Department of Ethnic Studies and Spanish
The Department of Ethnic Studies and Spanish at Sonoma State University is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment that celebrates cultural diversity, promotes social justice, and advances scholarly excellence.
Our interdisciplinary programs equip students with critical perspectives, linguistic skills, and community engagement experiences that prepare them to become leaders in a diverse and global society.
We invite you to explore our dynamic majors and minors, engage with our faculty’s innovative research, and join a vibrant community dedicated to equity, advocacy, and transformative education.
Faculty

Día de los Muertos Community Altar and Catrina Parade
Community altar on view Monday, October 27th through Friday, October 31st
Key Dates:
- Monday, October 27 (10 AM–4 PM): Opening & Pet Remembrance Day + marigold making station
- Tuesday, October 28 (11:50 AM–1 PM): Elsie Allen High School's Mariachi Lobos and Catrina Parade
Join the Catrina Parade, starting at the University Art Gallery and concluding at Seawolf Plaza, where a vibrant mariachi performance awaits!
- October 29–October 30 (10 AM–4 PM): Altar + Marigold Making Station
- Friday, October 31 (12–1:30 PM) Closing Festivities
Join us for a taco lunch, art activity, and Artist Talk with SSU faculty member Eileen Parent and Día de los Muertos artist Peter Perez on the history of the Catrina.

Puerta invites students to “Leading con Corazón” — a community-centered event designed to connect Latinx/e undergraduates with professionals in Teaching, Nursing, and Healthcare.
Enjoy food, grab swag, and meet mentors in your field while celebrating leadership and connection in the Puerta comunidad.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
- Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Weyden & Brewster (W&B), Sonoma State University
About Puerta:
Puerta is a vibrant community that serves, retains, and supports Latinx/e undergraduate students in pre-professional pathways at SSU — fostering academic success, belonging, and leadership development.
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Puerta invites students to “Leading con Corazón” — a community-centered event designed to connect Latinx/e undergraduates with professionals in Teaching, Nursing, and Healthcare.
Enjoy food, grab swag, and meet mentors in your field while celebrating leadership and connection in the Puerta comunidad.
Event Details:
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Winter Intersession 2026
January 5 – 21, 2026Registration is now open—view the Schedule of Classes and register in MySSU.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Ethnic Studies and Spanish is to:
- Provide quality education through an inclusive and interdisciplinary curriculum;
- Promote critical thinking and social justice through teaching and research;
- Support students with mentoring and resources; and
- Prepare graduates to engage thoughtfully and effectively in diverse communities.
Vision
- The department aims to offer a rigorous and transformative education that prepares students from all backgrounds to be leaders and advocates in a multicultural society.