Welcome to Fort Lewis College!

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A great learning experience awaits you as a Native American student enrolled at Fort Lewis College. The college has a rich history of educating Native American students, and continues to uphold this commitment with programs and activities to honor American Indians' culture.

The Native American Center

The Native American Center offers academic advising, academic monitoring, referrals for tutoring, assistance with financial aid processes and applications, personal counseling, internship and graduate school application assistance, special workshops and more.

The Native American Center's mission is to promote the academic success of Native American students, and to advance cultural appreciation on the Fort Lewis campus and within the Four Corners community. The Native American Center (formerly called the Intercultural Center), located on the bottom floor of the Miller Student Center, is a friendly gathering place and information center for Native American students. Students come to the Center to study, socialize, receive academic support and use computers. The Fort Lewis College Native American clubs and organizations meet at the Center, and it is the site of many social and cultural events. Equipped with a kitchen, the Center is well-suited for our many potlucks, cookouts and other events.

The Native American Center provides a supportive environment to Native American students who are faced with the challenges of education in a multi-cultural society. Individual assistance and group workshops address the needs and personal development of students.

In coordination with other college departments, the Native American Center offers academic services, student services, community services, social experiences, and cultural activities. Faculty from various departments on campus hold office hours in the Native American Center to provide assistance to students.

Survival Hints for a Smooth
Transition to Fort Lewis College

Paperwork to bring with you:

Letter of Admission from FLC

Certificate of degree of Indian blood

Immunization records

Your children's records (evaluations, immunization, degree of Indian blood) if you are bringing them

Financial Aid file, including copies of FLC financial aid certification, tribal scholarship correspondence, and a log with dates, names of people you talked to and information obtained

Tax records (yours or your parents if you're still a dependent)

Phone numbers of your tribal offices and emergency numbers for contacts at home

All correspondence with the college

Having these documents will help you resolve any administrative problems that may arise.

Money Suggestions:
Even though Fort Lewis College waives the tuition fee for tribally-enrolled Native American students, you will have all the other expenses of college to take care of. Bring $250 to $400 (more if you're living off campus) cash with you. Even if you have complete financial aid, you will not receive your money until classes start. You will need money immediately for laundry, rental deposits, books and supplies. If you are a first-time borrower, you may not receive your money for one to two weeks after you arrive on campus.
Book vouchers are available through the Accounts Receivable Office to students who have been awarded financial aid but have not received their money yet.
First-time freshmen students are required to live on campus. Otherwise, if you are planning to live off campus, be aware that housing is very limited and expensive in Durango. Students are encouraged to live on campus. Apartment housing is available for families and non-traditional age students. Applications for on-campus housing are available in early January for the following school year. Apply for housing early. Contact the Off-Campus Housing Office at 970-247-7511 for a list of rental property managers. Please do not arrive for the first week of classes without a place to stay or money in your pocket.

Other Hints:
Budget your money. Don't spend all your financial aid Aextra@ on music, parties, friends, cars, etc. You will need your money later. If you have extra, put it away in a bank. It will be several months before you receive money again.
If your study skills (i.e., note-taking, reading or writing) are weak, get help immediately. You are not the only student who may need support. Many first-time students need help with their study skills. We can help you find offices on campus that will help you.
You may be asked to send money home. This is a hard decision, but you must take care of your financial responsibilities at school. If your family needs help at home, try to use other agencies in your community to help them.
If you plan on getting a part-time job, ask us about employment opportunities and check the Durango Herald newspaper and bulletin boards. The Career Services Office also has a listing of job openings.
Use your time wisely. Balance your priorities, allowing yourself time to study, work and play. Set timelines for your major class projects. If you need assistance with time management, we can help.

College Checklist:
Completed admission application sent to FLC (you cannot be admitted without this)
Certificate of Indian blood
Financial aid need analysis
Financial aid verification form
Housing confirmation letter
Registration verification
Immunization records (you cannot register without these on file in the Student Health Center)
Final high school transcript sent to FLC
For additional information contact:

Native American Center
Fort Lewis College
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, CO 81301-3999
970-247-7221

or

Office of Admission and Development
Fort Lewis College
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, CO 81301-3999
970-247-7184
World Wide Web: http://www.fortlewis.edu

Fort Lewis College does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex, veteran status or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its education programs or activities. Inquiries concerning Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) may be referred to the Affirmative Action Director, Fort Lewis College, 970-247-7666 or to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204, 303-844-5695.