Chicanos/Latinos
Academic
The Chicano Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum which focuses on the historical and contemporary experiences of people of Mexican descent in American society (ethnicstudies.berkeley.edu/cs; 506 Barrows Hall; 510/642-0243).

The Chicano Studies Collection is part of the Ethnic Studies Library in 30 Stephens Hall (eslibrary.berkeley.edu/csc.htm; csl@library.berkeley.edu; 510/642-3947).

Latin American Studies, an undergraduate group major in the College of Letters & Science, presents a curriculum of the history, society, and culture of Latin America for students looking for a broader perspective of the area than is usually available through a departmental major. Latin American Studies also offers an interdisciplinary MA degree (iastp.berkeley.edu/Programs.asp; International and Area Studies Teaching Program, 101 Stephens Hall; iastp@berkeley.edu for the undergraduate major, lasgrad@berkeley.edu for the graduate program; 510/642-4466).

The Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) is the locus of activity for a unique working community of Latin Americanist faculty, students, and other research collaborators from the United States and Latin America. Through an extensive public program (including art exhibitions, a film series, conferences and lectures) and opportunities for study and exchanges abroad (such as seminars and travel grants), CLAS strives to increase understanding of Latin American peoples, cultures and politics, to enhance the work of UC Berkeley’s Latin American community, and to build bridges to other institutions, groups, and individuals throughout the Americas (clas.berkeley.edu; 2334 Bowditch Street; clas@berkeley.edu; 510/642-2088).

Chicana/Latino Student Development’s (CLSD) mission is to provide an environment in which Chicano/Latino students are welcomed and empowered to explore and experience their academic options through independent courses, internships, workshops, conferences, volunteer opportunities, community service projects, and educational cultural programing. Some of these projects/programs include: Chicano/Latino Parent Orientation, Transition to Cal and Leadership courses, Celebrando Latinas’ Contributions, Fiestas Patrias, Semana de la Raza, Dia de los Muertos, and Chicano/Latino Graduation Celebration (multicultural.berkeley.edu/clsd; 245 Cesar Chavez Student Center; lupeg@berkeley.edu; 510/642-1802).

Raza Recruitment and Retention Center strives to increase the enrollment of Chicano/Latino high school and community college students into institutions of higher education. Volunteers visit high schools and community colleges to encourage and motivate students to pursue higher education. The Center supports new Chicano/Latino students through the Camarada Program (a buddy program), study halls, rap sessions, and social hours. Students can also find out how to earn credit through community or campus volunteering (www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~rrrc; 500 Eshleman Hall; rrrc@ocf.berkeley.edu; 510/642-1322).

Support
The California Alumni Association (CAA) Cal Mentorship Program grants UC Berkeley students access to an online database where students may select one or more Cal alumni members as a mentor. Search criteria include: career experience, cultural identity, area of study, campus group affiliation, and more (alumni.berkeley.edu/mentor).

TRENZA is dedicated to serving the Chicana/Latina campus community by providing women with academic and social support to ensure success at Berkeley (http://www.caltrenza.org; 516 Eshleman Hall).

Housing
Casa has been a fixture of the Berkeley community for 35 years. Established by and for low-income students to provide affordable housing and promote academic achievement and social awareness in a multi-ethnic environment, Casa regularly offers community-building activities, career exploration and preparation workshops, discussion forums on critical issues, work study opportunities, and academic support to its residents. Access to a state of the art, on-site computer center is also available. Casa provides room, board, and academic support services to 40 residents in its 22 bedroom facility. Casa has a no alcohol/no drugs policy and sets quiet hours. Residents actively plan and participate in Casa’s daily maintenance and social activities. Contact Casa to arrange a tour (http://www.greenlining.org/academy/casa.php); 2336 Piedmont Avenue; casa@greenlining.org; 510/540-1984).

Casa Magdalena Mora is a cross-cultural theme program for residents who share academic interests in Chicano/Mexicano/Latino relations and culture (housing.berkeley.edu/theme/casa.html; Office of Student Development, Casa Magdalena Mora Theme Program, 2610 Channing Way; 510/642-3213).