The Chicana & Chicano Resource Center (CRC), the oldest of CSUF’s ethnic centers, was established in 1972 to develop the University Library’s collection on Mexico and the Southwest. Today the CRC, which is housed in the Pollak Library, has a dual function for both Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. It provides an active learning environment for students, faculty, and staff that emphasizes the history and culture of Chicanos/Latinos and promotes recognition and understanding of their contributions to society. CSUF was designated a Hispanic Servicing Institution in 2004, to that end, CRC programming supports the recruitment, retention, and advancement of Chicano/Latino students.

As the Chicano/Latino population increases at the university (now approachong 30%) and in the surrounding community, demand for the services provided by the CRC has risen. With continued maintenance of a strong research collection, the CRC will continue to meet the needs of programs and departments within the university as well as the greater Orange County community.