Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College

In February 2003, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association awarded Initial Candidacy accreditation status to SCTC. It planned a field visit to the college.[5] After evaluation of SCTC by the North Central Association (HLC/NCA) in November 2002, the college was approved to apply for initial candidacy to the commission's board of trustees. In November 2003, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) accepted its application of membership.[6] The following year, the college was designated a land-grant college alongside other tribal colleges first designated in 1994.[7]

In 2005, money from the US Department of Agriculture Land Grants Fund enabled the SCTC to acquire 24 computers and other accessories for students' use. Before SCTC had one lab with 12 computers. Meanwhile, the college expanded the classroom in order to increase student enrollment. A Learning Resource Center (LRC) was appointed and reference materials were added under the "Zaagiinoong Leadership Development Program." Participation by the SCTC Student Council has also increased. That same year, sustained land-grant federal support provided resources to the college's environmental science program, making possible renovation of the laboratory and creation of culturally relevant laboratory exercises. In addition, SCTC created more collaboration with K–12 education and cultural groups.[2]

In fall 2006, the Technology Enhancement Committee was established.[8] Marking of the first Annual Native American Month was conducted by the Native American Studies program. During this month, the Anishinaabe Crafts class introduced drums for use in the Saginaw Chippewa Behavioral Health Substance Abuse Program.

In April 2007, the Higher Learning Commission site team recommended initial accreditation to the HLC Executive through field visits to SCTC.[8] In 2007, SCTC became an accredited higher education organization.[9] SCTC credits can be accepted for four-year institutions and others for students who transfer. The college celebrated with an accreditation luncheon in October 2007.[10]

In May 2009, the Tribal Council authorized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the SCTC and the Education Department, which established a university science laboratory facility shared by those two universities.  The lab was ready for the 2009–2010 academic year. At the same time, the college opened Perspectives for Recruitment Outside of Mainstream Orientations (PROMO) Summer Program.[11]

In 2005, SCTC made agreements with other organizations, including Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Library, Central Michigan University, and the Veteran's Memorial Library to provide access for its students to these library facilities.[3]

The college does not have its own cultural center, Native museum, or cultural collection. Faculty and staff use the Tribe's museum, Ziibiwing, the 7th Generation Cultural Center, and other organizations' infrastructure. In 2007, SCTC established a library satellite site.[8]

By 2018–2019, the SCTC Tribal Library site is providing different types of materials and resources from the Chippewa River District Library. SCTC also provides access for students to the Internet and the EBSCO Host Academic search database. SCTC Students have access to Michigan eLibrary (MeL) to view general resources, including the various fields of subjects. The college provides full access and privileges to the Central Michigan University Park Library.[12]

As created by the SCTC Charter, the college is managed by a Board of Regents, which consists of seven members and the college president. The Student Council President represents the student body. He/she attends all meetings of the SCTC Board of Regents as a non-voting member. The Board has the right to reorganize and investigate the policies of the institution. The president is responsible as COO for daily operations and executes policies and processes set by the Board.[12]

• Official website