Prevention Program
Our campus prevention program is here to support our Tribal Arts College with a wide array of alcohol and substance use prevention activities, suicide prevention training, health education, and community resources to ensure the safety, success, and wellbeing of our college community.
Programs are designed to promote realistic estimates of your peers’ and your own substance use, to increase your success and health, to reduce your risk, and to help achieve a thriving campus community free from the negative consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD).
Our Tribal college community is a priority and program strategies will focus on addressing areas of concern related to the following:
- Alcohol misuse (underage drinking, binge drinking, and DWI)
- Rx (prescription drug) opioid misuse & other drugs
- Campus alcohol & drug use policy
- Suicide prevention & mental health promotion
- Student ambassadorship
We also offer community health resources, mental health promotion, alcohol & drug education, free Rx drug lockboxes, condoms, and safe spaces for community engagement while promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
The ultimate goal is to promote academic success, lifelong learning, and wellbeing amongst members of our IAIA community. Checkout the IAIA Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy along with IAIA Alcohol and Drug Two Offense Policy and student code of conduct section in the IAIA Student Handbook.
To our students, staff, faculty, and alumni
- We do not judge, we support safe decision making—We are here for you
- No Lectures—just realistic experiences
- No Hype—Only unbiased information with culturally-based community education
- Just the facts
Please feel free to follow us on social media and on the official Canvas page to get more information and outreach about our prevention program efforts. We are here for you—culture is prevention.
Hours & Newsletter
Location
The Prevention main office is located in the CLE on the first floor next to campus bookstore and across from Café Bon Appetit. The assistant’s office is located on second floor of the CLE near Commons community gathering space.
Hours
- Monday—Friday, 10 am–5 pm (hours vary) with some weekends and after hours
- Chat with Prevention Staff (see popup bar in lower right side of this page) or with a direct link to LiveChat
For more information, questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact prevention@iaia.edu.
Newsletter
Campus Coalition
Join our prevention program coalition, American Indian Prevention Association (AIPA), efforts that is open for all IAIA community members to join. Our campus-based coalition hold virtual meetings once a month and our core team meetings are held twice a month.
Join our email list for program updates, meeting invites, become a peer mentor, receive training invites, and voice your opinion in a supportive, inclusive space for all.
Vision
Promoting the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of our inter-Tribal community members while increasing cultural competency and creating community-based solutions.
Mission
To continue bringing about positive changes in the lifestyles, relationships, education, and overall wellness of IAIA community members by creating multilevel, culturally-based approaches to preventing substance abuse, opioid misuse, and suicide prevention.
Goals
Our Tribal campus community is a priority and program strategies will focus on addressing three areas of concern related to the following:
- Alcohol use (underage drinking, binge drinking, and DWI)
- Rx (prescription drug) opioid misuse and other drugs
- Suicide prevention
We accomplish this goal by:
- Bringing together IAIA community partners to increase substance abuse education & suicide awareness amongst our Tribal college community.
- Developing activities that connect and build supportive relationships that promote overall positive well-being.
- Implementing prevention strategies that will strengthen the community circle and aid in the process of preparing our tribal college community for the future.
IQ2S+ Committee
Mission
To provide and support cultural, community understandings of gender spectrum, sexual identities, and build community resources (physical, social, mental, spiritual) to enhance inclusivity for our Indigenous Queer Two-Spirit+ (IQ2S) community members.
Our Student Life sub-committee provides safe spaces for all members of our Tribal college community regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. We work hard to make sure that everyone functions in an environment of acceptance, tolerance, and mutual respect.
We are glad to have you here. What is a safe space? A safe space is a welcoming, supportive, and safe environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and Two-Spirit+(LGBTQ2S) community members.
Goal
IAIA is a place to embrace your art and we want to honor, respect, and value cultural and individual identity. Our IAIA administration, faculty, and staff are committed to providing you with the support you need to achieve your academic and personal goals.
Monthly Meetings
- Virtual meetings held every last Thursday of the month at 12 pm
- Open to all staff, students, faculty, and alumni
- For more information please email the IAIA Prevention program.
Social Media
Follow us on social media to get more information and outreach about our IQ2S+ community information including resources.
Resources
Thank you for your support and for keeping our community safe for all.
Video Resources
Resources
Resources will be add soon.
IndigenousZ Student Ambassadors
To support and develop student engagement in the IAIA community while promoting positive attitudes, developing positive relations, and empowering healthy decision making. We provide community support in an inclusive and diverse environment that respects and values our Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and all people who identify as Indigenous. Come and meet our Student Life staff and see who can assist you with the transition from home to our Tribal college community.
In partnership with Student Life Department & Prevention, we offer:
- a home away from home
- personal and cultural guidance
- connections to resources for counseling and social groups
- activities
- life skills building
- community service projects
- student handbook procedures and policy advocacy
- leadership training
- e-mentoring
- a safe and healthy community for all
Make new friends, find a common identity in one another, and make connections with students with similar interests or backgrounds. Strong connections make all students feel like they belong.
Our ambassadorship offers you the opportunity to connect with the campus community through a wide variety of events, activities, programs, and skill-based trainings. Receive firsthand knowledge and gain skills to be a successful leader in the community.
We have respect for intergenerational wisdom, which continues to guide us in our commitment to preparing our Tribal college community members for a brighter future.
Looking to the future—the next generation. Educate, Empower, and Engage.
Our IAIA staff and community members want to offer you guidance in balancing your personal, academic, and cultural commitments on your journey at IAIA.
AMBASSADOR REQUIREMENTS
- 2.5 GPA, currently enrolled
- Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate student preferred
- Experience preferred, but not required
All applicants who apply will be reviewed. Open to all. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, age, color, disability, national origin, religious creed, political views, tribal affiliation, or sexual orientation.
Campus Safety
In order to provide for the safety of all students, IAIA provides the following services.
RAVE
IAIA’s emergency alert system, will send timely notifications in case of an emergency or weather delays/closures to community members via text, email, the IAIA website, and social media. Students and parents are encouraged to register by going to Emergency Procedures and follow the instructions. Once registered, the user will receive a welcome email with a confirmation link. Once the email address is confirmed, the user can edit options to receive alerts via text message on up to three different mobile numbers, email on up to three different addresses and on up to three land lines. Register on the Emergency Procedures web page.
Security
IAIA contracts 24-hour security coverage through G4S Security. Security personnel provide regular campus patrols, enforce campus regulations, monitor parking, assist with policy enforcement and campus crime investigation, and serve as a liaison with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department. In addition, the IAIA security will provide on-campus safe walk escorts for students, faculty, and staff.Contact IAIA Security at (505) 577-1660 or (505) 428-5800.
Crime on Campus
Students, faculty, and staff should promptly report thefts and other incidents and suspicious behavior or activity to security for investigation. Callers should be prepared to give the security officer their name, purpose of call, time, location and contact number. In the course of their normal duties, security may ask for student IDs or other identification. Students should be prepared to stop and show an ID at anytime, including weekends and holidays, for the safety of the community. The IAIA Campus Crime Statistics Report and the IAIA Campus Safety and Fire Safety Report, which contain information about reportable criminal activities on campus, is available to the public. The campus community may obtain information about registered sex offenders in the New Mexico Sex Offenders.The IAIA Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Statement specifies IAIA’s policies and procedures on sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence.
Winter Weather
Depending on the amount of snow or ice, a delay or campus closing may be issued by the IAIA President or designate. If a decision is made to close campus or delay the opening, a text and/or e-mail message will be sent to all students, faculty, staff, and community members who have registered for the IAIA Emergency Services RAVE Alert. This information is also available by calling the IAIA Inclement Weather Hotline at (505) 424-2363. New Mexico local TV stations will also announce closings and delays.ld promptly report thefts and other incidents and suspicious behavior or activity to security for investigation. Callers should be prepared to give the security officer their name, purpose of call, time, location and contact number. In the course of their normal duties, security may ask for student IDs or other identification. Students should be prepared to stop and show an ID at anytime, including weekends and holidays, for the safety of the community. The IAIA Campus Crime Statistics Report and the IAIA Campus Safety and Fire Safety Report, which contain information about reportable criminal activities on campus, is available to the public. The campus community may obtain information about registered sex offenders in the New Mexico Sex Offenders.The IAIA Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Statement specifies IAIA’s policies and procedures on sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence.
Anonymous Safety Report
IAIA encourages you to report any safety issues that you have experienced or observed. You have the option to file the report anonymously or you can provide your contact information. The report will initiate an inquiry. We respect confidentiality in all cases. You can also send a non-confidential email to safety@iaia.edu. Submit an Anonymous Safety Report on the Activities and Services web page.
Community Health Resources
Listed are available services and resources at IAIA, within the surrounding Santa Fe area, and online and by phone. This list offers a variety of wellness and mental health support programs through both digital and in-person platforms. This resource guide is intended to encourage all of our IAIA community members to have access to many diverse options for seeking support.
Download and view IAIA Prevention Community Health Resources.
Phone No. | Support Network |
---|---|
911 | Emergency Services |
(505) 577-1660 | IAIA Campus Security |
(505) 772-1234 | Presbyterian Hospital |
(505) 983-3361 | Christus St. Vincents Hospital |
(800) 273-8255 | (800) 273-TALK |
(800) 442-4673 | (800) 442-HOPE |
(800) 784-2433 | (800) SUICIDE |
(505) 820-6333 | Crisis Response Santa Fe |
(866) 488-7386 | LGBTQ Trevor Lifeline |
(800) 799-7233 | National Domestic Violence Hotline |
(800) 656-4673 | National Sexual Assault Hotline |
(800) 273-8255 | National Suicide Prevention Lifeline |
(855) 662-7474 | New Mexico Crisis & Access Line |
(855) 466-7100 | New Mexico Peer to Peer Warmline |
(505) 986-9633 | Presbyterian Community Mental Health |
(505) 988-1951 | Solace Crisis Treatment Center in Santa Fe |
(505) 438-0010 | The Lifelink |
(877) 565-8860 | Trans Lifeline |
IAIA Alcohol Policy
The Institute of American Indian Arts is a drug and alcohol-free campus. IAIA holds a two offense policy in respect to drug and alcohol abuse. Individuals in possession of, drug paraphernalia, using, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs on the IAIA campus will be in violation of the two offense policy. The IAIA will take disciplinary action against students, faculty or staff who use, distribute, are under the influence of, or possess illicit drugs or alcohol on the IAIA campus or during any IAIA student sponsored activities (on or off- campus) or who violate state, federal or IAIA alcohol and substance abuse laws and regulations.
Checkout the IAIA Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy along with the IAIA Alcohol and Drug Two Offense Policy and Student Code of Conduct section in the IAIA Student Handbook.
New Mexico Laws
Each state has different laws and penalties in regard to using alcohol. Here is a brief overview of New Mexico laws regarding alcohol:
- Minor in Possession of Alcohol: A minor (under 21) who buys, attempts to buy, possesses or permits himself to be served alcoholic beverages is subject to a fine, suspended license, and/or community service hours
- Presenting or Making a False ID: Using or possessing an altered, forged, or fictitious identification card is a misdemeanor; actually altering or forging an ID or driver’s license is a 4th degree felony
- Open Container: Drinking or having possession of an open container of alcohol (which includes packages of cans and bottles) while in a motor vehicle can lead to a fine, probation, and possible jail time
- Selling or Giving Alcohol to a Minor: Providing alcohol to a minor is a 4th degree felony, and is prohibited in restaurants, homes, and other private and public locations in New Mexico.
- DWI: Anyone who drives a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is subject to several fines. NM alcohol laws prohibit driving while intoxicated (DWI). It’s illegal for anyone age 21 or older to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. On the other hand, for those under 21, it’s 0.02% or higher.
New Mexico Community Survey (NMCS)
This survey is conducted throughout the state of New Mexico and at multiple colleges, including IAIA. Here you can find data that’s been collected to better understand how we can prevent substance abuse and its health and safety related consequences in our state. This information seeks to inform the New Mexico Human Services Department Behavioral Health Services Division to learn how to better support programs, providers, and policies, including our prevention program here at IAIA.
- NMCS 2020
- NMCS 2019
- NMCS 2018
Student Lifestyles Survey (SLS)
This survey is part of an ongoing effort to understand student lifestyles at IAIA. The voluntary participation in the IAIA Student Lifestyles Survey will provide answers to important questions about a wide range of health behaviors which students face. The topics include alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, and related policies.
Analysis is conducted by UNM Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP). If you have any questions about this research, you may contact Randall Starling, PhD, COSAP Program Manager, (505) 277-0360, UNM Office of the Institutional Review Board, (505) 277-2644, or IAIA Prevention Program Office at (505)424-5793.
- SLS 2018 Fall (Results Available Upon Request)
Our priority is to always put safety first for our students and community at IAIA. Since our website is open to the public and due to the sensitive nature of survey results we will not be posting a public link.
If you would like more information on the survey results, a request can be made and we would be happy to begin a dialogue with you. Please contact IAIA prevention office at prevention@iaia.edu.
Core Team

Madge Duus, MA, LMHC
(Navajo/Danish)
Mental Health Counselor
Specializing in Art Therapy
Student Life
P (505) 424-2336
E mduus@iaia.edu

Eliza Combs, MA, LPCC, ATR
Mental Health Counselor & Registered Art Therapist
Student Life
P (505) 424-5758
E eliza.combs@iaia.edu

Paul Moore
(Chickasaw)
Interim Dean
Student Life
P (505) 424-5704
E pmoore@iaia.edu