Chicanos/Latinos
Academic
The Chicano Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum which focuses on the historical and contemporary experiences of people of Chicano/Latino 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/chicano-studies-collection; csl@library.berkeley.edu; 510/642-3947).

Latin American Studies, an undergraduate group major in the College of Letters & Science, presents an interdisciplinary curriculum of the history, society, and culture of Latin America. Latin American Studies also offers an interdisciplinary MA degree (iastp.berkeley.edu/degree_programs; 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 a community of Latin Americanist faculty, students, and other research collaborators from the United States and Latin America. Through art exhibitions, a film series, conferences, lectures, and opportunities for study and exchanges abroad (such as seminars and travel grants), CLAS increases understanding of Latin American peoples, cultures, and politics (clas.berkeley.edu; 2334 Bowditch Street; clas@berkeley.edu; 510/642-2088).

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

Raza Recruitment and Retention Center strives to increase the enrollment of Chicano/Latino students in institutions of higher education. Volunteers visit high schools and community colleges to motivate students to pursue higher education. The Center supports new Chicano/Latino students through the Camarada Program (a buddy program), study halls, weekly workshops, and social hours. Students can also volunteer for academic credit (ocf.berkeley.edu/~rrrc; 500 Eshleman Hall; calrazacoords@lists.berkeley.edu; 510/642-1322).

Housing
Casa is a co-op and has been a fixture of the Berkeley community for 40 years. Established by and for low-income students to promote affordable housing, academic achievement, and social awareness. Casa offers community-building activities, career exploration and preparation workshops, discussion forums, work study opportunities, and academic support to residents. Access to an on-site computer center is also available. Casa provides room and board to 40 residents in its 22-bedroom facility, and has a no alcohol/no drugs policy as well as set quiet hours. Residents actively plan and participate in Casa's daily maintenance and social activities. Contact Casa to arrange a tour (casaucb.org; 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 issues and culture (themeprograms.berkeley.edu/casa.html; 2610 Channing Way; 510/642-3213).