Programs and Services

Chicano Student Programs provides services intended to meet a variety of students' needs. The following descriptions are broad highlights of the various services and programs:

Counseling/Retention

Students are assisted with a wide range of personal and academic problems. Students request assistance in resolving personal concerns, identifying support services and resources, pre-academic advising, and advocacy. Referrals are made to appropriate departments and at times, students are referred to Chicano Student Programs by other units for assistance. The academic success of students is top priority. Thus, the program provides support services aimed at increasing retention and graduate rates. Inclusion of faculty and Chicano Alumni is an essential part of our efforts. the office has been successful in fostering a friendly atmosphere and developing a sense of "familia".

Chicano/Latino Student Orientation

The Fall Quarter orientation is designed to introduce students to faculty, staff and continuing students. The orientation also serves as an initiationto the various departments, support services, and student organizations. This annual event is well attended. The opportunity for informal interaction is invaluable and contributes to a sense of belonging and "family".

Graduate Student Preparation

The office has initiated a Raza Graduate Student Network providing opportunities to strengthen mentoring relationships with faculty and advisors. The office maintains resources for students to research appropriate graduate programs, entrance exams, test dates and funded fellowships (e.g., National Science Foundation, Hispanic Scholarship Fund). Students are encouraged to attend graduate and professional school fairs and participate in summer research internships.

We are also working with Raza graduate students to plan and implement various programs to provide a network of support for our graduate students.

Speaker series are designed to promote academic growth and cultural understanding. Speakers bring to life key issues affecting society and enhance understanding. Past speakers have included: Luis Rodriguez (Author), Assemblyman Marco Firebaugh (California State Legislature), Dr. Carlos Ulgalde (Latin American Studies), Josefina López (Screen Writer/Actress), Arturo Rodriguez and Dolores Huerta (United Farm Workers), Dr. José Limón (Chicano Studies), Dr. Elsa Valdez (Chicana History), and UCR professors: Tiffany Ana López, Carlos Cortés, Alicia Arrizon, Armando Navarro, Josh Kun, Alfredo Mirandé, Dylan Rodriguez, Richard Lowy, Carlos Vélez-Ibañez, and Dr. David Hayes-Bautista.

Semana de la Mujer

In celebration of Women’s History Month, this week-long event highlights the achievements of Chicana/Latinas. The event pays tribute to all the every day “soldaderas” who stand up for their beliefs and constantly remind us that alongside every man and child, there are strong, dedicated women cultivating cultural traditions, participating as decision makers and shaping our future. Noche

Cultural/Poesia Peligrosa

These events are a commitment to the inclusion of the performing arts and its use in fostering greater understanding and participation. Dance, music, spoken word and theater have proven to be excellent mediums in promoting cultural understanding and developing community unity. Faculty/Staff members; Alicia Arrizon (Chicano Theater), Juan Rios (Dance), Todd Wingate (Cultural Events), David Kellstrand (Theater Facilities), Tiffany Ana Lopez and Josh Kun (English), Nancy Tubbs (LGBT Center), and Carlos Velez-Ibanez (Anthropology) have collaborated on projects. Events provide surrounding communities with cultural outlets not otherwise available in the local area.Chicano/Latino

Graduation/Awards Banquet

The annual banquet brings together la familia to honor the achievements of our graduating Chicano/Latino students; it unifies the student’s families and university. Keynote speakers have included: The Honorable Cruz Reynoso (former Supreme Court Justice), Dolores Huerta (Vice President-United Farm Workers), Dr. Carlos Cortés (Historian), Carlos Vélez-Ibañez (Anthropologist), Carmen Zapata (Bilingual Arts Foundation), and Luis Valdez (Teatro Campesino).

Student Leadership Development

Chicano Student Programs encourages and provides opportunities for student interaction, personal and developmental growth, goals and objectives planning, and extracurricular activities. Past workshops have included: conflict resolution, organizing effective meetings, fundraising, and program planning. Chicano Alumni, representing a variety of professional fields, interact with students and establish networks. Students are encouraged to participate in graduate and professional school seminars, employment opportunity presentations, and community projects.

Radio Aztlan/Nuestra Cosa

The broadcasting and journalistic endeavors provide opportunities for those interested in communications. Participants develop oral and written communications skills and by requiring students to research and report on issues relating to the Chicano/Latino community there is also a sense of social responsibility promoted.

Community Outreach

Under the auspices of Chicano Tutorial-Education 100, assistance is provided to students at local elementary, middle and senior high schools. Enrolled students log over 2,000 volunteer hours per year. The experience allows students to gain valuable insights and practical experience.

The office also coordinates two annual conferences providing an opportunity for potential students to obtain information regarding higher education. For thirty years the annual Community College Day has attracted 200-300 participants representing over 20 community colleges from throughout Southern California. With more students attending California’s community colleges the need to increase transfer rates is magnified. Our community college outreach efforts are appealing to counselors searching for ways to increase transfer rates. Participants are provided with workshops that increase confidence and self-esteem, introduced to role models, and explore the nuts and bolts to transferring to the university.

The Chicano/Latino Youth Conference, aimed at high school students, attracts 500 participants annually to the campus. The overall objectives of the conference are to increase the number of Chicano/Latino students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities, promote cultural awareness, and encourage social activism amongst the student participants. The conference’s outstanding reputation has high schools returning each year.

Students and staff are also encouraged to participate in outreach programs including the Youth Education Motivation Program (YEMP), presentations at various schools, campus visitation/tours, and a host of events coordinated by student organizations, community centers and public agencies.

Chicano Tutorial

This project is a two unit course (ED 100-02) offered by Chicano Student Programs to encourage students to tutor in elementary and secondary schools.

Lending Library

The library consists of books specializing in the Chicano experience, written by Chicanos/Latinos.

Community Service Projects
 
Various activities are presented that allow students the opportunity to become involved in the local Chicano/Latino community.

Chicano Alumni Network

This network is made up of working professionals who share their career experiences with interested UCR students.


Return to Top