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Student Success Center

Welcome to the Institute of American Indian Arts!

I am very pleased you have chosen the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) to pursue 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,

Nena Martinez Anaya, MAEd
Dean of Students
P (505) 424-2331
E nanaya@iaia.edu

Mission

The mission of the Student Success Center (SSC) is to provide a welcoming place and provide services to support the whole student (intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical).

Guiding Statement

The SSC provides a nourishing place for the services that strengthen our students’ ability to flourish and succeed.

Philosophy

We believe learners thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. We are committed to creating and sustaining an intentional space that fosters community and provides networks of academic and personal support.

Goals

  • To provide the tools and knowledge students need to succeed.
  • To serve as a model for other colleges in how to use evidence-based practices to retain and support the whole student.
  • To lead IAIA’s student retention effort.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Utilize and sustain an intentional space that is safe and supportive.
  • Develop a network of support within the SSC and across campus.
  • Apply tools and techniques acquired in SSC programs in appropriate academic and personal contexts.

Services

IAIA Student Shell Toledo enjoying the best part of her day during finals week—Blue Corn Mornings!

IAIA Student Shell Toledo enjoying the best part of her day during finals week—Blue Corn Mornings!

  • Orientation (Support for students’ transition to college)
  • Learning Lab
  • College Placement Testing
  • Mentoring
  • Student Accounts
  • Financial Aid
  • Career Services
  • Dual Credit
  • Early Alerts/Excessive Absences Alerts (Intervention for at-risk students each semester)
  • Disability Services
  • Financial Literacy Program
  • Emergency Aid Program
  • Internship Program
  • Veteran Enrollment Services
  • Community Food/Clothing Pantry
  • 15 to Finish Program
  • A comfortable, safe physical space that provides a cozy kitchen/living room environment
  • Support for students at midterm and finals

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e), your educational institution adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. This educational institution will not:

  • Prevent the student’s enrollment;
  • Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
  • Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
  • Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Nena Martinez Anaya

Nena Martinez Anaya

Dean of Students
P (505) 424-2331
E nanaya@iaia.edu

Brandon Morgan

Brandon Morgan

(Navajo)

Accounts Specialist
Student Services
P (505) 424-5732
E brandon.morgan@iaia.edu

Scott Whitaker

Scott Whitaker

Financial Aid Director
Student Success Center
P (505) 424-5724
E scott.whitaker@iaia.edu

Leah Boss

Leah Boss

(Laguna, Hopi, and Akimel O’Odham)

Financial Aid and Scholarship Advisor
Student Success Center
P (505) 424-5737
E lboss@iaia.edu

Art Ortega

Art Ortega

(Laguna and San Felipe Pueblos)

Student Success Advisor
Student Success Center
P (505) 424-5707
E art.ortega@iaia.edu

Lorissa Garcia

Lorissa Garcia

(Acoma Pueblo)

Interim Student Success Center Director
Student Success Center
P (505) 424-2307
E lorissa.garcia@iaia.edu

Ryan Young

Ryan Young

(Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe)

Director of Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility
Student Services
P (505) 424-2319
E ryoung@iaia.edu

Stephen Fadden

Stephen Fadden

Learning Lab Specialist
Student Success Center
E sfadden@iaia.edu

Matthew Fontis

Matthew Fontis

Learning Lab Specialist
Student Success Center
E matthew.fontis@iaia.edu