take one class a semester at the other institution. The requirements for Haskell students are a 2.5 GPA and be at least a second semester freshman. Students can take KU classes that Haskell doesn’t offer; some choices include: foreign languages, marching band, political science, and for upper classmen, electives in their fields of study that enhance the curriculum Haskell offers. There is no additional tuition cost for the KU courses although students will purchase any textbooks required for the class. A shuttle service is provided at minimal cost and runs hourly from Haskell to KU.
Keylyn Turney, currently is a part of the KU Exchange and Bridge program here at Haskell, she’s been in the program since August 21st, 2017. Turney commented, “I love getting the opportunity to take KU classes one to two at a time. It is a much easier transition into a bigger university. I do not enjoy driving there and trying to find a parking spot! That’s obnoxious. KU classes are much larger in size. Other than that, I think they all vary upon the subject and requirements of the class. Currently I’ve only taken 2 but I am pre-enrolled for 4 more before I graduate Haskell in December 2018”.
Haskell students are given many opportunities to explore and get the chance to be apart of a program, club, and other activities that will benefit them. Its taking chances as a student, building a record that will show what accomplishments you have done, and just to be involve with other students who want to do and learn more.
