Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs

Monday, 29 March 2010 20:39

When you walk into the César E. Chávez building here at The University of Arizona, many things are noticed immediately. Hundreds of chatty students pour down the double-staircase, colorful and traditional paper decorations hangsfrom the ceiling with pride, and - if you’re lucky - you might catch the lingering smell of delicious Mexican cuisine. However, it is particularly easy for you to feel at ease the moment you enter room 217, the office of Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs.

In 1992, the demand for cultural centers was high so the UA gave the often-protesting students exactly what they asked for: a place that offers academic resources and support and that strives to be welcoming and safe for all students.

Socorro Carrizosa, the C/HSA Director for 10 years, said that she has been interested in helping others since her freshman year at UA.

“I started working as a student-assistant through the New Start Summer Program at the end of my freshman year and worked there for several summers," she said. "That’s when I took an interest in student affairs.  I love this kind of work.”

According to Carrizosa, C/HSA helps roughly 1,200 students each year including groups of high school, middle school and elementary school students who visit C/HSA regularly.

Even though the program reaches hundreds outside UA, the university students are still first priority.

“We work with a lot of different groups at different times, however, our focus are the The University of Arizona students - the ones who are here, that’s where our energy really goes to,” Carrizosa said.

How does one get involved at C/HSA?

Since C/HSA is not a club or an exclusive program, there is no application process or membership required to get involved, which makes joining a whole lot easier.

Mike Anderson, a junior at UA, said that he believes C/HSA is a valuable resource for any student.

“I’ve only gone a couple times to work in the lab," said Anderson, "But everyone there is nice and it’s easy to find help there when you feel like you’re struggling with work."

In fact, Anderson found a writing workshop recommended by C/HSA, which ended up saving his grade.

“I was definitely going to fail, but I asked for help and that’s exactly what I got.  It was awesome.”

When asked why is it important for UA to have C/HSA on campus, Carrizosa responded that in a place where there is so much going on, having somewhere to make them feel more at home is always a postive.

“Since UA is so big, many students can feel lost like they don’t belong. We offer a warm place to help them feel safe and a part of campus,” she said.  “It’s especially important to the large number of Latino students we help who come from mainly Latino schools who are thrown off by not being ‘a part of the majority’ anymore. We offer them the support they need to feel comfortable again.”

C/HSA holds many events throughout the school year including lectures, fundraisers and even social events. Last Friday, in celebration of César Chávez Week, C/HSA presented Dolores Huerta, a social justice activist and co-founder of the Farm Worker’s Union, to speak.

To become involved with C/HSA and for a full calendar of events offered, visit their website or drop into their office located in room 217 in the César E. Chávez Building on campus.

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Written by Marcy Christine Jones You are reading Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs articles