Chicano Latino Student Affairs (CLSA)
Contact the CLSA
Phone | 909 621-8044
Email | clsa@claremont.edu
Hours | Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Chicano Latino Student Affairs
Tranquada Student Services Center – 2nd Floor
757 College Way
Claremont, CA, 91711
CLSA Programs
Community Building
Leadership Development
Events (Cultural and Community Issues)
Academic Resources
History
Student and Alumni Highlights
Student Organizations
Community Building
New Student Retreat
- A three-day community building experience that strengthens social and cultural ties. Located in a rustic mountain setting (with all the modern amenities), the retreat is an invaluable opportunity for all participants to interact and build friendships. Team-building activities such as sponsor-led sessions, campfires, volleyball, nature hikes and crystal-clear mountain evenings under the stars are enjoyed by all. New students begin the academic year invigorated and with a strong sense of belonging within the Chicano/Latino college community.
Parents Weekend
- Parents weekend is hosted by each of the five undergraduate colleges. CLSA hosts a welcome reception for parents and families on the Friday before festivities begin to welcome families into the space.
Community Lunches
- Bring the student community together on a regular basis for social and cultural interaction. Friendships are fostered in an easygoing, casual dining atmosphere.
Study breaks
- A time to relax and refresh, study breaks are a great opportunity to visit with other students while taking a few moments away from the books. CLSA is happy to host a number of study breaks during the year.
Chicano Latino Graduation
- A celebration that includes a bilingual ceremony and reception for seniors, graduate students and their families. This celebration is coordinated by a committee of undergraduate and graduate students who wish to honor and highlight the achievements of Chicano and Latino students.
Alumni Sessions and Panels
- Sessions provide an opportunity for undergraduates to meet with alumni to discuss careers, postgraduate perspectives, and build networks for professional growth and development.
Leadership Development
Sponsor Program
- Meet the CLSA Sponsor Team
- Sponsors are returning students whose goal is to mentor the incoming class with the transition to college life. The sponsor serves as a supportive resource person through the freshman year. The CLSA Sponsor application for the 2020-2021 school year will be available in early March.
Graduate Student Brown Bag Series
- As a resource to students from Claremont Graduate University (CGU) and Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) CLSA hosts a graduate brown-bag lunch series during the academic year. The workshops take place in a conducive and supportive environment in which graduate students present their research to their peers as a means of receiving constructive feedback. This is a wonderful opportunity for scholarly development and intellectual growth.
Chapbook “Almas Unidas: Nuestra Visión”
- The Chapbook serves as a medium for students to have their original poetry, short stories, essays, monologues and art work submitted for publication. The book is published in the spring semester.
Dolores Huerta Leadership Gala Planning Committee
- Students assist in planning and implementation of this event where student leaders are recognized for their community service both on- and off-campus. The Dolores Huerta Leadership Gala is the culminating event of the César Chávez Commemoration.
Chicano Latino Graduation Planning Committee
- This celebration is coordinated by a committee of undergraduate and graduate students who wish to honor and highlight the achievements of Chicano Latino students.
Events
Latino Heritage Month
- A calendar of events that celebrates the cultural heritage of Chicanos and Latinos. Films, speakers, lectures and social events all constitute the five-college celebration held in the fall semester.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
- CLSA celebrates this festive occasion that honors those who have passed away, while also celebrating the continuation of life. With an emphasis on joy rather than sadness, Día de los Muertos comes alive with vibrant colors as an altar is adorned with photographs, candles, fruit, bread, orange marigolds, bright papel picado (paper cut-outs), sugar skulls and many treasured belongings.
César Chávez Commemoration
- Celebrates the life and accomplishments of the founder of the United Farm Workers Union. Speakers, lectures, dinners and musical events are all part of the extensive five-college celebration.
Field Trips
- These outings are planned to complement relevant issues to the Chicano/Latino community and CLSA programming.
Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe
- An annual celebration in honor of La Virgin de Guadalupe, the Patroness Saint of the Americas, co-hosted every December with the Chaplain’s Office. The commemoration includes a mass with music, followed by a traditional meal. In addition to being a spiritual event, this is also a cultural celebration throughout the Americas. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Art Workshops
- Students are able to participate in a variety of different art workshops and activities throughout each semester. The art workshops celebrate Latino culture in different ways and provide students stress relief.
Guest Speakers and Lecturers
- The academic year is augmented with speakers addressing important issues to students and the Chicano/Latino community. During the 18-19 school year we invited, musicians, poets, authors, doctors and lawyers to present to our students on a variety of topics.
Wellness Initiatives
- CLSA partners with the Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services department to offer students at the 7 colleges free workshops and drop-in mental health services.
Academic Resources
Graduate and Professional Schools Success Series
- Graduate school application workshop
- Advice for graduate school (by appointment only)
- Statement of purpose workshop
- How to successfully apply for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship
- STEM workshops
- Medical school application advising
History
1960’s: Striving for Representation
In 1969 the Mexican-American Studies Center was established as a result of Chicano student movement. The Council of Presidents designated the center as a central program in February 1969. The center included both an academic and a student affairs component. The first director of the center was Ron Lopez who had oversight upon the faculty and staff. Augustina (Tina) Lopez Snideman was appointed dean of students and was responsible for student programming. The first center was located in a small house on Dartmouth Avenue and 11th Street.
1970’s: Being Part of the Social Fabric at the Claremont Colleges
In the fall of 1971, the Mexican-American Studies Center became the Chicano Studies Center. Funding was on a year-to-year basis. Ed Quevedo, the second director, provided the leadership and guidance that firmly established the center. In the 1970’s, there was a significant increase in the enrollment of Chicano students. As the student numbers increased so did the activities and student programs created by the center. In response, an additional program coordinator position was recommended for the Chicano Studies Center. By 1973, the center was housed in the basement of the McAlister Center.
1980’s: Identity
In 1980, the student affairs component and the faculty were officially established as individual departments. The student component became the Chicano Student Affairs Center and the staff included a director/dean as the chief administrative officer, an assistant dean and an administrative assistant. The academic component became the Intercollegiate Department of Chicano Studies (IDCS) with a faculty chair.
1990’s: Diversity
In 1998, under the TCCS leadership of Mr. Mitch Dorger, the center was moved from the basement of the McAlister Center to a new location on the corner of 7th Street and College Way. The Student Deans Committee (SDC), in conjunction with the Council of The Claremont Colleges, endorsed the focus on academic support and retention as the mission for Chicano/Latino Student Affairs (CLSA).
2000-2010: Cultura
CLSA moved to the Smith Campus Center in the summer of 2004 and was housed there for one year, while its permanent home was under construction. During the 2004–05 academic year, CLSA went through an extensive program review process. The review resulted in a new direction for CLSA that emphasized more social/cultural programming. CLSA added a significant number of social/cultural activities such as the Latino Heritage Month celebration and the Cesar Chavez Commemoration program. The CLSA Sponsor Program, lectures, alumni sessions, workshops, community lunches and leadership development programs highlight the program offerings. CLSA moved to its permanent location on the second floor of the Tranquada Student Services Center in the summer of 2005.
Since its establishment in 1969, Chicano/Latino Student Affairs has played an integral role in the lives and experiences of Chicano/Latino students in Claremont. Chicano Latino students comprise a thriving and vibrant community that reflects the diversity of the fastest growing group in the U.S. CLSA promotes the concept of “familia” within the Chicano/Latino community and encourages the educational goals of students.
2010-Present: The Shift
Student and Alumni Highlights
Student Organizations
5C Latinx in Tech
We are a 5C organization hoping to bring together the Latinx Students in Tech community. Join us to meet and network with other students through our social events. We’ll also have monthly events on professional development, career panels, speakers, and more! Anyone is invited even if you’re not majoring in a tech-related field! As long as you have an interest or hope to work varying jobs in a tech company we encourage you to join. Open to 5Cs; Anchor programs: monthly events to help students learn more about potential career paths and network with Latinx professionals.
Instagram: @5clatinxintech
President: Luis Mendoza Ramirez, ldmendoza25@cmc.edu
5C Latinos in Medicine (LMSA)
The 5C LMSA mission is to increase latine voice in healthcare through proving resources and a safe space for pre-health latine sutdents to foster a community at the 5C’s. Any student on any pre-health track is welcome to join! The club will not be officially running until the Fall Semester. Open to 5Cs; Anchor programs: mixers, workshops, speaker series, study sessions, etc.
Instagram: @Claremont LMSA
Email: claremontmsa@gmail.com
Amor y Apoyo
Amor y Apoyo aims to create a space for CMC Hispanic/Latina identifying women and femmes to build a sisterhood amongst ourselves. We aim to create a safe space to share-on campus resources, promote self care, love, community and partner with the broader Latinx community. We strive to serve as a support system for Latina women and femmes on campus through our close knit events, bonding activities, and fostering a strong sense of unity among each other. Open to the 5Cs; Anchor programs: Trip to Latinafest in LA, Study Date at Nosy Neighbors and Flower-Bouquet Making events!
Instagram: @amorapoyo.cmc
Email Address for support – aposada25@cmc.edu
Café con Leche
Café con Leche seeks to provide a forum for the discussion of social, political and economic issues that affect women, particularly those of Latina descent. We intend to raise awareness of diversity and its implications in our immediate community and surrounding areas. We dedicate ourselves to social justice by developing a critical lens through which we can analyze ourselves and the world. We welcome all members of the Scripps community regardless of racial and cultural heritage to join us in this pursuit.
cafeconleche@scrippscollege.edu
Calle6
Calle6 is a vibrant and welcoming club that celebrates the Latin American experience across the Claremont Colleges (7Cs). Our goal is to bring together those who share a connection with Latin America, whether through heritage, culture, or a desire to learn more. A unique feature of Calle6 is our primary use of Spanish for communication, providing a space for members to speak their native language and connect with others who share similar experiences. From special events to weekly dinners, Calle6 offers opportunities to celebrate and explore the richness of Latin American culture. If you’re interested in immersing yourself in the diversity and beauty of Latin America while strengthening your Spanish skills, Calle6 welcomes you with open arms! We are a Spanish speaking group so we welcome anyone that wants to speak predominantly in Spanish! Although our group is mostly consistent of Latin American international students, our group also includes several members from Spain, Italy and the United States. Open to the 7Cs; Anchor programs: Welcome Dinner, Goodbye Dinner, Weekly dinner catch ups, movie nights.
Instagram: @5c.calle6
Current presidents – Instagram: @ohheylau from Pomona or @Marco.Valsania from CMC
The Claremont College SACNAS Chapter (Society for Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science)
The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science is dedicated to advancing minorities and their supporters in science. We are a group of individuals interested in quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research, teaching, leadership, and policy. SACNAS Claremont Colleges seeks to help increase and retain the number of minority students seeking degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It also pursues to increase the awareness of minority students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the Claremont Colleges through different activities and events.
IDEAS (Pomona)
IDEAS at The Claremont Colleges aims to foster a vibrant community for immigrants and help bring increased awareness of immigrant struggles to The Claremont Colleges community. It is the purpose of IDEAS to organize, promote, encourage and further the education of immigrant students by providing social networks, and academic and financial resources to students. IDEAS plans to carry out, foster and advocate for an accessible environment in university education for all immigrants.
Latino Student Union (Pitzer)
The purpose of Pitzer’s Latinx Student Union is to establish a bridge of communication between its members and the larger Pitzer community and to empower and promote Latinx cultural awareness through educational and cultural events, as well as grassroots activism. This student-run organization shall provide a forum of current political, cultural, and social awareness, as well as involvement and support in the Latinx community and the surrounding Claremont College community.
Instagram: @pzlsu
Email: lsupres@students.pitzer.edu
Latinx Alliance (LXA) (Pomona)
Latinx Alliance (LXA) strives to create a collective space that supports and empowers all self-identifying Latine students, staff, and faculty at Pomona College. Creating such an environment is an endless process of love, patience and awareness. Considering the isolation many Latine students feel on campus, particularly if they are of Indigenous, Afro-, Caribbean, Central American and/or South American descent, we work to develop dialogues in which people can deconstruct norms of the systems of domination in which we live. Overall, we seek to create experiences that sustain our community and our allies academically, mentally, and emotionally. From this space of critical awareness, LXA seeks to create social and institutional change that brings together the Latine community that is present at Pomona College and Claremont. Open to the 5Cs; Anchor programs: VIVA Latinoamérica, weekly/biweekly meetings, co-hosting events with the QRC and other groups.
Instagram: @pomonalxa
Email: lxa.pomona@gmail.com
¡Mi Gente! (CMC)
¡Mi Gente! hopes to create a welcoming and inclusive community that will support all students who identify as Latinx at CMC in gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to improve their lives and their communities. Mi Gente is open to all interested students regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. We have events ranging from social, academic, and professional. Our big goal is to be a support network for Latinx students and allies at CMC. Not open to 5Cs; anchor programs: ¡Mi Gente! X Thursday Night Club, CWPD Study Sessions with boba, and the ¡Mi Gente! 5C Quinceanera!
Instagram: @migente.cmc
Email: migente@students.claremontmckenna.edu
SPLS (The Society of Professional Latinxs in STEM)
The Society of Professional Latinxs in STEM (SPLS) is the Latinx affinity group based at Harvey Mudd College. The club strives to promote the inclusion, acceptance, and celebration of all Hispanic/Latinx cultures on campus. The club is driven by four pillars, COPA, which stand for Community, Outreach, Professionalism, and the AMIGO mentor program. SPLS strives to encourage students in the community to pursue higher education in STEM while supporting members in achieving their professional goals and connecting with their multi-faceted Latinx identities. SPLS also hopes to collaborate with groups from other marginalized communities in order to promote thinking about intersectionality.
Contact Information:
Presidents- Michael Hamlett (mhamlett@g.hmc.edu); Duncan Rocha (drocha@g.hmc.edu); Guadalupe Quirarte (gquirarte@g.hmc.edu)