Women’s and Ethnic Studies (WEST)

Faculty

Professors: Abby Ferber and Andrea Herrera
Associate Professor: Heather Albanesi (Chair)
Assistant Professors: Julie Torres, Ilaheva Tua’one, Tre Wentling

Mission Statement

Our mission is to think critically about the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and other constructed social categories; to understand history, culture and society from a range of perspectives, including those emanating from communities whose stories and lives have been marginalized or silenced; and to develop consciousness about multi-ethnic and gender issue locally, domestically, globally and transnationally. Ultimately, our vision is to develop skills to shape our collective future in ways that foster diversity and equity.

The Women’s and Ethnic Studies Department (WEST) is an interdisciplinary course of study. UCCS Women’s and Ethnic Studies (WEST) faculty and students work together to understand how inequalities impact individuals and communities, and to advocate for changes that will improve all our lives. We aim to create an equitable and sustainable world by analyzing structural inequality from historical and cultural perspectives, and exploring practical strategies for change.

WEST offers one-on-one mentoring, small classes, travel courses, and a range of scholarship and internship opportunities. WEST courses teach critical analysis of societal systems, and our programs offer majors and minors the opportunity to engage in social justice research and service projects. WEST graduates possess broadly interdisciplinary skills, scholarly sophistication, familiarity with developing knowledge, exposure to engaged teaching and learning, a sense of community, an understanding of theory and practice, and skills that promote positive social change.

By teaching and modeling ways to work effectively with individuals and groups from various backgrounds and experiences, WEST provides students with the knowledge and skills that are applicable to a wide range of graduate or professional programs and career opportunities, including:

Human Resource Management
Human Relations
Administration
Politics and Government
Teaching
Law and Law Enforcement
International Relations
Healthcare and Counseling
Community Organizing, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and Non-profits
Urban Planning
Public Relations
Ethnography and Social Work

Women’s and Ethnic Studies (WEST)

Faculty

Mission Statement

Programs of Study