Romance Languages’ Spanish Heritage Language Program (SHL) engages in a number of different forms of outreach to connect Oregon Latinx students with the UO and with Spanish language education at the UO.
Faculty serve on the Dreamers Working Group Steering Committee. An appointed group, the Dreamers Steering Committee works collaboratively with the UO community and DREAMer Allies to ensure that our campus is: inclusive, friendly and supportive to students, faculty, and staff irrespective of their immigration status, country of origin or ethnicity.
Tarea Time is an initiative of the Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence (CMAE), originally developed by the SHL director and coordinated by Karla Pérez-Young, which focuses on mentoring by guiding students from all backgrounds in the utilization of all resources available regarding financial aid, scholarships, internships, career development, professionalization, and ultimately academic success. Tarea Time meets once a week, form 3:00pm to 5:00pm (weeks 2-10).
Faculty and students participate with RUYC (Raza Unida Youth Conference) and with the Latinx student organization MEChA in volunteer, training, and community presentation activities.
The Latino Strategy group (LSG) includes faculty from the RL/SHL program with representatives from around UO campus including CMAE, Mills International Center, Advising, Housing, Visit Programs, Ethnomusicology, Admissions, Oregon Folklife Network, Theatre Arts.
RL sponsors initiatives and cultural events on campus and beyond, to bring students and faculty into participation with the Latinx community. We collaborate with the JSMA, the Knight Library, and others to extend awareness of and access to the cultural and archival materials, such as Guatemalan and Mexican textiles in the JSMA permanent collection or PCUN archives at the library.
Advisors organize the Fall Opportunities Fair for all RL students. We include tablers from the TRIO and TLC, the Career Center, PLE, Teach for America, and Peace Corps. These programs and offices are interested in connecting with our diverse population of students.
We recruit at all UO IntroDucktion, orientation and WOW events throughout the year.
Faculty organize and present numerous workshops each year, on topics such as National Spanglish Day, Empowering Heritage Students, and strengthening student support networks.