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The People Have Benefited Themselves Through Education

TCU Capacity for Student Success Conference

June 23-25, 2026 | Sitting Bull College | Fort Yates, ND

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The American Indian College Fund is proud to be co-hosting the 2026 TCU Capacity for Student Success Conference (formerly Cultivating Native Student Success (CNSS) conference) in Fort Yates, North Dakota with Sitting Bull College.

Attendees will explore innovative strategies and proven practices that support Native students from enrollment through graduation, employment, and beyond.

Save the date and start planning your travel!

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Register for The Conference

Organizing Your Travel

We encourage all participants to mark their calendars now and begin preparing for travel to Fort Yates, North Dakota.

A dedicated hotel room block for this event has been established with Prairie Knights Casino & Resort to support your travel planning. When you call, please be sure to mention you are booking under the American Indian College Fund room block. Provided room rate is $110 + tax.

Call the hotel at and reserve your rooms:
(701) 854-7777

Hotel address and location:
7932 ND-24, Fort Yates, ND 58538

Distance from host hotel to conference site:
14.3 miles | approximately a 16 minute vehicle commute

RESERVE YOUR HOTEL

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events. Please contact Taylor K. at tkeplin@collegefund.org if you have any specific requirements to fully participate.

What to Expect

At the 2026 convening, attendees will engage in cultural events and:

  • Inspiring keynote sessions from Native higher education experts
  • Interactive workshops and breakout sessions featuring practical tools and emerging best practices for Native student success. 
  • Collaborative discussions focused on supporting the Native student journey
  • Explorations of strategic enrollment management, data‑informed storytelling, and the evolving higher education landscape
  • Networking opportunities that strengthen partnerships and uplift the TCU community
  • Discussions on TCUs’ workforce and economic development roles and efforts to “Grow Your Own”

Please bring your latest TCU swag for exchange!

Together, we will continue to expand the pathways that ensure Native students thrive in college, career, and community.

Who Should Attend

TCU Faculty and Staff

Student Support Professionals

Enrollment and Communication Staff

Higher Education Partners and Advocates

Submit a Conference Proposal

We invite you to submit a proposal sharing effective practices, ideas and activities centering culture, wellness, and Indigenous knowledge at your tribal college or organization focusing on Native student success strategies that support enrollment, retention, persistence, and graduation.

We believe that peer-to-peer holistic learning is important in Indigenizing strategic enrollment management (SEM) practices and creating SEM plans. We want to ensure that TCU staff and organizations supporting TCUs have an opportunity to share these practices with one another.

In sharing these practices, we hope that TCUs in the Cultivating Native Student Success Initiative and Building Pathways for Rural and Tribal Employment will build a stronger community toward continued resilience in the work done within our tribal communities and with Native students.

 

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Submit a Proposal

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the event located?
Sitting Bull College, 9299 Hwy 24. Fort Yates, ND 58538

Will transportation be provided?
Yes, transportation will be provided from Prairie Knights Casino & Resort to Sitting Bull College. Please indicate on your registration form that you will need transportation.

Where is the host hotel?
Prairie Knights Casino and Resort is the host hotel. Please reserve your room under the following room block: https://res.windsurfercrs.com/ibe/details.aspx?propertyid=17385&nights=1&checkin=6/22/2026&group=4159830&lang=en-us

Is there an overflow hotel?
Yes, an overflow hotel is available. It is located at Comfort Inn Mandan, 1516 27th St N, Mandan, ND 58554. Please reserve your room under the following room block: https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/PH71X1

Is there a conference agenda?
A general agenda will be available before April 2nd, 2026. An agenda at a glance will be available by May 1, 2026.

What meals will be provided?
Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day. Sitting Bull College will host a Cultural Night, June 24th with games and a meal.

What is the dress code?
Business casual

What is the expected weather?
The weather may be colder with the morning temps and warm up throughout the day. There is also a chance for rain. Please dress accordingly.

Is there a room to keep my luggage?
Yes, we understand that traveling home may require you to bring your luggage. We will have a room to house your luggage.

Is there a room to have a separate meeting?
Yes, we will have a room available for personal or separate meetings. We will have a sign on the door to reserve the room for your convenience.

Is there a room to decompress?
Yes, we will have a decompression room available.

Additional Questions?

For general conference questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Taylor K. at tkeplin@collegefund.org.