Students argued for the need for additional academic and institutional support for Asian-American students at Dartmouth in an informal discussion at the Hanover Inn Friday night.
The crowd of approximately 60 mostly Asian-American students shared personal experiences and raised their concerns with administrators and faculty members, saying they felt the College's Asian Studies department was insufficient and that different academic departments failed to fully integrate the Asian-American experience into the curriculum.
"We need an insight into our history," Jennifer Chon '99, co-chair of Pan-Asian Council, said.
Melissa Kho '99, one of the other PAC co-chairs, said there was a need for all students to learn Asian-American culture, language and history.
"Two Asian-American history courses are not enough," she said, referring to the two courses currently taught by Visiting History Professor Vernon Takeshita this term.
Linda Lewis, a visiting professor in Asian studies, reiterated the need for a strengthened Asian Studies department. "The students' heritage needs this," she said.
Government Professor David Kang, who is also PAC adviser and adviser to the Korean-American Students Association, stressed the need for Asian-American students to voice their opinion.
"The more you raise your voice, the easier it will be to find a solution," Kang said.
Education department Chair Andrew Garrod also said the "real power rests with the students," noting how student and alumni support helped revive the education department when it was in danger of being cut from the College's curriculum three years ago.
Many students also said they were disappointed over the lack of the College's institutional support for Asian-American students.
The other major issue raised was the Asian-American quest for an identity. Many students said the college experience was a self-discovering process for them.
Yen-Kuei Chuang, counselor at health services said the main question confronting Asian American students is "how you develop a bicultural identity."
"It is at college that I have realized my history. The Dartmouth experience is making me negotiate my identity," said one Asian-American student at the discussion.
Ginger F. Miller, associate director of admissions, emphasized that Asian-Americans are not visible enough on campus, and encouraged more Asian-American students to integrate themselves throughout the community.
Chon reiterated similar concerns.
"Dartmouth will only go stronger the louder you voice our opinion," she said.
