Student Organizations28
"I find that a lot of students look for courses that have to do with their heritage and culture 29." Often times, Latino students or any student of color may feel that they do not know enough about their heritage or if they did not grow up speaking Spanish in their home it may cause them to feel like they are not culturally competent. Student organizations allow students to "rediscover" their roots and strengthen their pride. Additionally, student groups provide a supportive social outlet as well as opportunities for networking and building leadership skills. These organizations play important roles on a college campus by identifying student academic and social needs and assisting in student recruitment. At the University of Michigan, Latinos may participate in a variety of different groups, including Latino-based social, political, and community organizations and Latino fraternities and sororities.
*Social/Political/Community Organizations
Social/Poltical/Community Organizations
Asociacion Latina Alcanzando Sueno (ALAS)
ALAS is an organization that is composed of bilingual students and members of the greater Latino community. The organization provides tutoring for Latino youth, translation and ESL services for adults, and cultural events for the whole family to enjoy.
Assisting Latinos to Maximize Achievement (ALMA)
The ALMA program promotes success for incoming freshmen by introducing them to the Latino community at the University of Michigan. The program also introduces the students to the many available resources on campus.
La Voz Latina
This organization is dedicated to serving Latino students on campus. La Voz Latina hosts many programs and events in an effort to unite the University of Michigan's Latino community. Visit their website at http://www.umich.edu/~lavoz/.
La Raza Unida
La Raza Unida is a Latino political organization that provides a friendly environment for political education. The group organizes political campaigns, and facilitates discussions on corporatism and cultural politics.
Latino Undergraduate Law Association
LULA is for Latino students who are interested in learning more about the field of law. LULA helps Latino students gain admission into law school by providing a wide range of resources and support.
Proyecto Avance: Latino Mentoring Association (PALMA)
PALMA tutors local Latino youth and sponsors programs that encourage academic success.
Delta Tau Lamba
The Delta Tau Lamba sorority was founded at the University of Michigan on April 2, 1994. The sorority is a community service oriented organization. Their work focuses on youth education and development of the Latino community. In addition, Delta Tau Lamba has implemented several programs that assist women. If you would like to learn more about the Delta Tau Lamba sorority visit their website at http://www.umich.edu/~deevee/.
Lambda Theta Alpha
Lamba Theta Alpha is a Latin sorority that bases their sisterhood on unity, love, and respect. The sorority has been an organization at the University of Michigan since January 23, 2000. Lambda Theta Alpha strives to improve the community through awareness and activism. There is much more about this sorority on their website.
Sigma Lambda Gamma
The Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority was founded in 1990 and in 1998 the Beta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma began at the University of Michigan. Sigma Lambda Gamma is the largest Latino sorority in the nation. The organization is based on five principles which are academics, morals & ethics, community service, cultural awareness and social interaction. To see a brochure or to view more information about Sigma Lambda Gamma click here.
Lambda Theta Phi
This fraternity began nationally in 1975. In 1997, the University of Michigan recieved its own chapter. These men are committed to and have been very successful in maintaining their goals of Latino unity, cultural awareness, and education. To find out more information or to contact someone in the fraternity go to http://www.umich.edu/~ltpao/.
Phi Iota Alpha
On December 26, 1931, the organizations Phi Lambda Alpha and Sigma Iota merged and became known as Phi Iota Alpha. Phi Iota Alpha is the oldest Latino fraternity in the United States. Phi Iota Alpha's service to the Latino community is inspired by the work of The Five Pillars, five influential Latino leaders in history. Check out Nicolas Zapata's personal web page, http://www.umich.edu/~nzapata, for more on this fraternity.
Sigma Lambda Beta
The Men of Sigma Lambda Beta have existed on the University of Michigan's campus since February 5, 1989.Sigma Lambda Beta is dedicated to brotherhood, cultural awareness, and is committed to service and scholarship. Visit their website at http://www.umich.edu/~slbeta/.