Inside Higher Education ~ May 11, 2015
The University of Northern Colorado announced Friday that it is resuming admissions into its Mexican-American studies program and a related program to train high school teachers to provide instruction in the field. The university suspended admissions to the programs in March, prompting numerous protests from Latino students and others who said that this area of study was crucial. Administrators questioned whether enough students were enrolling, but Friday's announcement said that the administration and relevant faculty members agreed on a plan to add courses and marketing efforts, and to consider expansion of the programs.
University of Northern Colorado Reinstates Admission into Mexican American Studies Majors http://www.unco.edu/news/releases.aspx?id=8060
The University of Northern Colorado today reinstated admission into its majors in Mexican American Studies, Mexican American Studies Bachelor of Arts Degree-Liberal Arts Emphasis and Social Studies Secondary Teaching Bachelor of Arts Degree-Mexican American Studies Emphasis.
Faculty, with the strong support of the University administration, are finalizing a two-year plan that includes work to develop new courses, consider program expansion and implement targeted marketing, all with the intent of growing enrollment. Admission to the majors was paused in late March while faculty and administrators worked out the timeline for implementing the enhanced plan.
"Diversity and equity are essential to UNC's mission as a public research university, and Mexican American Studies is a critical component of delivering on that mission. The majors foster a sense of cultural identity, prepare students to work in a changing world, and promote leadership in the community," said UNC Provost Robbyn Wacker.
"Mexican American Studies educates students, teachers and the broader community about the important contributions of the fastest growing cultural group in the United States," said Chairperson of UNC's Department of Hispanic Studies Joy Landeira.
UNC students who earn the Mexican American Studies Bachelor of Arts Degree-Liberal Arts Emphasis focus on the historical development and cultural experience of Mexican Americans, often in preparation for pursuing a career in business, public service, education or law. The Social Studies Secondary Teaching Bachelor of Arts Degree-Mexican American Studies Emphasis prepares students to teach social studies to culturally diverse students at the middle school and secondary levels.
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