History of DIRC
Founded in 1957 as the 12th California State College, California State University, Fullerton has served as a positive example for its works towards diversity and inclusion. With a population of 34,432 students (Fall 2016), the ethnic distribution consists of 41.82% Hispanic, 20.37% White, 21.36% Asian/Pacific Islander, 2% Black, 4.43% Multiple Race Non-Hispanic, 6.14% International Students, 3.75% Unknown, and 0.12% Native American. The university is known for being both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). CSUF’s diversity helps drive the institution’s commitment to aiding student development both in and out of the classroom, and to “create an environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed” (CSUF Student Academic Services).
Moving forward with its commitment to creating a welcoming learning environment for its diverse student body, the department of Diversity Initiatives and Resource Centers (DIRC) was established in 2014 under the leadership of Dr. Joy Hoffman. DIRC aims to create learning environments and opportunities that support the University mission by preparing students to become socially-conscious leaders in a global society by offering workshops and trainings that address issues related to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, gender, ability, and class. The department oversees five of the identity-based resource centers on campus: the African American Resource Center (AARC), the Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC), the Chicana and Chicano Resource Center (CRC), the LGBT Queer Resource Center (LGBTQRC) and the Titan Dreamers Resource Center (TDRC).
Within the centers, there is a full-time Coordinator, graduate assistant(s), and 5 student leads, each with their own unique task of engineering an environment conductive towards creating a safe and brave space for students to foster growth. Particular centers were formed through the help of administrative individuals; the Titan Dreamers Resource Center was established on April 23, 2014 through the help of President Mildred Garcia and Vice President Berenecea Johnson-Eanes. Our department recognizes the important role of students, faculty, and staff in our work towards creating a more welcoming environment for our students, and this life-long mission towards diversity will be nothing without the help and dedication of these individuals.
