Friday, February 25, 2015, the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) held its first annual Student Success Safety Summit.  An all-day event, the summit was designed to inform the entire IAIA community (students, staff, and faculty) about how federal Title IX requirements regarding gender discrimination, sexual misconduct, and domestic/partner violence affect the campus community, and how IAIA handles these issues.  Other topics covered included off-campus support and reporting process, healthy relationships, and definitions of consent.

Key organizers of the event included IAIA staff, faculty, and students: Dean Char Teters, Dean Carmen Henan, Retention Director Jeminie Shell, Marketing Director Eric Davis, Facilities Manager James Mason, Housing Director Carol Reed, Counselor Greer McSpadden, Students Accounts and Financial Aid Coordinator Leah Boss, SSC Program Administrator Diane Reyna, ASG President Jamelyn Ebelacker, and Security Manager, Mo Arteaga.

The event began in the Auditorium with a welcome from ASG President Jamelyn Ebelacker (Santa Clara Pueblo), followed by an introduction to the event from IAIA President Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee Nation), and a moving Keynote Speech by Dean Charlene Teters (Spokane Nation).  

Students were then assigned to workshops throughout the day, including Bystander Education, The Reporting Process, a Safety Panel Discussion, and a Slogan Workshop -- where students brainstormed a slogan to be used on campus for IAIA's On-Campus Safety Program.  The 4 workshops each came up with a final slogan, which will be circulated and voted on by the entire campus population.  The winner will be announced in next month's Newsletter.  

Outside groups participating in the workshop and providing support included, Solace, Impact, Community Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence Project, Tewa Women United, Esperanza, IAIA's Presbyterian Health Clinic, Santa Fe City Police Department, and Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.

Photos by:  JoAnn Bishop

Leslie Romero is our new Area Coordinator in Student Housing and will be reporting directly to Carol Reed, Student Housing Director. Leslie comes to IAIA with 4+ years of experience in various industries from retail sales and customer service, to administrative roles in gaming.  He has a BA in Mass Marketing/Advertising from UNM.  Leslie's work station is located in the Student Housing Office and his extension is 428.5808. 

Anne Cline came on-board recently to assist Dean Teters, due to the departure of Nina Vazquez.  Anne, who goes by the nick-name of "Fitz" is a Temp who will be engaged until a full-time replacement is hired. Fitz has worked for 10+ years in administrative support roles for the following local organizations, Museum of NM Foundation, St. John's College, Thornburg Investments, and Sarcon Construction Corp, to name a few. Fitz also worked 10+ years as a legal secretary for a number of law firms in New York City.  Fitz has a BA (Psychology) from UNM.  Fitz's extension is 424.5748 and she is listed as Anne Cline in Outlook. 

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Special Performance at the IAIA Bookstore 

 Friday, February 6, 2015, Gyasi Ross (Blackfeet Nation) performed at the IAIA Bookstore in the CLE.  Gyasi read from his book, "How to Say I Love You in Indian".  Between readings, he talked about his life, motivations and direction.  Gyasi also invited attendees to "come up and read" themselves during the event.  A book signing followed his performance.

Gyasi Ross is a father, an author, public speaker, lawyer, and a filmmaker. TV, radio, and print media regularly seek his input on politics, sports, pop culture, and their intersections with Native life.  His second book, "How to Say I Love You in Indian" is available at www.cutbankcreekpress.com.