News and Notes: Speaker to Discuss HSI, STEM; Intern Project Proposals Due Sept. 7

On Sept. 5, educational studies Professor Anne-Marie Nuñez from Ohio State University will talk about UC Merced as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and how HSIs contribute to the STEM workforce and inclusivity within academia.

Her lecture “Realizing the Contributions of Hispanic Serving Institutions” starts at 3 p.m. in Room 232 of the Leo and Dottie Kolligian Library. The talk is sponsored by UC Merced’s Office of Campus Climate, Professor Sora Kim and the Office of the Vice Provost.

Nuñez serves as an appointed member of a National Academy of Sciences Committee on Closing the Equity Gap: Revitalizing STEM Education and Workforce Readiness in the Nation’s Minority-Serving Institutions. Her co-edited book, “Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Advancing Research and Transformative Practice,” is the first book to focus on HSIs as organizations and won a 2016 International Latino Book Award. In 2016, Nuñez was recognized as an outstanding teacher through the White House Initiative in Educational Excellence for Hispanics #LatinosTeach project. Beyond academia, her work has influenced federal policy efforts addressing students of color, Minority-Serving Institutions, and the sciences, and her expertise has been featured in diverse outlets, such as The New York Times and the National Public Radio’s show Morning Edition.

Nuñez uses sociological approaches to examine three areas in higher education: social stratification and equity; institutional diversity; and inclusive organizational structures. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social studies from Harvard University, a master’s in administration, policy analysis and evaluation from Stanford University, and a master’s and Ph.D. in higher education and organizational change from UCLA. Before she began her faculty career, Núñez completed a UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Merced.

For more information, contact De Acker or visit the Office of Campus Climate website.

Deadline for Student Success Internship Proposals Looms, Apply by Sept. 7

There’s still time for campus departments and schools to submit project proposals for UC Merced’s 2018-19 Student Success Internship (SSI). Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. Sept. 7.

Approximately 30 internship positions are available this academic year with program funding provided by the UC Office of the President, the Office of Undergraduate Education and the Division of Student Affairs. The paid internships last about eight months and students can earn up to $4,000 for their work.

Projects need to be more than routine clerical work. They must be professional, institutionally meaningful and beyond the duties of regular campus student employment.

The project application requires departments to provide learning outcomes and other detailed information, so those interested in hiring interns are urged to give themselves ample time to complete the form before the Sept. 7 deadline.

The SSI program offers professional development opportunities for undergraduate students that will help them advance toward careers or graduate school. Interns work with mentor-supervisors who provide guidance and advice throughout projects, while the students develop professional skills and take active roles in creating, developing and engaging in their assigned department’s projects. Requirements for mentor-supervisors are posted on the SSI website.

Departments with proposals that are accepted will be notified by mid-September and student recruitment will begin soon after. Visit the SSI website for more information including frequently asked questions and student requirements . Questions? Email Brian O’Bruba , executive director of the Office of Leadership, Service and Career , or call 209-228-7272.