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Serna Center Division of Student Affairs

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Events & Programs

Spring 2024 Events

Spring Welcome

The Serna Center supports the academic, professional, and personal goals of Chicanx/Latinx students. The Spring Welcome will kick off the semester and provide an opportunity for new and returning students and the campus community to meet the Serna team, familiarize themselves with the space, and learn about the services/programs offered. Attendees will also learn how to get involved with the center. Join us for community-building activities, games, and giveaways. Light refreshments will be served.

Location: Serna Center Lounge, Riverfront Center 1
Date: Wednesday, January 31 │ 2:30 - 4 p.m.

2nd Annual Fuego Night

To foster community and benefit the Farmworker Awareness Week supply drive, the College Assistance Migrant Program, in collaboration with the Serna Center, ASI, Salsa Loca, and KSSU Radio, will host the second annual Fuego Night, a Latinx dance party. The campus community is invited to a night of Reggaetón, Bachata, Cumbia, and more. The event will feature dance lessons by Salsa Loca, DJ sets by KSSU Radio, an interactive activity, and antojitos from Chando's Tacos. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to donate to the Farmworker Awareness Supply Drive, which gathers essential items for farmworkers (e.g., bandanas, hats, beanies, reusable water bottles, socks, long-sleeve shirts, hand-sanitizer, etc.).

Location: Serna Plaza
Date: Wednesday, April 3
Time: 7 – 10 p.m.

2nd Annual Latinx Trivia

The Serna Center works to raise awareness of the social, political, economic, historical, and cultural realities of the Latinx/Hispanic population. The annual Latinx Trivia event, hosted in partnership with the Chicanx/Latinx Faculty Staff Association, is a fun and interactive way to learn about Latinx cultures, history, and pop culture. Students, staff, and faculty are invited to test their knowledge of Latinx/Hispanic trivia. Attendees will have an opportunity to network, compete for prizes, and build community. Pizza and refreshments will be served.

Date: Thursday, March 28 │ 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Location: Roundtable Pizza Patio

Chicanx/Latinx Recognition Ceremony

The Serna Center is committed to honoring graduates at the annual Chicanx/Latinx Recognition Ceremony (CLRC). The recognition ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of Chicanx/Latinx students as they complete their degrees and become Hechxs en Sac State (Made at Sac State). CLRC offers family members a culturally inclusive experience, as it is hosted in Spanish and English and honors Chicanx/Latinx history, tradition, and culture.

For more information and to register, visit the CLRC web page.

Recurring Programs

Café y Conversación (Coffee & Conversation)

Although there has been an increase in graduation rates among Chicanx/Latinx students, many still struggle to find career opportunities post-graduation. Café y Conversación, or Coffee & Conversation, is a social support group that provides a space for meaningful interaction and connection among Latinx students at Sacramento State. The group meets on a bi-weekly basis to explore topics relevant to first-generation professionals and the Latinx experience, with a focus on professional development and career readiness. In Spring 2024, the group will focus on STEAM careers and will engage with guest speakers of Latinx descent who will share their journey and career paths. A meal is served at each session.

Location: Dolores Huerta Boardroom, Serna Center
Dates: 2/28, 3/13, 4/10, 5/01
Time: 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Engage & Empower Series

Presented by United Latinos

Civic engagement among college students is important to advancing social justice in our communities. To encourage civic participation beyond voting, the Serna Center, in collaboration with United Latinos, will host a two-session workshop series. The series will promote a greater understanding of the different elements of civic engagement and encourage students to be good community members and leaders. Through interactive sessions, students will explore topics that include how to become civically engaged, how local government and political participation impact day-to-day lives, and how individual interests and passions can be turned into civic action. Light refreshments will be served at each session.

  • Session 1: Thursday, Feb. 29 | 3 – 4:15 p.m.
  • Session 2: Thursday, April 4 | 3 – 4:15 p.m.

Paz, Justicia, y Libertad Art Series

Facilitated by Dr. Heidy Sarabia

The Serna Center, in collaboration with Dr. Heidy Sarabia, professor of Sociology, will host a three-part art series, Paz, Justicia, y Libertad (Peace, Justice, and Liberty). The immersive series, curated for Latinx students and guided by passionate Latinx artists, will encourage participants to explore the rich tapestry of their cultural heritage as they express themes of peace, justice, and liberty through various types of art. These sessions serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and storytelling, creating a space where creativity and advocacy converge. Participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions, but it is not required. All art supplies will be provided, and light refreshments will be served at each session.

Location for all: Serna Center Lounge

  • Session 1: Wednesday, February 21 │ 12 – 1:30 p.m.
  • Session 2: Wednesday, March 27 │ 2 – 3:30 p.m.
  • Session 3: Wednesday, April 24 | 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Satellite Services

Voz Latina | Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness Services

Recognizing and respecting cultural nuances is essential for effective mental health support. The Serna Center, in collaboration with Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness Services, hosts Voz Latina in our space. Voz Latina is a group that provides a safe and supportive space for students who identify as part of the Latinx community. Sessions take place every Thursday and are facilitated by Dr. Mariafé Panizo Jansana, PsyD. Light refreshments will be served at each session.

Location: Dolores Huerta Boardroom, Serna Center
Date: every Thursday starting on Feb. 29 │ 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Peer Counseling │ Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness Services

The Serna Center partners with Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness Services to support students’ mental health and well-being. Peer Counseling is an open, non-judgmental space where students can confidentially speak to a peer about anything and everything. Peer Counselors are not licensed professionals but rather students who are trained to be supportive, helpful listeners and problem solvers. Peer Counselors are available at the Serna Center each week to conveniently provide their services. Please see the schedule below for weekly drop-in availability, or visit the booking page to make an appointment.

  • Mondays: 12 - 3 p.m.
  • Tuesdays: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 2 - 5 p.m.