The College's commitment to diversification is evident in the increase of campus programs that attempt to address the special needs and interests of women and minority students.
The role and function of these organizations and programs are constantly debated. Critics say these types of groups only serve to divide the community. Others argue that these groups provide a base of support for students that better equips them to be a part of a diverse community.
One example of recent debate centered around an informal Women of Color support group. Critics said the group excludes non-minority women. Still, members praised the group for providing them with understanding shoulders to lean on.
Following is a list of some of the organizations and programs that primarily serve specific slices of the Dartmouth community, but most are open to the general campus.
Afro-American Society
The Afro-American Society is the College's black students' association which provides ongoing programs designed to meet the special needs of black students at Dartmouth.
Besides organizing guest lectures and special social events, the organization also provides some academic assistance. Its building, Cutter-Shabazz Hall, contains a library specializing in black studies and provides housing for 27 upperclass students.
The AAm was founded by a few black students in the 1960s and today has a membership of more than 200 students. Although the AAm primarily serves the needs and special interests of black students, its meetings and activities are open to all members of the Dartmouth community.
Gay and Lesbian Organization
The Dartmouth area Gay and Lesbian Organization provides information, support and discussion opportunities for gay and lesbian students and those questioning their sexuality. DaGLO also tries to promote awareness in the whole Dartmouth community of the issues and concerns facing homosexuals. Some of DaGLO's activities and services include an annual drag queen ball during Winter Carnival and a telephone support hotline to help answer questions.
Dartmouth Asian Organization
The Dartmouth Asian Organization is the College's Asian students organization. Its purpose is to serve as a center for social and intellectual interaction among Asian-Americans and Asian students. Activities in the past have included dinners, informal gatherings, seminars, movies and special Chinese New Year parties. Membership is open to the entire Dartmouth community.
The Asian Studies Center provides a cultural, social and academic environment for students interested in studying Asian languages and cultures. A faculty member lives in the house along with eight upperclass students.
Dartmouth Hillel
The Dartmouth Hillel is the College's Jewish students' organization, which serves as a center for Jewish religious, cultural and educational activities at the College. Regular activities include Shabbat services, Shabbat dinners, Passover dinners, speakers, study groups, films and brunches. The Hillel center is not an actual temple, but services are held there, except during the more prominent holidays.
The Hillel apartments, located in Maxwell Hall, offer housing to a maximum of eight upperclass students who wish to incorporate Jewish culture and observance into their daily lives through keeping kosher, speaking Hebrew and practicing Jewish customs.
Hillel welcomes all members of the community to attend its various activities.
International Students
The College's international students' association offers residence to five upperclass students. Its purpose is to promote an awareness of the international community at the College.
It also provides social activities and other services to the College. In the past, ISA has organized dinners, films, cultural shows, receptions for foreign visitors and special lectures. Membership is open to the entire Dartmouth community.
The International Office advises, supports and provides services, activities and programs for international students, faculty and visitors at the College.
The International Office also serves as a resource center for international students. Information regarding U.S. taxes, employment eligibility, visas, travel within the U.S. and how to obtain social security numbers and a U.S. driver's license can be obtained from the office.
KASA
The Korean-American Students Association's purpose is to promote a greater awareness and understanding of the Korean heritage , culture, language and concerns in the Dartmouth community. Activities in the past have included seminars, panels and the production of a Korean fan dance on Korean culture night.
La Alianza Latina and La Casa
La Alianza Latina is the College's Hispanic students' organization. Its purpose is to bring together people interested in Latin cultures, studies and languages at the College to actively promote an awareness of Latin American culture on campus. It also provides a support network to Latin students on campus.
La Casa provides a cultural, academic and social center for students interested in studying Latino, Latin American, Spanish and Portuguese cultures and languages. A faculty member resides in the house with 11 upperclass students.
Mellon Research Grants
The Mellon Research grants were created to encourage minority college students to enter the professional field of academics. Research proposals are submitted by the students themselves and grants are awarded on a competitive basis.
Native Americans at Dartmouth
Native Americans at Dartmouth is the College's Native American students' association. It attempts to serve the needs of Native American students and to act as their official representative at the College. NAD promotes Native American cultural heritage through social and cultural activities. Non-Native Americans are welcome to join and participate in the organization. The Native American Program is concerned primarily with the academic and personal counseling of Native American students.
The Program also assists NAD in its activities, working with the Admissions Office in recruitment, overseeing the Native American House and sponsoring cultural programs that help educate the Dartmouth community about the issues and concerns of the Native people.
The Native American House serves as a cultural, social and academic center for Native American and other Dartmouth students. It also has space to house five upperclass students.
Spare Rib
A literary publication dedicated to promoting awareness of women and women's issues, Spare Rib is published once a term.
Untamed Shrews
The theater group is composed of women students who write, produce and act out pieces about women and women's issues. Many of its shows are performed in residence halls.
Women in Science Project
The Women in Science Project seeks to encourage women to continue their interests in science, math and engineering. Sponsored research internships give first-year women an opportunity to work with a faculty member doing hands-on research. WISP also offers study groups, academic assistance, field trips, female scientist role models and an upper-level peer mentor program.
