Chicanos/Latinos
Academic
The Chicano/Latino 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; 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; 510/643-1234).
Latin American Studies, an undergraduate group major in the College of Letters & Science, presents a balanced curriculum of the history, society, and culture of Latin America for students wishing a broader perspective of the area than is usually available through a departmental major. Latin American Studies also offers an interdisciplinary MA degree (ias.berkeley.edu/iastp2006/Programs.asp; International and Area Studies Teaching Program, 101 Stephens Hall; lasgrad@berkeley.edu; 510/642-4466).
The Center for Latin American Studies facilitates the work of more than 80 faculty with Latin American expertise and promotes research and training on Latin America across the University. The center also sponsors seminars and events pertaining to the region (clas.berkeley.edu; 2334 Bowditch Street; clas@berkeley.edu; 510/642-2088).
Chicana/Latino Academic Student Development's (CLASD) mission is to provide an environment in which Chicana/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 Latina's Contributions, Fiestas Patrias, Semana de la Raza, Dia de los Muertos and Chicana/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 area 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
California Alumni Association (CAA) sponsors Chicano/Latino Mentoring, which matches Chicano/Latino students and Chicano/Latino alumni for one-on-one mentoring via an online mentoring program (alumni.berkeley.edu/samp; Alumni House; 510/642-5780).
TRENZA is dedicated to serving the Chicana/Latina campus community by providing women with academic and social support to ensure success at Berkeley (trenza.org; 516 Eshleman Hall).
Housing
Casa Joaquin Murrieta 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 offers: study opportunities, tutorials, academic, financial and personal counseling, study groups, seminars, and research and writing assistance. 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, seminars, and cultural and social activities (greenlining.org/sections/view/casa; Casa Admissions, 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/Mexican relations and culture (housing.berkeley.edu/theme/casa.html; Office of Student Development, Casa Magdalena Mora Theme Program, 2610 Channing Way; 510/642-3213).