Latin American Culture Residence Program to Open on Central's Campus This Fall

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Central Washington University has created a new housing opportunity for all students who share an interest in Latino and Latin American heritage and culture. Housed in Meisner Hall, "Casa Latina" will be the newest residence option among CWU's Living Learning Community (LLC) program.

According to the most recent data, CWU has the highest percentage of Hispanic students of any Washington public university. That's why Steve DuPont, Associated Students of Central Washington University board of directors vice president for political affairs, is so excited about the new opportunity.

DuPont believes Casa Latina, which is open to all students, will help empower and educate members of our community from all walks of life. "I see it as a place where Hispanic students can feel like they have a forum for discussing issues they have, and a place for others in the community to gain awareness about what matters most to Central's Hispanic community."

The LLC program enables students who share a cultural or academic interest to live in the same residence hall. Students participate in out-of-classroom enrichment activities that support their academics, while developing their personal relationships with other students and faculty members.

A multicultural living experience, Casa Latina will expose residents to Latino and Latin American heritage through group trips to museums and events, guest speakers and a study library/resource room filled with books, magazines and posters promoting the richness of the culture. Students will also participate in Latin American studies courses.

Providing this type of living choice is essential for students because it immerses them in the cultural and academic field that interests them. As CWU provost David Soltz describes, "when you bring students together with a common interest, it makes their transition to college life more meaningful and helps them feel more connected to each other and to the university."

LLC programs have proven effective for CWU in recruitment and retention according to Richard DeShields, director of residence life and new student programs.

DeShields notes that students who are involved in these programs stay at Central longer and feel more academically supported. They also have higher grade point averages and are more involved in clubs and organizations.

CWU currently provides LLC programs in aviation, leadership, American culture and modern life, education, music, natural sciences, international studies and the William O. Douglas Honors College.

"Living Learning Communities help students understand the concept that learning happens outside of the classroom," explains DeShields. "This really helps students, especially freshmen, relate and have more personal contact with faculty."

Each year, Central discusses the projected interests and goals of future college students and establishes new themes for living communities based on those needs. More than 400 Central students take part in these types of living experiences each year. Already, 32 students have signed up to live in the Casa Latina LLC.

For more information on Central's Living Learning Communities, call University Housing and New Student Programs at (509) 963-2735 or log on to www.cwu.edu/~housing.

Contact: Richard DeShields, deshielr@cwu.edu