The Latino studies minor, first proposed in spring 2005, will finally be available to undergraduate students this fall.

"We've been trying to add a Latino studies curriculum for six years," said Jane Juffer, associate professor of English and women's studies and director of the Latino studies initiative. "We felt that any university should have this. Latinos are such an integral part of our society. The dean saw it was time."

Added in fall 2003, English 226 (Latino/a Cultural Production) and English 426 (Chicana/o Cultural Production) became the first Latino courses offered at Penn State. The recently approved undergraduate program will focus on the culture of Hispanics living in the United States.

"Every Big Ten school but Purdue has a Latino studies program," Juffer said. "Increasingly employers are seeing the benefits of multicultural training for the global economy."

The minor's intent is also to foster a cultural diversity and promote understanding.

"I think everybody deserves to be cultured and look beyond what's around them," said Liza Vega (senior-journalism and Spanish), Latino Caucus president. "If you're going to work in the real world, you need to know where people are coming from."

Susan Welch, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said she is anticipating the new addition.

"I'm pleased that our faculty developed this minor," she said. "I know there is considerable student interest. I look forward to further curricular growth in this area."

To make the program more appealing to various ethnic groups, no Spanish proficiency or prerequisites are necessary.

"These classes are for everyone," Juffer said. "Our classes in English were full. The class I'm teaching this fall, Latino Studies 100, is full with 30 students. I've increased the enrollment cap several times."

Newly hired professors Grace Delgado, who specializes in Chicano history, and Solsiree del Moral, who specializes in the history of education in Puerto Rico, will teach many of the classes involved with the degree.

Having their own designation, "LTNST," these courses will stand out among other classes within the English department.

"Most of the classes fit in the humanities category," Juffer said. "But in almost anything you do, you will benefit from this knowledge with Latinos now being the largest minority group in the United States."

A graduate minor is expected to be approved by spring 2007, Juffer said.

"Penn State is known for opening doors and reaching out," Vega said. "The richness of education is learning about other cultures and not just what you are."