ResourceGuide 08-09 FINAL - LARES
Transcription
ResourceGuide 08-09 FINAL - LARES
UIC U NIVERSITY OF I LLINOIS AT C HICAGO Bienvenidos A Latino Resource Guide A LARES Handbook for College Success Serving the Latino Community for over 30 Years 2008 – 2009 Table of Contents Welcome to the University of Illinois at Chicago………………………………...…….….….……..3 Latino Pillars of Support………………………………...…………………………………….……….4 Meet the LARES Staff……………………………………………………………………….…….......6 Helpful Hints……………………………………………………………………………….………...….7 LARES Leaders…………………………………………………………………………….…..….…...9 Academic Assistance………………………..………………………………………………………..10 Academic Skills Program (ASP) courses……………..…………………………….…….………..11 Financial Aid/Scholarships…………………………………………………………...……….…......12 Ten Pet Peeves of College Professors………..…………………..…………….…..……………..15 Five Things No One Ever Told Me About Fitting Into the College Environment..……….……..16 Latino Student Organizations and Peer Support…………….…………………….………………18 Thinking Ahead……………………………………………………………………….…………….....21 Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP)……………………………….……….……….22 Navigating the System….………………………..………….………………………..……...………23 Campus Advocacy Network (CAN)………………………………………………….…….………..25 Commonly Asked Questions…………………………….….………………………….…….….…..26 Learning the Walk and Talk of College…..……..……….…...…………………….……..………..28 Academic Calendar………………………………………..………………………………….…..….29 Getting to know UIC’s Latino Faculty ……………………………….………….….…...…….…...30 UIC Latino Faculty and Staff Directory...………………………………...…………..……………..35 2 Welcome to the University of Illinois at Chicago On behalf of the Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services program (LARES), I would like to welcome you to the UIC Latino family which we hope will be a cornerstone of your support while you pursue your academic and career goals here at the university. Large educational institutions offer a number of benefits to students. Along with an accomplished faculty, there are a host of other human, technical and programmatic resources, which constitute the principle advantages of attending a comprehensive state university. However, it is quite easy to overlook the offices, programs and individuals that can be of great help to you. I have often heard students say, “I wish I had known about this earlier.” The quality of your education can be diminished if you do not connect with the services and opportunities that can benefit you. We have developed this survival guide for you to use as a road map. This guidebook does not seek to be comprehensive. (We refer you to publications such as the university catalog http://www.uic.edu/ucat/catalog/, the UIC Student Handbook produced by the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and other resources published by the colleges.) This particular booklet is a special road map that focuses on Latino and Latino-related resources. There are many people who can offer you guidance, but YOU alone are responsible for the decisions you make. Therefore, we urge you to carefully consider important issues, especially since what is right for one student may not be the best option for another. Read the university catalog and work with your LARES counselor to avoid needless missteps along the way of your educational journey. Seek out services, enroll in special initiatives, integrate yourself into the various organizational efforts, make a contact in your college and link yourself to concerned and helpful individuals on campus. In this way, you will be more likely to obtain the best information and find your personal niche at the university while enriching your student experience. Again, on behalf of LARES and the Latino community, I welcome you to UIC. Leonard Ramirez, Ph.D. LARES Director 3 The LARES Mission: To empower students by providing personal growth and educational opportunities and to prepare leaders who will make individual and collective contributions toward the cultural and social advancement of the Latino community. Latino Pillars of Support Over the years, Latino students and campus personnel have worked together to create a number of programs to assist you. Various generations of students, faculty, administrators, and community leaders from the 1960s to today have played an important part in the development of student support systems. You will want to take advantage of the legacy that has been left to you. Hispanic Center of Excellence (HCOE) HCOE is a program dedicated to the recruitment and graduation of medical students from the University of Illinois at Chicago. The Center sponsors various programs to achieve this goal. The Center's programs include the ESCUCHA! Student Network, the Leadership Development Conference, the Summer Medical Student Research Fellowship Program, guidance with Step 1 Board Exam, and other academic support programs for undergraduate Latino students interested in medicine. For an appointment or more information please contact the Hispanic Center of Excellence at 312-996-4493, Fax 312-996-9922 or visit our web site at http://hcoe.medicine.uic.edu/index.htm. We are located at the College of Medicine East, 808 S. Wood Room 990. Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) The Latin American and Latino Studies Program is an academic program offering courses on Latin America and Latinos in the United States. An interdisciplinary program with its own faculty, it focuses on Latin American history and politics, Mexican-Chicano/a studies and culture and the migration and development of Latinos in the United States, with emphasis on Chicago and the Midwest. Latin American Studies faculty concentrate in the areas of: -Latin American History -Mexican-Chicano/a Studies -Puerto Rican Studies -Latino/a Studies in the Urban U.S. In addition, the program cross-lists related courses in departments such as geography, economics, anthropology, political science, art history, literature (Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English), and history. There is a large number of courses available to students which cover topics as diverse as pre-Hispanic archaeology, the forest Indians of Brazil, race and ethnicity in the New World, Spanish history, development and dependency in Latin America, Mexican, Caribbean and South American history, U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America, Latino social movements in the U.S. and Latino community development in Chicago. 1527 UH – MC 219 601 S. Morgan Street 312.996.2445 312.996.1796 fax http://www.uic.edu/las/latamst Latin American and Educational Services (LARES) Program LARES is a recruitment and academic assistance program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. It was established in the 1970s by students, faculty, staff and community members to recruit and assist Latinos through the admissions process and provide counseling and academic services to students at both the high school and university levels. LARES targets Latino students who are interested in pursuing higher education and who desire personalized guidance and other forms of support. The Cesar Chavez Study Area has a computer lab as well as a group and individual study space. Address: 1200 West Harrison Street, Suite 2640. Phone: 312.996.3356, fax: 312.413.2903 or visit our website: www.lares.uic.edu. 4 Latino Pillars of Support continued... Policy and Action Committees The Latino Committee on University Affairs (LCUA) & the Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Latinos (CCSL) The Latino Committee on University Affairs (LCUA) is an independent Latino organization open to the entire UIC Latino community. The Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Latinos (CCSL) is open to all who have an interest in Latino affairs and issues. CCSL was established to advise the Chancellor. Each organization in its own unique way is concerned with promoting educational, professional and career opportunities for Latinos at UIC. The LCUA subcommittees work on Outreach, Retention and Recruitment of Students, Special Events, and Employment. LCUA has also helped establish and continues to promote the activities of the Association of Latino Parents. The goals of the LCUA are the development of university programs designed to improve the quality of educational opportunities available to Latinos in the Chicago Metropolitan Area, including recruitment and support for Latino students and increased representation and opportunities for Latino faculty, staff and civil service employees. CCSL's subcommittees include faculty, community liaison, and academic retention. CCSL's emphasis is primarily on policy and focused on its advisory relationship to UIC's administration. When appropriate, LCUA and CCSL coordinate activities and support one another's events and projects. CCSL and LCUA continue to develop and enhance UIC's relationship and commitment to the Latino communities of Chicago and Illinois. For more information on CCSL please contact co-chair Hugo Teruel, Associate Director, LARES program, at [email protected]. For LCUA please contact co-chair William Rodriguez, Associate Dean, Office of Student Affairs, at [email protected]. Rafael Cintron Ortiz Latino Cultural Center The Rafael Cintron-Ortiz Latino Cultural Center (LC B2) was created through the efforts of Latino students in the 1970s. Named after a professor who aided students in their struggles, the center is a study and social center which sponsors cultural, political, and academic events. The center has a computer lab with extended hours and facilities that student organizations can reserve for their activities. For upcoming events, or to use the facilities, call the center at 312.996.3095 or visit their website at www.uic.edu/depts/lcc/. Student Organizations In a discussion held years ago in LARES, it became clear that various forms of student support were needed to supplement the assistance provided by university programs and college offices. LARES committed itself to work with students who were interested in leading organizational initiatives that could provide peer support, information, and other resources. LARES initiated the creation of engineering, health, education, law, business and other student groups. Most of these independent peer-support efforts still exist in some form on campus. Peer groups are a vital form of assistance available to undergraduate and graduate students. They constitute one of the important pillars of support available for Latino students. 5 Meet the LARES Staff I am Terry Mankus the ASP math Instructor and tutor. I hold a B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in mathematics from UIC. I played hockey at UIC (both at the college and semi-professional levels). I also play golf, exercise, watch TV, and tell really bad jokes. My name is Areli Castañeda and I am the assistant to the director for the LARES Program. Previously, I was a student worker at LARES for almost four years while completing my business degree at UIC. In my spare time I enjoy being with my family and friends. My name is Luis Duarte. I have a B.A. from De Paul University. Before coming to UIC, I had the opportunity to work in the community helping Latino students for over thirteen years. I advise students majoring in pre-law, pre-social work, and social sciences. I enjoy spending time with my son, and I also love music, going to concerts, sporting events, amusement parks and listening to really good jokes. My name is Alfredo Estrada. I am one of the recruitment and admission counselors at LARES. I hold a B.S. in marketing from UIC and advise students that are interested in business. In my spare time I enjoy hanging out with friends, going to concerts and watching White Sox games. I am Leonard Ramirez, the director of LARES. I advise prospective graduate students. I have a Ph.D. from UIC’s College of Education. In my free time I enjoy reading, watching films and socializing with friends. My name is Joanna Maravilla and I am also a recruitment and admission counselor at LARES. I hold a B.A. in Latin American and Latino Studies from UIC and advise students that are interested in nursing and psychology. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and hanging out with friends. My name is Jesus Antonio Laurel. I am a Recruitment and Admissions Counselor here at LARES and I hold a B.A. in communications from UIC. I advise students interested in elementary and secondary education. In my free time I enjoy writing short stories, keeping up with current events and writing music with friends. My name is Diana Medina and I am a Recruitment and Admissions Counselor for the LARES Program. I have a B.S. from UIC with a double major in marketing and management. I currently advise students that are interested in engineering. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I am Hugo Teruel. I am the Associate Director of the LARES program and advise students in art, performing arts, communications, English and the humanities. I also work with students who are undecided about their career path. I have a B.A. and an M.A. in music composition from Roosevelt University. I have performed at the World Music Theater and other venues around Chicago. I am Onintze Zenarutzabeitia Pikatza. I hold a B.A. from UIC and an M.S. in education from Northern Illinois University. I am the Assistant Director of the LARES program. I am also the Admissions Coordinator and work with over 2,700 applications a year. My hobbies include dancing and playing pool. My name is Alicia J. Rodriguez. I have a B.A. from Loyola University - Chicago. Before joining LARES as a Recruitment and Admissions Counselor, I spent five years working in the non-profit field, most recently as a community organizer (around higher education issues) in the Pilsen/Little Village area. I advise students who are interested in pre-health. In my spare time I enjoy reading, traveling, going to concerts, shopping, and hanging out with my friends. 6 Helpful Hints There are many benefits of being in the LARES program. Through LARES, students find out about many educational, financial, professional and other opportunities. You may want to look for postings on bulletin boards in the LARES front office and student study area. Flyers and scholarship applications can also be found on display. Students also discover opportunities through the LARES newsletter and special bulletins that are available through the web (http://www.lares.uic.edu). Our students enroll in study abroad programs, participate in internships across the country and take part in valuable programs, conferences, and projects that enrich their undergraduate and graduate careers. The quality of information students receive from LARES has contributed to UIC Latino students being number one in Hispanic Scholarship Awards given in the Midwest. You may find that your LARES academic advisor may be the single most important university resource. In order to take full advantage of LARES, it will be important that you stay in touch with your advisor either by making an appointment, calling or through email. We encourage you to use all of these methods. Elementary and Secondary Education (Jesus Antonio Laurel, LARES Education Advisor) Students thinking about education careers should know that the College of Education offers a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education with bilingual options. Those who are interested in teaching at the high school level commonly major in a liberal arts area such as English or mathematics and will enroll in education courses necessary for secondary school certification. You may speak to a LARES advisor to help determine which pathway is appropriate for you. It is very important for all students to keep in contact with counselors throughout the year because they are constantly updated on college curriculum and special opportunities such as campus and off-campus scholarships. Pre-Law (Luis Duarte, LARES Pre-Law Advisor) Do you want to improve you chances of getting accepted into a major law school? It is never too soon to map out a strategy. You might want to attend several of the Midwest law school conferences that are held throughout the year. At conferences and at special recruitment events you can learn about the profession, meet law school representatives and hear about programs such as the Council on Legal Educational Opportunity (CLEO). CLEO is a privately funded educational program that provides opportunities to students who might not initially meet the complete eligibility requirements to enter U.S. law schools. Applicants applying to the CLEO program must take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) no later than the December prior to one’s expected date of admission in order to assure timely receipt of LSAT scores. Stipends are awarded to students who meet the federal guidelines for low income disadvantaged students. For further information, please contact Luis Duarte at LARES and contact CLEO at the address below: Early on with the help of LARES, I was able to take advantage of opportunities on and off campus. On campus, I joined student government, the economics club and Model United Nations. The summer of my sophomore year, I received an email from LARES about Department of State Internships. I took a chance, applied and was accepted. This past year I heard about a public policy fellowship program through LARES. Realizing that public policy combined many of my interests, I applied and was accepted. It was through my participation in these programs that I gained the leadership skills and the practical awareness of opportunities outside of UIC. Gonzalo Escobar UIC Class of 2006 CLEO 1420 N. Street, N.W. Terrace One Washington, D.C. 20005 202.828.6100 http://www.cleoscholars.com 7 Helpful Hints continued... Health Careers (Alicia J. Rodriguez, LARES Pre-Health Advisor) If you are considering a career in the health sciences, then you chose the right university. UIC has one of the largest and most comprehensive selection of health science majors and colleges. It is part of a major medical center and has a Health Science Library. These are the health careers offered by UIC: “The counselors from LARES College of Nursing: assisted me with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) crucial things such College of Applied Health Sciences: as how to write a Biomedical and Health Information Sciences - Biomedical Visualization (MS) - Health Information Management (BS) - Health Informatics (MS), (Certificate), (Joint Degree) - Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (Certificate) Disability and Human Development (MS) Disability Studies (PhD) Human Nutrition (BS), (MS), (PhD) Movement Sciences (BS), (MS), (PhD) Occupational Therapy (MS Certification), (OTD) Physical Therapy (MS), (DPT) winning scholarship essay and especially how to approach professors. Furthermore, LARES helped me not only to stay on Professional Programs: College of Pharmacy College of Dentistry College of Medicine College of Veterinary Medicine (Urbana-Champaign Campus) Be aware that all of these programs have strict grade point average (GPA) requirements for eligibility. Supplemental applications as well as entrance exams may be required. For information regarding health career options, curricula, graduation requirements, etc., please contact the individual colleges or the LARES Program at 312.996.3356. 8 track but encouraged me to pursue my Ph.D.” Sofia MohammadCastañeda UIC Alumna LARES Leaders LARES Leaders are volunteers that help the LARES program carry out its mission. These students contribute their many talents in a wide variety of programs, presentations and projects. LARES Leaders have an opportunity to see how an office like LARES functions as well as to learn valuable office, communication and networking skills. Qualifications: ?? Good Phone Skills ?? 2.5 GPA ?? Responsible ?? Sophomore through graduate student classification ?? Willingness to represent the LARES Program ?? Willingness to give creative input to enhance LARES Leaders Responsibilities: ?? To assist with outreach, including tele-counseling recruitment efforts ?? To assist with campus tours ?? To host LARES events ?? To represent/facilitate presentations about the LARES Program Benefits: ?? A chance to provide input to the program and contribute your ideas ?? A solid letter of recommendation ?? Developing a sense of responsibility and leadership ?? Giving back to the Latino community ?? Learning about opportunities ?? Making new friends If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a LARES Leader, please contact Luis Duarte at the LARES office at 312.996.3356. 9 Academic Assistance at UIC You will find that many students who enter college with you will fail or drop out of school sometime during their first two years. This can be prevented! It often does not depend on how "smart" you are as much as the wisdom you exercise when making important decisions. Two critical things you can do if you really want to succeed at the university is to map out a study plan and identify those resources that can help you. You may find that the UIC library is the best place to study or you may find another favorite area on campus (see below). Identify a place at home that meets your needs and make it your own permanent study space during your undergraduate years. This is important! If it isn't possible for you to study at home, then you will have to spend more time on campus which you may want to do anyway so you can take advantage of the technical, library, human and other resources available. Many campus sites are open through the evening. Some secret spots are available to students for most of the night. Here are some resources to include in your study equation. Tutoring at UIC... Students often think tutoring is something, “just for those who really need it.” But research shows that college students who seek out tutoring services are more likely to be driven to succeed at high levels. Arrange to visit a tutor early on in the semester. This will prevent anxious visits during crises and high-volume times such as around midterms and finals. It can take time to develop a good relationship with a tutor. The personal account by the alum below speaks of how important tutoring can be. Tutoring Services A Student Perspective on Tutoring... African American Academic Network “For more than twenty years, the Confederation of Latin American Students (CLAS) has provided the Latino undergraduate student body with a valuable Neat places to study: tutoring resource. The founders of CLAS, a Latino student organization, envisioned the empowerment of UIC Latino students by providing them with the ??Wherever nobody tools to help ensure their academic success. Toelse you know can day, students visit the CLAS office for tutoring for many subjects, including chemistry, biology, math, find you! English and Spanish. Tutoring offers an opportunity for Latinos to interact with students like themselves. It is very satisfying to see successful Latino students ??The cafes/restaurants act as role models for others. on Taylor Street. I can honestly say that I would not have gained the confidence and skills necessary to succeed as a student if it were not for CLAS. As a freshman and ??The UIC Library. sophomore, I frequently visited the office for tutoring, but, more than anything else, I was excited to know that a service was available to assist me in my ??The Cesar Chavez studies and help me in my transition from high school to college. Being able to reach out to young Study Center at Latino students profoundly enriched my experiences LARES at UIC. (Snacks available during midterms and final exams.) Rafael Contreras UIC Alum ??Group study areas at LARES or UIC Libraries. CLAS Student Center East, Room 305 Office telephone number: 312.355.5185 http://www2.uic.edu/stud_orgs/service/clas/home/ Students Services Building, Suite 2800 Office telephone number: 312.996.5040 LARES Writing and Study Skills: Mitzi Ramos Office hours and by appointment. Call for more information. Office telephone number: 312.996.3356 Mathematics: Terry Mankus Office hours and by appointment. E-mail: [email protected] Office telephone number: 312.996.3356 Math Learning Center Mathematical Sciences Learning Center Fred Thulin, Director 430 SEO - 312.413.7872 Call for office hours. www.math.uic.edu/undergrad/mslc/ Writing Center Vainis Aleksa, Director Call for office hours. Office telephone number: 312.413.2205/2206 Hispanic Center of Excellence Jorge Girotti, Director Pilar Bautista, Associate Director 151 CMW 1819 West Polk Street. Office telephone number: 312.996.4493 Honors College Burnham Hall, Room 103 Office telephone number: 312.413.2260 10 Academic Skills Program (ASP) Courses In order to develop your skills, refresh your knowledge, or increase your chances of doing well in a course or special project you might find enrolling in a LARES ASP class a valuable option. Here are some issues for you to consider. Often students underestimate the value of ASP classes because they do not carry graduation credit. Therefore, they do not always appreciate their value. “I really recommend the ASP reading and writing courses because they provide help with your writing assignments. In addition, the ASP classes prepare you for advanced work.” But willingness to take courses like ASP has been seen by university staff as a sign that a student is capable of making mature decisions and is seriously attempting to develop their academic potential. Laura Pacheco Movement Science Major College of Applied Health Sciences While students do not earn graduation credit, an ASP course is accepted for registration purposes and can be used to meet continuous progress requirements should a student have to drop a class for whatever reasons during their undergraduate career. ASP courses can also be strategically used at the beginning of your college career to find the best class balance that results in the best grades. There is evidence that students who enroll in LARES ASP mathematics and writing classes tend to do better than similar students who choose not to take these classes. Many students, including those initially leery of ASP classes, credit these classes for helping them become better students. Some even look back at their ASP experience as a valuable component of their successful graduation from college. Consider these LARES ASP Courses offered each semester: ASP 063 - Topics in learning support instruction (Math) ASP 086 - Critical reading and thinking I ASP 087 - Critical reading and thinking II Don’t forget to speak with your LARES counselor to find out more information regarding these courses! 11 “I was enrolled in two ASP courses my freshman year for both English composition and math. I can honestly say that both helped me gain confidence to succeed in college. I learned from both courses that there is no excuse why I would fail. The help is there. It is just a matter of going out there and asking for support.” Alba Morales Biological Sciences Major College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Financial Aid/Scholarships To apply for financial aid the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form must be completed. The FAFSA is available at high schools, community colleges, the UIC Office of Student Financial Aid and the LARES Program. If you applied for aid during the prior year, the Financial Student Aid processor should automatically mail you a renewal application that should be completed in lieu of a FAFSA. UIC has a March 1 priority deadline. Some forms of aid have limited resources, so it is important that you apply as early as possible. Applying through FAFSA ensures that you have applied through all forms of federal financial aid, including Federal Pell Grants, Supplemental Grants, Perkins Loans, Stafford Loans, and work-study. In addition, the state of Illinois uses FAFSA to determine eligibility for the Illinois MAP Grant. You may apply for financial aid before being admitted to UIC. However, final notification of your aid will not be sent until you have been admitted to UIC. Various financial aid and scholarship applications for undergraduate and graduate students are often available at the LARES program. These are only a few: ?? ?? ?? ?? Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship--up to $5,000 Debolt Teacher Shortage Scholarship--up to $5,000 Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources -- $1,000 ?? Hispanic Scholarship Fund -- $1,000 ?? Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education -- $1,000 ?? LINC TELACU Scholarship -- $500 to 1,000 UIC Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy Your eligibility for financial aid might be canceled for one or more of the following reasons: 1. Your completion rate falls below 67% of your attempted course work. 2. Your cumulative grade point average (GPA), including transfer work, is not at least 2.00 (4.0 = A) once you have attempted 60 or more credit hours. 3. You failed to complete your degree requirements within 180 attempted credit hours, including transfer hours. If your financial aid is canceled, you may petition for reinstatement. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information. 12 Managing Your Finances There is a great concern over college students and the debt they incur. Students have been known to leave undergraduate programs with a debt of $40,000 or more, not always as a result of unavoidable educational related expenses. This causes a great deal of difficulty for students as they graduate and enter the workplace. Some possible reasons for this situation may be: ?? Students may not have an understanding of the long term effects of debt. ?? Students are forced to borrow more money because of inadequate financial aid. ?? Students have immediate access to credit cards and loans. Access to credit cards is a major concern. Credit cards have differing interest rates. These vary from very low interest rates for people with outstanding credit history to very high interest rates for those with no or poor credit history. It is important to look at how much is ultimately paid for that item which was purchased with a credit card. Before accepting a credit card, research the interest rate and determine if you really have the means to pay for purchases made with it. Only borrow as much money as you need. Do a serious calculation of your educational expenses, and if you have to borrow money, restrict it to those needs. Your employer will not be interested in what kind of car you drive or the value of the things you own. They will be interested in what skills, experience and knowledge you bring to the organization. Financial Aid/Scholarships continued... Financial Aid Application Process Step 1 A. Fill out the FAFSA form or the Internet application (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm). Read the instructions carefully before filling it out. B. Submit the FAFSA application to the federal processor. You must use your correct social security number. Step 2 You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) within two weeks if you file the on-line application and include an e-mail address or four to six weeks if you mail the FAFSA form. It contains key information and an estimate of your family’s contribution. A. If the information on the SAR is correct, keep it for your own records. B. If any of the information on the SAR is incorrect, make the necessary changes on the SAR and resubmit it back to the address provided on your SAR. Step 3 Eligible undergraduate students who meet Illinois residency requirements will receive notification from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) regarding eligibility for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) within four weeks after receiving the SAR. Keep this notification for your records. Step 4 The OSFA will receive an analysis of your application information from the federal processor. Upon receipt of this data, you may be required to submit tax returns, proof of citizenship, and/or various other documentation to OSFA. All requested documents must be received in order to continue the processing of your file. Step 5 OSFA will notify all applicants of their eligibility for federal, state, and institutional assistance. You will then receive an official award letter once your file is complete. Carefully read the letter you have been sent. If you receive an official award letter, you must complete all sections and return it to the OSFA. 13 Financial Aid/Scholarships continued... Program Who is eligible Amounts and how selected Federal Pell Grant Undergraduates without a prior bachelor’s degree. Based on need. Ranges from $400 to $4,731 yearly. Federal government selects recipients and determines amount of grant. Illinois Monetary Award Program Undergraduate without a prior (MAP) Grant bachelor’s degree. Illinois residents per ISAC. Based on need. Award up to $4,968. Applies towards tuition and fees yearly. State funds the program and selects eligible recipients based upon availability of funds. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) Undergraduates without a prior Ranges from $200 to $1,000 bachelor’s degree. Must be Pell- yearly Federal government funds eligible. the program, and UIC selects eligible recipients based on availability of funds. UIC Office of Student Financial Aid - tuition award Undergraduates with financial need. Applicants should be receiving less than $5000 in grant aid to be eligible. Assists with tuition expenses and is funded by the university. UIC selects eligible recipients based on the availability of funds. Federal PLUS Loan Variable rate, set annually, capped at 9%. Up to the cost of attendance minus other financial aid received. Federal Perkins Loan Undergraduate and graduate students who show exceptional financial need. Interest rate is fixed at 5%. Undergraduate: $200-$3,000 yearly. Federally funded: UIC selects eligible students based on availability of funds. Subsidized Stafford Loan Undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. Interest rate fixed at 6.0%. Department of Education pays interest while the student is in school and during grace and deferment period. Freshmen: $100-$3,500 yearly. Sophomores: 100-$4,500 yearly. Juniors/Seniors: $100-$5,500 yearly Funded by federal government. Maximum based upon financial need. Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Undergraduate and graduate students without financial need. Interest rate fixed at 6.8%. The borrower is responsible for interest during the life of the loan. Annual limits for dependent students: Freshmen: $3,500. Sophomores: $4,500. Juniors/Seniors: $5,500 Funded by federal government. Maximum based upon financial need and cost of attendance. Nursing Student Loan (NSL) Nursing students with financial need. Interest rate is 5%. Contact OSFA for loan amounts. Funded by repayments of prior loans. UIC selects eligible students based upon the availability of funds. Federal Work Study Program Undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. Ranges from $1,000-$4,000 yearly. Funded by the federal government and UIC. Eligible recipients are selected by UIC. 14 It is very important for all students to keep in contact with their financial aid and LARES counselors throughout the semester because counselors are constantly updated on new financial aid opportunities and scholarships on and off campus. Ten Pet Peeves of College Professors We thought we would share these with you just so that you know. Remember, first impressions are very important. Professors do not take kindly to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Students who are absent from class. Students who arrive late or leave class early. Students who are "too cool" to be interested in the subject matter. Students who are immature (i.e., act silly or make a nuisance of themselves). Students who are disrespectful of others. Students who do not read the assigned material. Students who arrive unprepared--no pens, no pencils, no paper, no assignments. Students who look bored. Students who do not disconnect from electronics, cell phones, MP3 players, and the internet. Students who do not speak up or otherwise refuse to actively participate in class. Be aware of . . . 1. Places where students tend to chill for a bit too long and miss class. It can develop into a terrible habit. 2. Missing class and making the excuse, "The teacher's boring or I don't get anything out of the lectures anyway, and I still get As." You still need to go to class in case there are any special announcements or if your teacher wants to meet with you or just to show that you are a serious student. 3. Utilizing all your breaks as "playtime." You should use your time wisely. Plan at least once a week to visit a professor or take advantage of a special resource during your break. These little visits can go a long way, especially when asking your professor for a recommendation letter in the future. Watch for events and special resources offered by: ?? LARES and all workshops they sponsor ?? Academic strategy workshops sponsored by the Academic Center of Excellence ?? UIC Counseling Center ?? Undergraduate Student Government 4. Relying solely on what students tell you. Double check with LARES or another campus office to ultimately get an answer. 5. Concentrating your time on working. Getting good grades should be your priority. Don't use your time to work too much. After all, extra hours working may equal about $50-$100. Extra hours STUDYING may lead to receiving an “A” in your class and ultimately receiving a $1,000 scholarship. In addition, you'll be on the right track to achieving your goals and attaining success in the long run. 6. Limiting your time on campus. Join student organizations. This is your chance to develop an open mind and prepare yourself for the real world. Experiment a little, diversify your experience here at UIC by getting involved on campus in different ways. Connect with others. 15 Five Things No One Ever Told Me About Fitting Into the College Environment Who you are today will be very different from who you will be when you finish college. A. Do not hold every idea or opinion dear. College is a time to examine your opinions and think seriously about your beliefs and what truly is important to you. B. Learn the difference between values, principles and opinions. Remember your opinions can change daily; examine your values and principles more deeply before you shift your belief system. C. Open your mind to different ideas. This does not obligate you to accept them, but dare to imagine alternative ways of seeing, feeling and understanding. Remember you are always being watched. A. Someone is always deciding what they think about you. How do you want to be seen? B. Professors are always forming opinions. Project your strengths. Students will also form opinions about you. How do you want them to talk about you long after you have left college? First impressions last a lifetime. With some people you will not get a second chance. A university is not just buildings and classrooms, it is a culture. A. Make sure people see you as fitting in. There are many ways to do this without compromising who you are. B. You must learn the hidden rules of academia. Be observant. What are the assumptions of the culture? What are the expectations? When should you speak? When is it best to ask informed questions? C. Sometimes you will encounter professors who are exciting, personable, entertaining and excellent communicators. But it is expected that you will enter the class excited about learning and be able to self generate enthusiasm for the subject. You will be expected not only to do the assignments but to do additional reading, to talk about ideas with your fellow students and read, read, read. The assumption is that YOU will supply the energy for class. D. Assume professors are providing you with the latest ideas in the field, quoting the most important thinkers and identifying controversial and critical issues. Write the name or citation down. Imagine academia to be a discussion, a telephone call, a non-stop conversation, and you have been invited to participate. E. Note, for a professor the class is not just a requirement, it is his/her life’s work. Respect that and learn everything you can. Take ideas seriously. 16 Somebody’s Watching When I needed money as an undergraduate, a professor recommended me for a summer research assistantship with a major educational organization. When I graduated, a Latino upperclassman, someone I knew as a fellow student, had a hand in hiring me to manage a youth intervention project. I was selected over an applicant from a highly prestigious private school. A faculty member stopped me in a parking lot and said he wanted me to apply to a doctoral program. Later, as a graduate student, a faculty member, whom I did not even think noticed me, recommended me for a position as a paid educational consultant. When I was appointed to a state-wide educational committee, I was told I came highly recommended. Someone is always watching you. Leonard Ramirez, Ph.D. LARES Director Five Things No One Ever Told Me…continued. It is not how fast you finish college that is important, but rather the quality of your journey. A. You will be expected to do more with increasing quality. Have high standards. Do not be satisfied with a “C.” B. Less than fifty percent of all entering freshmen will graduate in six years. Unfortunately, many will never graduate from college. C. Some professors believe they have an obligation to fail students in order to protect the quality of the professions and preserve the integrity of the degree. D. Many “smart” people fail. Many students who may once have been thought of as “average” excel. E. If you do not have academic intensity from the beginning, you may find yourself in a downward spiral. F. You will be expected to take charge of all aspects of your education. The best way to survive higher education is to learn to love it. Enjoy the challenge, enjoy learning, not just about facts, but what is still being debated. Do not expect easy answers. A. Feel comfortable with who you are. Have faith in your proven abilities and your potential. Do not allow yourself to think you cannot do it. Do not allow anyone to impose an image on you that is false. Do not think of yourself as an average student. Utilize the resources that are available to nurture and develop your talents. Have confidence in yourself. B. Working alone is not enough. Study in groups. Surround yourself with people who are serious and who can have fun and still appreciate the challenge of learning. Remember your skills, ideas, leadership and contributions are needed by your community. Have fun. As a 1994 summer bridge student, I initially sensed that the cards were stacked against my making it through college. However, I made a commitment to myself to fulfill this goal, not only for me but for my family as well. LARES helped me set my educational priorities and become a Latino campus and community leader. I encourage you to participate in student organizations that promote Latino empowerment. I can seriously say that I would not have graduated without the support of my family and friends in these student organizations and services like LARES and the Latino Cultural Center. I am proud to say that I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. I am currently working to help students to become Latino leaders within our communities. You too will be someone's ROLE MODEL. This is a great honor and responsibility. College life is once in a lifetime opportunity. You will learn to grow through the many challenging experiences you will encounter. I had tons of fun throughout my college career. Have fun but set your priorities. Make wise decisions. Oh, yes...keep asking questions and one day you will discover the intellectual inside of yourself. Hector Cano High School Counselor Chicago Public Schools 17 Latino Student Organizations and Peer Support There are approximately twenty registered Latino student organizations at UIC at any time. These groups represent a spectrum of interests including social, cultural, academic, pre-professional, and politically– oriented organizations as well as Latino sororities and fraternities. Students often participate in more than one organization. Each group possesses many unique benefits, including access to networks of opportunity and social, academic, and emotional support. While we encourage you to be a participant, it is important to always establish a healthy balance of involvement, one that places academics at the center of your priorities. With this in mind, we invite you to consider the organizations below. LABS The Latino Association of Business Students (LABS) has been serving students at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) since the 1980s. LABS’ mission is to enhance professional skills by providing activities and events that promote growth and personal development. Its members profoundly believe in leadership development, career planning, and life-long learning. The organization firmly believes in preparing for opportunities as well as creating them. LABS continues to grow and maintains a strong presence on the UIC campus. To find out more visit our website at www.labsuic.org. 2008-2009 E-board: Janet Lamas, President, [email protected] Raul Valdez, Vice President, [email protected] Rocio Delgado, Treasurer, [email protected] Angie Ortega, Secretary, [email protected] Adriana Gasca, Corporate Relations, [email protected] Marilyn Diaz, Marketing Director, [email protected] Daisy Aguirre, Philanthropy Director, [email protected] Ray Hurtado and Jose Ramirez, Social Chairs, [email protected] & [email protected] Gilberto Gomez, Webmaster, [email protected] Me.S.A. Similar to MeCHA organizations across the nation, the mission of MeSA is to empower the Latino community and reconnect its members to their Mexican/Latino roots. Me.S.A. reinforces the importance of higher education, political and cultural awareness, and community involvement. Our format is democratic. Me.S.A. has its doors open to all social classes, religions, genders and nationalities. All ideas are welcome. Me.S.A. is among the most active student organizations on campus. Me.S.A.’s success can be attributed to the commitment of its members and their identification with the issues that Me.S.A. addresses. The organization has gained the respect of the UIC campus and Latino communities. Me.S.A.’s major event is the annual "Escucha Mi Grito" Conference that takes place in September. The conference combines lectures, speakers and music to promote dialogue about contemporary issues affecting Mexicans and other Latin American groups. Me.S.A. is also known for its yearly dance performances at Latino Fest and other cultural exhibitions as well as its year round general meetings. For more information please contact our president or other members for the 2008-2009 school year. Contact: Mauricio Roman, President - [email protected] Jaclyn Rodriguez, Vice-President - [email protected] Jose Jesus Raya, Secretary - [email protected] Yanalet Delgado, Treasurer - [email protected] Samuel De La Rosa, Historian - [email protected] Mexican Students de Aztlan 18 Latino Student Organizations and Peer Support continued… ALPHA PSI LAMBDA, Inc. Alpha Psi Lambda was created with the purpose of encouraging Latino/a achievement within a context of friendship. The organization provides a supplementary, educational, social, and cultural experience for the mutual cultivation of its members. Visit us on the web at: www2.uic.edu/stud_orgs/greek/apl/. SHPE SHPE's (The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers), mission is to promote the development of Latinos in engineering, science and other technical professions in order to achieve educational excellence, economic opportunity and social equality. We fulfill this mission by increasing educational opportunities, promoting professional and personal growth and, carrying out our social responsibility to be involved in education, business and policy issues as well as reinforcing our reputation as a vital Latino organization. The UIC chapter was founded in 1980. With over one-hundred members, it is one of the largest Latino professional organizations. Our activities include professional and academic workshops, guest speakers from the corporate sector, community service, fundraisers, our annual national convention and an end of the year awards banquet, along with general meetings throughout the semester and several other social activities. For general information e-mail us at [email protected], visit our WebPages at http://www2.uic.edu/stud_orgs/prof/shpe/, or contact our current President Ramon Acosta at [email protected]. Our office is located at SCE 750 S. Halsted, Room 486, Campus Programs, Chicago, IL 60607, Phone number 312.996.6663. TAU PHI SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC. Tau Phi Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was founded on November 11, 1992. On this day, thirteen students gathered for the first time with the intention of establishing a new fraternity at the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign. These men were looking for an organization that would fulfill their interest in promoting higher education and serving the community by promoting social and cultural activities, and establishing a true brotherhood. On February 17, 1996, a group of five men founded the Beta Chapter at the University of Illinois at Chicago. As brothers, we uphold the values and goals that the founding fathers have established. Our ideals and morals are what make our fraternity unique. Tau Phi Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is built on pride in ourselves, our people, and especially in our traditions. Our mascot, the Griffin, exemplifies this pride. This mythical creature (shown on the right), represents the domination of both the earth and sky as vigilant strength. The Griffin is considered superior because it is the embodiment of Nemesis, goddess of retribution and pride. It is a symbol of the dual nature that lies within those who will stop at nothing to be the best at anything they do. This icon symbolizes everything that we look for in all of our members. For more information contact: Carlos Velasquez at [email protected] or visit us on the web at www.tauphisigma.com/chapters/beta/ UPRS The Union for Puerto Rican Students was established to provide Puerto Rican/Latino students with an opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and politics of Puerto Rico on the island and in the Diaspora. The mission of UPRS is to provide open dialogue about the Puerto Rican reality and promote community building on and off campus. UPRS presents the Puerto Rican experience to the broader UIC community both on and off-campus by sponsoring cultural, social, political, and educational events. UPRS co-sponsors events like Noche de Poetas with the Mexican Students de Aztlan. The Pa'Lante Conference is an event hosted by UPRS and is considered one of the premiere student leadership conferences in the Midwest. For more information about UPRS, or to contact the organization for a calendar of events and meetings, please contact: President: Cordelia Ireland, [email protected] Vice-President: Jodene Velazquez, [email protected] Treasurer: Dorian Ortega, [email protected] 19 Latino Student Organizations and Peer Support continued… PHI IOTA ALPHA FRATERNITY We, la familia de Phi Iota Alpha, an international brotherhood composed of undergraduate, graduate, and professional men was established on December 26, 1931 and are the oldest existing Latino fraternal organization in the United States of America. We dedicate ourselves to the empowerment of our Latino community. We furthermore dedicate ourselves to provide intensive social and cultural activities geared toward the promotion of Latin American culture. Phi Iota Alpha distinguishes itself from other Greek lettered organizations in its ability to motivate people, develop leaders and create new ways to unite our community. We hold various informationals throughout the school year. Simply look for our flyers and bulletin boards or email us directly for more information about our brotherhood. For more info please email [email protected] or check out www.phiota.org. GAMMA PHI OMEGA SORORITY, Inc. Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. is a Latina-oriented organization which unites women through sisterhood. As an organization of professional young women we strive both to excel academically, serve our community, raise cultural awareness, and promote sisterhood. Contact person: Monica Perez - [email protected] SIGMA LAMBDA BETA INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY, Inc. Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity inc. is a social fraternity that was founded in 1986 in the University of Iowa. It is based on cultural understanding and wisdom. Most noteworthy is that 18 men of whom 16 are of Latin American or Hispanic decent founded Sigma Lambda Beta. It expanded to the University of Illinois at Chicago on May 17th, 1992. Ever since, we have been promoting our principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, Cultural Awareness, and Community Service on and off campus. Brothers of Sigma Lambda Beta pride themselves in creating a family-oriented atmosphere at our campus. This support network is one of the key aspects that make our organization so powerful. To learn more about us visit us at www.sigmalambdabeta.com or contact Juan Contreras at [email protected]. CLAS The Confederation of Latin American Students is a student organization established in 1974 at the University of Illinois at Chicago. CLAS was created to provide a sense of community among Latinos at UIC by tutoring each other while affirming our Latino roots. Since then, CLAS has functioned under the same principles of service to the Latino student community at UIC. CLAS is committed to promoting culture, education and consciousness of the societal problems that Latinos Face. CLAS is located in room 305 SCE. Contact: Joanna Maravilla - [email protected] HERMANDAD de SIGMA IOTA ALPHA, Inc. Our organization constantly strives towards increasing awareness of Latino cultures, promoting sisterhood and leadership among ourselves, and serve as models for academic excellence and achievement among women. The sorority takes great pride in getting involved in the community by providing services internationally as well as in our local communities. The Iota Chapter at UIC works hard to achieve academic, cultural and individual success. HEALTH ORIENTED LATINO ASSOCIATION (HOLA) The purpose of HOLA is to foster and encourage students of Latino origin in their pursuit of health oriented professions thereby increasing their numbers in these areas. Contact: Marlen Romero E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.Hermandad-SIA.org Contact: [email protected] Website: http://www2.uic.edu/stud_orgs/cultures/hola/ contact.html 2008-2009 E-board: President Egwin Loya - [email protected] Vice President Arelys Beltran - [email protected] Treasurer Alejandra Villanueva - [email protected] Secretary Annabella Vidal-Ruiz - [email protected] Project coordinator Jessica Almanza - [email protected] Historian Angelica Alonso - [email protected] Publicist Diana Guzman - [email protected] SIGMA LAMDA GAMMA NATIONAL SORORITY, Inc. The largest Latina-based sorority with close to 3,000 sisters across the nation. Our sorority promotes academic excellence and personal growth by incorporating our five principles - Academics, Community Service, Cultural Awareness, Morals and Ethics, and Social Interaction - in our daily lives. The national philanthropy we support is Breast Cancer Awareness. Sigma Lambda Gamma brings empowerment to women leading the way to becoming successful in today's society. For more info, please contact Rosa Solano, Chapter President at [email protected]. 20 Thinking Ahead "Now is the time to plan on attending graduate or professional school!" Jose Perales, Assistant Dean, Graduate College and Leonard Ramirez, LARES Director You may think it is too early to consider what road you will take after graduation and what you will ultimately do in your professional life. But even if you change your mind a dozen times, it will be to your benefit to decide immediately if schooling after your first degree (at a university generally a baccalaureate) will be a probable option for you. Many careers such as that of a university college professor generally require a terminal academic degree (e.g., Ph.D., MFA, etc.) while certain professions may require a particular professional degree to practice (e.g., BSN, DDS, MD, PharmD, etc.). An advanced degree may simply be your way of increasing your possibilities for choice employment and promotion in your chosen career (e.g., MBA, MA, MS). Admission into a graduate or professional program may also reflect a desire to continue to explore an intellectual passion and eventually teach and conduct research in a particular area (Ph.D.). You will want to discuss this issue with classmates, advisors and, maybe professionals in the field. You certainly may want to plan for the real possibility that some form of advanced training will be necessary at some point in your career even if it will not be directly after obtaining your first degree. There are some things you can begin doing now to make it easier for yourself in the future. First, like all students, you should make grades a priority. Speeding through your undergraduate years has been shown to decrease the possibilities of your completing school as well to being a leading cause of grade erosion, lowering your GPA (grade point average). Lower grades may limit your professional opportunities and will make it difficult to enter a top graduate program. Therefore, aim for the highest grades whether you want to enter the job market right off after graduation or if you envision more schooling immediately on the horizon after earning your first degree. Second, get to know your instructors. The world of the academy is generally made up of close knit circles. Sociologists or biologists here at UIC will often know their counterparts at other institutions. Employers and graduate and professional program admissions committees will ask for letters of recommendation. Letters are even more important for those who do not test well on standardized exams or whose GPA may be just under what is typically accepted. An excellent letter of recommendation from a well-established professor has been known to favorably tip the scales in admissions decisions. Third, use student organizations to expand your career perspective or learn about how others have prepared to enter their career. You may find organizational networks critical to your professional advancement. Finally, attend seminars, workshops, and presentations given by representatives from graduate programs, support programs, like LARES. Often, it is those students who are part of undergraduate networks, who have thoroughly investigated graduate programs and attended conferences and presentations, who are perceived as serious applicants. One of the major initiatives that have been developed across the country at many major institutions is discussed in this guide, the Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP). Also, the McNair Program is a year-around pre-graduate experience and should be investigated for those who seriously wish to consider graduate studies and university teaching. Plan on participating in these programs as soon as you are eligible to apply. LARES also sponsors several graduate workshops that will help you think about the graduate school application process and the many decisions you will have to make along that road. You will find that UIC Latino faculty are very interested in mentoring the next generation of scholars. They will be particularly interested in talking with you about your career plans. Remember, a good chess player is one who can anticipate moves well in advance. The same is true for a successful student. Advanced planning and developing a strategy or game plan are important components of success. 21 Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) What is the Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) and where is it housed? SROP is a ten-week program designed to introduce undergraduate students to the rigors of graduate study. Students work with a faculty mentor that leads them through a research project that concludes with the study being presented by the participant at the end of the ten weeks. UIC students are required to identify a mentor as part of the application process. SROP applications are welcome in the social sciences, sciences, and humanities. The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented graduate students seeking Ph.Ds. I participated in SROP as a SROP is operated out of the UIC Graduate College: http://www.uic.edu/depts/grad/. student. It is a great Who qualifies and how do I apply to SROP? program and getting through Application for SROP is very competitive. We strongly encourage anyone interested in the program to apply early. it served to boost my Eligibility: * * * * * * confidence and encouraged me to get on track to UIC McNair scholars, sophomores, and juniors from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in graduate programs. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75/4.00. Statement of Purpose - Indicate why you are interested in the program. Also include how you feel you will benefit personally and academically from the SROP experience and how your participation will affect the achievements of your career goals. Career Statement – Describe your specific research interests, academic and career goals. Please discuss your skills that will be useful in your research (computer competency, qualitative/quantitative research skills, knowledge about statistical programs, etc.) Two letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes. Both letters should be from faculty who can attest to your ability to conduct independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Official transcripts are required. ultimately pursue graduate school. I ended up doing a twenty-five page paper (which I never thought I could do!) on the street and school identities of Latino college students. I presented my research at three different conferences How are the SROP participants and faculty mentors funded? after SROP ended. It was SROP participants receive a stipend of $3,500 plus a partial meal plan. Additionally, some participants receive a travel reimbursement to cover the cost of traveling to the UIC campus. Housing can be provided to participants that live too far from campus to commute to UIC. also a great way to connect Faculty mentors receive a $1,000 research allowance to cover any cost associated with their mentoring commitments. This allowance is provided per student. Nilda Flores-Gonzalez. She with my faculty mentor, Dr. always encouraged me to Are there additional program requirements? SROP participants are part of a very challenging program. Generally, participants can expect to have a full day from Monday to Friday. Because of this, participants are not allowed to register for summer classes or to work during their participation in the program. conquer any obstacles. She served as a guiding light to actualize my goals. Anyone interested in learning more about the Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) or to obtain an application please contact: Allen Bryson, SROP Coordinator [email protected], or at (312) 413-2558 or Francisco Piña, Recruitment and UHP Coordinator [email protected], or at (312) 413-9729 22 Sofia MohammadCastañeda UIC Alumna Navigating the System Shifting Gears: from high school to college / from community college to university New students often fall into the gap between the expectations and assumptions of college faculty and administration and the "way things were done" in high school or the community college they might have attended. This becomes most apparent in the accelerated pace of studies at the university. You will probably be asked to read, write, compute, research and produce more in less time than ever before in your educational life. You will be expected to invest most of your free time further researching and reading supplemental published works in the disciplines or fields you are studying. (This is particularly a good idea if you want to attend graduate or professional school or just achieve excellent grades.) The assumption is that you will not only learn the "core" information but that you will be able to appreciate the subtle shades of meaning between theories and approaches to problems and detect points of scholarly disagreement (tensions). Students are often surprised when they are tested at the "margins" of a topic or asked to combine and use knowledge to analyze more complex situations or produce their own informed insights, elaborating on their understanding of the material. A key piece of advice is to start early. Many students are under the false impression that a semester system gives them plenty of time to get things done. Students can find themselves caught up in a swirling vortex of reading, assignments, due dates and become overwhelmed by quizzes and exams looming on the horizon. Many times they find it is almost impossible to be rescued from poor time management and a general lack of academic intensity. Legally Adult A heightened level of involvement is required to effectively manage the business and procedural aspects of your college career. To complicate matters, these new institutional expectations and assumptions are rarely stated. Generally, no one will tell you that the bottom line at the university is that you are onehundred percent responsible for your educational decisions. Independence is great, but the underside to this is that instructors, administrators and office staff cannot easily be held accountable for what are ultimately your choices. Students accustomed to following procedures provided by various authority figures will find themselves surprised when they alone are held accountable for poor or inaccurate advice offered by an institutional representative, office staff person or even a faculty member. If a mistake is made you will most likely bear the consequences. Again, different from your past experiences, it is assumed you are now fully responsible, this includes being legally responsible. Therefore, you will want to check and re-check information for its accuracy and suitability to you. It is assumed that you will have read your college catalog, bulletins, newsletters and other documents and updates made available to you or announced in a campus paper or provided at your college orientation. So read your mail! Academic support units and college advisors are available to help navigate you through the rules and regulations of your college, departments and programs, but it is you that in the end will be held accountable for any decision. Academic Freedom: A Cornerstone of Educational Quality One of the central characteristics of a democratic educational system is the freedom faculty and students have to openly discuss and explore issues without restriction. This may mean that students may be asked to consider questions which they have never been exposed to before in the context of an open classroom. The right to speak honestly and express one's point of view is fundamental to understanding challenging issues. In order to guarantee a democratic classroom, instructors have almost absolute freedom in designing, structuring and conducting classes. Faculty freedoms are essential to educational quality, but faculty prerogatives may also cause complications for students. 23 Navigating the System continued... Instructors are not required to provide an early assessment of student academic performance. Students often must evaluate their standing with only weeks to decide whether to remain in a class where a clear sense of course obligations, academic standards and other teacher-focused considerations have yet to be established. Therefore, you must learn to assess your own academic progress and decide if there is a match between your learning style and an instructor's teaching approach. Each term, you will need to obtain course syllabi, find out about requirements, the demands of each class, and the instructional style of professors in order to fully assess if your total academic, social/family, and work commitments can be reasonably achieved with success. It is important to not leave academic assessment up to your instructor alone. New students often have trouble “reading” an instructor's "code." For example, being told you are doing well enough in class so that an excellent grade on the final will ensure you a passing grade for the semester may sound optimistic and supportive. However, it may also be a kind way of telling you that the possibilities are high that you will receive a poor or even a failing grade. A Date with Bureaucracy UIC is a large community with 25,000 students, thousands of employees, administrators, faculty, and service workers. The campus is bigger than many towns. UIC is one of the major enterprises in Illinois and a top employer in the state. You will find the majority of people here helpful and supportive. However, like any diverse and large community, you may run into difficulties. Situations might arise that seem to pose special or unexpected problems for you. Your LARES advisor can help you assess whether it is worthwhile to enter into a grievance process and orient you to the appropriate procedures and guide you to specific people in the Office of the Ombudsperson or the Dean of Students that might be able to assist you. Racism, Sexism, Homophobia and Discrimination The university is not immune to some of the same negative and stereotyped attitudes and assumptions that one encounters in other non-educational environments. Although higher educational institutions are as a rule more tolerant places--perhaps the most tolerant in our society--various waves of disturbing racial incidents occurred on college campuses across the nation in the 1980s and into the 1990s. Along with people of color, women and gay people have often found themselves the object of ridicule and harassment while the disabled still confront an insensitivity that sometimes makes their obtaining an education particularly challenging. Anti-immigrant/anti-Latino attitudes in the last decade or so have also revived old forms of discrimination such as a rejection of other languages. This is intolerable anywhere but particularly troubling for academic institutions where the learning and speaking of many languages has traditionally been highly valued and promoted. The university has set up mechanisms to address serious issues of discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation or disability status. Students who threaten violence against another or who are abusive in other aggressive ways can face disciplinary action, including expulsion. Using LARES Resources Start by seeing your LARES advisor, he/she may help you identify courses, professors and develop a comprehensive academic strategy. For your convenience, we ask all students to schedule an appointment although a counselor of the day is assigned to meet with walk-ins. An advisor can also assess whether it is productive for you to pursue an issue and prepare you to speak to a faculty member or an administrator. Your advisor might also be able to suggest approaches that might help to bring about a positive resolution to your problems. It is always important to address an issue immediately. A problem may become difficult or impossible to resolve if too much time lapses. Your advisor can help you utilize the processes that have been set up by departments, colleges and university administration. 24 Navigating the System continued... Reasons why Campus Committees Along with your support program (LARES), several other campus entities exist to assist the university in making policies that address the special concerns of various student populations. The Chancellors Committee on the Status of Latinos (CCSL) is one among six status committees that have been organized to advise the chancellor (the other five address issues related to Blacks; Women; Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender Concerns; Asian Americans, and Persons with Disabilities). The Latino Committee on University Affairs (LCUA) is another advocacy group open to all Latino staff, faculty and students. Together, LCUA and CCSL have been able to make many programmatic and policy contributions that have improved the campus environment for Latinos as well as for all students. Most likely, you will find UIC to be a welcoming environment. Most members of the UIC community recognize that creating a supportive and tolerant atmosphere that is conducive to personal growth, scholarly discourse, and academic achievement are important characteristics of quality academic institutions. students do not finish college: 1. Finances 2. Competing obligations (work, school, home, personal life.) 3. Underestimating time, effort and the intensity required for studying and earning good grades. 4. Isolation--not connecting to the campus, faculty, Campus Advocacy Network (CAN) other students, not Committed to Serving the Many Faces of UIC finding one’s niche. The Campus Advocacy Network is an innovative program that assists UIC students, staff and faculty who are victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and hate crimes. 5. Underutilizing We believe that to end violence against women we must confront sexism, racism, homophobia, ableism, ageism and classism in our work, educational and personal lives. We also understand that men are victims of violence or may have women in their lives that have experienced violence. We are here to support them as well. Latino student campus recourses (LARES, tutoring, organizations, etc.) 6. Unclear goals and limited commitment. 7. Overactive social We also offer programs that empower students to make a difference on campus. We offer a three credit hour Gender and Women’s Studies course, Peer Educators GWS 294, which teaches students to speak to others about violence and ways to reduce it in our community. We also support Student Outreach Services which is a student group committed to issues of social justice on and of campus. For more information about our programs call: 312.413.8206 25 life. 8. Encountering system obstacles. 9. Poor time management. 10. Academic difficulties. Commonly Asked Questions When is the first day of class? What is UIC Connect? Fall: Monday, August 25, 2008 Spring: Monday, January 12, 2009 Summer: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 UIC Connect is a system that allows students to register, view records, manage financial aid/account services and connect to the resources available on campus. All new students must have an account created prior to registering or viewing their personal information. When is the last day to add or drop classes? Add/drop deadlines: Fall: Friday, September 5, 2008 Spring: Friday, January 23, 2009 Summer: Friday, May 29, 2009 When does UIC celebrate holidays? Holidays / no classes: Fall: Labor day; Monday, September 1, 2008 Thanksgiving; Thursday-Friday, November 27 - 28, 2008 Spring: MLK, Jr. Holiday; Monday, January 19, 2009 Summer: Memorial Day; Monday, May 25, 2009 What are the official dates for final exams? Fall: Monday - Friday, December 8-12, 2008 Spring: Monday - Friday, May 4-8, 2009 Summer: Thursday - Friday, July 16-17, 2009 Why do I need an I-card? You can use your I-card for: Library use Residence Hall Meal Plan Computer Account Creation Building Access Parking Access Campus Recreation Check Cashing Debit/Credit Card (TCF Bank) Verification of Student Status What if I have health insurance through my parents? How can I avoid paying the HMO Fee? You can contact Campus Care at 312.996.49155 or see your LARES counselor to receive information about the process for the insurance fee waiver. Where can I go for financial aid questions? You should contact the UIC Financial Aid office located in SSB at 312.996.3126 or see your LARES counselor. What if I need to drop a class? The deadline to add or drop a class is anytime prior to the tenth day of classes. After the tenth day, it will be considered a late drop. Before adding or dropping any courses, you should always speak with your LARES counselor first. Where can I go to discuss any personal issues? The Counseling Center (2010 SSB) has a professional staff ready to help you. (All appointments are confidential.) They can be contacted at 312.996.3490. In addition, the InTouch Crisis Hotline can be reached at 312.996.5535. Where do I go for healthcare? You can go to the Family Medicine Center if you are covered under the student health insurance located at 722 W. Maxwell Street. Call 312.996.2901 to schedule an appointment. What if I lose my I-card? Where do I go if I have a legal question? There is a $20 replacement fee if you lose your I-card. You will need to walk into the ID Center in SSB Room 1790 to obtain a new one. You can contact the Office of Student Legal Service (3030 SSB). Their number is 312.996.9214. What if I need to buy a parking pass? Where can I type a paper, check my e-mail, or surf the net? You can contact the following parking offices: LARES Computer Lab West Campus Office - B5A SCW at 312.413.5850 East Campus Office - 2660 SSB at 312.413.9020 Where can I find out about on-campus housing? You can contact the Central Housing Office at 312.355. 6300 or by checking out their website at: www.housing.uic.edu. 9:00 - 7:00 p.m. Mon. - Thurs. 9:00 - 4:30 p.m. Friday West Campus Computer Labs: BGRC 105A, 105B SRH 317 East Campus Computer Labs: SEL 2249F, 2249, 2263, 2265, 2058, SRC 2027 SCE 401 BSB B001, 4133 For more information regarding the computer labs check out the ACCC website on-line at http://www.uic.edu/depts/ accc/home/. 26 Commonly Asked Questions continued... Where can I get information for jobs on and off-campus? What about internships and career advice? I keep missing returned telephone calls, from my financial aid counselor, because of my schedule. How can I get my counselor to answer my question? Contact the Student Employment Office (3050 SSB) at 312.996.3130. For internships & career opportunities contact Career Services (3050 SSB) at 312.996.2300. Your LARES counselor can also help guide you through your career path. By calling the OSFA’s information and assistance number and following the prompts, you may leave a private message for your counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He/she will return a response soon afterwards. Where can I get help on putting together my resume? About U-PASS ?? U-PASS offers full-time students with unlimited rides on any CTA bus or train during an academic term. The Office of Career Services (3050 SSB) monitors job opportunities and assists students and alumni with resume writing and interviewing skills. To make an appointment call 312.996.2300. ?? U-PASS replaces cash for all CTA fares - no cash is needed. How can my parents become more involved with UIC? ?? U-PASS does not require a transfer or surcharge. The Latino Committee on University Affairs (LCUA) sponsors the Association of Latino Parents (ALP). The members of the association meet to plan events throughout the school year. For more information, contact the LARES office. ?? U-PASS is NOT valid for travel on PACE suburban buses or Metra commuter trains. ?? U-PASS is for full-time students only. The cards of students who drop to part-time status will be deactivated. What do I do if I am having trouble with a class? If you are having trouble understanding the materials or lectures covered in a class, take advantage of your professors’ office hours. If you are unable to meet with your professor, consider visiting one of the tutoring centers of the university such as the Writing Center, the Academic Center for Excellence, the Confederation of Latin American Students (CLAS) tutoring services or the LARES Program for assistance. Where can I get something quick to eat? The university campus and community have many places where students can relax and enjoy a good meal. Such places are the SCE cafeterias, the BSB cafeteria, the residence cafeterias and the numerous cafes around campus on Taylor, Halsted or Racine streets. 27 Learning the Walk and Talk of College Veterans of the campus will use abbreviations to refer to buildings, campus offices, colleges, majors, organizations and programs. Campus security and physical plant staff have an even more specialized language. They refer to buildings by number. Below are some of the more common abbreviations just to get you going. AAAN ACE A&A AH AHP AISS AOB BGRC BH BOT BSB CAHP CAN CBA CCSL CEB CEMM CHS CLAS CME CMW CON CSB CSN CUPPA DENT DH EPASW EECS EEI ERF ESB GB GH GPA GSC HCOE HH HRB HRM HPSC IDS IGC IRRPP ISIS JAH JACSW JH LARES LAS LALS LC LCUA LH LIB LHS LIERI MAB MC MBA MPA MPH MSA African American Academic Network Academic Center for Excellence Architecture and Art Building, 845 West Harrison Street Addams Hall, 830 South Halsted Street Associated Health Professions Building, 1919 West Taylor Street Administrative Information System and Service Administrative Office Building, 1737 West Polk Street Benjamin Goldberg Research Center, 1940 West Taylor Street Burnham Hall, 828 South Halsted Street Board of Trustees Behavioral Sciences Building, 1007 West Harrison Street College of Associated Health Professions Campus Advocacy Network College of Business Administration Chancellors Committee on the Status of Latinos Chemical Engineering Building, 810 South Clinton Street Civil Engineering, Mechanics, and Metallurgy Campus Health Services, 914 South Wood Street (employee only) Confederation of Latin American Students College of Medicine East, 808 South Wood Street College of Medicine West, 1819 West Polk Street College of Nursing, 845 S. Damen Avenue Clinical Sciences Building, 840 South Wood Street Clinical Sciences North, 820 South Wood Street College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs College of Dentistry, 801 South Paulina Street Douglas Hall, 705 South Morgan Street Education, Performing Arts, and Social Work Building Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Eye and Ear Infirmary, 1855 West Taylor Street Engineering Research Facility, 842 West Taylor Street Easter Seal Building, 2023 West Ogden Avenue Green Street Building, 322 South Green Street Grant Hall, 703 South Morgan Street Grade Point Average Graduate Student Council Hispanic Center of Excellence Henry Hall, 935 West Harrison Street Human Resources Building, 715 South Wood Street Health Resources Management Health Professions Student Council Information and Decision Sciences Inter-Greek Council Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy Integrated Student Information Systems Jane Addams Hull-House, 800 South Halsted Street Jane Addams College of Social Work Jefferson Hall, 929 West Harrison Street Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services Program Liberal Arts and Sciences Latin American and Latino Studies Lecture Center Latino Committee on University Affairs Lincoln Hall, 707 South Morgan Street Richard J. Daley Library, 801 South Morgan Street Library of the Health Sciences, 1750 West Polk Street Lions of Illinois Eye Research Institute, 1905 West Taylor Street Marshfield Building, 809 South Marshfield Avenue Mail Code Master of Business Administration Master of Public Administration Master of Public Health Master of Science in Accounting 28 MSB MSS NCAA NPI NURS OAR OBA OPA OPS PAV PEB PHARM PPO PSB RA RB RCOLCC RD RHA ROTC RRB SAFC SAL SB SCE SCW SEL SEO SES SFTAC SH SINC SLC SPHE SPHW SRC SRH SROP SSB SSR TA TH UH UIC UICMC UIH UIHMO UIS UIUC USG WC WISE WSVA Medical Sciences Building, 901 South Wolcott Medical Sciences South, 905 South Wolcott Avenue National Collegiate Athletic Association Neuropsychiatric Institute, 912 South Wood Street College of Nursing, 845 South Damen Avenue Office of Admissions and Records Office of Business Affairs Office of Public Affairs Office of Publications Services UIC Pavilion, 1150 West Harrison Street Physical Education Building, 901 West Roosevelt Road College of Pharmacy, 833 South Wood Street Preferred Provider Organization Paulina Street Building Resident Adviser (Housing) or Research Assistant Rice Building, 815 West Van Buren Street Rafael Cintron Ortiz Cultural Center Resident Director Residence Hall Association Reserved Officer Training Corp. Roosevelt Road Building, 728 West Roosevelt Road Student Activities Funding Committee Student Alumni League Services Building, 1140 South Morgan Street Student Center East (Formerly CCC), 750 S. Halsted Student Center West (Formerly CIU), 828 S. Wolcott Science and Engineering Laboratories Science and Engineering Offices Science and Engineering South, 801 South Morgan Street Student Fee and Tuition Advisory Committee Stevenson Hall, 701 South Morgan Street Student Information Network Center Science Learning Center School of Public Health East, 2035 West Taylor Street School of Public Health West, 2121 West Taylor Street Student Residence and Commons Student Residence Hall, 818 South Wolcott Avenue Summer Research Opportunity Program Student Services Building, 1200 West Harrison Street Single Student Residence, 809 South Damen Avenue Teaching Assistant Taft Hall, 826 South Halsted University Hall, 601 South Morgan Street University of Illinois at Chicago UIC Medical Center University of Illinois Hospital University of Illinois Health Maintenance Organization University of Illinois at Springfield University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Undergraduate Student Government Westgate Center, 910 West Van Buren Street Women in Science and Engineering Program West Side Veteran Administration Hospital Academic Calendar 2008-2009 University of Illinois at Chicago The academic year consists of the fall and spring semesters and an eight-week summer session (ten weeks for health science colleges). Each of the regular semesters includes fifteen weeks of instruction and one week of final examinations. Summer Semester 2008 (4 week session) Spring Semester 2009 May 19, M May 21, W January 12, M January 19, M May 26, M June 4, W June 12, Th June 13, F Instruction begins. Last day to complete late registration and last day to add/drop a course on-line. Memorial Day. No classes. Last day to withdraw from a course with college permission. (Student will receive a “W” on their transcript.) Instruction ends. Final examinations. January 23, F February 20, F March 23-27, M-F May 1, F May 4-8, M-F Instructions begins Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. No classes. Last day to complete late registration and last day to add/drop a course. Last day to withdraw from a course with college permission. (Student will receive a “W” on their transcript.) Spring break. Instruction ends. Final examinations. Summer Semester 2008 (8 week session) Summer Semester 2009 (4 week session) June 16, M June 20, F May 18, M May 20, W July 4, F July 18, F August 6, W August 7-8, Th-F Instruction begins. Last day to complete late registration and last day to add/drop a course on-line. 4th of July holiday. No classes. Last day to withdraw from a course with college permission. (Student will receive a “W” on their transcript.) Instruction ends. Final examinations. October 3, F Nov. 27-28, Th-F December 5, F Dec. 8-12, M - F June 11, Th June 12, F Summer Semester 2009 (8 week session) Fall Semester 2008 August 25, M September 1, M September 5, F May 25, M June 3, W Instruction begins. Last day to complete late registration and last day to add/drop a course on-line. Memorial Day. No classes. Last day to withdraw from a course with college permission. (Student will receive a “W” on their transcript.) Instruction ends. Final examinations. Fall semester classes begin. Labor Day holiday. No classes. Last day to complete late registration and last day to add/drop a course. Last day to withdraw from a course with college permission. (Student will receive a “W” on their transcript.) Thanksgiving holiday. No classes. Instruction ends. Final examinations. 29 May 25, M May 26, T May 29, F June 26, F July 3, F July 15, W July 16-17, Th-F Memorial Day holiday. No classes. Instructions begins. Last day to complete late registration and last day to add/drop a course. Last day to withdraw from a course with college permission. (Student will receive a “W” on their transcript.) Independence Day holiday. No classes. Instructions ends. Final examinations. Getting to know UIC’s Latino Faculty College of Business Administration Jose Antonio Rosa, Associate Professor, Managerial Studies Department - native of Puerto Rico, in the US since 1972. Moved to the US to attend General Motors Institute (now Kettering University). Has a Bachelor in Industrial Administration from GMI, an MBA from Dartmouth College (Tuck), and a PhD from Michigan. Professor Rosa teaches marketing related courses to undergraduate, MBA and PhD students. College of Education Irma M. Olmedo, Associate Professor, College of Education, teaches courses in bilingualism and education and methods courses in the social studies. Her research interests include language issues and education, aspects of Latino culture and the preparation of teachers for urban classrooms. Norma A. Lopez-Reyna, Associate Professor, College of Education, [email protected]. Specializes in differential diagnosis of learning and behavior disabilities for children who are English Language Learners and in qualitative inquiry. Directs the UIC Assessment Clinic. Research focuses on effective instruction for ELLs in special education, on parental involvement in schools, and teacher preparation. Flora Rodriguez-Brown, Professor, College of Education. Coordinator of the Bilingual and ESL programs at the undergraduate and graduate level at the College. Director of Project FLAME, a family literacy program serving Latino families in schools and park district facilities in Chicago. Her research interests are related to the home-school connection in Latino communities, training all teachers to serve the needs of all children, learning-in and-out of school and language interaction in classroom settings. Peter Martinez, Director of the Principals’ Center, College of Education is primarily focused on the development of school leadership: teacher leaders, principals, system leaders, parent and community leaders working in urban areas primarily, but not exclusively, in low performing high poverty, high minority schools. Lena Licon Khisty, Associate Professor, specializes in Bilingual/ESL and Mathematics Education, and focuses on creating effective and innovative learning environments for Latinos in mathematics, developing teachers who know and use language and culture to support learning, and doing school collaborations for improvement. She is currently directing the Center for Mathematics Education for Latinos, CEMELA, at UIC. 30 Getting to know UIC’s Latino Faculty continued... College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Biological Sciences Aixa Alfonso, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, Phone: 312.355.0318 (office). My research interest is in the development and function of the nervous system. We use a nematode, a round worm, as a model system. To address the experimental questions we use classical and molecular genetic techniques as well as biochemical and physiological approaches. My teaching involves introductory courses in the biology of the brain and advanced courses in cell and molecular neurobiology. Teresa Vales Orenic, Associate Professor, [email protected]. My research is directed at understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms through which an animal embryo develops into a complex organism with many different cell types organized into tissues and organs. To investigate this process we utilize the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster as a model system, focusing on the development of appendages and the peripheral nervous system. History Renato Barahona, Professor. Areas of specialization: European early modern history, Spain (my courses on Spain are cross-listed with LALS), social history, history of sexuality and gender, etc. Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) María de los Angeles Tórres: Ph.D., Political Science from the University of Michigan. Director and professor of the Latin American Latino Studies Program. Currently working on two research projects: Children and Youth’s Politics in the Age of Globalization and Comparative Civic Engagement in three Latino communities. Will be teaching courses on Latin America Political Thought, Cuba and its Exiles and Community Based Internships. – 1531 UH – 312.996.2510. Frances Aparicio: Professor of LALS. Ph.D., Spanish, Harvard University. Areas of specialization: U.S. Latino/a Literatures and Cultures, Cultural studies in Latino and Latin America; popular music, language and cultural identity: literary translation; teaching Spanish to heritage language learners. Currently working on an English translation of Cesar Miguel Rondon’s El Libro de la Salsa (1980), and an article on the cultural politics of salsa dancing in Chicago. – 1523 UH – 312.996.2279. 31 Latino Listservs - Educational Issues - Scholarship Opportunities LARES-L provides information on social issues affecting the Latino community, however its primary focus is on special opportunities such as scholarships, internships, position openings as well as organizational meetings, workshops, academic programs and educational policy issues. LARES-L [email protected] To subscribe, email Leonard Ramirez at [email protected] Latino-L's primary focus is on cultural, social, educational and political news and issues that affect the Latino community in the U.S. Latino-L [email protected] To subscribe, email Leonard Ramirez at [email protected] Getting to know UIC’s Latino Faculty continued... Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) Christopher Boyer: Associate Professor of LALS and History. Ph.D. History, University of Chicago. Currently his research focuses on the social and environmental dynamics of forest use in Mexico over the past hundred years. Previous research examined the formation of campesino identity during the agrarian movements in Mexico in the 1920s and 1930s. Recently completed a research sabbatical in Mexico, supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. – 1021 UH – 312.413.1216. Ralph Cintrón: Associate Professor Department of English and LALS. Past research: author of Angels Town: Chero Ways, Gang Life, and Rhetorics of the Everyday. Among other things, this book won honorable mention for the Victor Turner Prize in Ethnographic Writing. Current Research: head of a research team on Puerto Rican Chicago (7 researchers total). - 2012 UH - 312. 413.2736. Nilda Flores-González: Associate Professor of LALS and Sociology. Ph.D. Sociology, University of Chicago, 1995. She studies race and ethnicity, identity, youth, education and U.S. Latinos, She has three ongoing research projects: (1) one project focuses on media discourses on inner-city schools, particularly on how the media criminalizes inner-city schools, school activists and students, and how these images shape public opinion and policy, (2) another project examines youth engagement in social justice, and (3) a third project focuses on the Immigrant Rights mobilizations of March 10 and May 1st in Chicago. - 4160 BSB - 312.996.6886. Elena Rebeca Gutiérrez: Associate Professor in Gender & Women’s Studies and Latin American and Latino Studies at the University of Illinois - Chicago. Professor Gutiérrez earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Michigan in 1999 and is a scholar of Latino Health, reproductive and sexual health politics, and social activism. Her book publications include Undivided Rights: Women of Color Organize for Reproductive Justice with Jael Silliman, Marlene Gerber Fried, and Loretta Ross (Boston: South End Press, October 2004) which was the Recipient of the 2005 Gustavus Myers Outstanding Book Award in the area of bigotry and human rights, and Fertile Matters: The Politics of Mexican origin Women's Reproduction (University of Texas Press, 2008). Fertile Matters documents the involuntary sterilization of Mexican-origin women in Los Angeles in the 1970s and illuminates the ways in which political, social and racial anxieties shaped the construction of the "problem" of Mexican origin women’s fertility. As an activist for women's health and reproductive justice, Dr. Gutiérrez has served on the boards of and worked as a consultant with the National Latina Health Organization, SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Health Collective, the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, Mujeres Latinas en Acción and LORE: Latinas Organized for Reproductive Equality. - 1814 UH - 312.996.9039. Alejandro L. Madrid: Assistant Professor of LALS. Ph.D., in musicology and comparative cultural studies, The Ohio State University. His research focuses on the intersection of modernity, tradition, globalization, and identity in popular and art musics and expressive culture from Latin America, especially México and the U.S.-México border. His interests include a wide variety of issues, from transnationalism, representation and performance in contemporary electronic dance music to questions of continuity, change and cosmopolitism in 19th- and early 20th-century Latin American musics. He is a recipient of the Casa de las Américas Award for Latin American Musicology (2005). He recently published two books: Nor-tec Rifa! Electronic Dance Music from Tijuana to the World and Postnational Musical Identities Cultural Production, Distribution, and Consumption in a 32 Getting to know UIC’s Latino Faculty continued... Globalized Scenario, co-edited with Ignacio Corona. - 1517 UH - 312.996.4716. Joel Palka: Associate Professor in LALS and Anthropology, and Adjunct Curator in Anthropology at the Field Museum. Prof. Palka received his Ph.D. in anthropology at Vanderbilt University and his thesis addresses the collapse of Classic Maya civilization. His current research examines long term cross-cultural interaction between Maya people and migrant groups from the Spanish Colonial Period to the present in the rainforests of Chiapas, México, and Petén, Guatemala. This topic is covered in his recent book Unconquered Lacandon Maya: History and Archaeology of Indigenous Culture Change. Dr. Palka publishes articles on ancient Maya civilization and he is currently the editor of Mesoamerican Voices –a journal dedicated to the study of the art, writing, and archaeology of Precolumbian cultures of México and Central America. - 3148 BSB - 312.996.0789. Amalia Pallares: Associate Professor of LALS and Political Science. Ph.D., University of Texas. She is the author of From Peasant Struggles to Indian Resistance, University of Oklahoma Press, 2002. Dr. Pallares publishes articles on Ecuadorian politics and social movements as well as Mexican and Ecuadorian immigrants in Chicago. Most recently, she is co-editing a book on immigrant activism in Chicago entitled “Marcha: Latin Chicago and the Immigrant Movement”, under contract with the University of Illinois Press. She is currently working on a project on the relationship between family separation and undocumented activism, as well as continuing research on the montubio activism and ethnic identity in coastal Ecuador. - 1513 UH - 312.413.9170. Christian Roa de la Carrera: Associate Professor Spanish and LALS. Ph.D., Romance Languages, Princeton University. His current research focuses on colonial narratives and the rearrangement of social networks, kinship relations, gender interaction, and ethnic identities of both indigenous peoples and colonizers. He is the author of Histories of Infamy: Francisco López de Gómara and the Ethics of Spanish Imperialism (2005). - 1710 UH - 312.996.0125. Javier Villa - Flores: Associate Professor LALS and History Department. Ph.D., Mexican Colonial History, University of California, San Diego. Recent works: "Voices from a Living Hell: Life, Death, and Salvation in a Colonial Mexican Obraje," in Martin Nesvig, ed. Local Religion in Colonial Mexico (Alburquerque: New Mexico University Press, 2006), Dangerous Speech: A Social History of Blasphemy in Colonial Mexico (Tucson: University Press of Arizona, 2006). Current Research Projects: "God's Name as Pharmakon: False Witnessing Before the Mexican Holy Office", article to be submitted to The Americas in 2005 for a special issue on Witnessing and Colonialism, guest editors: Javier Villa-Flores and Sonya Lipsett-Rivera; edited volume on the Social History of Emotions in Colonial Latin America, co-edited with Sonya Lipsett-Rivera for New Mexico University Press. - 1511 UH - 312.996.7270. 33 Getting to know UIC’s Latino Faculty continued... Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science Alison Castro-Superfine, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Engineering, and the Learning Sciences Program, email [email protected]. My research focuses on the mathematics learning of preservice teachers, as well as the interactions between teachers and mathematics curriculum materials. Physics Cecilia Gerber, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, e-mail [email protected]. My research is in the area of experimental particles physics. I am interested in understanding which are the building blocks of matter and how they interact with each other. Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese Maria Margarita Saona, Associate Professor. Department of Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. My research deals with national identity and globalization in contemporary Latin American novels. I am also concerned with issues of memory and the representation of trauma in literature and the visual arts. I teach a wide range of classes: Introduction to Literature in Spanish, Latin American Women Writers in Translation, and Graduate Seminars on the question of gender and genre in Latin America. Rafael Nuñez-Cedeño, Professor. Department of Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. Specialization in linguistic theory, in particular phonology and morphology, Spanish/Latin American linguistics and dialectology, and Spanish phonetics. Co-editor in-charge for the Americas of Probus: International Journal of Latin and Romance Linguistics. College of Medicine Department of Physiology and Biophysics Jesus Garcia-Martinez, MD/PhD, Associate Professor. Research interests: signal transudation in skeletal and cardiac muscle, control of gene expression, regulation of excitation-contraction coupling and calcium handling. I have worked closely with SROP/McNair, the Hispanic Center of Excellence and the Honors College. Contact info: (312) 355-0260 or [email protected]. 34 UIC Latino Directory Elizabeth Aguilar Lecture Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese [email protected] Eugene P. Alaniz Building Service Worker 146 PPB 312.996.8307 [email protected] Magda Aldana Account Technician II 1-280 LIB 312.413.0498 [email protected] Aixa Alfonso Associate Professor Biological Sciences 3067 SEL 312.355.0318 [email protected] Jose S. Alvarez Assistant Facilities Manager 312.413.2012 [email protected] Renato Barahona Associate Professor History 1006 UH 312.996.3141 [email protected] Areli Castañeda Assistant to the Director LARES 2640 SSB 312.996.3356 [email protected] \Miguel A. Bautista Research Programmer 2070 SEL 312.996.2793 [email protected] Alison Castro Assistant Professor Dept. of Math, Statistics, and Computer Science [email protected] Pilar Carmona Associate Director Hispanic Center of Excellence College of Medicine 990 CME 312.996.4493 [email protected] Faustina Cerda Patient Services Specialist Digestive Disease and Nutrition 312.413.3631 [email protected] Silvia Becerra Program Coordinator Urban Transportation Center 340 CUPPAH 312.996.4821 [email protected] Jose Antonio Rosa Associate Professor Department of Managerial Studies 2222 UH [email protected] John-Jairo Betancur Associate Professor Urban Planning and Policy 221 CUPPAH 312.996.2125 [email protected] Frances Aranda Project Coordinator Dept. of Public Health, Mental Health, and Administrative Nursing 942 NURS 312.996.7974 [email protected] Diana Bolanos-Marchan Recruitment and Admissions Counselor Liautaud Graduate School of Business 220 RB 312.996.4573 [email protected] Veronica I. Arreola Director Women in Science and Engineering Program (WISE) 205 D SLC, SES 312.355.1813 [email protected] Jose Arrom Project Coordinator Social Work, Jane Addams College of 312.413.1836 [email protected] Jesus M. Ayala Building Service Worker 146 PPB 312.996.8307 [email protected] John Ayala Plant Operating Engineer Physical Plant Administration [email protected] Fabricio E. Balcazar Associate Professor Disability and Human Development 451B, MC626 312.413.1646 [email protected] David S. Cabrera Lecturer Math, Statistics, & Comp. Science 619 SEO 312.413.2146 [email protected] Calixto Calderon Professor Emeritus Math, Statistics, & Comp. Science 628 SEO 312.413.3744 [email protected] Norma Campos Project Coordinator Dept. of Family Medicine 198 HHDSB 312.996.9116 [email protected] Rodrigo Carraminana Director of RCOLCC, Latino Cultural Center LC B2 312.996.3095 [email protected] 35 Fred Chapa Director of Facilities College of Dentistry 312.996.7633 [email protected] Maria Chavez Clerical Assistant UIC Police 220 PS 312.996.5868 [email protected] Noel Chavez Associate Professor & Interim Director Community Health Sciences 659 SPHPI 312.996.0747 [email protected] Eva Contreras Building Service Worker 146 PPB 312.996.8307 [email protected] Benjamin Correa Administrative Aide Nursing Services 312.996.5483 [email protected] Milagros I. Crespo Assistant to the Dean College of Architecture and the Arts 306 JH 312.996.3351 [email protected] Ivone De Jesus Assistant Director Latino Cultural Center 312-996-3095 [email protected] Joseph DeLaGarza Director Center for Urban Business (CUB) Illinois Small Business Development Center Suite B4 UH 312.413.8139 [email protected] UIC Latino Directory continued... Florencio Diaz Director of Advising and Outreach Math, Statistics, and Computer Science 312-996-3055 [email protected] Annette T. Garcia Public Functions Supervisor Ambulatory Pharmacy Services 312.355.0734 [email protected] Rosalva Diaz Business Services Specialist Library of the Health Sciences 220 LHS 312.996.7790 [email protected] Andres Garza Director, Office of Career Services 3084 SSB 312.996.2969 [email protected] Luis Duarte Assistant Director LARES 2640 SSB 312.996.3356 [email protected] Martha E. Duran Assistant to the Dean Honors College 312.355.1304 [email protected] Christine F. Encina Administrative Secretary Pharmacy, Office Of The Dean 145 PHARM 312.996.7241 [email protected] Gonzalo Escobar Extension Educator, Prevention Cooperative Extention Services 312.578.9956 [email protected] Noemi Espinosa Program Coordinator Learning Sciences Research Institute 2075 SEL 312.413.8360 [email protected] Alfredo Estrada Recruitment and Admissions Counselor LARES 2640 SSB 312.996.3356 [email protected] Victoria Falconi Human Resources Officer 305 HRB 312.996.1859 [email protected] Richard A. Flores Clinical Instructor 300 E. War Memorial Dr. 309.688.3673 Nilda Flores-Gonzalez Associate Professor Latin American and Latino Studies 4160 BSB 312.996.6886 [email protected] Edmundo J. Garcia-Solis Research Assistant Professor 2266 SES 312.413.5888 [email protected] Maria C. Garnica Dental Assistant Department of Orthodontics 312.996.7505 [email protected] Martha Gasca Customer Service Rep III Referral and Appt. Center 312.996.1682 [email protected] Cecilia Gerber Assistant Professor, Department of Physics 312.996.2239 2276 SES [email protected] Victoria Gheorghe Assistant Director Center for Urban Business (CUB) Illinois Small Business Development Center Suite B4 UH 312.413.8130 [email protected] Aida Giachello Associate Professor College of Social Work 4404 EPASW 312.996.2521 [email protected] Jorge Girotti Associate Dean and Director Hispanic Center of Excellence College of Medicine 990 CME 312-996.4493 [email protected] Rebecca E. Gordon Director, Office of Women's Affairs 802 UH 312.413.1025 [email protected] Cecilia M. Gutierrez Medical Assistant 1801 W. Taylor 312.355.3425 [email protected] Elena Gutierrez Assistant Professor Latin American and Latino Studies 312.413.7930 [email protected] Sandra Gutierrez Admission and Records Officer III 1259 SSB 312.413.9721 [email protected] Magdalena Hernandez Office Manager Division of Specialized Care for Children 312.996.6380 [email protected] Paula Melissa Hernandez Project Coordinator UIC - College of Nursing Dept. of Medical-Surgical Nursing 312.355.2605 [email protected] Socorro Herrera Student Services Assistant College of Medicine 112 CMW 312.413.0127 [email protected] Cynthia Herrera Lindstrom Assistant Director ACCC - Computing 2257A SEL 312.413.2495 [email protected] Jason Huertas Police Sergeant UIC Police 312.996.6938 [email protected] Herlinda Gonzalez Building Service Worker 146 PPB 312.996.8307 [email protected] Marie T. Hughes Associate Professor College of Education 3432 EPASW 312.413.1623 [email protected] Rosa M. Gonzalez Building Service Worker 146 PPB 312.996.8307 [email protected] Gonzalo Izaguirre Research Assistant Professor Molecular, Biology and Oral Diseases 312.413.5395 [email protected] 36 UIC Latino Directory continued... Gerardo Jimenez Program Coordinator Liautaud Graduate School of Business 220 RB 312.996.4573 [email protected] Jesus Antonio Laurel Recruitment and Admissions Counselor LARES SSB 2640 312.996.3356 [email protected] Hilda La Cour Customer Service Rep II Dermatology, Ambulatory Services 312.996.8666 [email protected] Leopoldo Lopez Grounds Gardener Physical Plant Administration [email protected] Sandra Lopez Medical Assistant Department of Medicine 1801 W. Taylor 312.355.1700 [email protected] Leticia Lopez Building Service Worker 146 PPB 312.996.8307 [email protected] Norma A. Lopez-Reyna Associate Professor College of Education 312.996.4526 [email protected] Cynthia Lozano Medical Assistant Family Medicine, Ambulatory Services 312.996.2901 [email protected] Ignacio B. Macias UIC Parking Services 122 WSPS 312.355.0555 [email protected] Damian Madrigal Operating Room Technician Operating Room 312.996.4050 [email protected] Aurelia Manzanarez Hospital Service Worker 146L PPB 312.996.8307 [email protected] Mara Martinez Assistant Professor Mathematics, Statistics, & Comp. Science SEO Peter Martinez Clinical Instructor Policy Studies 312.996.7327 [email protected] Guadalupe Orozco Coordinator of Human Resources Institute for Health Research and Policy 312.996.4379 [email protected] Gilberto Mendez Public Health Administration 312.413.4962 155 SPHPI [email protected] Reyna Orozco Staff Nurse I Nursing Services, Hospital 312.996.0376 [email protected] Elizabeth Mercado Customer Service Representative Liautaud Graduate School of Business 220 RB 312.996.4573 [email protected] Noelle Orriols Support Staff Surgery 312.413.7707 [email protected] Norma Mercado Social Work Aide Specialized Care for Children 312.996.2723 [email protected] Ana Maria Montes Spanish Interpreter Hospital Guess Services 1172 UICH 312.996.3610 [email protected] Nilda Munoz Building Service Worker Facilities Management Building Services 146 PPB 312.996.8307 [email protected] Maria Murillo Office of Admissions and Records 2126 SSB 312.996.9567 [email protected] Heriberto Noyola Hospital Services Worker [email protected] Rafael Nunez-Cedeno Professor Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese 1721 UH 312.996.0271 [email protected] Irma Olmedo Associate Professor College of Education 3406 EPASW 312.413.7747 [email protected] Rebecca Olvera Assistant Director of Operations Liautaud Graduate School of Business 220 RB 312.996.4573 [email protected] Teresa Orenic Associate Professor Department of Biological Sciences 4220MBRB 312-355-1452 [email protected] 37 Elvia Ortega Information Service Supervisor 9th Fl MB 312.996.9626 [email protected] Adrian Ortiz Lecturer, TIE 1333 S. HALSTED, SUITE 260 312.996.2377 [email protected] Rosa I. Ortiz Business Manager 241 PHARM 312.996.8127 [email protected] Matiana Ovalle Secretary IV Inst. on Disability and Human Development 312.996.0903 [email protected] Yesenia Ovando Ophthalmic Technician L135 LIERI 312.996.6660 [email protected] Silvia Padilla Building Service Worker 146 PPB 312.996.8307 [email protected] Amalia Pallares Visiting Associate Dean / Associate fessor Political Science 1108A BSB 312.413.3773 [email protected] Connie Parra Service Program Aide 312.996.8474 [email protected] Marbella Patino Customer Services Rep. I 312.996.7416 [email protected] Pro- UIC Latino Directory continued... Rosa Pena Campus Housing-East 25 SRC 312.355.6522 [email protected] Alfred T. Perales University Police 107 PS 312.996.6938 [email protected] Irma Perales Customer Service Rep III Guest Services, Hospital 1170 UIH 312.996.1682 [email protected] Karina Reyes Associate Professor & Associate Chair Psychology 1050D BSB 312.413.2627 [email protected] William Rodriguez Associate Dean of Students Student Affairs 3030 SSB 312.996.4857 [email protected] Iraida Rios Academic Coordinator Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Division 312.996.8856 [email protected] Mildred Rodriguez Administrative Clerk Hospital Finance 312.996.5525 [email protected] Ruth E. Rios Contract Cooridinator 325 MB 312.996.7074 [email protected] Jose Perales Assistant Dean Graduate College 601 UH 312.413.2556 [email protected] Karla Rivera Ruiz Instructional Program Coordinator Dept. of Psychology 312.996.4804 [email protected] William Perales Mailing Services Supervisor I B75A PPB 312.996.8571 [email protected] Alicia J. Rodriguez Recruitment and Admissions Counselor LARES 2640 SSB 312.996.3356 [email protected] Teodulo Prieto Grounds Worker Physical Plant Administration [email protected] Martha E. Querfurth Campus Housing-East LL SRCS 312.355.6413 [email protected] Pamela Anne Quiroz Associate Professor, Education 3238 EPASW 312.413.9185 [email protected] Leonard Ramirez Director LARES 2640 SSB 312.996.3356 [email protected] Nubia Raygoza Assistant Director of Recruitment College of Engineering 312.996.9594 [email protected] Angelo Resendez Research Resources Center LL24 BGRC 312.996.7618 [email protected] Eloy A. Reyes Assistant to the Head Department of Math, Statistics, & Computer Science 316 SEO 312.996.3044 [email protected] Gabriela Olmeda Medical Assistant 1801 W. Taylor 312.413.1131 [email protected] Julienne Rodriguez Medical Assistant 2488 UH 312.996.0238 [email protected] Leonila Rodriguez Building Service Worker 146L PPB 312.996.8307 [email protected] Marcelo Rodriguez Patient Services Specialist UIH Suite 1172 312.996.3610 [email protected] Marisa Rodriguez Hospital Nursing Services 312.996.3172 [email protected] Roberto Rodriguez Training Program Coordinator 312.996.3160 [email protected] Lena Licon Khisty Associate Professor College of Education 3234 EPASW 312.996.8144 [email protected] 38 Flora V. Rodriguez-Brown Professor College of Education, 1211 EPASW 312.996.3013 [email protected] Carmen Rosa Patient Accounts 800 MB 312.996.0742 [email protected] Elva Rubio Assistant Professor School of Architecture 312.996.3335 [email protected] Ofelia Ruiz Building Service Worker, 146 PPB 312.996.8307 [email protected] Miriam Sanchez Human Resources, 124 HRB 312.996.0844 [email protected] Margarita Saona Assistant Professor Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese 1711 UH [email protected] Teresa E. Silva Assistant to the Dean Graduate College [email protected] Monica Soto Graduate Coordinator Learning Sciences Research Institute 2048 BSB [email protected] Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar Associate Professor 351 AHS 312.413.0117 [email protected] Carmelo J. Tapia Research Programmer 2249D SEL 312.355.3241 [email protected] Hugo Teruel Associate Director LARES 2640 SSB 312.996.3356 [email protected] UIC Latino Directory continued... Alejandrina Torres Hospital Guess Services 1172 UICH 312.996.3610 [email protected] Jose D. Zacarias Building Service Worker 2045 W. Washington Blvd. 312.413.7816 [email protected] Graciel V. Val Clinical Psychologist 912 S. Wood St. 312.413.8403 [email protected] Josefina Zambrano Building Service Worker 146 PPB 312.996.8307 [email protected] Brandon Valeriano Assistant Professor Department of Political Science 312.413.7274 1147 BSB [email protected] Onintze Zenarutzabeitia Pikatza Assistant Director LARES 2640 SSB 312.996.3356 [email protected] Luis R. Vargas Executive Director 304 AOB 312.996.6150 [email protected] Raul J. Vasquez Information Research Specialist Hispanic Center of Excellence College of Medicine 990 CME 312.996.4493 [email protected] Judith Meza Vazquez Assistant to the Director Jane Addams Hull-House Museum 206 JAHD 312.996.0929 [email protected] Ruby Vega Bowling and Billiard Center Manager Campus Recreation 312.413.5171 [email protected] Jaime A. Velasquez Assistant Director Career Services 3083 SSB 312.413-2426 [email protected] Gladys Villanueva-Martinez Staff Nurse I Hospital 312.996.4150 [email protected] eb! n the w We’re o es.uic.edu r www.la Raul Villarreal Plumber Foreman Physical Plant 152 PPB 312.996.2816 [email protected] Robert Villasenor UIC Police 107 PS 312.996.5545 [email protected] If you have any questions or comments regarding this publication, please contact our Latino Resource Guide Coordinator: Alfredo Estrada at 312.996.3356. 39