American Indians
Academic
Native American Studies provides a point of academic focus and identity for American Indians and allows students the flexibility of taking part in a community-oriented education. The L&S Reading and Composition requirement can be fulfilled by Native American Studies R1A and R1B (ethnicstudies.berkeley.edu/nas; 506 Barrows Hall; 510/642-6613).

The Native American Studies Collection is part of the Ethnic Studies Library in 30 Stephens Hall (eslibrary.berkeley.edu; 510/643-1234; John D. Berry, jberry@library.berkeley.edu; 510/642-0941).

The American Indian Graduate Program uses outreach, individual recruitment, and student services to counteract the barriers to full participation of American Indian and Alaska Native students in graduate programs at Berkeley. The program also works to advance the University’s mission of fostering academic excellence through diversity (grad.berkeley.edu/aigp; aigp@berkeley.edu; 510/642-3228).

Student groups
Student organizations include the Intertribal Student Council (which hosts an annual Powwow in the spring); the American Indian Graduate Student Association (AIGSA); the American Indian Graduate Science and Engineering Society (AIGSES); the Native American Law Students Association; and the Native American Recruitment and Retention Center (NARRC). Check with Campus Life and Leadership for more information (studentorgs.berkeley.edu).

Scholarships
The Morris K. Udall Scholarship provides $5000 per year to outstanding sophomores and juniors who either plan to pursue careers in environmental policy or who are Native American, Alaska Native, or Pacific Islander, and are planning to pursue careers in health care or tribal public policy. Applicants must be US citizens with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applications are due in early February (scholarships.berkeley.edu; Scholarship Connection, 301B Campbell Hall; 510/643-6929).

Support
The California Alumni Association (CAA) Cal Mentorship Program grants UC Berkeley students access to an online database where students may select one or more Cal alumni members as a mentor. Search criteria include: career experience, cultural identity, area of study, campus group affiliation, and more (alumni.berkeley.edu/mentor).

Native American Recruitment and Retention Center (NARRC) helps Native American elementary and secondary students in Northern California plan and prepare to attend college, and assists Native American students at Cal with academic programs. NARRC members work as tutors, coordinators, and retention counselors (narrc.berkeley.edu; 510/642-2842).

Native American Student Orientation is held during the first or second week of the fall semester. New graduate and undergraduate students can meet other American Indians, including faculty and staff, and learn about support services. In the spring, there is also a reception for continuing students to touch base with other students, faculty, and staff (510/643-7876).

Student Life Advising Services/Educational Opportunity Program (SLAS/EOP) staff are key University resources for African American, Chicano/Latino, and Native American students. Our primary goal is to empower students from culturally diverse backgrounds to achieve academic excellence. SLAS/EOP makes every effort to provide students with the skills required to succeed at Berkeley and beyond. In a welcoming environment and through a holistic, multicultural approach, we assist students with balancing personal responsibilities and the academic demands of UC Berkeley. Students receive help with course selection, choosing a major, fulfilling requirements, exploring career options, and preparing for life after Cal. Contact SLAS/EOP for more information (slas.berkeley.edu; 119 Cesar Chavez Student Center; 510/642-7224).

Housing
Native American Theme Program is a residence for students with an academic interest in Native American culture, community, history, arts and politics. For housing applications and more information, check online or contact the Office of Student Development, Native American Theme Program (themeprograms.berkeley.edu/natp.html; 2610 Channing Way; 510/642-3213).