Latina/0 Student Handbook
2008 Edition
Welcome
Latino/a Student Organizations
Academic Resources
Campus Resources
Faculty, Graduate Students, and Staff Resources
Our Courses Selection
Scholarships
Internships
Publications
Off-Campus Resources
Can’t Miss Action
Questions & Answers
Glossary
WELCOME
Bienvenidos!
I am pleased to welcome you to the University of Maryland-College Park. You may be in the same place I am, as a new community member needing to find your place among an array of diverse people. As the new Coordinator for Latina/o Student Involvement & Advocacy, I am very excited to meet you and assist you in finding your place on and off campus. As a new community member I faced the daunting experience of where to start, who to meet first, where to go for support and general information. The Latina/o Student Handbook provides that starting point, highlighting resources, faculty, staff, community partners and student organizations you may be interested in connecting with. I encourage you to contact them because they will appreciate your visit and are committed to your academic success and college experience. Also, if you feel that there is something missing from this handbook please let me know. Finally, as an avid adventurer, I encourage you to take a leap at new experiences and new people. If you would like support to take that leap please visit me. Best wishes this 2008-2009 academic year!
Pamela Hernandez
Coordinator for Latino/a Student Involvement and
Community Advocacy, MICA
Welcome to the University of Maryland,
At this time in the semester, the realities of college have set in and have real meaning for you. In a challenging university like Maryland, the demands of daily class schedule, in a new environment often prevent students from participating
in the many opportunities available on campus. We have created
this particular resource book for Latino/Hispanic students like you, so that,
as you begin to plan for the next semester, you will have a guide to facilitate your continued involvement and transition to the University of Maryland.
We tried to think of all the many things that first year students would want
to know about the University and of particular resources that Latino/a students,
at any stage may want to explore. As you are reading, remember that it is
easy to get involved in any of the organizations or programs mentioned.
Do not hesitate to stop by a meeting or contact someone listed in this guide.
Whether it be faculty, advisors, or upper-class students everyone is here to
help and offer advice if you need it.
We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities on this campus
and challenge yourself to be an active participant in them. The many cultural,
academic and social activities you will be exposed to are there for you to
experience.As you map your future at Maryland, we hope this resource
will help you identify the path into a successful and enriching journey.
Dr. Cordell Black
Associate Provost for Equity and Diversity
Welcome to the University of Maryland!
It is my honor to welcome you to this diverse and empower community here at the University of Maryland. I know that among all the many involvement and leadership opportuniies you will find the right type of organization, advising, and resources to be successful here: whether it be joining a registered student organization, attending a program that brings students together, taking a course that explores Latina/o identity issues, or contacting a faculty or staff member or "experienced" Latina/o student to learn more about how to help find that internship in Washington, DC. This handbook is an excellent first step to make you aware of the resources and information that would assist Latina/o students. I am a firm believer in the idea that leaders are not only born but they ar ecertainly made, and this is your opportunity to make that happen. Take that step, make your difference, and we will all be collectively better because of it. Enjoy your time here at the University and in the community. Go Terps!
Dan Balon, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Adele H. STamp Student Union-Center for Campus Life
Office of Multicultural Involvement & Community Advocacy
