NEW UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER POLICY RESEARCH PROGRAM ESTABLISHED

"NEW UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER POLICY RESEARCH PROGRAM ESTABLISHED"

The Office of Research of the University of California has approved the establishment of the UC Asian American and Pacific Islander Policy Multi-Campus Research Program (UC AAPI Policy MRP), which will officially start operating July 1, 2007. The MRP will support and promote applied research on policy issues related to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in California and the nation. The MRP currently has 50 faculty affiliates from all 10 campuses, representing a diverse range of disciplines, including political science, sociology, economics, ethnic studies, law, public health, nursing, urban planning, education, Asian
American Studies, ethnic studies and social welfare.

The UC AAPI Policy MRP will bring together UC researchers, community-based organizations and legislators to identify, implement and disseminate research related to the AAPI community. The MRP will provide support and training to faculty and their students to conduct policy research, and will sponsor forums for them to present findings to elected officials, policy makers, community leaders and the general public. In doing so, it will enhance the University's broader mission of integrating research, teaching, and community service in ways that enlighten public policy.

The University of California Office of the President will provide funds for core operations for three years. The MRP will be housed at UCLA's Asian American Studies Center, which will provide matching funds and administrative support. UCLA's Graduate Division within the Chancellorís Office and UCLA's Asian American Studies Department will provide additional support. The Berkeley, Davis, and Irvine campuses will provide matching funds and will sponsor and host annual conferences and workshops to further the MRP's goals.

The founding of the MRP was made possible through the active involvement of faculty from throughout the UC system, with support from the UC Office of the President, California Policy Research Center, UCLA Asian American Studies Center, the UC Center at Sacramento, and the Joint API Legislative Caucus.

Professor Paul Ong (Asian American Studies and School of Public Affairs) will serve as the MRP's faculty director.

Additional information on the UC AAPI Policy MRP can be found at
<http://www.aasc.ucla.edu/policy/default.htm> http://www.aasc.ucla.edu/policy/default.htm .
Please send inquires to aapipolicy@aasc.ucla.edu.

Executive Committee
UC AAPI Policy Initiative
Yen Le Espiritu, Michael Omi, Don T. Nakanishi, Andres Jimenez, and Paul Ong