History

HISTORY

Our committee’s journey traces back to the roots of the UIC campus, where a collective need for Latinos to voice concerns became evident.  In 1978 the Association of Latino Workers was one of the several groups meeting to address issues of importance to Latinos.  In 1982, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs appointed the Committee on Hispanic Education (CHE), bringing together members from various groups, concerned faculty, and staff. While CHE had a short-lived existence, it paved the way for a more enduring initiative. Recognizing the continuous need for representation, CHE and other Latino organizations united to form the Latino Committee on University Affairs. This volunteer-led committee aimed to foster collaboration across campus departments, focusing on the evolving needs of Latinos.  In the fall of 1987 the chancellor officially appointed a campus committee to assess the status of Latinos at the University.  This committee became known as the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Latinos (CCSL).

Today, CCSL stands as a beacon of commitment to the Latino community on campus. Collecting concerns from students, staff, and faculty, we actively work towards formulating solutions presented to the chancellor annually. Our campus commitment played a role in UIC being recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution in 2016.

Our ongoing efforts extend beyond advocacy. We are committed to creating a supportive environment that safeguards the experiences of the Latino community. The establishment of the Director for Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives in 2022 underscores our continued commitment to effecting positive change. At the heart of our mission is not just advocacy, but also the celebration and honor of those who champion and support the Latino community both on and off campus.