5 HBCUs for World Language Lovers

by Jillian Cener

What’s one way you can distinguish yourself when applying for a job? Speaking a second, a third, or even a fourth language! Employers are increasingly looking for multilingual candidates, and research is constantly showing the benefits of speaking multiple languages on your mental well being. Today’s Monday Morning MSI Line Up showcases 5 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) whose world language departments offer more than just the typical Spanish and French classes.

1) Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College — Baton Rouge, LA

The Department of World Languages at Southern University and A&M College offers courses in Spanish, French, German, and Chinese, with the ability to minor in Spanish or French. Along with courses, the institution offers summer language camps, conversation exchanges for Spanish and English speakers, and a study abroad program to Orizaba, Mexico. The department prides itself on its graduates, who have gone on to careers in education, law, and business.

2) Lincoln University — Lincoln University, PA

The Foreign Languages & Literature program at Lincoln University allows students to complete a major, in French or Spanish, or a minor in Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, or Spanish. The institution believes in developing both a student’s oral and written proficiencies in a language, allowing them to be “effective citizens in today’s global society.” Language students at Lincoln University participate in language clubs on campus and numerous study abroad programs off campus.

3) Spelman College — Atlanta, GA

Students at Spelman College have a wide variety of languages to choose from, including Spanish, French, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Latin. The Department of World Languages and Literature is proud of its Spanish and French language students who have been awarded Fulbright grants to teach English abroad. While still at Spelman, students can take advantage of the Language Resource Center, which offers free tutoring and movies, newspapers, and dictionaries in French, Japanese, and Spanish.

4) Howard University — Washington, D.C.

Howard University aims to attract a large population of language students with its numerous major and minor offerings. Students at Howard can take classes in French, German, Spanish, Russian, Swahili, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Portuguese, Wolof, Zulu, and Yoruba. A noteworthy feature of Howard undergraduate courses is the incorporation of the historical, social, and cultural contributions of African Americans and Africans. For students who wish to pursue learning beyond Howard’s campus, they can take advantage of the school’s study abroad programs in Latin America, Europe, and Africa.

5) North Carolina A&T State University — Greensboro, NC

The Department of Liberal Studies (with Foreign Languages and Philosophy) offers a plethora of classes in French, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, and Portuguese. With so many course offerings, students at North Carolina A&T can learn a language no matter what their starting level. Some examples of courses include: Afro-French Expression, Contemporary French Literature, Latino Culture in the United States, Spanish for Law Enforcement, Afro-German Studies, and Literature of American Communism and Soviet Russia.

Do you know of other HBCUs that offer classes or degrees in unique Foreign Languages? Share in the comments below!

 

5 MSIs celebrating Filipino American History Month

by Tania Irwin

In November 2009, the United States Congress officially declared October to be Filipino American History Month. Since then, states, cities, public and private organizations, and institutions of higher education have celebrated Filipino American history and Filipino contributions to American history. In honor of Filipino American History Month, this week’s Monday Morning MSI Line Up features five Minority Serving Institutions that creatively celebrate Filipino American history!

1) University of Alaska at Anchorage (NASNTI)—Anchorage, AK

UAA is collaborating with community partners to host a full-day of activities in honor of Filipino American History Month. Some of their activities include: a panel discussion on Filipino American Health Issues; a presentation on “From Kahon to Kapwa: Challenging Filipino Stereotypes to Build Community Power;” and cooking demonstrations of popular Filipino dishes such as pansit (traditional Filipino dish), lumpia (egg roll), adobo (meat cooked in soy sauce, garlic, soy sauce, and other spices), and turon (banana roll).

Learn more about the schedule of events here.

2) University of Hawaii at Hilo (AANAPISI)—Hilo, HI

UH at Hilo is celebrating Filipino American History all month long, with events throughout the entire month of October! Some of their events include: a panel on the book Filipinas: Voices from Daughters and Descendants of Hawaii’s Plantation Era, a discussion on Filipinos in the labor movement in Hawaii, and a screening of the films, The Delano Manongs – Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers (UFW) Movement (pictured above) and World War II in the Philippines.

Learn more about the schedule of events here.

3) San Diego State University (HSI)—San Diego, CA

SDSU doesn’t just celebrate Filipino American history during the month of October, but throughout the year! Every year, SDSU’s Andres Bonifacio Samahan Filipino club hosts Filipino Culture Night (FCN). FCN is a completely student-run production that shows historical and current events within the Filipino and Filipino-American community. As students participate in the festivities, they are able to learn about and preserve the Filipino Culture.

Follow AB Samahan on Facebook here for the latest events.

4) Montgomery College (AANAPISI)—Rockville, MD

Once a year, Montgomery College’s Filipino American Club (MoCoFAM) invites the public to a General Body Meeting in which they celebrate Filipino American Heritage Month! MoCoFAM showcases Filipino food, art, music and traditions while highlighting famous Filipino-Americans, Filipino-American contributions, and Filipino history.

Learn more about MoCoFAM’s General Body Meeting here.

5) California State University, San Bernardino (HSI)—San Bernardino, CA

Written and performed by Jason Magabo Perez, an assistant professor of fiction writing, this live, semi-autobiographical multimedia performance was presented at Cal State San Bernardino earlier this month. The literary work, ‘The Passion of El Hulk Hogancito,’ features a blend of fiction, drama, and illustrations and will be showcased in honor of Filipino American History Month.

Learn more about the event here.

Share more Filipino American History Month celebrations at Minority Serving Institutions in the comments below!

10 Minority Serving Institutions with Predominantly Women Students

by Carol Sandoval

The U.S. is seeing a trend throughout colleges and universities: the demographics, including at Minority Serving Institutions, are shifting towards a majority women environment. While their numbers were once male-dominated, colleges and universities have seen an increase in the enrollment of women students. This week’s lineup will feature a variety of MSIs that have a larger ratio of women to men undergraduates.

A note on language: The statistics included below are based on student self-identification of sex and comfort with disclosure at time of enrollment. The data collected includes students who are cis, trans*, and non gender binary. There is certainly room for colleges and universities to begin publishing data in a way that includes the entire gender spectrum.

1) Shelton State Community College (HSI)—Tuscaloosa, AL

Hispanic Serving Institution | F: 57% – M: 43%

2) Bakersfield College (HSI)—Bakersfield, CA

Hispanic Serving Institution | F: 54% – M: 46%

3) California State University (HSI)—Channel Islands, Camarillo, CA

Hispanic Serving Institution | F: 69% – M: 31%

4) Fresno Pacific University (HSI)—Fresno, CA

Hispanic Serving Institution | F: 62% – M: 38%

5) Community College of Denver (HSI)—Denver, CO

Hispanic Serving Institution | F: 57% – M: 43%

6) Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (HBCU)—Cheyney, PA

Historically Black College or University | F: 53% – M:47%

7) Little Big Horn College (TCU)—Crow Agency, MT

Tribal College or University | F: 62% – M:38%

8) University of Hawaii at Hilo (AANAPISI)—Hilo, HI

Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution | F: 58.8% – M:40.6%

9) Allen University (HBCU)—Columbia, SC

Historically Black College or University | F: 60% – M:40%

10) University of Alaska Southeast (ANSI)—Juneau, AK

Alaska Native Serving Institution | F: 58% – M: 42%

Why do you think that there are more female-identified students than male-identified students enrolled in MSIs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

8 Foodie Cities with MSIs

by Larry McDaniel Jr.

When it comes to daily meals, college students might rely on the quintessential college delicacies: top ramen, spam, peanut and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pizza. While these might be mainstays for some college diets, undergraduates can also explore what noms their college campus and surrounding city have to offer (especially, for some of us, to celebrate financial aid disbursement time). Today’s Monday Morning MSI Line Up takes a look at 8 lucky Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) that have prime access to delicious foodie options close to campus.

For your convenience, we’ve also included door-to-door distance and directions between these MSIs and the restaurants we’ve recommended.

1) City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (AANAPISI)

Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution | Distance: 6.1 miles | Directions

The demographics of San Francisco allow it to lead diverse and forward thinking cuisine among many cities in the U.S. As the fourth largest city in California, San Fran houses many creative people with a passion for food. Chef Brenda, from Brenda’s French Soul Food, explains how the opening of her restaurant has allowed her to express herself through food.

2) Bellevue College, Seattle, WA (AANAPISI)

Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution | Distance: 11.2 miles | Directions

Chowders, bisques and shellfish are usually what comes to mind when thinking of the Pacific Northwest cuisine; however, the Seattle area has fully embraced the art of food fusion. For example, Japonessa integrates Mexican flavors, such as the jalapeno spice, into the traditional sushi dishes.

3) North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC (HBCU)

Historically Black College or University | Distance: 2.2 miles | Directions

The South is known for its comfort food and North Carolina is no different. You can find exquisite mom-and-pop eateries throughout the city that will delight your taste buds and comfort your soul. For a breakfast treat, visit Dame’s Chicken & Waffles.

4) Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA (PBI)

Predominantly Black Institution | Distance: 2.1 miles | Directions

Philadelphia has a vast array of food trucks ranging from bagel trucks to the traditional Halal trucks. However, let’s not forget about the brick and mortar dining locations. Throughout the Center City and Rittenhouse neighborhoods, there are Zagat-worthy restaurants lined up, block after block. A Philly favorite is Cuba Libre for its beautifully crafted Cuban food and exceptional night life.

5) California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA (AANAPISI, HSI)

Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution, Hispanic Serving Institution | Distance: 3.4 miles | Directions

Los Angeles is notorious for birthing many leafy green dishes and smoothies. However, LA definitely knows how to create a mouthwatering meal. Because it is so close to the U.S.-Mexico border, LA has mastered the art of duplicating cultural foods from Sinaloa and Michoacan, MX. One of the greatest restaurants that exemplifies this is Guisados, a fantastic place to enjoy home-style braises on handmade corn tortillas.

6) Howard University, Washington, D.C. (HBCU)

Historically Black College or University | Distance: 0.2 miles | Directions

Washington D.C. is a hotbed for hip and thriving restaurants. With a mashup of different cultures residing in the city, you will be hard pressed to not find something that tickles your taste buds. A city favorite is the all-natural eatery, NuVegan Cafe. It offers vegan alternatives to burgers, lasagnas, and sandwiches, all at a reasonable price for college students.

7) CUNY Brooklyn College, New York City, NY  (AANAPISI)

Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution | Distance: 7.8 miles | Directions

This wouldn’t be a complete foodie list without featuring New York City. The NY food scene is enormous, and like San Francisco, the level of innovation occurring throughout the city is astronomical. Bee Hive Oven Biscuit Cafe is one of the many restaurants in NY that strives to offer an original experience through food.

8) Dillard University, New Orleans, LA (HBCU)

Historically Black College or University | Distance: 3.6 miles | Directions

New Orleans might very well be the Mecca of cuisine. From the gumbo to the po’boys, New Orleans’s flavor, style, and presentation are all unique to the city. Notorious for the Hurricane and the Frozen Daiquiri, New Orleans also prospers in caffeinated beverages. Although Cafe du Monde will always be a classic, many NOLA residents also rave about cafe au laits from Cafe Amelie in the French Quarter.

In Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month: 7 Multicultural Traditions at Hispanic Serving Institutions

by Carol Sandoval

Ah, yes! October: the month for fall photoshoots, pumpkin spiced lattes, and ridiculous amounts of candy corn. What most people don’t know is that October is also the second half of Hispanic Heritage Month, which commemorates Hispanic and Latinx culture, histories, and traditions from September 15 to October 15. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, today’s Monday Morning MSI Line Up focuses on Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and the multicultural events they hold for their students.

1) Hodges University, Naples, FL—Annual Diversity Festival

Once a year, the Annual Diversity Festival brings together food, art, and people representing the various cultures of the Naples and Ft. Myers communities in southwest Florida. The festival begins with a Parade of Nations, and the event has attracted 3,000 attendees in the past.

2) University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM—Unique Ring Ceremony

This HSI sends off its students with a unique ring ceremony. After the successful completion of 60 credit units, alumni and students are able to partake in this event. The rings are “NMSUnique,” as it is the only university in the nation with a National Monument on it. Not only do they receive their class rings, recipients also dip their hand into a symbolic bowl of Lobo spirit, which serves as a reminder of their successes. The bowl is filled with paint made of acrylic paint, tempera paint, food coloring, and Kool-Aid that temporarily dyes the students’ hands Lobo cherry red to symbolize unity among the student body.

3) San Diego State University (SDSU), San Diego, CA—Warrior Walk

Game day at SDSU has a whole different meaning. This HSI radiates with school spirit two hours prior to kickoff. During the Warrior Walk, the band, cheerleaders, and Aztec mascot walk in with a full posse of excited fans. Although the walk is a ritual to the students and community of San Diego, it should be noted that there is much controversy around the mascot for its perceived cultural appropriation and many students are in the midst of fighting for a mascot change.

4) Central Arizona College (CAC), Coolidge, AZ—Día De Los Muertos Altares

One of CAC’s traditions is celebrating the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead every November 1. By providing art supplies and other materials, CAC encourages its students to commemorate their deceased loved ones. An altar is then created with individual visual art pieces dedicated to the spirits.

5) St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX—All School Masses

As a Catholic, Marianist HSI, St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX, stresses the significance of religious days and days of observance, including All Saints Day, Ash Wednesday, and Marianist Heritage Week. During these days, classes are canceled and masses are hosted in the school chapel. In addition to the spiritual masses, St. Mary’s University promotes and celebrates cultural diversity among the student body by hosting masses in Spanish and Latin Nights twice during the fall semester and again in the spring.

6) Azusa Pacific University (APU), Azusa, CA—Midnight Breakfast

Finals can be a stressful time of year. For this reason, APU treats its students to a breakfast the night before finals week starts. This Azusa breakfast menu includes pancakes, eggs, and plenty of coffee.

7) California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), San Marcos, CA—César Chávez Day of Service

César Chávez, one of the leaders of the Chican@ Civil Rights Movement, protested against unfair wages and unjust treatment of field workers in the Central Valley of California. Influenced by his work, CSUSM leaders dedicated March 30 as César Chávez Day to encourage community service among its student body. Services include repainting homes, planting flowerbeds, and cleaning areas of the community. The goal is for students to impact their neighborhoods as much as César Chávez once impacted the lives of many Chican@s in the U.S.

Do you know of other HSI traditions that honor Hispanic Heritage Month? Tell us in the comments below!