Some students have been vocal about adding the discipline.
By JAMIE OPPENHEIM
joppenheim@mercedsun-star.com
The fruits of Sean Lambert-Diaz's labor have finally paid off. The UC Merced junior began pushing for a Chicano studies minor during his freshman year in 2007-2008, after sending a letter to the school's history department requesting it hire a Chicano historian. Now a junior, Lambert-Diaz finally has what he wanted -- a Chicano studies minor.
The school will also offer three other new minors this fall. UC Merced students can minor in chemical sciences and environmental sciences and sustainability, both offered though the School of Natural Sciences. Minors in Chicano studies and public health will be offered through the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts.
"It's a relief for me because of the hard work I put in," Lambert-Diaz said. "I hope it not only encourages students to minor in Chicano studies, I hope it pushes students to push for their own minor, like African American studies."
The push for Chicano studies was the most organized student-led effort to lobby for a minor, according to UC Merced officials.
Earlier this year, students pushing for the Chicano studies minor held teach-ins on the school's quad to raise awareness about the issue.
"There has been great interest from students in adding these programs to our university," said Mark Aldenderfer, dean of the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts. "With an underlying emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, we think these minors will help produce well-rounded graduates with knowledge that will benefit them in the next chapter of their lives."
Here are the details of all four new minors:
The chemical sciences minor will require students to gain an understanding of concepts and theoretical principles in chemistry and its various subfields, such as analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.
Students choosing to minor in environmental science and sustainability will learn to gather and report environmental data. They will also analyze information on environmental quality and recommend appropriate technical, environmental policy decisions.
The Chicano studies minor will have students develop an understanding of the role that race and ethnicity plays in shaping the experiences of different ethnic groups in the United States, but specifically Chicanos. Students will also focus on the various changes in immigration policy, identity, language and social and cultural practices.
The public health minor will require students to take courses in natural and social sciences and humanities. The program emphasizes a focus on health disparities in different economic and ethnic groups.
Reporter Jamie Oppenheim can be reached at (209)385-2407 or joppenheim@merecdsun-star.com.
UC Merced designated Hispanic-serving institution
The University of California, Merced is in line for additional federal money to serve its large population of Latino students.
UC Merced officials said Friday the campus has been designated as a "Hispanic-Serving Institution" by the U.S. Department of Education.
Merced joins Riverside as the second UC campus to get the designation, which goes to schools where Hispanics make up at least 25 percent of undergraduates.
The designation makes UC Merced eligible for funding for student support services, faculty development, campus renovation and other purposes.
Campus officials say its undergraduates are 32 percent Hispanic, 33 percent Asian, 22 percent Caucasian and seven percent black.
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