Chicanx Latinx Student Experience

Make Your Mark

Even before you apply to the University of California, Riverside (UCR), we are here with the mentors, peers, programming, and resources that will support you along your path to degree, and beyond. Get a taste for university life at the Chicano/Latino Youth Conference and Community College Day. Once you’ve enrolled at UCR, find communidad y familia in the office of Chicano Student Programs. Connect with mentors and role models in the Chicano Latino Alumni Chapter. Become an ally for DREAMers and undocumented students, or get the support you need regardless of immigration status, in the office of Undocumented Student Programs. Develop as a leader, build community, and get involved on campus by joining one of the more than 450 student organizations at UCR or one of our more than 30 Greek organizations. Take part in research, intern in Sacramento or Washington, D.C., participate in a service learning project, or teach a one-unit class through Student Engagement programs.

Partners in Your Success

You have the drive and the passion to pursue your dreams. UCR has the programs and resources to make those dreams a reality.

Academic Enrichment & Support

If you need extra help in your classes, or are interested in helping fellow students excel, the Academic Resource Center offers tutoring, workshops, and mentorship programs to all undergraduate students. Work as a research assistant or find a peer mentor in your major. Intern with a government agency in Washington, D.C., earn academic credit for community service projects, or create and teach your own course through Undergraduate Education.

Campus Life

UCR is home to more than student clubs and organizations covering a wide range of interests, including fraternities, sororities, social justice organizations, cultural organizations, and academic organizations. One campus group is Ballet Folklórico de UCR (BFdeUCR), which promotes cultural awareness through dance within the UCR community. The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Sciences (SACNAS) at UCR supports and promotes the success of Hispanic/Chicano and Native American scientists to attain advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership. The Latino Business Student Association promotes professional careers to underrepresented students through a range of events throughout the year.

Chicano Student Programs

Founded nearly 50 years ago through the efforts of students, staff, faculty, and community members, Chicano Student Programs (CSP) is a home away from home for Chicanx/Latinx students at UCR. By offering a range of range of resources and programming throughout the year, CSP aims to develop a positive environment for Chicanx/Latinx students at UCR and also educate the campus as a whole about the community and its cultures. Through the Chicano Link Peer Mentor Program new first-year and transfer students are paired with a trained peer mentor who supports them in their transition to life at UCR. With annual events like the Día de los Muertos Celebration, Semana de la Mujer, and Semana de la Raza, CSP hosts guest speakers, workshops, film screenings, music performances, and more. Each academic year concludes with the CSP-hosted Raza Grad, honoring the achievements of graduating Chicanx/Latinx students. UCR was the first UC campus to have a Chicanx/Latinx graduation ceremony.

Financial Aid

Find out how affordable and valuable a UCR degree can be for California residents and out-of-state students, including being automatically considered for scholarships. In 2023-24, 85% of UCR undergraduates who applied for aid were awarded aid, and 97% of undergrads who were awarded aid received need-based scholarships and/or grants. The Financial Aid office also provides Financial Wellness programming to help you make smart choices for managing your money now and planning for the future. CSP can connect you with scholarship opportunities.

Health & Wellness

The health of your mind, body, and spirit are integral to your personal and academic success. The Well is UCR's student-focused well-being and health promotion department. It develops and implements innovative health campaigns, programs, and events with our partners and peer educators to provide awareness, skills, and support to help students develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Housing

Live in a supportive community with other students who share your goals and interests in a UCR Living-Learning Community . One option is MUNDO, which was established in 2003 by Chicanx/Latinx students who wanted to help their peers smoothly transition to college life. Located in the Pentland Hills residence hall, MUNDO offers residents tutoring nights, study sessions, social functions, field trips, cultural events, and more.

Applying to UC Riverside

Learn more about UCR's admissions requirements below or contact Allura Davis, community engagement and outreach admissions counselor, today.

Student Spotlights

“What I love and admire about UCR is the people. I found home with the people in PODER (Providing, Opportunities, Dreams and Education in Riverside). In response to the political climate around the undocumented community, the students, staff, and faculty in PODER have really empowered me and provided me with a safe space to succeed at UCR and beyond.”

RUBYD, Class of '18
Sociology

“To be a Chicano student at UCR is like being at home. I don’t feel like I left my family because at UCR, everyone is kind and welcoming. I love it!”

STEVEN, Class of '19
Sociology