Northern Kentucky University Office of Latino Programs and Services (LPS) August 2014 Newsletter August 2014 Volume 2 Issue 1 Bienvenidos! Latino Programs and Services On behalf of Latino Programs and Services, we would like to welcome all new Latino (a) students, faculty and staff. This is the second year since the implementation of this newsletter. We are excited to have this information outlet so please take advantage of the many activities/programs that we have planned this year. We wish all of you a productive año! Saludos, Leo Calderón Director The Office of Latino Programs and Services had or participated in the following activities and events throughout the summer of 2014, as well as the month of August: CINSAM and ELL Safari Science Camp for Middle School Students Centro de Amistad Open House Summer Resource Fairs Latino and ELL Fun with Science Camp for high schoolers Inclusive Excellence Mixer Cincinnati Dreamer s Summit 1
Some of the highlights from the events that we would like share with you are the following: Internal Programs This year s Latino Mentor Program Orientation was a huge success! This program was previously called the Latino Programs and Services Orientation but due to some changes, the Latino Mentor Program has claimed this event as their own and what a way to show their presence! This year we received close to 50 applications which is an 87% increase from last year. For attendance we had a 108% increase compared to last year! During this orientation students participated in a welcome picnic with close to 50 students, parents, and friends. Students received information on scholarships, resources on campus, Latino student organizations, and traveled to Potter s Ranch to partake in team building exercises. The bonds and relationships that were formed were evident from the feedback on their surveys. Latino and English Language Learning Foundation Fun with Science Camp had their 10 th year anniversary this past summer!! This program attracts students from all over the tri-state who are from diverse backgrounds. Students were able to engage in activities related to Science such as cruising the Ohio River in a paddle boat, gathering DNA from cells and make necklaces, grow bacteria that live in our bodies and all around us, electrofishing in a local stream, and in the process observed and collected all kinds of wild creatures, and visited P & G research facilities. At the end of the week students were presented with certificates and celebrated with refreshments. Student Highlight by Arturo Minera The 2014 Inclusive Excellence Mixer was nothing short of a historic success. Being the first of many to come, the mixer accomplished the goal it was given in providing a place for students to come and learn about the Programs and Services offices here at NKU. And more importantly, to provide a place early on in the year where students involved in any of these offices to meet students from other offices, ultimately promoting inclusiveness within each other and the offices altogether. Being one of the MCs for the event who is also graduating this December, there was a moment in which I was able to look around and see what is to come from the push for inclusive excellence across campus with the collaboration of these four offices (LGBTQ, African American, Latino, and Disability). I enjoyed being able to collaborate with a student from each office, and was able to 2
experience first-hand the product of being inclusive of all many kinds of students. Being the first one that had to undergo an unfortunate last minute change of location, things can only get better with the mixers to come, and I m looking forward to coming back to see the progress we make as a collaboration of offices, but also as a university. Upcoming events: For more information, to volunteer or to participate please contact Diane Maldonado at maldonadod1@nku.edu. Sept. 6, 2014 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Founders Hall, 2nd Floor NKU and Centro de Amistad Mexican Consulate and Other Services Day Latino Programs and Services, World Languages and Literatures, and Centro de Amistad will be hosting a NKU and Centro de Amistad Mexican Consulate and other Services Day in Founders Hall. Mexican immigrants are invited to sign up to for an appointment to see the Mexican Consulate. At the same time participants will be able to receive information regarding resources in the community. Sept. 13 & 14, 2014 12:00-5:00 p.m. Location: Hamilton County Fairgrounds Cincinnati Hispanic Fest 2014 We will be passing out National Hispanic Heritage Month flyers, as well as, promoting our office and Northern Kentucky University. We need volunteers! Sept. 15, 2014 12:00 p.m. Griffin Lawn Zumba on the Lawn Join us for a dancing work out!! Sept. 15, 2014 6:00-7:30 p.m. James C. and Rachel M. Votruba Student Union Ballroom 107 A National Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off Reception Come out and join us for dancing, food, and much more as we celebrate the start of the National Hispanic Heritage Month. Please RSVP. 3
Sept. 18, 2014 6:00-7:00 p.m. John G. Carlisle Elementary, Covington, KY Day of the Dead Celebration We will be hosting a mini Day of the Dead Celebration at John G. Carlisle where students will learn about this tradition, as well as participate in activities that are Day of the Dead themed. We need volunteers! Sept. 18, 2014 4:30-6:30 p.m. Landrum 110 Hispanic Film Series La Perla Sept. 25, 2014 4:30-6:30 p.m. Landrum 110 Hispanic Film Series Santo en el Museo de Cera Oct. 2, 2014 4:30-6:30 p.m. Landrum 110 Hispanic Film Series - Teatro del Crimen Sept. 26, 2014, 7:00-10:00 p.m. James C. and Rachel M. Votruba Student Union Ballroom 107 A Latino Music Fest The Office of Latino Programs and Services will be hosting their first Latino Music Fest with live music and dance lessons. Come join us and learn how to Salsa. Oct. 2, 2014 8:00-9:00 p.m. James C. and Rachel M. Votruba Student Union 102, Multi-Purpose Room Gilbert Esquivel Latino Comedy Chaos College Tour Gilbert is a unique voice in stand-up comedy, able to entertain an audience of inner-city youth to a room of senior citizens without missing a beat. His ability to ad-lib has made him a favorite of many television producers to warm-up studio audiences for such shows as American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Star Search and many more. Gilbert started his stand-up career at The Ice 4
House comedy club. He s also appeared on BET s Comicview, Laffapalooza, and Que Locos. Gilbert won the first Latino comedy search just two years into his comedy and went to perform on such stages as the Apollo theatre to Caesars Palace Las Vegas. He has also performed in many churches, prisons and universities throughout the country, sharing his experiences of growing up all over the United States as a migrant worker. Oct. 3, 2014 1:00-2:30 p.m. University Center, Otto M. Budig Theatre Champions Among Ourselves Panel Discussion Local Latino leaders will be presenting on a panel discussion to talk about their challenges and triumphs. The purpose of this panel discussion is to inspire others to succeed by sharing experiences of being Latino in a predominately white culture. Oct. 9, 2014 10:00-1:00 p.m. James C. and Rachel M. Votruba Student Union Ballroom Pre-Celebration of Dia de los Muertos Every year the office hosts high school students from local high school to learn about the Day of the Dead. Students are engaged in different activities, watch a presentation and video, take a tour of campus and enjoy a lunch. Such activities include making skeleton puppets, making papel picado and marigolds which are the official flower for Day of the Dead. This event has attracted close to 300 students. Oct. 9, 2014 4:30-6:30 p.m. Landrum 110 Hispanic Film Series - Cilantro y Perejil Oct. 15, 2015 6:00 p.m. NKU IM Fields 3 vs 3 Outdoor Soccer Tournament Latino Programs and Services has partnered with Campus Recreation to host a 3 vs 3 soccer tournament. Last year s event attracted over 200 people. This year a live band will be performing. To sign up to play on a team, follow the link: http://campusrec.nku.edu/programs/intramural.html 5
Latino Mentor Program (LAMP) Throughout the month of August, LAMP students took part in the following activities: Latino Mentor Program Orientation, August 10-12th Mentor/Mentee Reveal Event, August 27 th Over the summer, LAMP hired four new additions to the leadership team: 4 Head Peer Mentors. The Head Peer Mentors are Christian Reyes, Alexa Dominguez, Diana Contreras, and Bryant Picazo. These four students will provide one-on-one assistance for all of the students in our rapidly growing program. We have been planning our 2014-2015 Lamp calendar this summer to make sure that the events reflect the needs of our students for the year. We are excited to announce that LAMP currently has 80 students signed up to participate in the program for the 2014/2015 school year. We have numerous events and we look forward to seeing our mentees take advantage of their first year at NKU. Diana Contreras Alexa Dominguez Bryant Picazo Christian Reyes LAMP had its first official event of the school year on Wednesday, August 27th. 46 students attended this fast paced, interactive mixer/reveal event to get the year started. At the event, LAMP students split into groups and participated in a scavenger hunt throughout the entire campus to get affiliated with the buildings and what they have to offer. Alexa Dominguez led the first place team, who were awarded with LAMP T-shirts as their prize. After that, the students split up into rooms, mentors in one and mentees in the other, and the names of the mentees were revealed to their assigned mentors. Students then took the opportunity to get affiliated with their new mentor/mentee and plan for upcoming events. 100% of the students responded that they had met someone new at the event and that they recommend it for next year. Overall, it was a huge success and a great start to the school year. 6
Thanks to some of our wonderful LAMP students, we now have our very own promotional video! We approached Arturo Minera and Hector Diaz about producing a video for the Latino Mentor Program last spring, and as a result, this summer we were able to show off their outstanding product at our Latino Mentor Program Orientation for our incoming students. Maria Rojas, who is also a member of LAMP, did the voice over. We invite you to take a look at the video and share with any future students attending NKU in years to come! http://youtu.be/ccvdmwmhxpg Upcoming events: For more information, to volunteer or to participate please contact Kara Thompson at thompsonk14@nku.edu. Sept. 2 & 3, 2014 4:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m. Student Union 324 on the 2 nd and Student Union 106 on the 3 rd. LAMP Mentor Training This event is an opportunity to Mentors to be trained on how to effectively work with their Mentee. They are given their requirements for the year and a schedule overview as to what events they are expected to be at. Sept. 5, 2014 11-1pm Student Union 323 Free Food Friday-Billy Santos Free Food Fridays are devoted to providing students with the opportunity to meet with a successful figure from the community to discuss career opportunities and possible networking opportunities. All students are provided with free lunch. To RSVP, please contact Diane Maldonado at maldonadod1@nku.edu. Sept. 5, 2014 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Meet in Student Union 302 LAMP Red s Game Great American Ballpark 7
This is the major social event for LAMP every year. Students are provided food and the opportunity to visit the Great American Ballpark to get to know the other students in the Latino Mentor Program. Sept. 9, 2014 3:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Founders Hall 421 Resume Event The Latino Mentor Program is partnering with NKU Career Services to provide students with an opportunity to create their very own resume. Students will leave this event with an actual typed out version of their working resume. To RSVP, please contact Kara Thompson at thompsonk14@nku.edu. Sept. 10, 2014 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Student Union 323 LAMP Study Session Study sessions are provided for students multiple times throughout the semester. This reminds students the importance of studying on a regular basis and gives them an opportunity to work together in groups if they are having trouble in a class. Study sessions are divided into groups by majors. To RSVP, please contact Kara Thompson at thompsonk14@nku.edu. Sept. 16, 2014 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. University Center 225 Mock Interview Day This event is provided by NKU Career Services. We stress the importance of career development in LAMP and therefore provide students an opportunity to practice their skills so that they are ready to enter the workforce after graduation. To RSVP, please contact NKU Career Services. Sept. 22, 23, 24, 29, and 30 2014 Location and Time TBA Head Peer Mentor Meetings These three days are devoted to one-on-one meetings between the mentors and the head mentors to provide opportunities for the mentees and to check in with progress. It is mandatory for each mentor to meet with a head mentor once every month. 8
Sept. 24, 2014 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Student Union 107 Career Connections This event is provided by NKU Career Services to give students the opportunity to meet employers from different companies in the community. All majors and backgrounds are welcome! To RSVP, please contact NKU Career Services. Sept. 26, 2014 11:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Student Union 323 Free Food Friday Same as above. We are happy to announce that Maria Rojas is the August Mentor of the Month! Maria is an education major and currently a second year student. Maria has been the student worker for the Latino Programs and Services Office for a year now and we are proud of her accomplishments at NKU in just one short year. Maria is part of many student organizations on campus including NLS, Presidential Ambassadors, and the Latino Mentor Program. She has helped to revamp the program and has been instrumental with innovating the program for this year. Maria s passion about the Latino Mentor Program is something that cannot be denied. She is always willing to lend a hand whenever she can and to take on leadership roles on a daily basis. We cannot thank Maria enough for all the work that she has put in over the last year and we are excited to see the great things that she accomplishes here at NKU! Go Norse! Highlights from the Office of Admissions By: Office of Admissions-Multicultural Recruitment Team WELCOME WEDNESDAY EN ESPAÑOL! On August 6 th the Office of Admissions held the last Welcome Wednesday visit for summer 2014, and for the first time NKU offered a Welcome Wednesday in Spanish for Spanish speaking families. We hosted a group of 17 people, including students and their guests, who heard an admissions presentation in Spanish and toured our modern campus with our own NKU student Gabriela Santiago. 9
Upcoming events: o NKU s 3 rd Annual Latino College Fair: Thursday, October 2, 2014. In this program students will have the opportunity to learn the benefits of pursuing a higher education by participating in interactive workshops and learning about scholarship opportunities and resources available. Participants will also go on a walking tour with NKU students and participate in a college and resource fair. The event is FREE and open to ALL high school students. Lunch will be provided. For information and school registration, visit: multicultural.nku.edu or contact Leyla Peña at penal1@nku.edu and 859 572-6015. Spread the word! o Black & Gold Day Multicultural Meet & Greet: Mark your calendars: October 18 and November 15. This is an opportunity for prospective multicultural students to learn more about multicultural programs, services and resources at NKU. The Admissions Multicultural Recruitment Team, jointly with African American Programs & Services and Latino Programs & Services, meet and greet families oneon-one. For volunteer opportunities for NKU students, faculty and staff, please contact Rochelle Shields at rshields3@nku.edu and at 859 572-5753. o Fall Spanish Norse Day: Monday, November 10, 2014. Online registration at visit.nku.edu or by calling our Welcome Center at (859) 572-1400. 10
To contact our office: Leo Calderón, Director Diane Maldonado, Coordinador Kara Thompson, Graduate Assistant Maria Rojas, Student Worker The Office of Latino Programs and Services Student Union 313 Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KY 41099 Telephone: 859-572-6013 Fax: 859-572-1576 Email: maldonadod1@nku.edu Latino.nku.edu Facebook 11