Community Resources
It’s a university as big as your dreams, located in the heart of one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. Here, endless opportunities to learn, collaborate, research, intern, perform and experiment await. The Longhorn family — made up of so many tightknit communities of scholars and innovators, united by curiosity and a can-do spirit —looks forward to welcoming you into the fold.
These resources will introduce you to some of the groups, events, faculty
and staff, and student and community organizations that support Latino and Hispanic Longhorns through their academic journey and prepare them to make an impact on and off campus.
Project MALES (Mentoring to Achieve Latino Educational Success)
Project MALES (Mentoring to Achieve
Latino Educational Success)was launched in Fall 2010 and is a multi-faceted research and mentoring initiative based within DDCE. Nationally, Project MALES oversees an ongoing research agenda focused on understanding the experiences of Latino males across the education pipeline; statewide, it convenes a P-16 Consortium focused on the success of male students of color in six major urban areas through its Texas Educational Consortium for Male Students of Color; and locally, it coordinates a mentoring program that aims to cultivate an engaged support network for males of color at UT and in school districts across the Central Texas community, and serves as a model for other mentoring programs across the state.
The Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC)
The Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC) houses six student-run agencies, serves as a meeting place for students, provides leadership development opportunities, presents peer-facilitated social justice and education trainings, offers a number of support services to student organizations and hosts community outreach programs such as culturally relevant campus tours and student panels. For many students, the MEC is a great place to access resources and for others, it is a home away from home.
Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE)
Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE) works with a broad range of student, faculty, staff and community constituents to help The University of Texas at Austin connect its intellectual resources to communities across Texas and offer education to those who may face the greatest challenges in accessing it. The division focuses on four core pillars: campus culture, community engagement, education pipeline and research.
The Latina/x & Indigenous Leadership Institute (LILI)
The Latina/x & Indigenous Leadership Institute (LILI) is a space where Latina/x and Indigenous student voices are amplified and
affirmed. LILI is open to all students and aims to empower them to cultivate lasting connections with one another and engage in critical conversations informed by their intersectional identities. This is achieved through an informed and holistic approach: professional development and leadership, cultural nourishment, community building and research.
The Monarch Student Program
The Monarch Student Program is dedicated to creating a community where
undocumented students can thrive. The program offers confidential support services, program advising, mentoring and workshops that promote undocumented Longhorns’ academic, personal and professional development.
RGV Familia
RGV Familia is a transformative personal and professional development initiative that empowers UT students from the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). Through programming, events and training as well as parent and family programming, RGV Familia provides holistic support for students.
The Fearless Leadership Institute (FLI)
The Fearless Leadership Institute (FLI) is designed to cultivate empowered and innovative women of color through academic excellence, professional development and personal growth. Open to all students, their campus programs focus on all aspects of personal and professional learning, from building healthy relationships to networking.
The Benson Latin American Collection
The Benson Latin American Collection is one of the premier libraries in the world for Latin American and Latina/o Studies. The library holds over a million volumes as well as a wealth of original manuscripts, photographs and various media related to Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean and Latina/Latino presence in the United States.
The Latino Research Institute (LRI)
The Latino Research Institute (LRI) generates data and research that is vital to sustaining healthy, productive and just environments for Latinos. The LRI works closely with policy makers, activists and other community partners to turn research on topics like immigration, women’s and mental health, and education into practice. The LRI also offers a variety of student research opportunities.
The Center for Mexican American Studies (CMAS)
The Center for Mexican American Studies (CMAS), born of the civil rights movement, was established in 1970 after a student initiative called for courses on Mexican American topics. Today, CMAS is dedicated to the advancement of Mexican American studies through high-quality programming, faculty research support, student engagement opportunities and community outreach. Events are free and open to the public.
Latino Studies
Latino Studies is a powerhouse of Latino thought and advocacy at UT, fearlessly upholding the mission of ethnic studies by creating space to explore and understand the lives of Latinos in the U.S. while using knowledge and resources to support Latino communities everywhere. The three units of Latino Studies are: the Center for Mexican American Studies (CMAS), Mexican American and Latina/o Studies (MALS) and the Latino Research Institute (LRI).
Mexican American and Latina/o Studies (MALS)
Mexican American and Latina/o Studies (MALS) comprises of faculty members whose teaching and research are at the forefront of innovation in areas of study including immigration, borders, policing, race, language, gender, sexuality, class, public health, culture, indigeneity, performance, disability, digital humanities and more. Diversify your degree by taking a class or better yet, declaring a major or minor!
The Teresa Lozano Long Institute for Latin American Studies (LLILAS)
The Teresa Lozano Long Institute for Latin American Studies (LLILAS) interdisciplinary program integrates more than 30 academic departments and over 170 faculty across the university. LLILAS offers programs that lead to B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, as well as a range of dual M.A. degree programs, including Community and Regional Planning, Law, the LBJ School of Public Affairs, Geography and the Environment, and Social Work.
Academic and Professional Development
Association of Latino Professionals for America
Bilingual Education Student Organization
Hispanic Association of Computer Scientists
Hispanic Association of Pharmacists
Hispanic Business Student Association
Hispanic Nursing Student Association
Institute of Latin American Studies Student Association
Latin Americanist Linguists and Anthropologists
Latin Economics and Business Association
Latinx Health Professions Organization
Latinx Honors Student Association at UT Austin
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Texas Latinos in Engineering and Sciences
Cultural
Feminist Latinx Organization Empowering Society
Hispanic Student Association
Jolt at UT Austin
Latinx Community Affairs
Longhorn League of United Latin American Citizens
Mexican American Culture – Events + Entertainment
Texas Fuego
Greek Life
Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc.
Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Sigma Delta Lambda Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc.
Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc.
The Latino Pan-Hellenic Council
LGBTQIA+
Queer and Trans People of Color Agency
Religious
La Fe (Latino Fellowship)
Special Interest
Conjunto Music Ensemble
Latinx Theatre Initiative at UT Austin
Paso a Paso
Texas Latin Dance
UT Mariachi
The Counseling and Mental Health Center administers the following groups. Group times and availability vary by semester.
Find Our Voice: A Women of Color Discussion Group
This weekly discussion group is open to students of all ages. The group provides an opportunity to meet, share, increase community and learn skills to navigate life successfully as a woman of color. It provides a safe, supportive, empowering and liberating atmosphere for engaging in courageous and unique conversations at the intersection of race and gender.
Latinx Voices: A Supportive Space for Latinx Students
This group provides a safe and supportive atmosphere in which participants can engage in inviting and authentic discussions around their experiences on the UT campus. Any and all topics that are relevant to students’ experiences can be discussed, such as sociopolitical issues, immigration status or conditions, intersecting identities, academics and more.
Re:Mixed: A Group for Multi-ethnic, Multi-racial Students
This is a support group for students who may feel like imposters when attempting to claim one of their racial or ethnic identities. Multi-racial (MR) and multi-ethnic (ME) individuals are the fastest growing demographic in the U.S. The aim of this group is to help students develop a sense of belonging and provide them with psychoeducation, peer support and interpersonal exploration in relation to their identities.
Adelante
A resource fair geared towards Latino Longhorns. This is an opportunity to find ways to get involved, meet new friends and learn about resources on campus. The fair is open to all students and features food, music, various fun activities and prizes.
The Latinx Leadership Summit (LLS)
A signature event hosted annually by Latinx Community Affairs, one of the six agencies in the Multicultural Engagement Center. This event is one of the largest leadership conferences for Latinx students in the South.
Latinx Graduation
A ceremony created by students, for students, to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments, successes and achievements of all Latinx graduates. Latinx Graduation is an open, bilingual ceremony organized by Latinx Community Affairs, a student organization housed under the Multicultural Engagement Center.
Texas Male Student Leadership Summit
Hosted by The Texas Education Consortium for Male Students of Color and Project MALES. This annual summit brings together over 400 young men of color and professionals, representing school districts, community colleges and universities from across the state. The summit educates and engages students on a variety of topics related to college and career readiness, identity, brotherhood and more.
The Behavior Concerns and Covid-19 Advice Line (BCCAL)
The Behavior Concerns and Covid-19 Advice Line (BCCAL) is a service that provides UT faculty, students and staff an opportunity to discuss their concerns about another individual’s behavior by calling 512-232-5050. It has also been expanded to answer COVID-19 related questions and provide any relevant COVID-19 support or resources.
Student Emergency Services (SES)
Student Emergency Services (SES) helps students and their families during difficult or emergency situations. Assistance includes outreach, advocacy, intervention, support and referrals to relevant campus and community resources.
The Counseling and Mental Health Center
The Counseling and Mental Health Center serves UT’s diverse campus community by providing high quality, innovative and culturally informed mental health programs and services that enhance and support students’ well-being, academic and life goals.
Sure Walk
Sure Walk provides free accompaniment for students who are on campus late and have concerns about getting home or to another on-campus location safely. Sure Walkers may accompany you on your walk home or provide a complimentary cart or car ride, depending on service area.
The Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC)
The Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) provides opportunities for all members of the UT community to explore, organize and promote learning around issues of gender and sexuality. The center also facilitates a greater responsiveness to the needs of women and the LGBTQIA+ communities through education, outreach and advocacy.
University Health Services (UHS)
University Health Services (UHS) provides medical care and patient education to UT students. UHS offers a wide range of services including general medicine, women’s health, urgent care, immunizations, nutrition services, physical therapy, sports medicine, STI testing, travel health resources and more.
The Longhorn Wellness Center
The Longhorn Wellness Center addresses priority health issues on campus. Their evidence-based approach includes multi-level prevention strategies such as peer education, health education, social marketing, social norms initiatives, environmental change strategies and strategic campus partnerships.
University Health Services Nurse Advice Line
University Health Services Nurse Advice Line is staffed 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Students can call for advice on how to care for an illness or injury at home or guidance about whether and when to see a healthcare provider.
University Health Services (UHS)
University Health Services (UHS) provides medical care and patient education to UT students. UHS offers a wide range of services including general medicine, women’s health, urgent care, immunizations, nutrition services, physical therapy, sports medicine, STI testing, travel health resources and more.
Disability and Access (D&A)
Disability and Access (D&A) determines eligibility and helps implement reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities at UT. D&A also engages in outreach across campus in order to make campus a more inclusive, accessible and welcoming environment for people with disabilities.
UT OutPost
UT OutPost is the on-campus food pantry and career closet for all currently enrolled UT students. UT OutPost helps to identify and combat food insecurity by providing free, nutritious food to students and offers every Longhorn no-cost access to professional clothes for job fairs, internships and interviews.
UT Night Rides
UT Night Rides allows students an option for a safe ride home from campus if they are leaving late at night. UT Night Rides provides a Lyft away from main campus to your home in a designated student living area seven days a week, from midnight to 4 a.m.
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC)
Dedicated to the preservation, creation, presentation and promotion of Mexican American cultural arts and heritage. The center is a tremendous resource for the community and fosters a meaningful understanding and appreciation of not only Mexican American but also Native American, Chicano and other Latino cultures. The programs and education curriculum include the areas of visual art, theatre, dance, literature, music, multi-media and the culinary arts.
Red Salmon Arts/Casa de Resistencia Books
A 501(c)(3) grassroots cultural arts organization that has worked with the indigenous neighborhoods of Austin for 30 years. RSA is dedicated to the development of emerging writers and the promotion of Chicana/o/x, Latina/o/x and Native American literature, providing outlets and mechanisms for cultural exchange and sharing in the retrieval of a people’s cultural heritage with a commitment to social justice.
Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC)
Established in 1973 by 25 prominent Austin Hispanic leaders to serve and represent the business interests of a small but growing Hispanic entrepreneurial class in Austin. To this day, the GAHCC’s primary goal is to continue the advancement and progression of a strong and stable economic culture for Hispanic businesses.
The Hispanic Alumni Network (HAN)
The Hispanic Alumni Network (HAN)’s mission is to connect Hispanic alumni, the Texas Exes and the Hispanic community on campus. HAN’s network is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Hispanic students by promoting outreach, mentorship, scholarship and fellowship through the participation of committed alumni volunteers.
Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC)
Founded in 1973 in the Texas House of Representatives by a small group of lawmakers of Mexican American heritage for the purpose of strengthening their numbers and better representing a united Latino constituency across the state. MALC is the oldest and largest Latino legislative caucus in the United States.
Young Hispanic Professional Association of Austin (YHPAA)
Young Hispanic Professional Association of Austin (YHPAA) has helped to provide leadership and professional development opportunities for young Latino professionals to empower and connect with the Greater Austin community since 2006.
Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers (TAMACC)
A nonprofit organization founded in 1975 to promote business leadership, create economic opportunities and provide legislative advocacy for the Hispanic business community in Texas.
Mexic-Arte Museum
Dedicated to enriching the community through education programs, exhibitions and the collection, preservation and interpretation of Mexican, Latino and Latin American art and culture for visitors of all ages.
The Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas (HWNT)
A state-wide nonprofit organization established in 1986. HWNT’s purpose is to promote the advancement of women in public, corporate and civic life through education and personal and professional development.
Go Austin/Vamos Austin (GAVA)
Organizes and mobilizes community power to reduce barriers to health while increasing institutional capacity to respond to the people most impacted by historic inequities.
Austin Tejano Trails
Austin Tejano Trails has been a labor of love for a dedicated group of volunteers committed to preserving the history, diversity and cultural assets in East Austin.