Since fall of 2004, the University, supported through a corporate sponsorship with JP Morgan Chase, has conducted a culturally sensitive orientation program for the families of incoming Latina/o students new to campus. Over the course of a Sunday, various members of the student services and academic affairs units of the University provide a day-long orientation on all aspects of university life, from navigating the financial aid process to adjusting to separation from family. The goals of the program have been to: create a series of experiences and events for Latina/o families to increase their knowledge, comfort level, and understanding of college life for their students; integrate both the academic and co-curricular dimensions of campus life into the visit day; provide opportunities for the Latina/o parents to meet and build relationships with individuals on campus who are integral to their students' success at the University; encourage siblings to set their goals on higher education, learn more about college admissions, and cultivate their leadership skills; plan recreational activities for younger children so that they can relate to the place their older siblings go for exercise, recreation, and socializing; offer bilingual materials and presentations on culturally appropriate subjects. Year after year family members have reported that the day was very helpful, fun and informative. And the day has also been beneficial to the participating students as they are able to share their college experiences with their parents. The success of the program has been due to the scores of university staff members, students, and alumni who volunteer to make the day happen. This year's Latina/o Family Visit Day is scheduled for Sunday, September 30, 2007. If you would like to volunteer with the program, please contact La Casa Cultural Latina at (217)333-4950 or lacasa@uiuc.edu. | 
