Since its formation in 1969 and through its various manifestations, the Chicano Latino Student Affairs center has provided academic and student affairs support to the Chicano/Latino community of The Claremont Colleges. The center was originally established as the Mexican-American Studies Center in response to the Chicano student struggle. Though the name changed in 1971 to the Chicano Studies Center, the mission of meeting the needs of Chicano students remained constant. With a growing Chicano student population at the colleges, the center focused on academic support and retention.

Over the years, the center was housed in various places throughout the campus and its leadership structure took on different forms. Originally headed by a director and dean of students, the center became two entities in 1980. The first was the Intercollegiate Department of Chicano Studies (IDCS), headed by a faculty chair, and the second was the Chicano Student Affairs Center, run by a director/dean, assistant dean, and administrative staff.

From 2004-2005, the newly renamed office of Chicano Latino Student Affairs (CLSA), went through a process of reviewing its programs. The result of the review process was to increase social/cultural programming throughout the colleges. New social/cultural activities that were added include Latino Heritage Month celebrations and the Cesar Chavez Commemoration. Academic and mentoring activities such as the CLSA Sponsor Program, lectures, alumni sessions, community lunches, and leadership development programs were also developed to enrich the students’ college experience.

Chicano Latino Student Affairs has been and continues to be an integral part of the Claremont Colleges community through its advancement of Chicano/Latino studies and the celebration of Chicano/Latino heritage. Through its promotion of the concept of “Familia” within the college consortium, CLSA supports the academic success and personal development of Chicano/Latino students.