Admissions
Admissions – Welcome!
Northwest Indian College primarily focuses on recruiting Native-American, Alaska Native, and Canadian First Nations students, but follows an ‘open door’ admissions policy. Anyone who has graduated from high school or the equivalent may be accepted into Northwest Indian College. Students who are under the age of 18 without a High School Diploma or the equivalent must obtain permission from their parent or legal guardian and the school district before enrolling for college-level courses in the Running Start program. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information on the Running Start Program. Students who are not prepared to begin college-level courses are provided with a wide variety of developmental course work designed to prepare them for more advanced study and to pursue programs suited to their interests and aptitude.
Admissions Forms
Registration Information
New and Returning Students
Students who have not enrolled for classes in more than one calendar year must re-apply.
#1 ADMISSION:
Submit a completed NWIC Admission Application to the Office of Admissions, a copy of your high school diploma or equivalent, and a copy of your Tribal certification, Tribal enrollment card, or letter of documentation from your federally recognized Tribe (if applicable). Documentation is necessary to determine resident student status to be eligible for the resident student tuition rate. For residency-related questions, please contact Admissions. Students who have not enrolled for classes in more than one calendar year must re-apply.
#2 FINANCIAL AID:
Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For priority deadlines, please refer to the Financial Aid section of the catalog or contact the Financial Aid Office.
Contact Financial Aid
#3 PLACEMENT:
New students and transfer students who have not taken college-level Math and/or English are required to take a placement test. Transfer students who have taken college-level Math and/or English are required to submit official transcripts and need to fill out a Transfer Evaluation Request Form.
Book Placement Test
#4 ADVISING:
Meet with your advisor to review placement results and/or transcripts and discuss educational goals to develop an educational plan.
#5 REGISTRATION:
Register for classes, pay tuition/fees, and purchase textbooks.
REGISTRATION
Once admitted, every NWIC student must register each quarter. The registration process includes meeting with an advisor, enrolling in classes, paying financial obligations, and completing any other information forms as needed. Students may update their address and other contact information online through the student information system also known as JICS (Jenzabar Internet Campus Solution).
The registration calendar has three critical dates: Regular Registration, Late Registration, and Permission for Late Registration. Students are responsible for knowing and adhering to these dates, which are available online.
Center for Student Success
Contact Information:
TRANSFER CREDIT POLICY
Find out how we work with you to evaluate your incoming credits.
MATH SEQUENCING
Review the flow chart below to see the math course pathways at Northwest Indian College.
New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation
Welcome new students! We’re so excited to have you joining our community. Northwest Indian College has served students since classes were first offered in 1973. 47 years later, we continue to promotes Indigenous self-determination and knowledge to our students. We’re proud of the achievements and successes of our current students and more than 1800 alumni. We look forward to supporting you as you work toward your academic and professional goals.
This orientation is designed to familiarize you with campus and prepare you for your college experience. The experience will be two-fold:
- Online Orientation Canvas page, which is an interactive page with information designed into modules, and each student will be required to work through and complete the survey at the end of the course. All new students will be automatically added to this course. You can return to the course anytime in your Canvas dashboard or by clicking the link below. If you would like to be added to this course, please email advisors@nwic.edu.
- Interactive Zoom meeting, where you will meet virtually with staff, faculty, and other new students. There are several meeting times scheduled for you to choose from.
New Student Orientation
virtually: Friday sept. 1, sept. 8, or sept 22
12pm or 5PM
IN-PERSON: fRIDAY, SEPT 15
Set up Student Account | 10-11AM
Orientation – Day | 12 -1PM
Checking in with FA | 1-2PM
Ordering Textbooks | 2-3PM
Technology Success | 3-4PM
Orientation – Evening | 5-6PM
RSVP TO FEL@NWIC.EDU FOR ZOOM LINK
Tuition and Fees
2022-2023 Tuition Rates
Tuition Rates 2022-2023
| Credits | Resident 2022-2023 | Non-Resident 2022-2023 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $99 | $198 |
| 2 | $198 | $396 |
| 3 | $297 | $594 |
| 4 | $396 | $792 |
| 5 | $495 | $990 |
| 6 | $594 | $1,188 |
| 7 | $693 | $1,386 |
| 8 | $792 | $1,584 |
| 9 | $891 | $1,782 |
| 10 | $990 | $1,980 |
| 11 | $1,086 | $2,178 |
| 12 | $1,188 | $2,376 |
| 13+ | $99 per cr. | $198 per cr. |
2022-2023 Fees
Laboratory or materials fees: Certain courses carry laboratory or materials fees. All students are required to pay an enrollment fee and technology fee, and activity fee depending on the number of enrolled credits.
1-5 credit hours:
$35 non-refundable enrollment fee, $50 technology fee. Total fees = $85/qtr
6-11 credit hours:
$35 non-refundable enrollment fee, $50 technology fee, and a $20 student activity fee. Total fees for part-time enrollment = $105/qtr
12-18 credit hours:
$35 non-refundable enrollment fee, $50 technology fee and a $50 student activity fee. Total fees for full-time enrollment = $135/qtr
* An additional $35 non-refundable late enrollment fee may apply
Student Accounts & Billing
Student Accounts & Billing
Accessing your Student Account
You may access your student account in JICS under the “Finance” Tab.
When you register for classes or make changes to your registration, you are making a financial commitment to NWIC. Failure to view your account does not negate your responsibility to pay by the due date.
Account Holds
TR Hold (Transcript Request Hold)
Your current balance is somewhere between $0.01 and $499.99. This balance will still allow you to register for courses, however you will not be able to access your unofficial transcripts or even order official transcripts
AR Hold (Accounts Receivable Hold)
Your current balance exceeds $500, and you will not be able to register until your balance is below this amount. Common reasons this happens include not having submitted a copy of your tribal ID or CDIB information when you submitted your application, or not completing verification for financial aid.
Making Payments
-
Go to CASHNet
You can make a payment against your balance using a credit card, electronic check, or international funds transfer. You can also invite someone else to make a payment on your behalf.
Payments are typically processed the following business day.
If you need an account hold removed immediately, please email StudentAccounts@nwic.edu or call (360) 392-4222. -
Call the Student Accounts office M-F 8am-5pm:
Direct Line (360) 392-4222
Student Accounts Cell Phone (360) 927-4771
Main: (360) 676-2772 | (866) 676-2772 -
Payments are accepted in-person at the Cashier’s Office, Building 11, Lummi Main Campus M-F 9am-5pm.
*Note: NWIC accounting staff are working remotely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The best communication option is email.
-
Email studentaccounts@nwic.edu with your phone number and a staff member will contact you when in office to process your credit card over the phone.
-
Check or Money Order payments can be made by mail to:
Northwest Indian College
Attn: Accounting
2522 Kwina Road
Bellingham, WA
98226Please be sure to include your student ID or full name along with the payment. Do not mail cash.
3rd Party Payments
If some or all of your tuition and fees will be paid by a qualified 3rd Party, the authorization guaranteeing payment of a specified amount of your tuition and fees must be received in the Accounts Receivable Office.
Mail 3rd Party Authorizations to:
Northwest Indian College
Attn: Accounting
2522 Kwina Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
Having a 3rd Party Authorization on file does not remove your responsibility to assure that all tuition and fees are paid. Should your 3rd Party not send a timely payment, the debt will remain on your student account and you will be responsible for any charges.
In addition, if you will be receiving Financial Aid, you should notify the Financial Aid Department (financialaid@nwic.edu) regarding your eligibility for aid.
Accounting Department Contact Information:
Running Start
Running Start
What is Running Start?
The Running Start Program is a partnership between NWIC and Washington state public high schools. The program offers eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take NWIC classes that satisfy both high school and college credit requirements simultaneously, tuition free. Running Start allows a student to get a head start on earning college credits, seek a greater academic challenge, or take courses that are not offered in their high school. Students may enroll concurrently in high school and college classes, or solely in college classes. While tuition for college-level classes is paid by the Running Start Programs, the cost of fees, books and supplies are paid by the students.
To participate in NWIC’s Running Start program, students must take the NWIC placement tests and place at college-level English (English 100 or above). Other criteria and specific procedures for enrolling in courses as a Running Start student are available from the NWIC Office of Admissions.
Students continuing in the Running Start Program are required to submit paperwork quarterly. Students are not charged tuition if they stay within the Running Start eligibility criteria. Students are responsible for all fees.
Running Start Coordinator
Katawny Webber
Phone: 360.392.4273
Email: kwebber@nwic.edu
First Year Experience/ RS Advisor/ Testing Coordinator
Shoshaunee Perez
Phone: 360.392.4243
Email: sperez@nwic.edu
General Information
Email: runningstart@nwic.edu
Academic Calendars
Academic Year
AT-A-GLANCE CALENDAR 2023 - 2024
| Summer Quarter 2023 | Fall Quarter 2023 | Winter Quarter 2024 | Spring Quarter 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration - May 15 to June 30, 2023 | Registration - May 15 to Sept. 15, 2023 | Registration - Nov. 6, 2023 to Jan 2, 2024 | Registration - Feb. 20 to Apr. 5, 2024 |
| Quarter Begins - July 3, 2023 | Quarter Begins - Sept. 18, 2023 | Quarter Begins - Jan. 3, 2024 | Quarter Begins - Apr. 8, 2024 |
| Independence Day -July 4, 2023 | Veteran’s Day - Nov. 10, 2023 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Jan. 15, 2024 | Memorial Day - May 27, 2024 |
| Quarter Ends - Aug. 18, 2023 | Thanksgiving - Nov. 23 & 24, 2023 | President’s Day - Feb. 19, 2024 | Quarter Ends - June 21, 2024 |
| - | Quarter Ends - December 8, 2023 | Billy Frank Jr. Day - March 8, 2024 | Commencement - June 21, 2024 |
| - | - | Treaty Day - Jan. 22, 2024 | - |
| - | - | Quarter Ends - March 22, 2024 | - |
Important Dates 2023 - 2024
| Important Dates | Summer 2023 (2024-10) | Fall 2023 (2024-20) | Winter 2024 (2024-30) | Spring 2024 (2024-40) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registration | May 15 - June 30 | May 15 - Sept. 15 | Nov. 6 - Jan. 2 | Feb. 20 - Apr. 5 |
| Admissions App/Financial Aid - Priority Deadline | None | June 15 | Oct. 15 | Feb. 1 |
| Graduation App Due | None | July 1 | Oct 15 | Feb 1 |
| Quarter classes begin | July 3 | Sept. 18 | Jan. 3 | Apr. 8 |
| Late Registration | July 3 - 7 | Sept. 18 - 22 | Jan. 3 - 5 | Apr. 8 - 12 |
| Permission for Late Registration | None | Sept. 25 - 29 | Jan 8 -12 | Apr 15 - 19 |
| Administrative Drop for Prerequisites and Requirements (Ad/Pr drop) | None | Sept. 20 | Jan. 5 | Apr. 10 |
| Faculty Discretionary Drops Due (FDD) | None | Sep. 29 | Jan. 12 | Apr. 19 |
| Last day to register for IL/LC or ABE/GED | July 11 | Oct. 3 | Jan. 16 | Apr. 23 |
| Last day for 100% refund for official drop from courses without 'W' on record (Census date) | July 13 | Oct. 5 | Jan. 18 | Apr. 25 |
| Midterm Week | None | Oct. 23 - 27 | Feb. 5 - 9 | May 6 - 10 |
| Midterm Grading in JICS | None | Oct. 21 - 29 | Feb. 3 - 11 | May 4 - 12 |
| Last day for official withdrawl (No refund after census date) | None | Nov. 9 | Feb. 23 | May 24 |
| Incomplete Agreements Due (5pm) | Aug. 21 | Dec. 11 | Mar. 5 | June 24 |
| Final Grading in JICS | Aug. 7 - 21 | Nov. 27 - Dec. 11 | Mar. 11 - 25 | June 3 - June 24 |
| Last day of the quarter | Aug. 18 | Dec. 8 | Mar. 22 | June 21 |
| Graduation Commencement Ceremony | June 21 | |||
| - | - | - | - | - |
| Holidays - College Closed | ||||
| 4th of July, observed | July 4 | |||
| Veterans Day | Nov. 10 | |||
| Thanksgiving Holiday | Nov 22. (Close at noon) | |||
| Thanksgiving Holiday | Nov. 23 & 24 | |||
| Christmas Holiday | Dec. 22, 25 | |||
| New Year's | Dec. 30, Jan. 2 | |||
| Martin Luther King Day | Jan. 15 | |||
| Treaty Day Recognized | Jan. 22 | |||
| Presidents Day | Feb. 19 | |||
| Billy Frank Jr Day | Mar. 8 | |||
| Memorial Day | May 27 |
Graduation & Commencement
NWIC Graduation and Honors
NWIC GRADUATION
Graduation is the official awarding of degrees earned while commencement is the event which celebrates the completion of degree programs.
Students must complete an application for graduation no later than the first three weeks of the quarter before the student plans to graduate. Degrees are not automatically granted upon completion of requirements. The application must be completed through JICs. A $10 fee applies.
NWIC HONORS
President’s List
Students completing 12 or more credits with a GPA of 4.00 will be included on the quarterly President’s List.
Dean’s List
Students completing 12 or more credits with a GPA of 3.50 or higher, will be included on the quarterly Dean’s List.
NWIC Commencement
Please click the links below to access the photos from the 2023 NWIC Commencement, and don’t forget to add #NWICGrad2023 to your photos on social media!
2023 Commencement Ceremony
Friday, June 16, 2023
2:00 PM
Lummi Stommish Grounds
2295 Lummi View Dr., Bellingham, WA 98226
The Commencement Committee would like to welcome NWIC graduates, families, staff, and faculty to an outdoor gathering with a full ceremony program in celebration of the 2023 Commencement.
Graduation and Commencement are Separate
Graduation is the process you go through to have your degree posted to your transcript. Commencement is an annual ceremony (held in June) where we honor your academic accomplishments. If you are completing Northwest Indian College degrees and/or certificates, you may participate in the commencement ceremony.
Participation in Commencement
April 6 – May `19: Apply for Commencement. You should apply as soon as possible! Application available in the menu to the right.
Graduates Meeting
May 12 @ 1PM: Participants in Commencement MUST attend the NWIC Grad meeting via Zoom. More details can be found in your student email.
Fees & Care Package
$25 fee must be received and processed in order to receive the Care Package. To process this fee, you can either:
- Fill out the Credit Card Form and submit to studentaccounts@nwic.edu
- Email studentaccounts@nwic.edu with your phone number and a staff member will contact you when in office to process your credit card over the phone.
COVID-19 Safety
COVID Safety measures will be taken, including sanitation stations and safety booth. If you have had known contact with a person to have COVID-19 within the last 14 days or have any symptoms or feel sick in any way, please stay home. While the event will be outdoors, masks will be required per Lummi Public Health Team requirements.
A change may occur to the ceremony to ensure safety.
Tickets & Seating
No tickets are required for guests for the Commencement. Socially distanced seating for Graduates, Faculty, Elders, and limited community & family members will be provided. We encourage you to bring your own chairs to the Stommish grounds to sit with your family. Please prepare for the weather.
Board of Trustees’ Honors Graduate Brunch
This invite-only event celebrates Honors Graduates — those who graduate with a GPA of 3.5 or higher — with a brunch for them and up to two guests. This event is held the day-of Commencement at the Lummi main campus in the morning. Invites are sent via email by the Office of the President. For questions, contact president@nwic.edu
Program Colors
BSNES – Forrest Green
TGBM – Purple
NSL – Turquoise
CARE – Royal Blue
2 Year Programs – Red & Black
Photography & Livestream
A professional photographer will be at Commencement, so we kindly ask no family approach the stage. Photos of individual participants will be available shortly following the ceremony. An official photo booth will be available to graduates and their families before and after the ceremony for group photos.
The goal of the committee is to have the ceremony streamed live for those who are not able to attend in person. Please check the event page for updates.
Questions
Email: GraduationCommittee@nwic.edu
Financial Aid
Northwest Indian College administers a broad range of financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs for students who can demonstrate financial need.
Student Life
NWIC students are encouraged to engage and integrate into the life of the institution. Students are offered opportunities to participate in enrichment activities through Student Affairs, student government, and residence life.
NWIC Extended Campus Locations
Northwest Indian College‘s main campus is located at the Lummi Nation. The College also has six full service extended campus sites located at Muckleshoot, Nez Perce, Nisqually, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Swinomish, and Tulalip. Please use the location links to view details for each extended campus site.
