SF State earns federal distinction for service to diverse populations

SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2012 -- San Francisco State University has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI), a recognition of the University's status as one of the nation's most diverse campuses.

The designation will allow SF State to apply for federal funding to improve academic programs and facilities for all students.

Attracting, retaining and graduating a highly diverse student body is a key part of SF State's mission, and the University is consistently one of the most diverse campuses in the United States. The University is also among the top in the nation for awarding undergraduate degrees to minorities, including to Asian American students in all disciplines. More than 35 percent of students enrolled at SF State in Fall 2011 identified as Asian American, Native American or Pacific Islander, and Asian American students represent the University's largest group of minority students.

"The new designation as an AANAPISI is a great opportunity for SF State," said Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Jo Volkert. "The access to additional federal funding and the campus improvements that funding may provide will benefit not only our significant population of these student groups, but all students at SF State."

To qualify for an AANAPISI designation, at least 10 percent of a university's undergraduate enrollment must be made up of students who are Asian American, Native American or Pacific Islander. In addition, 50 percent of the university's overall student population must receive federal need-based financial assistance such as Pell Grants or Federal Work Study. AANAPISI funding is aimed at helping eligible institutions of higher education increase the recruitment, retention and graduation of students from all underrepresented backgrounds.

"We are delighted that SF State has been designated as an AANAPISI, which will help our continuing efforts to recruit, retain and graduate a student body that reflects California's diversity," said Director of Student Outreach Services Frieda Lee. "We are committed to recruiting first generation college students, including Asian American and Pacific Islander students, and providing role models and information to help them succeed at SF State."

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SF State is the only master's level public university serving the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin. The university enrolls nearly 30,000 students each year. With nationally acclaimed programs in a range of fields -- from creative writing, cinema and biology to history, broadcast and electronic communications arts, theatre arts and ethnic studies -- the University's more than 212,000 graduates have contributed to the economic cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond.