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Why was VTN class cut?
The Asian Studies department had a budget cut of 30% and Vietnamese was the only language completely removed. They cut from other Asian languages, but since Vietnamese only had one instructor, the entire language was cut. (We have one instructor that teaches an accelerated and non-accelerated class) It was not because of the students or the instructor, simply budget. The Department Chair of Asian Studies is open to talk t anyone interested. In the future, if the budget increases, we might have VTN again. He'd love to continue it, but the budget is the big factor. The Department Chair and the Dean of Liberal Arts will be meeting on Wednesday, so let's make sure they know how much we support Vietnamese language classes!

Our goal?
To ensure the continuation of Vietnamese language courses. If we can't get it next semester, we would like a guaranty from the university that it will restart at a given date.
1. Vietnamese students makes up a large portion of Asian students on campus
2. It is the 3rd most spoken language in Texas
3. Language is a key factor for all first generation Vietnamese American students to connect with their parents, grand-parents and people in their community.
4. It is harder to restart a program rather than continuing it.
5. UT encourages student involvement, it seems contradictory to get rid of this course. Why cut a language program that students help create?
6. VTN only has one instructor who teaches both course. It is not reasonable to cut this language program when it is so young and already running at the bare minimums.

When/How did the Vietnamese program start?
In 2004, a group of committed students with help from the faculty planned to start a Vietnamese program by 2006. For 2 years, the worked with the community and the university to create this program. Four years later, the program is being cut due to budget constraints. We should raise awareness and support the class!

What can we do now?
The Department chair and the Dean of Liberal Arts have a meeting on Wednesday, so we can:

1) Petition - I already drafted a letter, and I would like to e-mail them to the head of each organization (to prevent confusion). These leaders will talk amongst their own group to get signatures and turn them into the Student Government Office in the SSB 4th floor. Joel is meeting with Randy Diehl (Dean of Liberal Arts) on Wednesday at 10:30, so I want the petitions by Tuesday afternoon.

2) Letters - Letters will be a great way to get the dean's attention, but Joel suggested us to be organized. I would like each organization to write the letter as a whole. For example, Michael Nguyen could write a letter to represent VSA. In addition, community leaders will be the most influential. I will ask Nancy from VAHF and Thuy from VACAT to write a letter. I will also ask people from Summitt Elementary. Feel free to ask other community leaders for letters. Again I need it by Tuesday.

3) Possibility of an endowment - Nicole Trinh and the group of students that tried to set up the program suggested an endowment. Joel said if we are really serious about this, he will set up a meeting with Kathleen Aronson.

The important thing is to be ORGANIZED.
Our first step is the petition: visit www.utvsa.org to download the petition and print it out. I need it by Tuesday afternoon.

TURN IT IN AT THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICE BY TUESDAY AFTERNOON (SSB 4th floor)

UPDATES:
[Tuesday, ground floor of SSB from 6PM to 7PM]
SHOW UP AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS to the SG meeting on Tuesday. They will be voting on our resolution to keep Vietnamese classes. It is important to come and show your support for Vietnamese classes. This is the best way to get involved, please come out!

New updates! Our story will be in the Daily Texas tomorrow, tell everyone!

Our Progress:
1. Daily Texan is investigating and will publish a story by next week
2. Liberal Art Council is drafting a fast track resolution by Sunday so SG can vote on Tuesday
3. Multiple student organizations have received the petition and agreed to circulate it
4. Several community leaders and organizations will/have drafted their support letter. Jennifer Wang informed me that APAC, Texas Exes Asian Alumni Network, Asian/Asian American Faculty and Staff Association, uNAVSA and Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce have drafted a letter of support. The DDCE is still pending.
5. An electronic petition is online, thanks to Dane Hurtibise, at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/3/save-vietnamese-classes-ut
6. We petitioned during the Asian American Studies Conference and Forty Acres Fest on Saturday. We hope to also speak at Worlds Unite hosted by KPL. Please let me know of other events where we can spread awareness.
7. University of Florida has informed me of their Vietnamese classes as well. After petitioning and other details I hope to clarify, they successfully kept their program. This happened about 2 years ago. Are there any other school with Vietnamese courses? Please let me know to strengthen our case.
8. The Student Government Office (SSB 4th floor) will be the official dropoff place for all petitions and letters. If you want to email it, send it to nickie.v.tran@gmail.com
9. Nazar has agree to help us publicized!