Teach-in garners support

Students and faculty concerned with preserving and expanding the Asian-American studies program at Cal State Long Beach met for a teach-in at the University Student Union Thursday.

The concern stemmed from a report released this summer, regarding the status of the Asian-American studies program at CSULB.

The report was issued by professors from Cal State University Northridge, UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona and CSULB.

The professors concluded that the program was outdated and needed revision to be considered acceptable. The report also outlined the program as it developed, including the merging of the Asian studies department with the Asian-American studies program.

The report suggested that the university make a commitment to create a viable Asian-American studies program or dissolve it.

"Once w e have paid our tuition, the school has a responsibility to represent us," said Ben Okamoto, one of the student speakers.

Students responded with several ideas for revamping the program. Calling for an immediate appointment of an acting chair, a na tional search for a permanent chair and the full participation of students in all steps of the development process were some of the ideas expressed at the teach-in.

The students also argued for a separation of the Asian-American studies program fro m the Asian studies program and a revised curriculum to accommodate the diverse population of Asian-American students.

The crowd, which included CSULB President Robert Maxson and Associated Student President Suzie Aramesh, were responsive to the ple as of the speakers.

Maxson spoke to the audience and assured them that the matter would receive unwavering attention from the university. But he warned that the university is a large, bureaucratic machine that sometimes operates slowly.

"You'v e asked for my help and now you are going to get it," Maxson said. Aramesh also expressed her support for the program and was confident that Maxson would make the commitment to the revision.

"I can assure you he's going to take care of it, because he's very responsive to students' needs," Aramesh said.

Dorothy Abrahamse, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said the college will begin to plan for the revision process, but it could take years to revise the program to fit the needs of student s and faculty.

Abrahamse also indicated that the project has high priority and that all ideas and dialogue will be considered to ensure installation of the best possible program for the students. Ideas for funding are not known, but Abrahamse said t hat they are committed and the budget will have to be adjusted to accommodate it.

Abrahamse also made clear that disbanding of the program was never a consideration. "If it's a program, ... they (students) have a right to expect the university to fund it," Maxson said.