Critical Pacific Islands and Oceania Studies (CPIOS, housed in the Race and Resistance Studies Department within the College of Ethnic Studies) and AA&PI Student Services (Division of Equity and Community Inclusion, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management) has successfully secured a one-time grant of $460,000 from the CSU's Chancellor's Office, to establish a Pacific Islander student support program called the Oceania Scholars Program (OSP). This program will center around the retention, graduation, and success of Pacific Islander students at SF State, including disaggregating data to better serve Pacific Islander communities. The program launched in Fall 2024.
The Oceania Scholars Program will be vital in addressing education equity for Pacific Islander students. It provides tailored support to help students overcome cultural and socioeconomic challenges and to enhance the inclusivity and visibility of Pacific Islander heritage on campus. The program also boosts academic outcomes through advising and access to culturally relevant resources while promoting leadership skills and community engagement among students. This comprehensive support system not only aids Pacific Islander students in their academic journeys but also fosters a more equitable and diverse educational environment on campus.
Dr. Ponipate Rokolekutu, an Assistant Professor in Race and Resistance Studies (RRS) will serve as the Principal Investigator (PI) and Jeremy Khuth, Director of Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Services will serve as Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI). Tupou Latukefu is the inaugural Oceania Scholars Program Coordinator.
Oceania Scholars Program (OSP) is a grant-funded initiative by the CSU AANHPI Student Achievement Program, and is a program that is in a collaborative partnership between Critical and Pacific Islands and Oceania Studies, and Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Services at San Francisco State University. We are an affinity and student resource space for all students to build a sense of belonging, help navigate college, and develop a community that supports their personal and professional growth. The Oceania Scholars Program is open to all, and anyone interested in our activities and resources is welcome regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.
The Asian American & Pacific Islander Student Services is open to all, and anyone interested in our activities and resources is welcome regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.