Committee Activities

CLACS sponsors many activities, including: symposia, conferences, workshops, lectures and seminars, and actively promotes joint academic programs and research projects with Latin America and Caribbean universities, as well as diplomatic missions in New York City.

In addition, CLACS publishes an annual newsletter and plans an interdisciplinary journal on Latin America and the Caribbean.

CLACS offers an Advanced Interdisciplinary Certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, approved by New York State. For additional information, contact the CLACS' office.

Workshops
St. John’s University’s Committee for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) is offering a series of free workshops on various educational topics to benefit immigrants and their families.  In addition, CLACS will offer free ESL classes at various levels on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. The workshops are conducted by St. John’s University’s scholars affiliated with CLACS who are experts and renowned in their respective fields.  The ESL classes will be taught by qualified ESL instructors with the assistance of graduate student volunteers. These workshops and classes are possible thanks to a grant CLACS received from the Verizon Foundation.

Wednesday, May 7
“The Use and Abuse of DNA in Immigration Cases”
Featuring Janice Villiers, Esq.
Bent Hall, Rm. 277A, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 20
“Surviving the College Years”
Featuring Dr. Yvonne Pratt-Johnson
Carnesecca Arena, President’s Room, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 30
“Navigating Schools: Parents as Advocates for their Children”
Featuring Dr. Julie Carter
Marillac Hall, Rm 314, 10:00am

Wednesday, June 10
“How to Apply for a Grant Online and the Elements for Grant Success”
Featuring Mr. Jared Littman
Location TBA, 6 p.m.

Free ESL Classes
May 9
Carnesecca Arena, President’s Room
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

May 23
Marillac Hall, Room 237
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

May 30
Marillac Hall, Room 237
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

June 6
Marillac Hall, Room 237
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

June 13
Marillac Hall, Room 330
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

All classes will be held on St. John’s University’s Queens Campus.

For additional information on the programs, please contact Dr. Alina Camacho-Gingerich, Chair of CLACS, at 718-990-1932 or camachoa@stjohns.edu.  For registration, locations and dates, contact her assistant, Brittany Wilkinson at 718-990-5829 or clacs@stjohns.edu.

For further information on the Committee’s activities, the Advanced Interdisciplinary Certificate, or to make an appointment, please call (718) 990-1932.