Las Culturas

Las Culturas researches, designs and implements unique programs that promote the pursuit of academic success, retention and graduation of Hispanic and Latino students.

Many of the programs and services are designed to educate the entire campus community to expand students' cultural horizons while honoring their respective cultural experiences.

Programs

• The Hispanic Parent-Student Program
• Early outreach to middle and high school students
• Student Clubs: M.E.Ch.A, Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity Inc. and Kappa Delta Chi

Services

• Latino(a) staff members
• Translation service for campus/ literature and websites (fees applicable)
• Meeting space for clubs
• Study space
• Assistance with selecting classes
• Assistance understanding financial aid requirements
• Academic support and referral (tutoring, advising etc.)
• Career advising and referral
• Computer lab

Specific Recruitment

Specific recruitment efforts for Latino students include summer camps and conferences such as Minority Medical Scholars, Hispanic Engineering Program, Human and Community Sciences Pre-Med Program, Dean’s Future Scholars Program in the College of Education and Upward Bound. The University works with community-based ethnic organizations to co-sponsor and host students at the annual Latino Youth Leadership Conference, Latino Convocation March and Latino Career Day.

Acaedmic Colleges Staff Representation

Academic colleges staff booths each year at the Hispanic Heritage Festival. In partnership with Nevada Hispanic Services, staff members participate in the Los Padres del Milenio (Parents of the Millennium) workshop for middle and high school students and their parents to provide information about admissions procedures and how to qualify and maintain the Millennium scholarship.

All Recruitment, Admissions, Financial Aid Publications

All recruitment, admissions and financial aid publications are made available in both Spanish and English. A letter to the families of current 8th and 9th graders in Nevada regarding new admissions criteria and the Regents policy allowing Nevada high school graduates (regardless of citizenship status) to pay in-state tuition, is printed in both Spanish and English. All Transfer Center materials are available in Spanish. Bilingual campus tours are offered throughout the year by request. Bilingual admissions counselors are on staff in both the northern and southern Nevada recruitment offices.

The College of Cooperative Extension

The College of Cooperative Extension conducts significant outreach programs to the Latino community around the state. They sponsor 14 4-H clubs at Faye Heron Elementary School which is predominantly Latino; provide baby-sitting certification to Latino adolescents through the Cambridge Center; offer Libros de Ninos para Familias Saludables/Children’s Books for Healthy Families and Nuevas Familias/Partners in Parents.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation offers a Spanish-speaking orientation session just for parents as well as a bilingual session for new students and their parents. Parent orientation materials are provided in Spanish.

Student Activities and the Student Union

Student Activities and the Student Union sponsors displays of Xicano Art, Dia de Los Muertos, Eighteen ethnic student organizations are recognized by ASUN, the undergraduate student government. The three that specially serve Latino students are M.E.Ch.A, Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity Inc. and Kappa Delta Chi. The University is currently discussing expansion possibilities with the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO).

Hispanic Parent-Student Program

You are invited to participate in the Hispanic Parent-Student Program, sponsored by Las Culturas. The purpose of the program is to give you a thorough introduction of what college life will be like for your students.

The program will meet on April 22, 2008

Academic Workshop/Clubs and Organizations/ Financial Aid Workshop
April 22, 2008

The differences between college and high school

• Academic support service
• The cost of attending the university
• Campus life & student safety
• Explanation of grants, loans and scholarships
• What your student needs to do to KEEP their aid
  every semester
• FERPA (student privacy)

Hispanic and Latino Links:

• National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations
• League of United Latin American Citizens
• Hispanas organized for political equality
• Azteca Web Page
• Hispanic America USA
• Latina Style
• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities(HACU)
• Latino Greek Lettered Organization
• Latino Issues Forum
• Initiative on Education Excellence for Hispanic Americans

Student Organizations

To become a member of the organizations below, feel free to contact the Center for Student Cultural Diversity, 784-4936 or the groups directly. All students welcomed.

• Asian American Student Assocation
• Black Student Organization
• Hillel
• Kappa Alpha Psi
• Las Americas
• Kappa Delta Chi
• MEChA
• Nu Alpha Kappa
• Native American Organization
• Pilipino Undergraduate Student Organization
• Queer Student Union
• Sister II Sister
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
• Zeta Phi Beta
• Delta Sigma Theta
• LIFE
• Hip Hop Division
• Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA)

Information for Current Club Members

Kappa Delta Chi

Kappa Delta Chi encourages values of leadership, unity, and integrity. This sorority is dedicated to provide service and support to the University of Nevada, Reno and the community, with emphasis on the Hispanic population. In addition, the sorority will serve as an opportunity to unite the Latino community on campus, creating a Latino presence that will be represented in a positive, constructive way. It will also provide an opportunity to unite our different cultures so that we may learn, accept, and value them.

Nu Alpha Kappa

Nu Alpha Kappa is a Latino-based fraternity which encompasses and values all cultures. Our membership has grown from 11 men at one chapter in San Luis Obispo to over 1000 men across California , Colorado and Nevada. Our site contains information about our history and philanthropic efforts.

MEChA

Movimento Estudiantil Chicano/a de Aztlan (MEChA) is a national organization that was established the 1970's. The mission of M.E.Ch.A. is to politicize, socialize, and educate Chicano/a students of the goals of the Chicano movement: 1) increasing the number of Chicano/a Students in higher education and ensuring that all necessary assistance is offered for successful completion, 2) promoting identity through history and culture, 3) encouraging self awareness and reaffirming the pride and dignity of our culture, 4) promoting a sense of obligation and responsibility in our communities.

MEChA sponsors:

• El dia de los muertos
• 16 de Septiembre
• Cinco de Mayo
• Honoring Cesar Chavez
• Killumbus Day/Dia de la Raza
• Documentary Nights
• BBQ for Immigrant Workers Freedom Riders

Volunteer Activities

• High School Mentor and Tutoring
• Preparing High School Students for College

These activities are to encourage and guide young Chicano/Latino students to get into higher education.

Scholarship Award

In 2002 we awarded a scholarship of $500 to a Washoe County High School Student