RAZA Center

These objectives aim to create a culturally responsive, supportive, and inclusive environment that honors the diverse identities of students while empowering them to succeed academically, socially, and personally.

Transfer Readiness and Academic Pathways

Students will demonstrate increased awareness and understanding of transfer requirements and academic pathways, with a focus on eliminating gaps in transfer readiness and transfer rates, particularly among underrepresented and first-generation students. This will be measured by an increase in the number of students of diverse backgrounds who successfully navigate transfer processes, utilizing culturally responsive guidance and resources.

Culturally Relevant Programming Participation

The number of students participating in culturally relevant and inclusive programming will increase annually, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and connection to the RAZA Center. These programs will be designed to promote access, support, and success, drawing on students' cultural identities and experiences to create engaging and impactful experiences that resonate with their lived realities.

Sense of Social Belonging

Students will report an increased sense of social belonging and satisfaction with culturally relevant programming and services offered by the RAZA Center. These programs will reflect and affirm their diverse cultural identities, experiences, and backgrounds, cultivating a sense of psychological safety. The center will continuously gather feedback to ensure that students feel empowered and represented in all services offered.

Self-Efficacy and Academic Success

Through participation in culturally relevant counseling and support services, students will demonstrate an increased sense of self-efficacy and academic success. These services will affirm their cultural identities while promoting academic and personal growth. The impact will be measured by improvements in student confidence, retention rates, and academic performance, as students are equipped with the tools to navigate their educational journeys within a culturally affirming environment.

Mental, Emotional, and Social Well-Being

Students will utilize culturally relevant resources and support services to improve their mental, emotional, and social well-being. The RAZA Center’s holistic approach will incorporate culturally responsive strategies to support students' personal growth, resilience, and community engagement. Success will be evaluated through regular assessments of student engagement with services and improvements in their well-being as they feel supported in all aspects of their identity.

Intrusive Support for ESL Students

ESL students who engage with the RAZA Center will demonstrate increased confidence and ability to complete the matriculation process (application, orientation, assessment, and educational planning) as a result of sustained, bilingual, and culturally relevant support. Progress will be measured by increased rates of successful enrollment and educational planning among ESL students, reflecting the effectiveness of time-intensive, intrusive guidance in overcoming systemic and language barriers.

RAZA Summer Bridge-to-Course Pipeline and Community Engagement

Students who participate in the RAZA Summer Bridge Program and transition into the INDIS course will demonstrate increased academic engagement and persistence through sustained involvement in RAZA Center services and culturally relevant programming. This structured pipeline will foster early community-building, continuous mentorship, and access to academic and personal support throughout the academic year. Student progress will be measured by enrollment in follow-up courses, participation in RAZA Center events, and tracking data reflecting ongoing engagement, retention, and academic goal completion within a culturally affirming environment.

Culturally Relevant Literacy and Critical Thinking Development

Through enrollment in the RAZA ENGCL 1000 course, students will strengthen their academic literacy and critical thinking skills within a culturally affirming curriculum. The course content will center on Chicanx/Latinx experiences, histories, and narratives to foster engagement, voice, and empowerment in academic writing. Success will be measured through improvements in students’ written communication, critical analysis, and confidence in navigating college-level English, as well as increased retention and course completion rates.

Peer Mentorship Support and Connection

Students who are paired with a RAZA Peer Mentor will report an increased sense of connection, academic confidence, and belonging. Through regular check-ins, culturally relevant guidance, and shared lived experiences, peer mentors will help students navigate campus resources, build community, and stay engaged. Success will be measured by student satisfaction, continued participation in RAZA Center programming, and improvements in retention and academic progress.