As the individual who co-authored the Student Association resolution for the Asian and Asian-American studies minor last year, and as a student who is enrolled in this minor, I felt it was necessary for me to comment on this issue.

When student concerns were raised in January, this was one of the first issues SA’s Academic Affairs Committee investigated. After meeting with the administrators and faculty members involved in the process, I know they are actively doing their best to support student interest. In response to the fact that professor Susan Edmunds does not have a substantial background in Asian-American studies, there is currently no faculty member on campus that does. Edmunds volunteered to teach this course because there was a strong student interest for it. When the minor was approved a year ago in University Senate, a search committee began to find the appropriate faculty for it. Students must understand that academic hiring processes take time because of the numerous parties involved and the need for the search committee to review each candidate carefully. I have inquired about having a student on this committee, but students traditionally do not participate in these committees because of human resource problems. However, students were still given a voice in this process. Throughout the school year, potential candidates visited campus, and students were invited to attend open forums led by the candidates. The feedback of the individuals who attended was taken into consideration.

On Monday night, an email went out to the AAA listserv that a new faculty member who specializes in Asian-American literature has been hired for the program, proving the success of the hiring committee. As an experienced member of SA, I have greatly affected campus by working with the administration and not against it. While I applaud the students involved for their activism, I urge all students to take the mentioned factors into account and take advantage of the resources available to them.

Bonnie Kong

Academic Affairs Chair, Student Association