Raza Graduation not only recognizes the accomplishments of Hispano student graduates, but also allows them to recognize their family, friends, and others who have provided support and encouragement during their college years. It is by no means an alternative to UNM's general commencement exercises and/or any departmental exercises, but rather a personalized and cultural celebration. We also encourage students to participate in their specified commencement. We are extremely proud and would like to recognize students' accomplishments during Raza Graduation.

Saturday, May 10, 2008 at the 16th Annual Raza Graduation

UNM student Julio Romero received an international award for his efforts as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader at the Center for Academic Program Support (CAPS).

The Award for Outstanding SI leader is awarded annually to at least one student out of hundreds of nominees from Supplemental Instruction programs around the world that has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the success of her/his program. Romero will accept the award at the May 2008 5th International Conference on SI in Orlando, Florida.

More information about the SI program can be found at the CAPS website, caps.unm.edu, by phone at 277-7205, or in person on the third floor of Zimmerman Library.

This event's mission is to provide a space where people can come and express themselves freely through spoken word, poetry, instrumentals, music, dance, film, theater, art, food, etc. The intent for facilitating B.A.M./B.A.M. is to further strengthen both our campus community and larger Albuquerque community where individuals and group are encouraged to express themselves both creatively and literally thus facilitating dialogue regarding issues and subjects of concern that effect our communities. Individuals who would like to make public announcements regarding information relevant to the promotion of our communities' wellbeing and increased unity are also welcome.

We would like to invite you to an event we are hosting this Thursday, March 6th, @ 6:00pm in the Ethnic Center Foyer in Mesa Vista Hall (right next to the student health center). This event is called B.A.M./B.A.M.: Bring A Message/Build A Movement.

El Centro de la Raza, a department under the Division of Student Affairs, was founded by students for students in 1969. El Centro de la Raza, through a partnership with the UNM Service Corps, is looking for interns for the 2008-2009 academic year. We are looking for interns who are highly motivated and have a desire to work with students attending the university, as well as working with the surrounding community. Interns will develop leadership skills by participating in scholarly work, partaking in civic engagement, and building community through cultural literacy and social justice.

A new TV quiz show that aims to educate and excite viewers about Hispanic history will air nationally during Hispanic History Month, and is now accepting applicants.

The Hispanic College Quiz, a half-hour game show, will feature Hispanic college students from around the country facing off Jeopardy-style to answer questions from the book A History of Latinos in America Harvest of Empire by Juan González.

Read more about it here

This program includes student research opportunities, community outreach, public forums and promoting the establishment of research projects relevant to issues of importance to community land grants.

Download the brochure here (PDF)

Have you updated your NetID? Your password will expire sometime between February and March. Dont risk being denied access to Web CT, LoboWeb, web mail, or anything that requires your UNM NetID.

Update your password today at http://netid.unm.edu!

RASEM provides the support and encouragement for students with disabilites to overcome the educational barriers they face in considering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math careers. The student mentorship awards merit-based $1,200/year mentorships or $600/year stipends to the students enrolled fulltime in partner institutions or colleges. The Teacher Outreach Program (TOP) provides "mini-grants" for Middle and High School Science and Math related projects that enhance the normal curriculum being taught and include students with disabilities. Pre-college programs inspire the excitement of achievement and discovery in fields generally percieved to be beyond the reach of students with disabilities. For more information contact Randy Larryat, http://rasem.nmsu.edu, 505-646-2994.

Controversy Flares Over University of New Mexico's Centro de la Raza

In the 1920s, Mexican educator Jose Vasconcellos developed the concept of "La Raza Cosmica" -- A Cosmic People. In this concept, Vasconcellos points out that the Mexican people have indigenous roots, which are presumed to be Asian, and that when the Spaniards came to the Americas, Mexicans mixed both with Europeans and Africans, thus producing a cosmic race -- a mixture of all the peoples of the world. Over the years, Cruz explained, "La Raza" has simply come to mean "people."

In recognition of this mixture, October 12 in Mexico -- and throughout Latin America -- is celebrated not as Columbus Day, but as "Dia de La Raza" or Day of the People, said Eliseo Torres, vice president of student affairs.

El Centro de la Raza has a long respected history of celebrating many Latino cultures through a variety of venues. We are charged at the University of New Mexico to serve not only the largest growing ethnic population but also educating the campus as a whole. Throughout our 40-year history on campus, we have acknowledged and celebrated the richness of culture. Additionally, we are American citizens with a rich and proud Latino heritage that continuously gets attacked by racist actions.

New Mexico Law> New Mexico Code> Chapter 21 - State and Private Education Institutions.> Article 7 - University of New Mexico, 21-7-1 through 21-7-28.> Section 21-7-9.2 - El Centro de la Raza created; purpose. The "El Centro de la Raza" is created as a service center within the division of student affairs of the university of New Mexico. The center shall provide training, technical assistance, research assistance, student academic support in the form of instruction and tutoring and information dissemination for Hispanic student recruitment and retention. The training, technical assistance, research assistance and information dissemination shall be made available to persons who participate in El Centro de la Raza. El Centro de la Raza shall prepare an annual report for the legislature showing the progress of the center in providing services to Hispanic students.