Description
CASA Magdalena Mora: A Familia Exploring Mexican, Chicanx, and Latinx Identities and Culture
The CASA Magdalena Mora Theme Program is named in memory of Magdalena Mora, a Cal alumna and proud Chicana scholar, activist, feminista, and labor organizer. She was active in the Chicano Movement, which was pivotal in her growth as a community organizer. Given Mora’s passion for social justice, CASA’s mission is to keep her legacy alive by creating a safe, welcoming, and Chicanx and Latinx affirming space where students successfully transition into life to UC Berkeley.
CASA provides students with weekly academic seminars, retreats, and programming for the academic year. These forms of engagement offer opportunities for students to explore their hxtories, identities, culture, education, politics, and other issues impacting the Chicanx and Latinx communities. A live-in theme program assistant provides resources and support for the students’ academic, cultural, and social needs. CASA also connects students with Chicanx and Latinx faculty, postdocs, graduate students, staff, and alumni to build meaningful mentorship connections. Students gain exposure of what it means to be a Chicanx and Latinx student in higher education, while becoming successful scholars and acquiring leadership and professional skills. Last, CASA provides space for students to build community not only with one another, but within the Berkeley Chicanx and Latinx communities through campus events, volunteer opportunities, and community service that help create a sense of familia.
Program Requirements
Note: This is a program for 1st year freshmen students. If you plan to be away for most weekends during the academic year, this program may not be the best fit for you. Engagement within the Casa community is a requirement, which involves some weekend events.
- Enroll in CHS 194A/B a yearlong (fall and spring) sequence seminar taking place Wednesdays from 4-6PM. Seminar is 2-units. *Note: If you’re admitted to Casa, you will receive the enrollment number
- Participate in 1 of the 3 academic pathways for academic and professional development: Humanities/Social Sciences, Health, and ESTEAM.
- Attend 1 of the 3 required Casa Mora community engagement events hosted by the Chicanx/Latinx Student Development Office/Latinx Student Resource Center *Note: These events usually take place on the weekends.
- Attend 1 CASA field trip during the weekend (dates to be determined)
- Complete 10-15 hours of community engagement
- Meet with the Theme Program Resident Assistants (TPRAs) for bear chats and community chat meetings
- Hosting of prospective students and their families when they visit campus
Residents are required to actively engage with suitemates/floormates, communicate any issues and collaborate on the roommate agreement throughout the academic year. *Transfer requests would only be considered after following full housing protocols.
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Signature Events & Programming
Discussions and events include a wide variety of interactions, such as meeting the Mora family members, campus faculty, staff, community members, and CASA Mora alumni dating back to 1991. CASA Mora also celebrates and participates in events sponsored by the Chicanx Latinx Student Development office. These include, but are not limited to: Dia de los Muertos, Fiestas Patrias, La Gran Tamalada, Latina Recognition Luncheon, and the People Of Color Empowerment Day.
Living Space
CASA residents live together currently in Unit 3 Beverly Cleary Hall, a mid-rise building situated one block from the south edge of campus across the street from Unit 3 on Channing Way. For more information about Unit 3, including amenities and features, academic services, and more, please visit housing.berkeley.edu.
Contact
For more information you can visit Chicanx Latinx Student Development (CLSD) at the Hearst Field Annex B, or call the CLSD office at 510.642.1802, or email Lupe (she /her) Gallegos, Director at lupeg@berkeley.edu or Evelyn Rojo (she/her), Assistant Director at erojo@berkeley.edu or Lesley Estrada (she/her), Resident Director at lesleyestrada@berkeley.edu.