American Indian Student Services
American Indian Student Services promotes the enhancement of the American Indian
student experience at Metropolitan State University. AISS
supports the academic goals of American Indian students
through culturally sensitive advising and programming. AISS
links American Indian students to both the University and
the urban Indian community through appropriate referrals
to social, cultural and academic services.
American Indian Student Services monitors American Indian
student progress from admission to graduation. Students
receive regular updates on upcoming campus events and opportunities.
AISS helps students reach their academic goals through identification
of resources, creative problem solving, and intervention.
New students are invited to a Fall Orientation event to
orient them to American Indian and university resources.
Financial aid assistance is available, including review
of state Indian, tribal and university financial aid forms.
AISS may refer students to Laura Jensen, American Indian
liaison in the Financial Aid Office located at the Saint Paul campus, Founders
Hall 148.
AISS recognizes Metropolitan State's American Indian graduates
at the annual American Indian Graduation Ceremony, an event
that brings together all urban Indian higher education graduates.
AISS in a member of PAIR (Partners for American Indian
Retention), an urban Indian committee that meets to share
ideas and strategies for improving services to American
Indian students in higher education.
Along with VOICES, AISS sponsors American Indian storytelling
in the winter, American Indian events during American Indian
Month in May and other cultural programs.
Metropolitan State University is located in the Twin Cities,
home to one of the largest urban Indian communities in the
nation with over 75 organizations serving the social, health
and educational needs of the 16,000 or more American Indian
residents. Metropolitan State Indian students bring rich work experiences
from these organizations and are often able to receive academic
credit for prior learning. Students may also seek internship
experiences in urban Indian organizations.
VOICES (Voices of Indian Council for Educational Success),
the American Indian student organization, meets regularly
and promotes the recognition of American Indian students
on campus through cultural activities and social events
designed to bring American Indian students together.
On campus you will find an active American Indian community
linked by five full-time professional staff committed to
making Metropolitan State accessible to American Indian students.
- Jill Beaulieu-Wilkie (Leech Lake Ojibwe) is an adviser in
the College of Professional and Community Studies.
- Donald Bibeau (Leech Lake Ojibwe) is an assistant professor
in CPCS.
- Pauline Danforth (White Earth Ojibwe) is the director of Women's
Services.
- Joseph Flores (Chira caua Apache) is an advisor in the College
of Professional Studies.
- Renee Beaulieu-Banks is student services/American Indian liaison.
The American Indian Advisory Committee links the two communities
and is composed of urban Indian leaders, American Indian students
and alumni. AIAC advises AISS on all issues affecting American
Indian students at Metropolitan State. Interested American Indian
students and community members are welcome to attend their monthly
meetings.
Mail and Contact Information:
American Indian Student Services
Metropolitan State University
Multicultural Affairs
700 East 7th Street
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106-5000
Telephone: 612-793-1219
Email: Renee.BeaulieuBanks@metrostate.edu
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