First Peoples' Catalog, 2004

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Title
First Peoples' Catalog, 2004
Date
2004
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Welcome!
As you make important decisions about your future, both in terms of education
and the directions you dream your life will take, I hope you will seriously consider
The Evergreen State College as a step along that pathway. We are committed to
and actively work to build a community that embraces diversity, multiculturalism
and student development. Our First Peoples' programs reflect the innovative and
creative ways in which we approach learning that integrates education with life's
experiences in the hope that our students .develop a passion for lifelong learning.
I hope that you will find within these pages insight into the type of community
we are and understanding of the ways in which you.could contribute to and
benefit from becoming a member of this community.
I extend my best wishes to you and hope that I will have the opportunity to see
you on our campus.
Thomas L. (Les) Puree, President

First Peoples
First Peoples at Evergreen describe people of racial and ethnic backgrounds
usually referred to in the United States as "people of color."
In 1986, Evergreen students, staff and faculty gathered together and chose the
name First Peoples in recognition of our unique indigenous heritages. We are
African Americans, American Indians and Alaskan Natives, Asian Americans,
Pacific Islanders and Chicanos/Latinos.
So what's it really like to be a First Peoples' student at Evergreen? There's a lot
to learn and experience, and for a while it can seem overwhelming or bewildering.
Some new students jump right in and participate in social or political activities
sponsored by student organizations.. Others wait, watch and test the waters.
We believe there is room for all First Peoples to succeed at Evergreen. ·

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Chehalis, Washington
Alumna, 1991
Alumna, 1994
Current Job

The Evergreen State College- B.A., Environmental and Tribal Law
Arizona State Univ~risty - J.D.
Assistant Attorney General Ecology Division, p..ttorney General's Office ef Washington
At Evergreen I was able to sharpen my research, writing and analyticaf skills. I went on to law
school where I immediately put these skills to work. Law school pours on the reading and writing
assignments, and I was up to the challenge after my experience at Evergreen.
As a lawyer, I spend most of my time researching, writing and analyzing the issues presented in
cases I am litigating, or advice that I am providing to my client. My Evergreen experience is t r uly
integrated into the work I perform today.

Chehalis, Washington
Alumnus, 1991
Alumnus, 1994
Current Job

The Evergreen .State College- B.A., Media, Technology and Art
University of British Columbia - M.F.A., Film Directing
Director of Management Information Systems, Lucky Eagle Casino
I can't think of an academic institution that is more conducive to multiculturalism than Evergreen.
The community, programs and mentorship all contribute to the efforts of diverse individuals
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pursuing higher education.

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Chehalis, Washington

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Alumna, 1993
Current Job

The Evergreen State College - B.A., English, Poetry and Writing
Native A"merican Resources Coordinator, Washington State University
Reservation Extension Program, Chehalis Indian Reservation

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Students need to come with a strongly internalized social and moral compass.

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First Peoples' Advising Services
First Peoples' Advising Services provides students of color with support that
fosters retention. Although academic learning is part of every college experience,
you will also learn more about yourself in historical, cultural and social contexts.
Our support throughout this developmental process is both challenging and
sustaining. We promote the importance of the individual in the community and
provide the necessary skills for well-being and academic growth in a pluralistic
society. We also support a continuing dialog for the entire campus community.
We challenge and encourage the development of diversity throughout the
institution that will create and maintain a hospitable environment for our success.
Our services are comprehensive, including academic planning/advising, social
activities, graduate school advising, career development and personal counseling.
There isn't a question too small ("What are the academic programs like?" ) nor
any goal too great ("I want to go to medical school. Can you help me?" ) that we
can't answer.

We also offer:
• Fall orientation programs for new students. The First Peoples' Scholars
Program is a four-day pre-orientation activity designed for new students
to enhance the transition to Evergreen. Workshops are also offered during
·Orientation Week for all new students.
• Leadership development for student employees through our Peer Support
program. Peer counselors/advisors are paraprofessional staff members. They
receive yearlong training through a class offered in collaboration with Housing
and the Counseling Center. The tra.ining includes developmental models on
student development, counseling techniques, communication techniques,
records maintenance and more.
• Events planning with student organizations. Peer counselors co-sponsor events
as a means to develop connections with students. A sample of these activities
includes annual readings from the Students of Color Anthology, dances, guest
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speakers and performers.
• Community building and keeping connections vibrant. Through our quarterly
potlucks held for students, staff and faculty, we can sustain our campus-wide
relationships. We've also sponsored a variety of forums on cross-cultural
communication and the value of affirmative action. We also plan and organize
Day of Absence/Day of Presence, an annual winter quarter event.
• Advocacy and assistance, which take many forms. Sometimes it is knowing the
appropriate referral, while at other times you may just need someone to talk
to so that you can organize your thoughts and be able to resolve a situation.
Our staff members also offer mediation services, facilitate group discussions on
diversity and accompany students to disciplinary hearings.

Office of Admissions &
First Peoples' Recruitment
The Office of Admissions & First Peoples' Recruitment takes great pride._ in
the services provided to prospective students and their families We believe
that information is power, and want you to· be able to make powerful choices.
We want our services to ·be as inclusive as p~ssible without being int~usive.
The Office of Admissions & First Peoples' Recruitment will be sending you
quarterly News and Notes to let you know what's happening in the admissions
process, when our representatives will visit your community and what other
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student services we can offer you at Evergreen.

We will also:
• Contact you directly. Our staff and faculty will call you to find out if you have
any questions about the campus or the curriculum.
• Invite you and other interested students from your school to visit Evergreen
for a day. You will be able to meet currently enrolled students, as well as staff
and faculty, sit in on a lecture, sample campus cuisine and take a tour of·our
facilities.
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• Keep you apprised of your admission application status. Is your file complete?
What's missing? When will you need to pay your advance tuition deposit?
• Connect you to other student services: Financial Aid, Housing, Academic
Advising, Career Development, Evergreen Tutoring Center, Student Activities,
Recreation and Athletics and First Peoples' Advising Services.
Sometimes currently enrolled Evergreen students continue to use our office as a
sounding board or safe haven-a place they know they can come for a serious
conversation or a lot of laughter. We appreciate their support and enthusias m and
hope you will soon be among them.

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Eugene, Oregon
Alumnus, 1991
Alumnus, 1995
Current Job

The Evergreen State College ...: B.A., English and Radio Communication
University of Maryland - M. Library Science
Associate Dean, Library and Information Access, San Diego State University
While attending Evergreen, I was able to think about what I wanted to do and what kind of
contribution I could make. I was the coordinator of Umoja (Black Student Organization), hosted
two radio shows on KADS (campus and community radio station) and I learned a lot from my
faculty, who ultimately opened my eyes to Library Science.

First Peoples' Community
Evergreen is located just outside the Olympia city limits in Thurston County.
The city's population comprises 15 percent people of color and there are 16
percent in ~he county. Of the 4,103 students enrolled at the Olympia campus
during fall quarter 2003, First Peoples comprised 17 percent, and in academic
year 2003-04, 233 First Peoples were awarded bachelor's degrees. Twenty-two
percent of the staff and 25 percent of the faculty are people of color.
Asian/Pacific Islander

4%

African American

5%

Mexican/Latino/Hispanic

4%

Native American

4%

Students of color

17%

total

The First Peoples' community includes students, staff and faculty of color at
Evergreen. Often, at the initiative of the First Peoples' student organizations,
we gather for events such as potlucks, community forums, political discussions
and celebrations. Traditional annual gatherings include Day of Absence/Day of
Presence and First Peoples' Graduation. During the Day of Absence, the First
Peoples' community spends the entire day away from the Olympia campus to
welcome new members, renew acquaintances and discuss issues that affect the
community of color. During the Day of Presence we gather together on campus as
a demonstration of our unity. In June, we celebrate the end of the academic year
with First Peoples' Graduation. We recognize those who have made significant
contributions to the community and honor the achievements of our graduates.

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Student Organizations at Evergreen
Evergreen's student organizations are valuable sources of cultural enrichment,
personal growth, lasting friendships and solidarity. Involvement can help you
learn to work more effectively within groups and with other organizations while
also helping you develop leadership skills. Student fees fund more than 50 active
student groups, offering a wide variety of opportunities for your par.ticipation.
Organizations such as Asian Students In Alliance (AS.IA), Movimiento Estudantil
Chicanos Aztlan (MEChA), Native Student Alliance, Umoja and the Women of
Color Coalition are coordinated by students of color for students of color. These
organizations, active throughout the academic year, produce cross-cultural events;
bring speakers, films and entertainment to the community; sponsor conferences
and celebrations; and play an integral role in promoting the college's goals of
enhancing cultural diversity and student empowerment.
At Evergreen, you'll find that student organizations are more than just clubs
or social alliances. Of course, they provide activities and opportunities for fun
and social interaction, but they also provide cultural, educational, recreational
and spiritual services to students. Students working with First Peoples' student
organizations conduct important work against racism and harassment and help
the entire community understand, welcome and hoiwr diversity. Involvement
can give you one of your best and most worthwhile experiences as a student.
Student organization offices are located on the third floor of the College Activities
Building, along with the Student Activities professional staff, who will help you
·get connected with all of the student groups and find out what's happening on
campus. The staff members also assist in the interpretation of campus policies
and procedures and local, state and federal laws as they pertain to campus
issues (permits for vendors, political campaigning, use of state funds for student
activities,) and assist with developing student-initiated programs and activities.

First Peoples' student organizations include:


Asian Students In Alliance (ASIA)



Hui 0 Hawai'i, Pacific Islander Association



Latin American Student Organization (LASO)



Movimiento Estudantil Chicanos Aztlan (MEChA)



Native Student Alliance



Umoja (Swahili for "unity"), African American Student Organization



Women of Color Coalition

For a complete list of Evergreen student organizations, contact the Student
Activities Office at www.evergreen.edu/activities o~ (360) 867-6220.

los

Bellevue, Washington
Senior

Studying science and pursuir:m a B.A and B.S degree
2003-2004 Editor-In-Chief, Cooper Point Journal
I would never have thought that such a unique and inspiring school could be so close to home.
The pervading atmosphere at Evergreen has been one of acceptance and understanding. Here,
the students strive to create a unity that I have yet to find at other colleges. The difference is
immediate and apparent from the very first step you take on the campus.

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Lacey, Washington
Alumni, 2004

The Evergreen State College - B.A. and B.S., Computer Science and Education
Planning to attend graduate school in 2005
The staff and faculty on campus made Evergreen home formS: I opened myself up
to new experiences.
Evergreen is a place where you can voice your opinion without feeling- limited. It is
a grea~ experience.

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Lacey, Washington
Alumna, 1999
Current Job

The Evergreen State College - B.S., Environmental and Computer Science
Department of Labor, Foreign Labor Certification
My experience at Evergreen was very rewarding. When I first came here I was nervous
because of being older than most students. Once I started school, I felt comfortable
and found students of all ages and backgrounds- I fit right in.

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Bellevue, Washington
Alumna, 1995
Alumna, 2002
Current Job

The Evergreen State College - B.A., Film and Photography
University of Southern California - M.F.A., Film
Freelance Screenwriter
I was impressed with the mixture of people here that I probably would not have been e)\posed
to at a traditional state school. While at Evergreen, I got an education in the field of IT)edia/
· television and still photography that gave me a lot more hands-on experience than any of my
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peers in my master's progra111 at USC.

Bellevue, Washington
Alumna, 1993
Alumna, 2001
Current Job

The Ever:green State College - B.A., International Business
University of Arizona - M.B.A., Management of Information Syst ems in Entrepreneurship
Interactive Financial Services Group, Inc., Business Alliance/ Marketing Manager
Evergreen has given me the ability to look for alternative ways to solve common problems,
to work in teams and be open to all people and points of view.
You will know all your faculty by name and they will know your name. You will have not only a
personalized education, but an individualized education as well.

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Contact Information
Office of Admissions &
First Peoples' Recruitment
Phone(360) 867-6495
Clarisse Leong, Senior Admissions
Counselor
leongc@evergreen.edu
Sue Bruner, Office Assistant
bruners@evergreen.edu

First Peoples' Advising Services
Phone(360)867-6467
Holly Colbert, Director
colberth@evergreen.edu
Raquel Salinas, Peer Support Coordinator
salinasr@evergreen.edu

Mailing address
The Evergreen State College
2700 Evergreen Parkway NW
Olympia WA 98505

wWw.evergreen.edu

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Affirmative Action Policy

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The Equal Opportunity Policy of The Evergreen State College expressly prohibits
discrimination against any person on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, national
origin, marital status, sexual preference, Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status,
or the presence of any sensory, physical or mental disability, unless based upon a
bona fide occupational qualification.

Accessibility of Information
The information ~ontained in this catalog is available in
hours notice. TDD: (360) 867-6834.

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Production Team
Editing: Clarisse Leong, Esme Ryan
Design: Tony Kirkland, Brian E. Mathis, Judy Nuiiez-Piiiedo
Photography: Martin Kane
Lettering art: Contributed by Tim Girvin, Evergreen alumnus
GIRVIN I Strategic Branding & Design: www.girvin.com
©2004 by The Evergreen State. College

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