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.
Written by Marcy Christine Jones You are reading Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs articles
News
- Tucson Reacts to TUSD Mexican-American Studies Elimination
- Bombing Range Offers Pristine Wilderness
- Alla Frefer: A Libyan-American Experience
- The Gangs of Tucson
- Local Group Asks Residents for City Planning Advice
- 2011 Democratic Election Night Party Live Coverage
- Tucson Elections
- Immigration live blog
Culture
People
Education
Health
Sports
- Former UA Tennis Player Redirects His Passion for the Game
- Soccer: The New Flavor of Tucson Sports
- 2012 FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup Kick Off
- International Student-Athletes, Bringing More Than Just Competition
- Bikes across borders
- Vacation for Both Sides of the Border
- International Athletes at the UA
- International Tennis Seniors' Final Homestand
Food
- Sushi Chef: Noboru Nakajima
- A Tortilla-Making Family Tradition
- Pin-up Pastries Enjoys Huge Success at Tucson Meet Yourself
- Tucson Eat Yourself: El Guero Canelo
- Tamales for Local Happiness
- A Festival Full of Culture
- Food Vendors Caught on Camera
- Pin-Up Serving Attractive Pastries at Tucson Meet Yourself
Twitter Updates
Who's Online
We have 41 guests onlineBorder Beat Blogs
By: Alexandra Newman
This blog compares Mexican and American women in terms of their culture's beauty ideals and traditional gender roles.
By: Audrey A. Fitzsimmons
The Southwest boasts of diverse ethnic backgrounds and a wealth of interesting personalities. Border Personalities is dedicated to the people of the Southwest and their stories.
By: Brett Haupt
A visual exploration of America’s last frontier -- pictures and videos from different areas of the wall and fence that separate two different worlds and insight into what really stands between the United States and Mexico, ramifications of wall building and what it means for the average citizen.
By: Charles Misra
Stories about martial arts and combat sports with a cultural twist, all finding a home in America's southwestern borderlands.
Culture CrossingBy: Chelsey Barthel
American borders are crossed every day by cultures of all kind. These stories tell the personal experiences of people from different lands, offering further insight into the difference of cultures.
By: Emily Kjesbo
Spotlighting Mexico’s top travel destinations, as well as a few of its hidden gems.
By: Hope Jamieson
Explore dance throughout the borderlands.
Border PeopleBy: Jamie Turow
Profiles of English language learners.
MLS Soccer comes to the DesertBy: Jeff Kessler
All about the 2012 Desert Diamond Cup, a 10 day exhibition soccer tournament featuring four Major League Soccor teams coming to Tucson.By: Jessica Hoerth
Meet some of the people in Tucson who have made the journey across the border as they share what they came in search of and what struggles they may have encountered along the way.
Border ShotsBy: Keith Perfetti
A photojournalist looks at how other photographers have viewed the border and shoots lesser known spots of the southwest.
By: Lauren Inouye
A look at Mexican and Latin films that reflect culture, politics, and society -- reviews, research and analysis.
By: Lauren Urratio
Fashion and how it is impacted by the border and international cultures.
Border AthletesBy: Lauren Sokol
Meet international student athletes at the University of Arizona, a look at the recruiting process that helped them find a temporary home in the desert, and culture changes that the athletes might have endured.
Public Safety and Crime near the U.S./Mexico Border
By: Lucy Valencia
Public safety along the border and any crime-related issues. A look at issues that occur within the justice system when Mexican and U.S. laws overlap.
A City of Musical DiversityBy: Maria Teracena
Tucson musicians influence and are influenced by the sounds of the world.
The Border ProjectBy: Melissa Guz
"The Border Project" is an art showcase located in the University of Arizona's Museum of Art. It has over 40+ art pieces related to border issues.
Athletics and the BorderBy: Preston Fawcett
Get to know high school coachs and athletes from Arizona border towns or from Mexico and their struggles to get to where they are.
A Mosaic AmericaBy: Rachel Kolinski
"Exploring Diversity one Face at a Time"
Educación en la FronteraBy: Shannon Maule
A look at higher education in regard to those who have and have not been able to travel from various countries to the United States. Stories from people in the higher education world relating to the border.
Music of the BorderBy: Steven Schiraldi
Music reviews of musical works by Mexican or other ethnic artists.