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Student Life

Welcome to the Institute of American Indian Arts!

I am very pleased you have chosen the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) to purse your higher education. As our community returns to campus during the pandemic, we want to ensure your safety and provide you with outstanding student services. IAIA has recently combined the Student Success Center, Admissions and Recruitment, and Student Life into one department—Student Services. Our goal is to provide our students with a holistic approach for an exceptional student experience.

Safety

We are committed to your safety. You can reach our 24-hour Security at (505) 702-4274, or call 911. IAIA currently uses RAVE Emergency Alert to notify the community of weather-related or emergency situations.

IAIA is a diverse community dedicated to creating and providing an environment for learning, living, and working that’s free from discrimination, harassment, including sexual violence, misconduct, and retaliation. IAIA responds promptly and effectively to all reports and will take appropriate action to prevent, correct, and when necessary, discipline behavior that violates policy. Students can report safety issues to safety@iaia.edu or make an Anonymous Safety Report on our website. Also, if you believe you have been a victim of or are aware of sexual violence or misconduct, please contact IAIA Title IX Coordinator Laurie Logan Brayshaw at (505) 424-2305 or llogan@iaia.edu.

Student Success

The Student Success Center (SSC) is a place where students can rest, study, and seek assistance from the staff. The SSC includes a comfortable living room with couches and chairs, a kitchen, and a large dining table where students can share a meal or study. It also houses the Learning Lab (Tutoring Center) which offers professional tutoring at no cost to the students. We provide our students a safe and supportive learning environment and offer the following: Tutoring, Mentoring, ADA Accommodations, Financial Aid Services, Student Account Services, Scholarship Services, Emergency Aid Program, Financial Literacy Program, Internship Opportunities, Job Search, Work-Study, Early Alert Services, Veteran Enrollment Services, Community Food/Clothing Pantry and the “15 to Finish Program.” We also sponsor the Alpha Chi National Honor Society chapter and host a weekly Talking Circle with dinner where the community comes together to share thoughts and feelings about their week in a safe, healing, and confidential environment.

Student Experience

We invite you to participate in the Associated Student Government (ASG), the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) annual conference and student competition, creating new student clubs, and joining in with the weekly student activities. We have a wide range of fun activities planned for you throughout the semester

I am committed to your success at the Institute of American Indian Arts, and I am a dedicated resource for you. Please contact my office to set up an appointment, send me an email, or give me a phone call.

Sincerely,

Blue Tarpalechee, PhD
Dean of Students
P (505) 424-2331
E blue.tarpalechee@iaia.edu

Blue Tarpalechee

Blue Tarpalechee

Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Dean of Students
P TBD
E blue.tarpalechee@iaia.edu

Diana Ellenwood

Diana Ellenwood

(Nez Perce Tribe)

Student Services Coordinator
Student Life
P (505) 424-2337
E diana.ellenwood@iaia.edu

Ellen Maldonado

Ellen Maldonado

(Acoma Pueblo and Navajo)

Residential Operations and Conference Services Coordinator
Student Services Student Life
P (505) 424-5808
E emaldonado@iaia.edu

Stephan Swimmer

Stephan Swimmer

(Eastern Cherokee)

Student Activities Director
Student Life
P (505) 424-2339
E stephan.swimmer@iaia.edu

Eliza Combs, MA, LPCC, ATR

Eliza Combs, MA, LPCC, ATR

Mental Health Counselor & Registered Art Therapist
Student Life
P (505) 424-5758
E eliza.combs@iaia.edu

Giorgio Fulgenzi

Giorgio Fulgenzi

Housing Area Coordinator
Student Life
P (505) 428-5808
E giorgio.fulgenzi@iaia.edu

Donna Martinez

Donna Martinez

(Acoma and Taos Pueblo)

Shuttle Driver
Student Services Student Life
P (505) 424-5802
E dmartinez@iaia.edu

Madge Duus, MA, LMHC

Madge Duus, MA, LMHC

(Navajo/Danish)

Mental Health Counselor
Specializing in Art Therapy
Student Life
P (505) 424-2336
E mduus@iaia.edu

Dane Koponen

Dane Koponen

(Gwich’in)

He/Him/His
Student Services Coordinator
Student Services
P (505) 424-2337
E dkoponen@iaia.edu

Chelsea Napper

Chelsea Napper

They/Them/Theirs
Housing Director
Student Life
P (505) 424-2380
E chelsea.napper@iaia.edu

About

The IAIA campus is an architecturally significant, contemporary facility in a breathtaking physical environment. IAIA is easily accessible at the southern end of Santa Fe, one of the most art-conscious cities and important art markets in the world. Santa Fe is home to numerous art galleries and art museums including our own. Art is all around you.

Attending IAIA is a rewarding academic and education experience, but it’s more. It’s a life experience that will forever change yours. You’ll be part of a community of talented students, faculty, staff and physical facilities dedicated to stretching your talents and increasing your skills. Part of a community who shares your cultural values and experiences. Who believe in the path of creativity. Are you ready?

At IAIA, art is not the only thing you’ll learn, but the business of art as well. You’ll learn entrepreneurship. How to achieve a career that is satisfying both artistically and economically. The practical and real world side of art as a career path, and much more. They are the skills you need to succeed as an artist and in life.

Our beautiful 140 acre campus is easily accessible. It’s part of Santa Fe, a city known for generations as a mecca for art and artists. Our diverse and stimulating student body, our many extracurricular activities, our student and civic clubs, even our holistic and gourmet on-campus cafeteria make being part of IAIA stimulating and enriching, and just as important, fun.

At IAIA, we believe in involvement while you’re here and after you graduate. Our alumni, many with well-known names in the art world, continue to stay involved with IAIA, bringing with them the opportunities for real world guidance, insight and interaction.