1990-27_FirstPeoples_12E62_Catalog_2006

Media

Part of First Peoples' Catalog, 2006

Title

1990-27_FirstPeoples_12E62_Catalog_2006

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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.

• 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 training 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 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.

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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 possible without being intrusive.
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 student services we can offer you at Evergreen.

• 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.
• Keep you apprised of your admission application status. Is your fi le
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
enthusiasm and hope you will soon be among them.

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Evergreen is located just outside the Olympia city limits
in Thurston County.
The city's population is comprised of 15 percent people
of color and there are 14 percent in the county. Of the 4,184
students enrolled at the Olympia campus during fall quarter
2005, First Peoples comprised 15 percent and in the academic
year 2004-05, 255 First Peoples were awarded bachelor's
degrees. Twenty-three percent of the staff and 24 percent
of the faculty are people of color.
Asian/Pacific Islander

5%

African American

3%

Mexican/Latina/Hispanic

4%

Native American

3%

Students of color

15%

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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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 participation.
Organizations such as Asian Students In Alliance (ASIA), Movimiento Estudantii
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
allianceo. 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 honor 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.

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• 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 or 360.867.6220.

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