On Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, the University of Utah celebrated the official opening of a student housing space dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for academic and social community.
The Center for Native Excellence and Tribal Engagement (CNETE) hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house, marking the beginning of a new era for students in the Native Ascent Scholars Program (NASP). This semester, 11 students will be the first residents of the living-learning community (LLC), which aims to foster a “culturally grounded environment that integrates academic support, wellness, and engagement.”
“Previously, our NASP students were kind of living all over campus,” said Tashina Barber, CNETE program manager. “The house is a celebration of all the work we’ve done in the past few years coming to fruition—being able to have a standalone house for students to have a living-learning space with a focus on the cultures of Native and Indigenous peoples.”
The house provides living space for up to a dozen students. Applicants from all backgrounds, including various tribal affiliations, are encouraged to apply when seeking on-campus options through the university housing portal.
“The idea began within our team. We thought it would be really great to have a living-learning space where people could gather, share ideas, and engage in cross-cultural learning,” Barber said.
Among the amenities offered at the space are a full kitchen, study areas, and multiple gathering spaces, including room for playing pool, watching movies, or watching TV.
Student residents also tout the camaraderie developed by interacting with peers who hold similar goals and aspirations. Additionally, meeting people from diverse tribes and backgrounds offers a more enriching college experience.
“It’s nice to learn about new things and meet new people because, as human beings, we are very social,” said Cliftene Duncan, a second-year writing and rhetoric student. “We can learn from each other’s experiences and backgrounds and grow by working together and offering our own insights.”
“Coming to the LLC, I just knew before I even got here that it was going to be such a different experience,” said Sky Woods-Billy, a second-year biology major. “Everybody is really getting along with each other; we’re all creating a community.”