Native American Studies: Facilities

Native American Visiting Committee

The Native American Visiting Committee, Spring, 2000
on a visit to Native American Studies

The Native American Visiting Committee, first commissioned in 1974, is essentially an oversight advisory committee which annually evaluates all activities associated with the Native American community at Dartmouth College. The initial charge of the NAVC was to help Dartmouth reach and maintain its goal of offering one of the best college programs for Native American students in the United States. The NAVC membership has changed over the years, but usually consists of six to eight individuals who are selected through an internal appointment process, and each serve a four year term. For the most part, each individual on the committee has a unique connection to Dartmouth--many of them being alumni of the College. The committee arrives on campus once a year, usually during the Spring term Pow Wow weekend. They spend up to two days in meetings, observing classes, and conducting one-on-one interviews with faculty, staff, administrators and students to assess how well Dartmouth is doing and to listen to issues and problems that are of concern. One of the primary areas of business they have is the annual admissions report to assure Dartmouth admits a healthy number of Native American students. They also monitor the Native American Studies program to evaluate its progress and the Native American Program office and its work in supporting the cultural and academic concerns and retention of our Native American students. After a careful fact finding visit, they write an evaluation report which they present to the President of the College with recommendations. The NAVC is unique to Dartmouth and the College has found it to be a very important component of maintaining our lead, and keeping abreast of change and progress in the field of Native American higher education.