Welcome to the Chicano-Latino Studies Program

September 1, 2021 - Dr. Isabel Ayala

Dear CLS,  

Welcome! We have missed you. We have had you in our hearts during the past months and are so happy to see you back!  

I want to extend an extra special welcome to our CLS students and faculty who joined MSU in 2020 as well as thus joining us this year. Welcome!  

The past few months have been extremely challenging to say the least and each of our experiences has been different. Nevertheless, I found myself in many ways closer to our CLS program as I saw our students supporting each other out even from a distance, as well as seeing our faculty reimagining their teaching, mentoring and research. Whereas we were physically separated, we were emphatetically close and for that, I thank you.  

As we begin this new year, the health and wellbeing of our program is of outmost importance. Thus, I encourage you to vaccinate, mask, and maintain social distance to ensure everyone’s safety. To this end, MSU has taken data-based decisions; you can find more at https://msu.edu/together-we-will/directives.html.  

Just like you, I am anxious about what this year will bring us. Nevertheless, I am optimistic that regardless of the challenges, the apoyo (support) that we give each other will help us move forward. As such, I ask that if there is anything the Chicano/Latino Studies Program can do to make your semester better, please do not hesitate to reach out to me (ayalam@msu.edu).  

Have a great semester! 

Isabel

Isabel Ayala (She/Her/Hers)

Director of Chicano/Latino Studies

Associate Professor

Department of Sociology​
Michigan State University
509 E. Circle Drive
414B Berkey Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1111
Office: (517) 353-6614