President of the Navajo Nation, Jonathan Nez, takes a moment to congratulate NTU graduates at the university’s 2021 commencement. Photo by Daniel Vandever

Navajo Technical University (NTU) was in its spring semester when Dikos Nitsaaíígí-19 spread to the Navajo Nation. Shortly thereafter, New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan grisham warned that the virus would have a deep impact on tribal nations, leading NTU to closely follow state and Navajo Nation decisions. “Early in the year we began to seriously look at what was happening with the virus,” says provost Dr. Colleen Bowman. “We knew it would eventually reach the Navajo Nation but did not know when. We began forming a team to identify options for continuation of classes for students should we have to shut down.” This established team became known as the NTU Pandemic Task Force.

University president Dr. Elmer Guy and the executive team understood that effective management and decision making would be required to ensure safety and continuation of classes. They also understood that the uncertainty of the pandemic would entail addressing challenges ahead. “Communication within NTU and resources was key to collaboration. We had never experienced this crisis before,” recalls Deirdra Deswood, student senate president and board of regents member. “We incorporated our Diné philosophy of nitsáhákees (thinking), nahátá (planning or strategizing), īína (doing or initiating), siihasin (evaluating or assessing) as a guide.” As a naat’áanii (leader) it is important to listen to the people.

According to NTU’s dean of undergraduate studies, Dr. Casmir Agbaraji, “We discussed the pros and cons as a team before final decisions were made. Input from faculty was provided and we identified resources needed for students to complete the semester.” Consideration had to be made not only for the students at the main campus, but also for the students at the four instructional sites across two states and the dual credit students at high schools scattered throughout Navajo Nation and the surrounding border towns. A decision was made to switch the modality of instruction to online beginning April 6, 2020, as a result of the university shutting its doors. All non-essential employees and faculty were placed on telework status. Safety protocols throughout the university were established. Supplies and equipment were ordered and distributed. The maintenance department continuously disinfected the buildings at all sites.

The university extended spring break into another week so faculty would be able to switch their traditional methods of teaching to online instruction. E-learning director, Dr. Coleen Arviso, took the lead to conduct online instruction training for faculty and online learning for students. She established guidelines and developed videos to supplement the training. Students residing in the efficiency apartments were allowed to retrieve their personal belongings and were credited for the remainder of the semester. Students residing in family housing were given the option of staying, but under quarantine. Dean of student services, Jerlynn Henry, turned her attention to collaborating with local resources and organizations, such as the Navajo Nation Command Center, Indian Health Services, and food banks, which allowed students access to services they needed. Funds and assistance from the from the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), the American Indian College Fund, Bank of America, New Mexico Native American Prep Scholars, Achieving the Dream, and the CARES Act also provided emergency aid for students.

“The most challenging issue was access to internet mostly by the students,” recalls Jason Arviso, NTU’s vice-president of operations. “A majority reside in the remote locations of the Navajo Nation, which in itself lacks internet access and, in some locations, water and electricity.” To address the challenges, NTU loaned laptops and other equipment to students and faculty. Locations with free internet access were identified, mapped out, and provided to students. Funds from AIHEC were used to purchase gas cards for students to drive to one of these locations. The trades instructors became innovative and utilized state-of-the-art software, Zoom, and YouTube to instruct students and to provide ways for them to submit their assignments.

The leadership team also implemented the “homework express,” which allowed faculty to send homework on a flash drive or paper copy to students who did not have access to internet, mail, or transportation. This modern-day Pony Express was overseen by Byron Charlee, the university’s fleet management director. According to Charlee, “When COVID hit we had to make a lot of adjustments. We couldn’t just shut down. We were still obligated to provide some type of transportation services.” Four drivers averaged 300 miles per day delivering and picking up homework and other items such as laptops. The transportation of students resumed during the fall 2020 semester with limited passengers and safety protocols.

Nicole Pino was hired as the COVID education specialist for NTU in September 2020 and began immediately to identify students, staff, and faculty who had been exposed to or contracted the virus. Having those who tested positive for COVID-19 self-report was one of the biggest challenges, as many did not know what to do and panicked. Pino established protocols, identified reporting procedures, and served as the university’s contact person. In collaboration with the Indian Health Services, she spearheaded COVID testing in November 2020 and vaccinations in January 2021. NTU became the hub for drive-through testing and vaccinations. “When I first began, I was providing information on the virus and safety protocols, such as wearing masks, washing your hands, and social distancing,” recalls Pino. “I produced videos which were emailed out to everyone and posted on the NTU website. Now I continue to advocate safety protocols, provide information, and answer questions of fears of getting vaccinated. There are people who are still very fearful of the virus and apprehensive of the vaccine, but I do my best to calm them and provide factual information.”

Data is continuously being collected to understand student success rates in courses with traditional instruction versus those offered solely online. Offering intersession courses help students who need one course to graduate or want to complete courses in between semesters. NTU’s enrollment and retention rate have slowly begun to increase this last reporting period. “Students evolved and became more resilient,” explains Christine Reidhead, faculty congress president. “They turned not only to their family, but also to their heritage as being a strong and resilient nation. Faculty became more confident with their technology skills and teaching online.”

Despite all of NTU’s efforts, Dikos Nitsaaíígí-19 remains a threat. “We’re not out of this pandemic yet and our students are feeling the impact,” says Agbaraji. “Offering our tuition assistance program and adjusting our academic schedules are strategies to help students persist, but it’s equally important that our services match our efforts, so our students succeed in our new learning environment.”

Leadership comprised of knowledgeable, experienced, innovative, and committed individuals is paramount to decision-making and management, especially when confronted by new challenges. However, the most important element is the human factor. Recognizing who our constituents are and comprehending their needs requires trust when changes are implemented. “TCUs have a unique sense of recognizing who we are as a Native people and who our students are; therefore, by incorporating the Native philosophies by our elders, we maintained focus strength and motivation,” explains Dr. Jennifer Wheeler, NTU’s dean of graduate studies. “Co-governance was maintained and having that relationship is critical. During the pandemic there was chaos and uncertainty, and our leaders really stepped up to do their job.” Under the direct leadership of Dr. Guy and the executive team, NTU continues to operate and serve students within a safe and secure environment, while enhancing collaboration with local resources and team building within the nation.

Delores Becenti, EdD, is the director of enrollment services at NTU.