Support Page Content
Support Services
About El Centro Serna
Our mission goes beyond individual growth - it reflects our commitment to fostering community and belonging for the nearly 40% of Latine students at Sacramento State, while warmly welcoming all students to engage, learn, & celebrate Latine culture.
SELF-ADVOCACY | EMPOWERMENT | BELONGING | CIVIC ENGAGEMENT | LEADERSHIP
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The Story of the Sun & Roots
The Sun and Roots logo represents the journey of our students and the generations that came before them.
The sun symbolizes life, warmth, and possibility. Across Latin American and Indigenous cultures, the sun represents guidance, protection, and renewal. It rises every day, just as our students rise again and again despite obstacles. At El Centro Serna, the sun reflects hope, joy, and the belief that every student deserves to shine.
The roots represent ancestry, history, and resilience. They remind us that no one arrives at Sacramento State alone. Each student carries the strength of parents, grandparents, and ancestors who dreamed of opportunity, crossed borders, worked long hours, and sacrificed so the next generation could thrive. Even when unseen, roots hold everything steady.
Together, the sun and roots tell a powerful story: We grow toward the light because we are grounded in something deeper.
El Centro Serna is where both are honored. Here, students are encouraged to reach for their future while staying connected to who they are and where they come from.
The logo also reflects the Serna family’s legacy: a commitment to education, community, and uplifting future generations. Like roots feeding a tree and the sun helping it grow, this space exists to nurture Latine students so they can rise, lead, and give back.
Academic
- Advising Guidance
- Financial Aid & Scholarships Guidance
- Internship/Job Search Assistance
- Career Exploration & Guidance
- Civic Engagement & Advocacy Support
Physical Space
- Lounge area with couches, study desks, lap desks, whiteboards
- Daily snacks and a coffee/tea station
- Workstation Cubicles
- Access to reserve the Dolores Huerta Boardroom
- Access to reserve the Serna Center Lounge
- Workstation with Printer
Programs & Events
Signature Programs
- Community Building Series: Café y Conversación (Coffee & Conversation)
- Celebrating Latine Hornets Social Media Series
Signature Events
Fall
- La Bienvenida (The Welcome)
- Latine Heritage Month
- Dia de Los Muertos Celebration
Spring
- Spring Welcome (Open House)
- Chicanx/Latinx Recognition Ceremony
Satellite Services
Peer Counseling │ Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness Services
El Centro Serna 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 El Centro Serna 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.
Weekly drop-in schedule:
Leticia Lopez
Peer Wellness Advocate for El Centro Serna
- Wednesdays | 1 – 3 p.m. at El Centro Serna
- Fridays | 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. at El Centro Serna
Academic Advising | Academic Advising Center
El Centro Serna has acquired an academic advisor from the Academic Advising Center to support students with general education and graduation requirements. The advisor engages students in a developmental process that helps them clarify and implement individual educational plans consistent with their skills, interests, and values. An academic advisor is available at El Centro Serna each week to conveniently provide their services. Please see the schedule below to make an appointment with Areli through the following link: Make an Appointment
Weekly drop-in schedule (appointments prefered):
Areli Pinedo
Academic Advisor for El Centro Serna
- Mondays (Virtual) | 8 a.m – 5 p.m. via Zoom
- Thursdays (In Person) | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at El Centro Serna
- Fridays (Alternating Virtual and In Person) | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. (1/30 is virtual 2/6 is in-person an so on)
Academic Advising & Faculty Fellow | Dr. Amber Gonzalez
Dr. Amber Gonzalez is a faculty member in the College of Education, actively leads and participates in initiatives that empower and expand opportunities for Latine students and students from underrepresented backgrounds. Dr. Gonzalez serves as a Faculty Fellow for El Cento Serna and welcomes students to connect with her for guidance and support related to Child and Adolescent Development, applying for graduate school, career related questions and more. See below for her availability:
Weekly drop in schedule:
- Wednesdays | 2:30 – 5 p.m. at El Centro Serna
Academic & Holistic Advising | Racquel Reber
Racquel Reber is a counselor for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and a senior lead for their transitional programs and leadership development. Racquel provides academic and holistic advising to students looking to speak with a counselor. She has virtual hours, see below to schedule an appointment.
Weekly schedule:
- Tuesdays (Virtual or In person in Lassen Hall) | 1 – 3 p.m.
- Wednesdays (Virtual) | 2 – 4 p.m.
- Thursdays (Virtual or In person in Lassen Hall) | 1 – 3 p.m.
Student Service Counselor | Jose Gallegos M.A.
Jose Gallegos is a counselor for the Student Service Center at Sacramento State and assists students with questions related to financial aid, registration, records, and more. Jose will host office hours at El Centro Serna, both in-person and virtually, beginning on Monday, February 23rd and concluding on May 4th. There will be no office hours during Spring Break (3/23 – 3/27).
Weekly drop in schedule:
- Mondays | 3 – 5 p.m. at El Centro Serna (in person and virtual)
- Drop ins will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. For in-person sessions, Jose will be located at El Centro Serna Lounge. For virtual sessions, please join here: Student Service Center – Jose’s Zoom
- Preparation: Please come prepared with any relevant documents for your appointment.
Academic Course-Specific Tutoring | Peer & Academic Resource Center (PARC)
PARC offers free peer advising and tutoring services to all students, regardless of background, major, or identity. These academic support services are best accessed through scheduled appointments via the EAB appointment link below. Students can also make appointments by visiting their office in person (Library 4026) or accessing the Virtual PARC Center.