III 112th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 605 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES November 30, 2012 Mr. Conrad (for himself, Mr. Hoeven, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Levin, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Begich, Mr. Udall of New Mexico, Mr. Johnson of South Dakota, Mr. Tester, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Akaka, and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating the week beginning November 26, 2012, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week.

Whereas there are 37 tribal colleges and universities operating on more than 75 campuses in 15 States; Whereas tribal colleges and universities are tribally or federally chartered institutions of higher education and therefore have a unique relationship with the Federal Government; Whereas tribal colleges and universities serve students from more than 250 federally recognized Indian tribes; Whereas tribal colleges and universities offer students access to knowledge and skills grounded in cultural traditions and values, including indigenous languages, which enhance Indian communities and enrich the United States as a whole; Whereas tribal colleges and universities provide access to high quality higher education opportunities for American Indians/Alaska Natives, and other individuals living in some of the most rural and economically depressed areas in the United States; Whereas tribal colleges and universities are accredited institutions of higher education that effectively prepare students to succeed in a global and highly competitive workforce; Whereas tribal colleges and universities have open enrollment policies that have resulted in 17 percent of students at tribal colleges and universities being non-Indians; Whereas tribal colleges and universities are simply and effectively providing access to quality higher education opportunities to residents of reservation communities and the North Slope; Whereas the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, the national organization established in 1973 by tribal colleges and universities, will be celebrating its 40th anniversary as the collective spirit and unifying voice of tribal colleges and universities of the United States; and Whereas the mission and achievements of tribal colleges and universities deserve national recognition: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)designates the week beginning November 26, 2012, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week; and (2)calls on the people of the United States and interested groups to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate support for tribal colleges and universities.