Black and Hispanic studies are separate fields at most universities. However, at Baruch College, part of the City University of New York system, the Black and Hispanic studies minors are housed under the same roof. The somewhat unique partnership seems to be working, as the minors are among the most popular on the business-oriented campus. Dr. Hector Cordero-Guzman, chair and associate professor of the Black and Hispanic studies department, says the mission of the program is to chronicle and participate in the creation of an increasingly diverse America. He also says the program creates awareness, understanding and support for the Latino and Hispanic and Black communities and the issues they encounter in American culture. The faculty is keenly aware of policy, social and political issues facing these groups. To students, it comes as no surprise to hear about these issues because they live the experience. Students study either Black studies, Hispanic studies or a combination of both. All students take courses on race and ethnicity and all programs culminate with a course in African and Latino diasporas in America. As part of the program, students look at civil rights movements and the history of discrimination and segregation to create a balanced picture of the past. Students also examine how ethnicity, race and nationality play a role in identity. Cordero-Guzman stresses the importance of professors as role models for all students regardless of race or ethnicity, and explains that all students need a developed awareness of how a racial or ethnic group perceives its experience.