ILASSA

The Institute of Latin American Studies Student Association (ILASSA) was formed by graduate students to encourage more active student participation in institute and campus affairs concerning Latin American Studies and to provide a voice in the direction of the LLILAS program. ILASSA provides orientation activities and also sends representatives to the Council of Graduate Students (COGS) and other campus activities. Membership is open to all UT students with an interest in Latin America.

• Student Handbook, Fall 2007 (PDF, 610K)
• Constitution (w/2004 amendments) (PDF, 22K)
• Volunteer Opportunities (PDF, 65K)

The association sponsors activities to foster exchanges on Latin American topics; to encourage involvement with Hispanics; to collect aid funds for disaster relief in Latin America; and to help in new student orientation. ILASSA also helps provide job- and internship-seeking services for graduate and undergraduate students. The annual Latin American Studies Student Conference is a major responsibility of the association.

ILASSA is also social in nature, sponsoring events during the term that focus on nonacademic pursuits. These include a highly successful coed intramural sports tradition, planned and impromptu parties, Friday evening get-togethers, and canoe, beach, and camping/rock-climbing trips. The institute provides a lounge in Sid Richardson Hall 1.302 for use by association members.

ILASSA's annual Student Conference is the oldest student-run academic conference on Latin America in the country. The ILASSA Conference offers students from UT Austin as well as other institutions in the United States and abroad the opportunity to present their research in the style and atmosphere of an academic conference. Hosting the conference gives ILASSA a unique opportunity for leadership and a chance to share that special Austin and LLILAS warmth. ILASSA is responsible for nearly 100% of the logistics and fundraising for the Conference. Traditionally, ILASSA hosts an off-campus, non-university sponsored fundraising event that contributes to the costs of the Conference. Conference participants visiting from outside the Austin area are housed by ILASSA students during their stay in Austin. The conference is funded by LLILAS, various academic departments within the University of Texas, and other events. Local businesses are solicited for contributions or discounts for the conference participants, as well.