Native American Cultural Center Project Implementation and Project

Board of Regents Meeting
August 5-6, 2010
Item #26
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Page 2 of 9
activities that support student recruitment and retention, while providing a point of
contact for students away from home. The Strategic Planning Council involved
500 members of the university community and external partners in preparing the
university Strategic Plan.
Currently more than 1,300 Native American students representing 62 tribes from
throughout the country are enrolled. The Native American Cultural Center will
provide a visible presence and will enhance the university’s ability to attract,
retain and graduate Native American students. The Center’s goals directly help
achieve two of the seven goals stated in the University’s strategic plan, including
Goal 6 “Foster a culture of diversity” and Goal 7 “Become the nation’s leading
university serving Native Americans.”
The Center will also focus upon the significance of native cultures in the past,
present, and future. Through the impact of its presence and programming, and
as a coordinating body for activities of interest to students, Native American
constituents, and the general community, the Native American Cultural Center
will underscore the vital role of cultural diversity and multi-cultural understanding
on campus and in the region. The Center will promote a community of students,
faculty, visiting scholars and tribal leaders.
The building will be available to all student clubs and organizations, and
scheduling will be accessible to the NAU community. Additionally, it is planned
the building will be available for community events.
Project Description and Scope:
The project includes offices, a kitchen, an outdoor patio and a central gathering
hall for lectures, student presentations, award ceremonies, cultural dances and
other events such as student orientation. Additionally, a student lounge and a
computer area are in close proximity to the student service staff and peer
mentors. A multi-purpose room and a double conference room for academic
programs, symposia, and meetings provide interactive space for collaborative
projects. Native American art will be featured throughout the new center, as will
student curated art exhibits. Native American Student Services will be housed in
this facility in keeping with the commitment to provide cultural integration for our
Native American population.
Development of this project included extensive programming and community
outreach efforts with a large cross section of user groups including campus and
the community at large. At the request of the donors, a Native American architect
was included on the design team to help support the overall programming and
design, and provide interpretation of the Native American cultural sensitivities.
The total project square footage of new construction is 12,549. The demolition of
the counseling facility will remove 7,891 square feet from the university’s square