Parents' Newsletter - November 2007

In this issue:

• Letter from the President, Dr. Stuart C. Kirk
• Staff Spotlight: Yorgun Marcel
• CSF's Peer Educators
• Campus Life Calendar

Send us your feedback or suggestions: parents@csf.edu
Sign up to receive our alumni magazine Vistas: alumni@csf.edu

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From the President's Office

During my five months as president of CSF, I've discovered many things about our campus and people - there is a wealth of talent among our students, faculty and staff; we have a truly committed Board of Trustees; and our creative arts programs are some of the strongest in the nation. I also learned that my primary challenge right now - our primary challenge - is financial. To meet this challenge, we are focusing on enrollment growth, fundraising and other strategies that will return us to solid financial footing and secure our important niche in higher education. Some of the areas we will dedicate our energy to are:

Enrollment

This fall, we welcomed the largest freshman class in eight years. Nearly 175 first-year students arrived, a significant increase over last year's class of 156, and 129 in 2005. The faculty has informed me that this year's class is particularly engaged and serious about its studies.

Athletics

You may have heard by now of our recent decision to re-establish the college's athletic department with the introduction of an NAIA Division II sports program. Several alumni donors have volunteered to underwrite the expenses of the program's first year in 2008, when we will introduce men's and women's soccer, tennis and golf, as well as men's baseball and women's softball teams. We anticipate that this addition of non-scholarship athletics will bring $800,000 in new income for CSF, after expenses, due to increased tuition revenue. Over time, this income could grow to $4.5 million per year for the college to use to fund an array of programs.

Most importantly for our students, I believe that athletics cultivate dedication, teamwork, resourcefulness and passion - skills they can use in college as well as in their adult lives, careers and creative endeavors.

International Recruitment

As another facet of increased enrollment, we've recently begun working with recruitment professionals in international markets to attract students from around the world. International students will bring different perspectives and life experiences to campus, helping broaden all students' understanding of other cultures and open doors to more diversity of thought. Recruitment of international students will also increase our tuition income, since the majority pay the full amount and do not qualify for financial aid.

Website Redesign

Significant funding from a donor has made possible a major redesign of the CSF website, our best most cost-effective marketing tool. We're in the assessment phase of the project at this time; plans include methods to showcase more creative work by students and faculty and make more prominent the dynamic history and culture of Santa Fe, New Mexico, the second largest art market and oldest capital city in the United States. Parents will always be a priority of the website: the new design will of course continue to provide information about curriculum requirements, housing and students services, financial aid, and other important areas.

As always, please don't hesitate to contact me or any other member of the CSF administration with any concerns or questions.

Thank you,

Stuart C. Kirk
President, College of Santa Fe

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Staff Spotlight: Yorgun Marcel, Director of Student Activities

Where were you born?

I was born in Abidjan, Cote d' Ivoire, West Africa (formerly known as the Ivory Coast).

Where have you lived?

I have lived in Cote d'Ivoire, New York, Vienna (Austria), Yaounde (Cameroon), Paris, France, Austinburg (Ohio), Los Angeles, St. Cloud Minnesota.

How many languages do you speak?

French, English and German.

What is your highest degree achieved?

I have a Masters of Science in International Communications.

How did you get into working in Higher Ed?

Oddly enough, it started out through my desire to create a radio station on the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills where I was a student. This led to me running for a position on the student government, which led to increasing responsibility within that organization, and eventually led to a love of all thing student affairs.

About Your Job At CSF

How would you describe what you do?

Student Activities is all about making sure students find worthwhile opportunities to socialize on campus. When successful, our events help to create a stronger sense of community that hopefully reflects who are students are, and what they are about. Ultimately, what I do is support the student culture, help it grow and take shape. Within this vision, the Student Programming Board, which helps with the planning and implementation of our events, play a significant role in keeping us relevant in what we offer the student body, while at the same time developing skills as event technicians and event planners by taking on responsibilities at various levels of planning an event. I also provide planning and logistical support to the Peer Educators, advise the Student Government, the Special events Funding Committee, oversee clubs and orgs registration, supervise the Channel 53 student staff, and plan out Fall and Spring Orientation. This often leads to long and odd hours, and significant commitment on weekends and late nights.

What do you enjoy most about working at CSF?

Never a dull moment. Working with a vibrant student population forces me to constantly reinvent and evaluate what we do and how we do it. I am constantly forced to look at things form a different perspective.

What do you like most about working with college students?

Seeing them develop as they start out as shy, quiet freshmen who grow into strong confident individuals ready to take on the world. They are also a constant reminder of why I got involved in Student Affairs. I am never to far removed from why I think this job is important.

What would you consider to be your most successful event this year?

So far, I would have to say that the D Numbers and Voxtrot concerts were amongst our most successful in terms of attendance. Additionally, I think the Peer Education program has shown significant growth in becoming a stronger presence within the CSF community.

Do you have a favorite CSF memory?

Several: on many occasions students have thanked my student staff or myself for an event that we organized'those are always the memories I revert to when dealing with tough times. Tells me that ultimately, we are making an impact.

If you attended CSF today as a student, what would be your major and how would you choose to get involved in campus life?

I would probably be an MOV major, seeing as how I majored in Television and Film for my Bachelors at Cal State Dominguez Hills. I would probably end up getting involved in student government because I just can't shut up when I see something that I believe is wrong'and at the same time, I believe you have to put up or shut up.

More about Yorgun...

What inspires you?

Passion -- it's contagious and can tear down walls or build fortresses.

Favorite sound?

Sound of the crowd at the Stade Velodorme of Marseille (South of France) when the home team scores a goal.

Favorite word?

Peace.

Least favorite word?

Can't.

Best thing about living in Santa Fe?

Great food, awesome culture and landscape.

Talent you feel you do not have, but would like to have?

The ability to build things with my own hands.

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Meet CSF's Peer Educators

Benny, Alex, Halley, Alanna and Kelsy

Benny Briseno, Houston, TX. Senior, Musical Theatre. Year(s) as peer educator: 1. Specialty: healthy lifestyles.

Alex Matzke, Gothenburg, Nebraska. Senior, Digital Media in Art Therapy (self-designed major). Year(s) as peer educator: 2. Specialty: Lead Peer Educator.

Alanna Offield, Breckenridge, TX. Sophomore, Creative Writing. Year(s) as peer educator: 1. Specialty: drug and alcohol education.

Halley van der Kamp, Santa Rose, CA. Senior, Moving Image Arts (with a minor in Creative Writing). Year(s) as peer educator: 1. Specialty: alcohol awareness and homesickness.

Kelsy Waggaman, Junior, BFA, Inter-media Arts. Year(s) as peer educator: 1. Specialty: LGBTQ issues and anti-oppression training.

Introduction

What exactly is a Peer Educator?

Our job is a little different then you might think, we're not tutors (that's a peer mentor). We're here to provide information and referrals on other topics.

We believe that our peers are more likely to seek information from their peers, and so we are here to willingly provide the information you seek, and along the way, discover some answers for ourselves.

We specialize in teaching about topics like safe sex, STD's, stress, sleep deprivation, healthy (and not-so-healthy) relationships, depression, and much more.

Our philosophy is to teach without bias, listen well, and refer to more knowledgeable sources when necessary.

How to spot a Peer Educator? Look for the purple shirts!

Why did you want to become a Peer Educator?

Benny: To help the student population (especially incoming students) feel comfortable on campus. To answer questions for them and point them in the right directions.

Alex: I wanted to become a Peer Educator so I could work directly with students, but I didn't want to be responsible for an entire hall (like an RA). I also wanted to plan events, but on the more educational side. So the events had a point, so to speak.

Alanna: As someone who had personally been through the issues and problems that addiction has, I thought I could help other students dealing with addiction and life after it. I saw a need for more drug and alcohol education on campus.

Halley: In order to be a support for students. I've spent four years here and have been so thankful for all the support I've been given. I felt like becoming a Peer Educator was an amazing way to give back to the community. It also is a chance for me to help students with many of the issues that I've dealt with during my time here.

Kelsy: To have leadership support with peers who are equally passionate about creating a healthy CSF community.

What's the best thing about being a Peer Educator?

Benny: Getting to know both students and staff and having them work together for events.

Alex: I got a call a few weeks ago, a freshman student I am acquainted with was at a party and needed a ride home. They called me because they didn't feel like they could trust anyone at the party. I'm not looking to start a taxi service (ha ha), but knowing that I had done something as a Peer Educator and a fellow student to gain their trust was a really rewarding feeling.

Alanna: Knowing that I am making positive changes in my community and also, I get to wear a really cool purple shirt!

Halley: The great group of people I get to work with. Also the amazing sense of having an effect on the campus.

Kelsy: Access to resources, planning educational opportunities, and the education about institutional process for getting things done. Also, being someone who students come to for information.

What kind of impact do you believe being a Peer Educator has had on your personal growth and development as a student at CSF and as an individual in society?

Benny: Sometimes we deal with issues that are considered non-mainstream and can be construed as thinking - outside the box.' Because of this, we have had to explain and sometimes defend these issues to students and staff. Being a straight male, this has been a huge opportunity for me with getting to learn about all sorts of these things.

Alex: The ability to plan ahead, and see through an event to the end. This I believe will translate to life after college. Projects and events for work, or even life.

Alanna: Personally, what I have learned from the other Peer Educators has changed how I view and how I act in the community. I feel empowered even more to speak up about a lot of different issues, and I feel capable of making a change.

Halley: It has taught me patience and the ability to take control of a situation. I've also learned so much about a wide variety of issues both of which affect me and my view of the world.

Kelsy: It's very challenging! As a student and individual in the CSF community, it has made me take more responsibility for my actions, choices, and words.

What kind of training have you received?

Benny: Yorgun is a genius on how to approach and deal with people on different issues. He has taught me how to haggle and bring prices down for event spending.

Alex: We as Peer Educators designed our own training this summer. We chose topics that were important to our students in the context of college and the City of Santa Fe. We decided that the topics of Rape, Sex Education, Drug/Alcohol Education, Equality, and Security were the most important to our students.

Alanna: All summer we worked on educating each other on our specific areas of interest and bringing people in to teach us further.

Halley: We spent the summer planning and receiving lectures from a wide variety of people. We also received CPR training and had an intensive weekend where we go a lot of information from people like the Rape Crisis Center and an emotional counselor.

Kelsy: Education about drug and alcohol abuse, sex education, physical/mental abuse, and more information about issues that effect diversity.

What do you hope to accomplish this year?

Benny: Having the students understand why the Peer Educators are here and have them know that we are very approachable.

Alex: This semester was supposed to be the "Year of the Peer Educator." Meaning that we wanted to be a lot more visible on campus to the students and the faculty/staff. Really get the word out about who we are, what we do, and the events we're having.

Alanna: Getting students active! Getting students out of their rooms and getting them interested in making changes in their community and themselves.

Halley: I want to be able to educate the campus community on ideas of alcohol awareness and making a comfortable transition into college. I also want to feel like I've had an effect on at least one person during the year.

Kelsy: Educate students about gender, sexuality, and orientation issues to the point where students stop saying - fag' and other hurtful words. That's the goal.

What has been your most successful program/event? Why?

Benny: I have a feeling that the hypnotist event that is coming up will be very fruitful for the students. Because of the comedy and the change to become a better student through hypnosis. It's intereting.

Alex: I actually feel like orientation was a HUGE success this year. We spent the entire summer planning, learning and I think it was improved immensely.

Halley: Well, my event hasn't occurred yet, but I'm hoping the Mock Prom will be very successful. So successful in fact that it will be an event that can be repeated in future years.

Kelsy: The anti-oppression training that we held. A large audience of diverse students showed up to the event.

What advice do you give to new students entering CSF?

Benny: Stay strong and always have your own voice that should be heard.

Alex: Something my dad told me when I was in High School, "Be good, have fun, try to do both." It's college, this is a time to grow and experiment. But be safe, know your limits, and learn about yourself.

Alanna: Don't be stupid! Think about the choices you are making and their consequences. Also, get involved! Campus is only boring when you sit in your room.

Halley: Take advantage of every opportunity that you are presented with. You can have an effect on this campus. Make sure your voice is heard. Your are in charge here.

Kelsy: Get out of your bubble and do something that makes you feel uncomfortable!

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Campus Life Calendar

November	3	Outdoor Recreation Program: Day Hike to Tent Rocks. Concert Series: Pillars & Tongues
	5	Spring 2008 registration begins
	8	Concert Series: Mad Hapy: Beatpop from NYC/Florida
	9	Beyond the Lecture Series: High Country News: Healing the Rift, Healing the Land - The environmental movement is responsible for some of the most groundbreaking legislation of our time, including the Clean Air and Water Acts, the Endangered Species Act, the Wilderness Act, and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Consequently, this movement has been seen as the enemy of rural land-based communities, whose hand-to-mouth economies subsist on the use of diminishing natural resources - and environmentalists have returned the animosity with equal venom. Today, changing realities are bringing these traditionally warring communities together, and each side is recognizing the value of the other in fighting the greater enemy: corporate development of our public lands. Join High Country News publisher Paul Larmer, Taos Land Trust Director Ernie Atencio, and Forest Guardians Executive Director John Horning for a discussion on this burgeoning new cultural and political movement.
	10	Outdoor Recreation Program: Overnight Campout. Peer Educators: Time Management Seminar
	13	Concert Series: Rochester Road
	16	Last day to withdraw with a "W". Student Event: Hypnotist Rusty Z
	16-18	The Seagull - play by Anton Chekhov, directed by Clare Davidson
	17	Outdoor Recreation Program: Day Hike. Student Event: Dark Side of Oz
	21	Thanksgiving Eve; college closes at noon; E&W classes and CSF Albuquerque classes will be held
	22-23	Thanksgiving Holiday; college closed; no classes (Campus Housing remains open. Food Service available.)
	30	Concert Series: Bela Karoli. The Seagull - play by Anton Chekhov, directed by Clare Davidson. Vision Day: prospective students visit campus
December	1-2	The Seagull - play by Anton Chekhov, directed by Clare Davidson
	4	Beyond the Lecture Series: Sudha Shetty: And Justice For All - If America truly envisions a world at peace with itself and its neighbors, what changes must occur in our political, legal and moral landscapes - and what role do women play in actualizing this goal? Join lawyer and activist Sudha Shetty, director of the international Fellowship Program at the University of Minnesota, for a discussion of these issues as she weaves in her own story as an Indian immigrant. Shetty is the recipient of the 2006 Equal Justice Works Award, the 2005 NALP Award of Distinction in Pro Bono and Public Service, and is the chair of Chaya, a grassroots South Asian domestic violence prevention organization.
	7	DFC Fitness Marathon Night (massages, snacks, and fun activities)
	10	Reading Day; no traditional classes. Study Break: Annual Pancake Flip
	11-14	Final Exams
	14	Traditional Fall semester ends
	15	Residence halls close at noon (Campus apartments remain open during winter break.)
	25-31	Christmas Holiday; college closed
January	2	New Year's Holiday; college closed
	18	New student orientation begins; campus housing opens
	21	Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday; college closed; no classes
	22	Traditional classes begin; add/drop period begins
	28	Last day to add classes

College of Santa Fe - 1600 St. Michael's Drive, Santa Fe NM 87505
(800) 456-2673 or (505) 473-6133 * Fax: (505) 473-6127 * admissions@csf.edu