American Indian Studies Becomes a Department at the UW
March 19, 2009 Seattle— The Board of Regents at the University of Washington approved a proposal to elevate American Indian Studies (AIS) in the College of Arts & Sciences to departmental status. The Regents’ action acknowledges the quality of the unit and results in no additional costs for the College.
“The creation of this department demonstrates our commitment to diversity and provides students with the unique ability to learn about American Indian cultures and customs through an interdisciplinary approach,” stated Ana Mari Cauce, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Cauce further indicated that the move by the Board of Regents is recognition of the accomplishments and dedication of the faculty and students in American Indian Studies,
Although AIS classes have been offered at the UW since 1970, the creation of the department will help strengthen existing relationships with tribal leaders in the area and attract prospective students wishing to major in AIS. The University of Washington ranks among the top twenty-five American Indian-serving universities in terms of the number of Native undergraduate and graduate students. Students who choose to major in AIS will take a selection of courses related to history, contemporary Indian issues, art, and the American Indian aesthetic and world view. These students actively participate in the American Indian community and culture by hosting Powwows each year and participating in the Native Voices Film Festival.
“This is an important and momentous movement on behalf of the Board of Regents for American Indian people and studies,” says American Indian Studies Chair, Tom Colonnese. “It demonstrates a web of support that doesn’t exist at just any university and sends a strong message to students about the importance of their study and degree.”
The newly created department currently has 9 faculty members, several of whom celebrated recent achievements. On March 9, 2009, Marvin Oliver, renowned artist, received the Best of Classification award from the prestigious Heard Museum for his sculpture, “War Helmets from Past to Present,” Charlotte Cote, was promoted to associate professor, Deana Dartt-Newton joined the faculty as a new assistant professor and curator of Native art at the Burke Museum, and Sasha Harmon, associate professor, recently published a new edited collection, The Power of Promises: Perspectives on Pacific Northwest Indian Treaties.
About American Indian Studies
The development of an American Indian Studies (AIS) Center at the University of Washington began in 1970 following student protests calling for more diversity in the University’s curriculum, faculty, staff and students. Both Indian and non-Indian faculty were involved with the center from departments including Anthropology, Art, English, History, Sociology, and Political Science, as well as the Burke Museum.
The goals of the AIS Center included increasing Native American student recruitment and retention; creating courses that address every major area of Native American life and history; attracting new Native American faculty; and creating a place for Native American students on campus.
The next decade was a period of program expansion, with nearly 30 American Indian part-time and full-time faculty teaching courses in departments that supported the Center, and American Indian student growth from 125 to 500 students. In 1982, the AIS Center established a formal affiliation with the Department of Anthropology, which lasted until 2003 when AIS was made an independent program.
About The College of Arts and Sciences
The University of Washington College of Arts and Sciences provides an education of tremendous breadth and depth to more than 25,000 students while advancing research in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. With more than 6,000 classes offered in the College annually, students can study everything from art to physics. More than 70% of all University bachelor’s degrees and nearly 30% of all PhD degrees are from the College. Additionally, undergraduates who are pursuing non-Arts and Sciences degrees take 40% of their credits in the College.
The College has more than two dozen interdisciplinary centers and ties to many other centers, enabling scholars in diverse fields to collaborate on complex research questions in the humanities, demography, labor studies, law, astrobiology, climate change and other areas.
The College teaches more than 40 languages and offers study abroad programs in London, Rome, Paris, Prague, Spain, Mexico, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and other locations.
All of the University’s arts units – the Schools of Music, Art, and Drama, the Dance Program, Digital Arts and Experimental Medial (DXARTS), the Henry Art Gallery, the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, UW World Series, and Meany Hall for the Performing Arts – are part of the College. They offer more than 280 performances, 60 exhibits, and 100 public programs annually.
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