APIFSA fully supports this university wide effort.
California State University San Marcos was on the cutting edge Spring 2008 when the Asian American and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) legislation finally passed through Congress. Matt Ceppi, Bob Yamashita, Garry Rolison, Evelyn Andrews, Greg Toya, and Allen Risley, almost overnight, put together a very technical application that was submitted to the Department of Education and was accepted - designating us an AANAPI-Serving Institution!
This celebration is well-timed. In the near future, we expect the new grant cycle to be announced and this designation makes us eligible to apply for up to two million dollars in federal funding that will help us to support API students and enrich API culture, curriculum, and awareness on campus. It also allows CSUSM access to a number of other federal grants not pertaining to API issues since the designation carries with it the understanding that institutions like ours face special challenges. This grant opportunity goes hand-in-hand with HSI-Serving Institution - they do not compete!
Emily Cutrer, who served as Provost during this time, appointed a task force to pursue the project and grant opportunities, and Dr. Susie Lan Cassel has volunteered to chair. Task force members include Allen Risley, Anthony Lao (student), David Barsky, Dilcie Perez, Evelyn Andrews, Gregory Toya, Krystal David (student), Lorena Meza, Michael Yee, Nathan Evans, Robert Yamashita, and Vicki Golich.
I. Visibility Campaign
(April 2008 CSUSM designated an AANAPISI)
Academic Senate Resolution of Support (April 22, 2009)