New Campus Office Opens Doors for Immigrant Students and Families, Offering Resources

Katherine Fragoso, Guest Writer 

Note: This article was written for Writing For Media, with Dr. Emily Stones and in collaboration with Delia Greth, Academic Success Coach at RU, and Karlett Eguiliz, Financial Aid Counselor at RU. 

Student activists at Regis University have launched a new initiative aimed at supporting immigrant students and their families.The Student & Family Immigrant Resource Center, located in Main Hall 343, officially opened Tuesday, February 4.

The Center, a project created by the student, faculty and staff-run Undocumented Student Resource Alliance + (USRA+), provides essential resources and a welcoming space for immigrant individuals, including those from mixed-status families. USRA, originally a small group that met weekly in various locations around campus or via Zoom, has officially opened up this office space. Their help to open up a resource center marks a significant milestone for the organization.

It is designed to help students navigate the challenges of their immigration status while fostering a sense of community and belonging. The center offers a variety of services and resources to support students, including academic assistance, mental health services, legal referrals, and assistance with finding and applying for scholarships.

“We want to make sure undocumented, DACA, refugee, immigrant, and ESL students have a voice here at Regis,” said Karlett Eguiluz, a USRA member. “The center is a place where these students can find support, guidance, and resources, and where faculty and staff can learn how to better serve them.”

Eguiluz emphasized that, while the center is small, its impact is powerful. The team behind the project is made up of dedicated students, faculty and staff who are committed to helping immigrants and displaced students and families during difficult times.

“Each person at the center comes from different areas of campus,” Eguiluz explained. “We bring our diverse skills and knowledge to make sure students have the help they need. And if we don’t have the answers, we will look in our networks to find resources for them.”

The center’s soft launch on February 4 featured a community gathering designed to provide comfort and support for students who faced difficulties due to their status. The event showed an empathetic campus environment and support, while being sociable and welcoming. They advised no one should have to go through these issues alone. The event was informative but also exciting. They provided snacks and desserts at no cost plus plenty of creative activities. 

As the national climate surrounding immigration policy remains tense, the Student & Family Immigrant Resource Center has become even more crucial for the Regis community. With many individuals in the community facing uncertain futures regarding their status, the Center is dedicated to providing a safe space where students and their families can find the support they need.

The Center's launch is part of a larger movement at Regis University to offer solidarity and resources for marginalized populations. As the program continues to grow, members of USRA+ are hopeful that it will make a lasting difference for students and their families.

USRA+ wants to make sure that everyone, regardless of their immigration status, knows they have a place here at Regis.  For more information or to get involved, students and families can visit the center in Main Hall 343 or contact the USRA+ members directly. USRA+ also has an email which is regularly monitored. monarch@regis.edu

Student Self Care is Sponsored by Somos

James Ortiz, Staff Photographer 

On February 27th, 2025, Regis University’s Somos Club offered self care to students. The event took place outside of the Student Center, giving students a chance to enjoy sweet snacks in the sun. 

Somos Club leaders provide the community with free snacks. Photo by James Ortiz

The items provided remind students to take care of themselves, and enjoy a yummy treat. Photo by James Ortiz

Chips, cookies, and refreshments are available to all students. Photo by James Ortiz

A Panoramic View of Regis University

Alina Hussaini, Guest Photographer 

Throughout February, Colorado held rates of low temperatures. With a dusting of snow, and a chill that hits down to the bone, the university was engulfed in the winter season. With these cold conditions, Regis University sparkled in the snow in this special, panoramic view of the university. 

The campus sits silently, coated in a blanket of fresh powder. Photo by Alina Hussaini

Throwback to Trick or Treat Street at Regis University

Lily Berzoza, Staff Videographer

Last October, Regis University hosted it’s annual holiday event, Trick or Treat Street. This event gives kids and their families a chance to dress up, walk the campus, and safely go Trick or Treating on the university’s grounds. Many clubs and organizations, including The Highlander, hosted tables filled with games, toys and plenty of treats.

Somos Hosts First Meeting of Spring Semester

James Ortiz, Staff Photographer

On February 13th, 2025, Somos hosted its first meeting of the spring semester. Somos exists to provide support, celebrate, and promote appreciation for Latinx culture. This first meeting followed that mission by allowing participants to invite friends and create Valentine’s Day cards together. 

The leaders of Somos start the event with a presentation. Photo by James Ortiz

The opening presentation introduces participants to the mission behind the organization. Photo by James Ortiz

Students enjoy the meeting and the themed activities provided. Photo by James Ortiz

Students begin crafting Valentine’s Day cards to celebrate the upcoming holiday. Photo by James Ortiz

Regis University Celebrates Lunar New Year

James Ortiz, Staff Photographer

On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Regis University's 2025 Lunar New Year event was held. The event was hosted by the Asian Student Alliance and was free to attend. The event included a snake drawing competition, to represent the symbol of the Lunar New Year, and prizes for the winners. 

The leaders of the Asian Student Alliance pose for a photo at the start of the event. Photo by James Ortiz

The event took place on the second floor of the Student Center. Photo by James Ortiz

Students begin to congregate as the event starts. Photo by James Ortiz

The students begin drawing snakes, the animal that symbolizes the Lunar New Year, in an art competition. Photo by James Ortiz