SIPI’s certificate and undergraduate degree programs include a coherent general education requirement consistent with SIPI’s mission. It ensures breadth of knowledge and promotes intellectual inquiry. These general education criteria have also been adopted and deemed appropriate within SIPI’s technical programs, GED, Adult Basic Education and Developmental Education Program.

The general education component prepares students to live in and contribute to a dynamic, complex and multicultural world as productive life-long learners and tribal members, in an ever changing global environment. In support of this philosophy, SIPI is committed to providing student learning experiences meant to develop and enhance such abilities as critical thinking, communication (written and oral), interpersonal skills, and an appreciation of their cultural legacy. In addition, the college provides coursework that allows students to explore the modes of inquiry of the major disciplines and have learning experiences that allow them to broaden their education base. General education allows students to gain an appreciation of the creative arts, understand multicultural and diverse perspectives, articulate the human condition, analyze the natural world through mathematics and science, and make meaningful and ethical decisions. SIPI intends those students who complete the general education requirement will possess the knowledge and mental skills essential to their development as an individual, as tribal member, and as a global citizen.

SIPI has identified four core competencies that all SIPI certificate and associate degree students will demonstrate upon completion of a program of study at SIPI. The competencies are in SIPI’s basic mission statement and represent the most deeply held values of the college. The competencies help ensure that our graduates will be informed and committed citizens, prepared for the technological, behavioral and practical needs of modern workplaces and communities.

Communication: Students will be able to effectively communicate ideas to other in correct ways.

Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork: Students will demonstrate individual and interpersonal skills to work with others professionally on a community and global level.

Cultural Legacy: Students will demonstrate knowledge of Native American history, cultures and traditions while recognizing the cultures and traditions of others on a national and global level.

Critical Thinking: Students will be able to analyze, synthesize, and interpret verbal information and quantitative data by using critical thinking skills.

Course Catalog