La Casa Latina Student Center Our MissionLa Casa Latina is a cultural resource center at Portland State University where Latinx/e students and allies come to our physical space to build and connect with community, develop leadership skills, and empower their individual & collective identities. La Casa Latina also hosts various cultural, social, and academic events that enhance the Latinx/e student’s experience on campus. Additionally, La Casa also seeks to raise awareness of the rich diversity of the Latinx/e community, both in the US & internationally. Our StoryOn October 4, 2010 President Wim Wiewel launched a new initiative to recruit, support, and graduate more Latino students who make up the most underrepresented group at Portland State University relative to their growing population in Oregon. The program is called Exito, or success, in Spanish. One of the recommended steps towards providing more support for Latino students was to open a new Latino cultural center called La Casa Latina in Smith Memorial Student Union. La Casa Latina officially opened on June 13th, 2011 in SMSU 229. The artwork and murals displayed at La Casa were made by PSU students. About La Casa Latina Student CenterLa Casa Latina is a cultural resource center at Portland State University, located in Room 228 on the 2nd floor of the Smith Memorial Student Union. We offer a physical space with lounge and table seating, a computer lab (w/ printing services), and a library. Our center hosts signature events such as the Día de los Muertos in the Fall, Jotería Loteria in the Winter, Sí Se Puede Week in the Spring, and so many more! All students are welcome to the center. La Casa Latina's physical space often holds La Casa Latina events. Students who use La Casa's physical space and attend our events will experience:cultural affirmation/cultural sharingintersectionalitycommunity building/healingcritical thinkingUltimately, we hope La Casa Latina is a hub for PSU Latine students to create a home away from home and empower their Latine identity. Just as a reminder, La Casa Latina is not a noise controlled space. Hours of Operation Spring Term Hours Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 228Location: 1825 SW Broadway Suite 228, Portland, OR 97201 (enter off of Broadway for a wheelchair accessible entrance)Closed on weekends and University closures Contact Uslacasa@pdx.edu | (503) 725-5342La Casa Latina Student Center Interim Program Coordinator: Ahmed El Mansouri, elman@pdx.edu, (503) 725-2609, (In-person: Thursday & Friday) Donate to the La Casa Latina Student CenterHelp fund our programs, services, and outreach. CollaborationsWe seek to collaborate with students, community partners, university units, and student organizations. Collaborative events include the use of Cultural Resource Centers staff time, resources, and systems beyond our physical spaces. Submit a request through our email cultures@pdx.edu. Host your event at La CasaTo submit a request to host your event in our space, please email lacasa@pdx.edu. All event requests must be submitted at least 10 business days in advance. All events hosted at La Casa must support our mission. In the meantime, please take a look at our Collaboration Use of Space Guidelines. Submitting a request does not guarantee approval. A NOTE ABOUT STAFFING: We do not function as a full-service event space. Event organizers are responsible for all aspects of their events. OUR COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTPSU students are at the center of our work.Community growth depends on the inclusion of every individual voice.We respect others and ourselves.Our goal is not to agree, but rather, to gain deeper understanding.No alcohol or drugs on the premises or in the body.We do not tolerate hate speech, derogatory language/actions, or oppressive language/actions.We reserve the right to refuse service if the collective agreement is not met or upheld.Our student centers are vibrant, lively and not noise controlled spaces. Event Photo Gallery Students enjoying Dia de los Muertos 2022 Joteria Loteria 2023 Ice Queen handing out popsicles at Mariachi in the Park 2023 Mariachi in the Park 2023 Latinx Professional Staff at La Despedida: Latinx Graduation 2023 Graduating Latinx Students at La Despedida 2023 Previous Featured Image Slide Next Featured Image Slide Stay Connected With Us Follow us on Instagram! Sign up for our newsletter! Accessibility Accommodations There are two accessible entrances to the Smith Memorial Student Union - one on SW Broadway and one in between Cramer Hall and Smith. Please see the SMSU floor plan for more information. We do our best to create events with accessibility in mind. However, if you feel you may need additional accessibility or support in order to fully enjoy any of our programs, please let us know! You may also contact the Disability Resource Center for more in depth information. Service animals are always welcome. Non-service animals, including Emotional Support animals, are not allowed in our space.