The Payne Family Native American Center building on a crisp autumn day on the University of Montana campus.

Payne Family Native American Center

Campus Resources

 

No matter where you are on campus, there’s always a helping hand or someone who can point you in the right direction.
The University of Montana offers a wide range of resources — from health services to tutoring — all designed to support student success.

At the Payne Family Native American Center, we’re proud to be part of that network. Our in-house programs, partners, and campus connections all work together to make sure Native students feel supported, seen, and empowered to thrive — both in and beyond the classroom.

In-House Programs of the PFNAC

These programs and departments are located within the Payne Family Native American Center and serve as the heart of Native student support at UM

  • Native American Studies (NAS) ~ offers a broad-based liberal arts education with a focus on Indian country issues in the past, present, and future. It is interdisciplinary, offering courses from literature to history. The primary skills taught include critical thinking, research, and communication-both written and oral. Students who enroll in NAS courses will learn in-depth about the government-to-government relationship between tribes and the U.S., and the development of the political and social relationship. Students will also learn about various indigenous perspectives of the world including culture and history.

  • American Indian Student Services (AISS) ~ offers support Native American students in their transition, achievement, and success at the University of Montana; by providing services and programs that have been established through collaborative partnerships with various campus and Missoula community members.

  • Cobell Institute ~ Named in honor of Elouise Cobell, the institute offers Native student scholars a space to thrive through leadership development, research mentorship, and cultural learning. Come over and Explore the Cobell Institute

  • American Indian Governance & Policy Institute (AIGPI) ~ Amplifies Tribal voices and protect cultural identities through research and data analysis. We support Indigenous leaders and communities across Montana by providing evidence-based tools to address socioeconomic challenges, particularly in health-related issues on reservations.

  • University of Montana Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (UM NAGPRA) ~is a campus-wide initiative to realize and expand the mission of NAGPRA, return and repatriate Ancestors and belongings, and build and sustain meaningful relationships with Tribes through the Northwest and beyond. 

UM Campus Resources

Native students also have access to additional programs and support networks across the UM campus, including those below.

Campus Support

Curry Health Center counseling crew group picture

Curry Health Center Counseling

At Curry Health Center Counseling Services, we provide a safe, confidential, and inclusive space where every student’s personal, behavioral, and mental health needs are heard and supported.
American Indian Law Students, staff, and faculty taking a group picture in the rotunda of the PFNAC

American Indian Law

Our program provides a relevant and thoughtful curriculum that integrates the substance of Federal Indian, Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Law with its practical and contemporary application in Montana, Indian Country and beyond

Native American center of Excellence logo of a grizzly bear that has a arrow of life within it

Native American Center of Excellence

The Native American Center of Excellence (NACOE) We facilitate the identification, recruitment, retention, and professional development of American Indian/Alaska Native students who are interested in pursuing careers in health care delivery or research. Our staff works to support pharmacy students through monthly check-ins, academic coaching, mentorship, and secondary advising.

Children on the Blackfeet reservation dressed up in buffalo hide mimicking buffalo being chased on a buffalo hunt

Native American Natural Resource Program

The Native American Natural Resource Program (NANRP) provides Native students with the services and resources they need for a successful academic experience here at the University of Montana.

National Native Children's trauma Center Logo of. turtle with a star quilt design on the shell

National Native Children's Trauma Center

Our mission is to co-facilitate trauma-focused healing for Native children, families, and communities by providing training and technical assistance in healing centered trauma informed care, especially with Native communities. 

Kyiyo royalty riding on top of a truck during homecoming parade

Tribal Outreach

Tribal Outreach assists students in exploring opportunities in higher education, while also strengthening partnerships between tribes/tribal entities and the University of Montana. 

You Are Not Alone

Support looks different for everyone — but at UM, you’re never walking alone. From the PFNAC to every corner of campus, we’re here to help you find your footing and your community.