Bienvenidos! Bem-vindo! Kiimaak oola! Welcome to UNC! Your new life at Carolina begins with the love and support of your community around you. Although things might seem overwhelming there is nothing you can’t overcome. Your being here demonstrates your strength and resilience. We hope that the Carolina Latinx Center will be an integral part of your Carolina experience. Our mission is to support the UNC-Chapel Hill’s Latinx communities. We bring people together in a community serves as a convener and creates and expands knowledge on issues that connect to Latinx communities.
This resource guide is one of the ways we hope to strengthen these connections. It was created to help you explore more of what Carolina has to offer. It covers everything from Latinx centered courses, research labs to university programs and student organizations. We know you will find something of interest in the pages that follow. Use this guide to reach out to others at Carolina and find a way to get involved. I hope you take full advantage of your time here and know you can always reach out to me directly.
Message from the Director, Josmell Perez
Academic
Departments
Latin American Studies
The three main goals of the Curriculum in Latin American Studies are to develop students’ basic knowledge and comprehension of key themes in Latin American and Caribbean history, cultures, and contemporary social, economic, and political issues; to develop students’ abilities to think critically about Latin American and Caribbean issues, past and present, and to locate them within broader global perspectives; to develop students’ proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese and other languages of the region as needed, as part of their program of study.
Romance Studies
The Romance Studies department engages in interdisciplinary research and instruction in French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, as well as Indigenous and other languages such as Catalan, Basque, Galician, Yucatec Maya, and Guaraní. The principal aims of the department are to preserve, increase, and transmit knowledge and understanding of the Romance languages, literatures, and cultures within the global and regional contexts in which they have developed.
Latina/o Studies Program
Latina/o Studies as a field is constituted out of the transdisciplinary study of Latina/o cultural production and experience in terms of a whole variety of factors. Latinas/os are defined as people of Latin American and/or Iberian heritage living and working in the United States or U.S.-based but also moving between the U.S. and the rest of the Americas. Unlike Latin American Studies where the primary focus is on the cultures and experiences of various parts of Latin America (an umbrella term covering Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America), Latina/o Studies takes as its primary concern the presence of Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and the myriad combinations of Hispanic-Native-African-Asian-and-European non-Hispanic cultures within the borders of the United States
Majors & Academic Programs
Hispanic Linguistics Major
Spanish, the world’s third largest language and second in terms of native speakers, is spoken by nearly 500 million people across the globe. The over 50 million Hispanics in the United States have become the fastest-growing social and political segment in North America. Because of its prominence, learning to communicate in Spanish can be essential for those entering the global economic market and numerous professions. Spanish studies at UNC–Chapel Hill thrives on innovative literary, linguistic, and theoretical approaches to the Spanishspeaking world, and includes the study of indigenous, Afro-descendant, Asian, and other cultures. Students obtain wellgrounded and comprehensive critical knowledge of the literatures, languages, and cultures of Spain and the Americas, often through collaborative research with a faculty member. Qualifying students have the opportunity to pursue an honor’s thesis with one of our faculty members.
Advisor: Martha Ruiz-García Email: ruizgar@email.unc.edu
Hispanic Studies Major/Minor
The minor in Hispanic studies is designed for those who wish to continue their study of the Spanish language and acquire a more in-depth knowledge of Spanish and/ or Spanish American literature, culture, or linguistics. Through the selection of courses students may choose to concentrate on a single region of the Hispanic world (Spain or Spanish America), a specific content area (literature, culture, or linguistics), or a combination of regions and/or content areas.
Advisor: Gosia Lee Email: gosialee@email.unc.edu
Institute for the Study of the Americas
The Institute for the Study of the Americas (ISA) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge of the Latin American experience in the Western Hemisphere. It builds on a long-standing and distinguished tradition of scholarly interest in Latin America, an interest that embraces the diverse regions that make up Latin America, including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. As early as 1915, Latin American course offerings at Carolina were coordinated in a special curriculum, and the continued growth of interest in Latin America culminated in 1940 with the creation of the Institute of Latin American Studies (ILAS). ILAS was thus one of the first educational centers in the United States dedicated exclusively to the study of Latin America. Renamed in 2007 as the Institute of the Study of the Americas, ISA is located on the third floor of the FedEx Global Education Center.
Director: Beatriz Riefkohl Muñiz Email: riefkohl@email.unc.edu
The American Studies Minor
The Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies provides students with the opportunity to master multiple methodological skills and acquire the language competence through which to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the Latin American and Caribbean experience. Through a combination of classroom instruction, outreach programs, research, and the opportunity to travel to Latin America for field work and study, the Latin American Studies major provides students with multifaceted experiences in order to develop an expertise on an increasingly important region of the world. The Latin American studies major provides the inter-disciplinary training and the knowledge to enable students to continue their studies in graduate and professional schools, as well as succeed in public and private sector careers in education, business, public health, law, communication, and government, among others.
Spanish minor for the professionals
The Spanish minor for the professions is designed for students who anticipate careers in which they will need to interact with Hispanic communities in the United States or abroad and who wish to continue the study of Spanish language and culture for specific professional purposes: business, medical and other health professions, or law and other legal professions. The capstone course in the minor includes experiential learning through field work and/or public service. Approval to the program is required.
Director: Elizabeth Bruno Email: ebruno@email.unc.edu
Comprehensive Advanced Medical Program of Spanish
The Comprehensive Advanced Medical Program of Spanish (CAMPOS) is an enrichment program offered to entering students who have intermediate to advanced Spanish fluency. It is designed to run concurrently with the traditional curriculum. The goal of CAMPOS is to graduate more students who can independently care for the increasing number Latino patients in North Carolina. CAMPOS students have special electives that they are encouraged to take, and when possible, are placed in communities with high numbers of Spanish-speaking patients so they can practice their medical and language skills.
Director: Marco Alemán Email: marco_aleman@med.unc.edu
Spanish Undergraduate Program
Spanish, the world’s third largest language and second in terms of native speakers, is spoken by nearly 500 million people across the globe. The over 50 million Hispanics in the US have become the fastest-growing social and political segment in North America. Because of its prominence, learning to communicate in Spanish can be essential for those entering the global economic market and numerous professions.
There are two courses beyond SPAN 204 (level 4) designed specifically for students who have grown up speaking Spanish in the home, SPAN 267 Advanced Spanish in Context for Heritage Speakers and SPAN 302 Introduction to Literary and Cultural Studies for Heritage Speakers. Upper-level Spanish Studies at UNC-CH thrive on innovative literary, linguistic and theoretical approaches to the Spanish speaking world, and include the study of indigenous, Afro-descendant, Asian, and other cultures. Our majors and minors obtain well-grounded and comprehensive critical knowledge of the literatures, languages, and cultures of Spain and the Americas, often through collaborative research with faculty. Qualifying Spanish majors have the opportunity to pursue an Honors Thesis with one of our faculty members.
Students may choose a major in Hispanic Studies or Hispanic Linguistics, or a minor in Hispanic Studies or the Spanish Minor for the Professions, which has business, health and law tracks. Students have the opportunity to spend a summer, semester or academic year abroad in a Spanish-speaking country to further their work towards these majors or minors, or to simply refine their language skills and enhance cultural competency. While at UNC, students can participate in a variety of extracurricular and service opportunities offered through the department and campus organizations, including our honor society, Sigma Delta Pi, film series, conversation tables, the Spanish House living and learning community, community service, peer tutoring, and student publications.
Department Manager: Shavon Carey Email: shavon@unc.edu
The UNC Center for Latino Health
The UNC Center for Latino Health (CELAH) was established to address a critical need, a shortage of linguistically and culturally competent physicians to care for a growing Latino community in North Carolina. Their global, grant-funded program was initiated by UNC Professors of Medicine Douglas Morgan, M.D., and Marco Alemán, M.D., Daniel Reuland, M.D., and IFFGD Patient Advisory Committee member, Claudia Chaparro-Rojas. Starting out with the goal of improving the care Latino patients receive at UNC, CELAH has expanded over the last 10 years to bolster advocacy in the Latino community, conduct and support research into health issues affecting the Latino population, and train health care providers from all disciplines to provide effective care for this population. Central to CELAH’s mission of identifying and addressing the health needs of the Latino community in central North Carolina, CELAH has partnered with regional and state advocacy groups (e.g., El Pueblo, El Centro Hispano, and the North Carolina Hispanic Association), professional societies and foundations (e.g., the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association), and the county health departments. Additionally, CELAH has worked closely with the Consulate of Mexico in Raleigh, supporting programs such as the national Ventanilla de Salud hosted by the Consulate and co-sponsoring an annual health affairs international webcast during the Mexico-U.S. Health Week (Semana Binacional de Salud).
Director: Claudia Rojas Email: claudia_rojas@med.unc.edu
Student Organizations
Association of Latino Professionals For America
The Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was established April 2nd, 2020. ALPFA’s mission is to empower and develop Latino men and women as leaders of character for the nation, in every sector of the global economy. With a network of over 92,000 national Latinx professionals and access to a wide pool of resources, ALPFA members will surely be on the path to success. Our members will gain competencies in professionalism, resume and cover letter building, financial literacy, and opportunities to explore different job sectors in the labor market. As members of the Latinx community, it is our hope to acquire these advantageous skills and pay it forward to others in our community. We stand behind our values and our desire to equip our Latinx students with the necessary skills to be competent and successful in their future endeavors.
Brazilian Student Association
The Brazilian Student Association’s (BRASA) mission is to foster a ”home away from home” for students who identify as Brazilian that study at UNC. Its goals include promoting Brazilian culture and the Portuguese language, assisting with the application process for prospective students, organizing events, and offering networking opportunities with other Brazilian students and professionals within the U.S. Given that BRASA hosts meetings in Portuguese, and that it serves mainly as a bridge between Brazilian students studying in the U.S., official BRASA members must fulfill at least one of the following requirements in addition to being a UNC student: born in Brazil, has Brazilian relatives, has lived in the country, or can speak Portuguese. However, BRASA is also dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, and so major events are open to all students.
Caribbean Student Association
The all-inclusive Caribbean Student Association showcases, educates, and celebrates the unique and diverse cultures of the Caribbean with the people of the Chapel Hill area while also providing service to local and Caribbean communities.
Hispanic Student Dental Association
HSDA was established in 1994 to provide continuing education for oral health professionals serving the Hispanic community, to stimulate interest and encourage entry of Hispanics into oral health professions, and to provide a voice for the Hispanic oral health professionals at UNC and in North Carolina.
AMEXCAN
The purpose of AMEXCAN at UNC is to serve as a platform that provides a network and support system for students of Mexican heritage and students interested in Mexican culture. The organization is dedicated to fostering community through community service, volunteerism, and social awareness.
Central Americans United for Student Advocacy
CAUSA at UNC serves as a community that provides networking and support for students of Central American origin and those interested in learning more about Central American culture. The organization focuses on connecting Central American students to build the representation of our community and set examples of what changes we can bring through service, volunteering, and advocacy.
Hispanic/Latino Law Students Association
The purpose of the Hispanic/Latino Law Students Association is to enhance the legal careers of its members, increase Hispanic-Latino representation at Carolina Law, and serve the Hispanic Latino community of the Research Triangle Area.
Latin American Business Association
LATAM aims to to represent the Latin American and Hispanic communities at UNC Kenan-Flagler; enhance the educational, cultural, and social experience of Latin American and Hispanic students and their families; inform and educate the UNC Kenan-Flagler community about Latin American and Hispanic culture and business opportunities in the region; increase the awareness of UNC Kenan-Flagler among Latin American and Hispanic students in the United States and throughout the world; and promote the professional development of Latin American and Hispanic students through the alumni network and career conferences.
Minority Student Caucus
The Minority Student Caucus of Gillings School of Global Public Health is a student run organization whose mission is to collectively represent all students of color in the School of Public Health on professional, social, and community issues that are of interest to them within the school, university, and larger community.
Que Rico
Que Rico is UNC’s premier Latin dance team and its primary goal is to spread Latinx culture to the local community through dance. Throughout the year, they host dance classes, fundraisers, and hope to create an annual Collegiate Dance Competition.
UndocuCarolina
UndocuCarolina works to increase visibility, support & resources for members of the Carolina community living with the effects of undocumentation.
Latinx in Law at Carolina
Latinx in Law at Carolina (LIL) aims to create a supportive community for Latinx students interested in law, public policy, and the pre-law track. The organization is open to all professional majors/tracks.
Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science
The goal of the UNC-CH SACNAS Chapter is to create a supportive environment for students across the scientific disciplines, including the social and behavioral sciences.
Latinx Greek Orgs
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Incorporated
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Incorporated primarily seeks to take a leadership role in meeting the needs of the Latino community through academic achievement, cultural awareness, community service, and promotion of the Latino. Based on the principles of academic achievement, cultural awareness, community service, and leadership, the Alpha Iota Chapter will continue to change the status of not just Latinos, but of all underrepresented minority groups. The chapter strives to create programming that addresses the various issues that are important on our campus and that evoke involvement and activism.
Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated
Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated aims to empower women by providing a supportive network dedicated to their personal and professional advancement. Our Hermandad is further advanced by our shared dedication and promotion of public service and cultural awareness, with an emphasis on U.S. Latino history, contributions, and experiences.
Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (OPBSI) is the nation’s premiere Greek-lettered organization working towards the elimination of violence against women and empowerment of women. As a national sorority, OPBSI is committed to the development of collegiate and professional women through sisterhood, diversity, leadership, service and academic excellence.
Where to Eat
Alpaca Chicken
237 S Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Peruvian | www.alpacachicken.com | 919.338.2962
Cosmic Cantina
118 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Mexican | www.cosmiccantina.com | 919.960.3955
El Chapin
4600 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd Suite #38, Durham, NC 27707
Guatemalan | www.elchapintogo.com | 919.908.7975
Hibachi & Company
153 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Japanese | www.hibachicompany.com | 919.903.8428
Mediterranean Deli
454 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Mediterranean | www.mediterraneandeli.com | 919.967.2666
1922 Carolina Coffee Shop
140 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919.942.6874 | Mon-Sun: 8AM – 8PM
Epilogue
109 E Franklin St #100, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 www.epiloguebookcafe.com | 919.913.5055 | Mon-Sat: 8AM – 9PM and Sun: 9AM – 7PM
Meantime
Campus Y: 180 E Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 www.meantimecoffee.com | 208.901.5696 | Mon-Thu: 8AM – 5PM and Fri: 8AM – 4PM
Open Eye Cafe
101 S Greensboro St, Carrboro, NC 27510 www.openeyecafe.com | 919.968.9410 | Mon-Fri: 7AM – 6PM and Sat-Sun: 8AM – 6PM
Lanza’s Cafe
1601 W Main St C, Carrboro, NC 27510 www.lanzascafe.com | 919.967.9398 | Mon-Wed: 7AM – 8PM, Thur: 7AM – 8:30PM and Fri-Sun: 7AM – 8PM