INITIALLY, THE MAIN GOALS OF HISPANIC STUDENT SERVICES WERE TO OFFER SUPPORT TO AN ETHNIC MINORITY AT UNM, EDUCATE THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF HISPANIC/CHICANO STUDENTS, AND FULFILL THOSE NEEDS. TODAY, EL CENTRO DE LA RAZA DOES ALL OF THOSE TH INGS AND MUCH MORE.
One objective of ECDLR is to assist Hispanic students who are incoming freshmen, first-generation college students, non-traditional students and students from working class or rural backgrounds. The staff at ECDLR realize that the transition to Universit y life is a difficult one and therefore, strive to meet the needs of all Hispanic students who are having a hard time adjusting to a new environment.
There are many ways in which ECDLR assists students. Students are provided with financial aid assistance and information, tutoring, advisement, and counseling services. At ECDLR students are encouraged to use the Center's computer lab and internet servic es, study areas, and the telephone for local calls. The Center has a home-away-from-home environment that helps students who are living away from their families feel more comfortable and relaxed.
EL CENTRO DE LA RAZA also provide advocacy services for students with various issues and concerns. The staff members work with individual students to address and solve problems that the student may be having with specific campus agencies or faculty members.
Another major objective of EL CENTRO DE LA RAZA is to aid in raising the national educational level of Hispanics. Without the proper preparation and guidance, many Hispanic students will not graduate from college. ECDLR works to address this through di rect advocacy, intervention, and referral for Hispanic students in all aspects of University life.
Students are given access to many local and national organizations through Hispanic Student Services. The EL CENTRO DE LA RAZA Advisory Board is the only organization housed at the center, however, ECDLR works closely with all other UNM Hispanic student organizations such as HEO, MECHA, LAS COMADRES, NHI Alumni, the Hispanic Honor Society, LLEGO and LRE.
To find out more about ECDLR at UNM, contact: Veronica Mendez Cruz, Executive Director, at:
EL CENTRO DE LA RAZA, Mesa Vista Hall,(South Wing) 1153, The University of New Mexico, Alburquerque, NM 87131-2036, Local Tel. (505) 277-5020 or or E-mail to:
For general information about the University of New Mexico, such as admissions requirements, application procedures, and transfer policies, please write or call:
Admissions and Outreach Services, Student Services Center, The University of New Mexico, Alburquerque, NM 87131-2006, Tel. (505) 277-5161. Outside Alburquerque, call toll-free 1-800-225-5866; or access the UNM Student Services Web site.