| Growing Latino populations across the United States, combined with new philosophies of global education, have warranted a modern re-appraisal of Chicano Studies Programs nationwide. Some universities and colleges in the United States seem to have established Chicano Studies Programs as a means of recruiting minority students, promoting diversity, and answering global or community needs. Other campuses seem to be limiting these programs by enshrouding them in general education courses, limiting faculty recruitment, financial exclusion, or basic eradication.;This study was designed around a survey study research approach to assess the current and future status of Chicano Studies Programs offered on various campuses around the nation. I modified a survey originally developed by Burrola and Rivera (1985), with their permission, to reflect current issues and dilemmas. The subjects chosen specifically for this study consisted of coordinators and/or directors of Chicano Studies Programs and those departments that offer majors or minors in Chicano Studies from a nationwide group chosen from Peterson's Guide to Undergraduate Programs 2001--2002. A letter of informed consent was then sent to all identified stakeholders and this modified questionnaire was given to each of the respondents.;From a total of 55 potential respondents, only 14 stakeholders responded to the questionnaire. Using the SPSS statistical analysis software, the participant's responses were analyzed so that a modern perspective on the current issues that either threaten or enhance the status of the Chicano Studies courses within their respective departments could be drawn.;The conclusions drawn from this study show that the current status of Chicano Studies Programs remains precarious within certain demographic areas. In those national regions that contain a high concentration of Chicano/Mexican American population, these programs are most likely to thrive and prosper. While in demographic regions with smaller Latino populations, these programs, although supported by both community and faculty, are still threatened by a loss of autonomy by being merged with other general cultural departments or with total extinction all together due to a lack of resources and support. Other conclusions drawn from this study include that this is a problem that plagues all individual minority groups nationwide. And as a result merits further individual study. |
