Native Student Outreach Day seeks to recruit students

Native Student Outreach Day seeks to recruit studentsApril 13, 2005Sara Millersemortim@syr.edu

With the goal of recruiting more Native American students to attend colleges, including Syracuse University, and to give insight into the application process, financial aid and college life in general, SU will hold its second annual Native Student Outreach Day on Saturday, April 16. Native American high school students from across New York will participate in information sessions, a mock debate and campus tours, and are invited to attend a men’s lacrosse game at the Carrier Dome.

Current freshmen and sophomores at other colleges and universities, high school guidance counselors and parents have also been invited to attend. Odie Porter, assistant provost in SU’s Office of Academic Affairs and coordinator of the event, expects approximately 100 participants for the day.

“This is an important day to showcase the University’s foundation event for young Native men and women aspiring for success in higher education,” says Porter, who is a Seneca. “We have an unparalleled opportunity to initiate the process of discovery and make these students feel comfortable enough to take risks, try new things and grow as a result.”

Presentations for the students include: “What you should consider when choosing and applying to college,” presented by David C. Smith, vice president of enrollment management and emissary to the Haudenosaunee, comprised of the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora nations. Other sessions include presentations by faculty, staff and students on financial aid, academics and the Native American Studies program in The College of Arts and Sciences. Students will also have the chance to debate their views following a lecture presented by the Center for Indigenous Law, Governance and Citizenship. At the conclusion of the day, participants are invited to attend the SU men’s lacrosse game against Rutgers University at 3 p.m.