Student Service
Academic advising in Ethnic Studies focuses mainly on undergraduate advising;
however, we are also in a transitional phase of possibly developing a master degree
program. We have an advising packet and a brochure that comprehensively describes our
undergraduate academic program. We distribute this advising packet and brochure in the
Department office, to students who attend freshman orientations offered by the
University, and also to students in the Education Opportunity Program Learning
Communities.
Each of the four program directors serves as the principal concentration advisor for their
respective programs. The Ethnic Studies chair serves as the undergraduate advisor in the
absence of program directors and for those majors with a general Ethnic Studies
concentration. During the summer and winter Inter-session and other University break
periods, the Department chair provides academic advising to students. Our majors are
generally conscientious about seeking advising from either the chair or program directors.
The Department chair serves as the general coordinator of advising activities inasmuch as
this is needed. The chair typically serves as the first line of contact for students seeking
general advising information. Students interested in majoring in Ethnic Studies with a
concentration in one of the four program areas will be directed to or scheduled for an
appointment with the appropriate program director.
In addition to the above practice, other faculty members in Ethnic Studies serve as
advisors. If students come into the Department office looking for advising, the office staff
provides them with a list of faculty and their office hours; they are also free to seek out an
advisor on their own. This practice serves to expose students to faculty who teach in
their area of interest.
Academic advising is intended to ensure students receive the quality information needed
to assist them with planning their academic programs. We believe that students should
have access to that information in a timely fashion. Moreover, we are committed to
ensuring that students have access to faculty advisers in the Department. According to
our recent surveys of Ethnic Studies alumni, 93% were positive regarding their academic
advising.
Our Department website and Ethnic Studies brochure have information about career
options for Ethnic Studies majors. The chair, program directors and faculty give advice
on careers. In career advising, students are encouraged to blend professional area studies
with Ethnic Studies. Once a year, the Department sponsors either a formal presentation or
an informal discussion concerning career pathways. Our most recent presentation was on
November 17, 2005, regarding working in a global economy given by Vivian Kao, a
1992 CSUS alumnus. Her presentation attracted over 100 students, faculty, and staff.
Frequently, career opportunity discussions are incorporated into class discussions. For
instance, in ETHN 194, Research in Ethnic Studies, approximately three hours per
semester is allocated for this type of presentation. Part of the discussion revolves around
research career opportunities that utilize an in depth understanding of ethnic communities
and their community members.
Ethnic Studies majors and minors enter careers and professions in both the public and
private sectors. Majors and minors are employed in such occupations as urban specialists,
labor relations specialists, teachers, counselors, criminal justice officers, community
center directors, and family service agents. In addition, majors and minors serve in staff
positions in many government agencies in the Sacramento area. Students are encouraged
to participate in the Department's extensive neighborhood public school service-learning
programs. Involvement in these programs has guided many students in choosing
education career pathways.
