UNM boasts a wide range of groups aimed at catering to the unique cultural, learning and social needs of different ethnic backgrounds represented on campus
African American Student Services, American Indian Student Services and El Centro de la Raza are a few of the ethnic centers available for students in need of tutoring, computers or just some advice.
Jocelyn Gamble, a senior student program adviser for African American Student Services, said the organization exists to provide culturally relevant programs designed to assist black students in succeeding at UNM.
Gamble said that the center offers a tutoring program, computers, a service learning program and other cultural programs, such as the annual Kwanzaa celebration in December.
The organization, she said, also offers programs in conjunction with other UNM organizations, such as the Zest for Excellence in Athletics. She said that Zest is a mentoring program for black student athletes.
Pam Agoyo, director of American Indian Student Services, said her organization has grown in the past couple of years.
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In addition to providing tutoring and computers, Agoyo said the organization offers a variety of workshops, social events and a transfer program for students who are coming to UNM from tribal colleges and state institutions. She said the workshops deal with anything from stress management to health issues.
The organization is now working on the itinerary for the upcoming annual Gathering of Nations, Agoyo said.
She added that students of any cultural background are welcome to drop by American Indian Student Services.
Ver¢nica MÇndez-Cruz, director of El Centro de la Raza, also said she encourages students of all backgrounds to get involved with the center and find ways to celebrate their own cultures.
She said students created El Centro because they felt the University needed a program that not only supported students academically, but culturally. El Centro has developed strong financial aid, academic, career and mentoring programs, Mendez-Cruz said.
MÇndez-Cruz says El Centro has advisers with backgrounds in counseling and family studies in case students have emotional issues they need to deal with. She added that she wants the students to feel that they have a support system behind them.
MÇndez-Cruz said El Centro is now working on several spring projects, including a speaker series and Raza graduation, which recognizes and awards the center's students.
All three programs are in Mesa Vista Hall. For more information on the African American Student Services, visit www.unm.edu/~aass. Visit www.unm.edu/~elcentro for more about El Centro de la Raza.
