Indigenous Scholars Orientation (ISO)

What is ISO?

The Indigenous Scholars Orientation (ISO) is a one-day early move-in program administered by the Native American House. ISO experiences are shaped by the principle of "connecting you with the circle that surrounds you." While the NAH comprises an integral part of that circle, ISO is structured to introduce undergraduate and graduate student scholars to additional people, places, and communities that will support their success, inclusion, and belonging at Illinois.

Students who participate in Indigenous Scholars Orientation are eligible for early residence hall move-in on Wednesday, August 19. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing important information and step-by-step instructions to help prepare for the early move-in process.

There is no cost to participate in this program.

Learning Outcomes

• Through engagement with the Native American House, scholars will identify resources, relationships, and opportunities that support their successful navigation of the University of Illinois.
• Through engagement with Indigenous points of interest across campus, scholars will identify spaces that foster Indigenous presence, knowledge, community, and belonging.
• Through an introduction to key academic, health, and wellness resources, scholars will identify supports that nurture student success, wellbeing, and identity affirmation.
• Through social connections with peers, faculty, staff, and broader community members, scholars will begin to establish a culturally validating sense of belonging on campus.

Who should attend?

Students who are new to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This includes undergraduate, graduate, transfer, and commuter students.

This program is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color or national origin. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Please contact the Native American House at nah@illinois.edu.

Program participation is on a first-come, first-confirmed basis.

Early Move-in Date

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Program Date

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Program Location

Native American House
1206 West Nevada Street
Urbana, IL 61801

ISO Schedule at a Glance

Wednesday, August 19 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon

• ISO participants move into their residence halls.

Thursday, August 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

• Morning: Yá'át'ééh (Diné for “It is good!”) and Hoat (Meskwaki for “Greetings!”)! Begin your day at the Native American House (NAH), where you'll be welcomed by the NAH Director, Assistant Director, and NAH Ambassadors. Through interactive conversations and activities, you'll learn about the Native American House, hear from current student leaders, and explore Indigenous points of interest that contribute to community, belonging, and success at Illinois.
• Afternoon: Join us for lunch at the Native American House as we continue building connections with one another. During the afternoon, you'll be introduced to campus resources, outreach programs, and support services that can help you thrive academically, personally, and culturally throughout your time at Illinois.
• Evening: We'll conclude the day with a catered dinner alongside members of the Native higher education community. Following dinner, NAH staff and Ambassadors will accompany ISO participants to their first Welcome Week event, Sights & Sounds at Memorial Stadium!
• Family and Supporters Welcome: Relatives, family members, friends, and other support persons are warmly welcome to participate in the Indigenous Scholars Orientation. Please note that only student-scholar participants will attend Sights and Sounds with NAH staff and Ambassadors.

* Schedule is subject to change.