November 1, 2011

By Monica Chavez

Since the debut of the Multicultural Certificate Program in fall 2006, the number of students graduating with the certificate has increased significantly.

The program began as an initiative to promote diversity education and recognize students committed to taking courses outside their comfort zones. Students can qualify and apply for the certificate with the intention of completing approved courses or other applicable experiences.

Multicultural Certificate Program Director Etti Naveh-Benjamin said the program was a long time in the making. Before the certificate was offered, there was not a comprehensive way to acknowledge a student’s focus on social justice, diversity and culture in one form.

“The thought behind it was that if students are interested in classes of culture, sexual orientation, social justice, diversity, et cetera, then students should be recognized for it,” Naveh-Benjamin said.

Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies Jim Spain played a key role in providing the program with the necessary financial resources as growth continues and support requires expansion.

“Over the last three years student participation has outpaced any other certificate or minor as far as growth,” he said.

Spain supports the program and said it is beneficial for students.

“It helps give our students a broader perspective and appreciation for the differences between people as well the similarities among people,” he said.

Spain said program growth is due to having a director who can take the time to understand the merit of the program and a genuine student interest in the value of understanding different cultures in a global society.

“We are very fortunate to have Etti as the director,” he said. “She is very student-centered and an award-winning teacher. She’s a mentor and can articulate what the certificate means from an academic perspective.”

Naveh-Benjamin, who also teaches cross-cultural classes, said enrollment is booming and is open to undergraduate students campus-wide.

“There are close to 550 graduates and over a thousand students working toward the certificate,” she said.

Naveh-Benjamin said the multicultural studies certificate is a great opportunity students should take advantage of.

“The certificate is so beneficial for the work force,” she said. “I’m not saying that you will become an expert, but it shows a basic interest and commitment to learning about our multi-cultural world.”

Noor Azizan-Gardner, interim chief diversity officer for the chancellor’s diversity initiative, was a part of the task force that explored the idea of a multi-cultural certificate. She said the certificate was created to give the sense of a deeper knowledge base beyond being aware and sensitive.

“We encourage students not just to have the content knowledge but experiential knowledge as well,” she said.

Azizan-Gardner said it is becoming more and more important for students to be culturally competent in today’s job market. She said she believes the certificate gives students an edge.

“It’s a great way to learn about diversity in the U.S. and diversity within a global context,” she said.