UNR Celebrates ‘UndocuWeek’ to Highlight Challenges, Successes of Undocumented Immigrants

In an email sent last week to students, faculty and staff, the University of Nevada, Reno announced a week-long celebration that will “highlight the stories, challenges, and successes experienced by undocumented members of the Wolf Pack Family.” Allies of the undocumented community are encouraged to attend various events throughout the week with “free” food and drinks provided.

One event encourages attendees to “fill your cup with words of affirmation and support from your fellow Wolf Pack. Mini mason jars and butterfly stencils will be available to decorate.” The event is hosted by Nevada First Generation Network, founded in 2022 by Washoe County Commissioner Mariluz Garcia, and Deans Future, chaired by Commissioner Garcia.

A movie night will feature “race scholar” Dr. Rose Ann Gutierrez, Assistant Professor of Equity and Diversity in Education. Gutierrez also teaches a class in Social Justice in Education and “focuses on low-income, immigrant, immigrant-origin, undocumented, and first-generation Students of Color, and more specifically, Asian American and Pacific Islander students.”

Most events will be held at The Multicultural Center, “a critical hub of cultural, LGBTQIA, gender-focused services, programs, and social justice initiatives that support student success and increase graduation rates of students at the University of Nevada, Reno. The Multicultural Center empowers students to be innovative colleagues in creating a better-integrated community at the University and beyond.”

Another host, The Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN) of IDEA notes, “To achieve true inclusiveness, we seek social justice through policies, events, and initiatives geared towards underrepresented students and their needs.”

The “non partisan” Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN) is partnering with the School of Social Work for another event featuring a “unity tree.” PLAN has outwardly advocated for open borders.

NV has the third highest rate of undocumented residents in the country. We should be the leader in creating welcoming and inclusive communities. But we’ve dealt with Governor Lombardo long enough to know that the “shit” he gets done does not benefit much beyond his own ego 🧵 https://t.co/qnkbqdsJeC

— PLAN (@PLANevada) January 26, 2024

Janet Najera, the manager of Undocumented Student Programs, sent the announcement (see below) and also testified in support of Assembly Bill 226 last legislative session which mandated tax-payer funded tuition for undocumented students. The bill was sponsored by Reuben D’ Silva and signed into law by Governor Joe Lombardo.

Good afternoon,

We invite you to join us in celebrating UndocuWeek from April 1 – 5, 2024. UndocuWeek aims to highlight the stories, challenges and successes experienced by undocumented members of the Wolf Pack Family, and focuses on increasing a sense of community on campus. This year the UndocuPack program partnered with more than 11 on-campus departments and organizations to develop events providing campus and community resources, engagement, and professional opportunities. These events are open to students, faculty and staff, regardless of immigration status. We hope you will join us in celebrating the undocumented community during UndocuWeek and beyond!

UndocuWeek 2024 Schedule: April 1- April 5, 2024

Café Con Pan – Coffee and Treats, UndocuWeek Special Edition

Monday, April 1, 2024, 2-3 p.m., Location provided upon RSVP

Please RSVP with Janet Najera at JNajera@unr.edu by March 28^th.

Join us for a mental health support group that will focus on themes surrounding immigration and mental wellness.

Hosted by: UNR Counseling Services and The Multicultural Center

The Mixer Party

Monday, April 1, 2024, 3-4:30 p.m., The Multicultural Center

Please RSVP with Janet Najera at JNajera@unr.edu.

Calling all allies! Join us in celebrating the undocumented community at this social gathering. Bring your karaoke talent and take a moment to enjoy! Snacks and pizza will be provided!

Hosted by: The Multicultural Center and UndocuPack

Dreamers and Drinks

Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Knowledge Center Rotunda

Please RSVP to Janet Najera at JNajera@unr.edu.

An event celebrating and uplifting our undocumented students here on campus & within our community. Bring a friend and “fill your cup” with words of affirmation and support from your fellow Wolf Pack. Mini mason jars and butterfly stencils will be available to decorate. Free drinks and snacks will be provided.

Hosted by: Nevada First Generation Network and Deans Future Scholars

Elemental Movie Night

Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 7-9:30 p.m., JCSU Theatre

Please RSVP to Janet Najera at JNajera@unr.edu.

Feel the elements of this Asian American inspired cinematic experience. Stay tuned after the movie for a discussion with Dr. Rose Ann Gutierrez surrounding themes of immigration and family.

Hosted by: Joe Crowley Student Union, College of Education and Human Development, The Multicultural Center and UndocuPack

Entrepreneur Dreams: Untold Stories of Undocumented Success   

Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 12 – 1:30 p.m., JCSU Theater

Please RSVP to Janet Najera at JNajera@unr.edu.

This panel will consist of entrepreneurs in the community who will share their journey, and experiences that led them to the path of becoming business owners! Appetizers will be provided for this event.

Hosted by: Hispanic/Latinx Community Relations, and UndocuPack

Raices Unidas: Cultivating Community Resilience

Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 6 – 7 p.m., JCSU, Rooms 422 & 423

Please RSVP to Janet Najera at JNajera@unr.edu.

Bring your friends and family, and join us at this resource presentation event to learn more about the supports and services available to the undocumented community! Engage with us a plant repotting activity to illustrate how our background and experiences (raices/roots) help us flourish to become who we want to be (flower/plant).

Hosted by: The Latino Student Advisory Board (LSAB)

USSWA x PLAN

Thursday, April 4, 2024, 10 – 11:30 a.m., JCSU 3^rd Floor (next to the Multicultural Center)

Please RSVP to Janet Najera at JNajera@unr.edu.

Come by to chat with representatives from the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN) to learn more about the supports that they offer to the undocumented community. Take a picture in front of our community board, add your handprint to our social work unity tree, and enjoy some tasty donuts and a drink!

Hosted by: The Undergraduate Student Social Work Association (USSWA)

UndocuThrive: Embracing Resilience and Empowerment

Friday, April 5, 2024, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Location provided upon RSVP

Please RSVP to Janet Najera jnajera@unr.edu for this event by April 1^st.

This day of events will provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and a supportive community! Allies of the undocumented community are welcomed, as this will be a space to learn more about resources at the graduate level, post-graduation resources, and on-campus supports. Lunch will be provided!

Hosted by: UndocuPack, The Graduate School, DICE Center, ASUN Department of IDEA

Go Pack!

Janet & Cheyenne

Janet Najera
Manager, Undocumented Student Programs
Government and Community Engagement
The Multicultural Center – JCSU 303A
University of Nevada, Reno

Work-phone: 775-682-8984
JNajera@unr.edu

The University of Nevada, Reno is situated on the traditional and contemporary homelands of the Numu (Northern Paiute), Wašiw (Washoe), Newe (Western Shoshone), Nuwu (Southern Paiute) peoples. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on their territory.