Exciting Announcement - A New Home for La Plaza

Starting in Fall 2025, La Plaza Latine Student Center will have a permanent home on the fifth floor of the Viking Union, very near the Black Student Coalition. 

La Plaza is a program of the Office of Multicultural Student Services. Its mission is to uplift Latine students and create an inclusive environment for students of all identities to engage, learn, and celebrate together. 

Growing La Plaza’s space and support resources will allow Western to better serve the people of Washington and reinforce our commitment to inclusive achievement. Currently, Latine students are underrepresented at Western. While 21.8% of high school graduates in the state are Latine, Latine students made up only 12.2% of new first year students enrolled at Western in Fall 2024. Through its programs and services, La Plaza aims to increase Latine student enrollment to better reflect state demographics, support retention, and improve graduation rates. By investing in La Plaza -- which provides essential resources for student leadership, mentorship, and community building – Western is supporting the academic success and well-being of Washingtonians, empowering Latine students and their peers to thrive in higher education and beyond. 

La Plaza will be moving to the space currently housing the Viking Union Gallery. Art holds a vital place in Latine culture, serving as a powerful form of expression, identity, and heritage. This is reflected in events La Plaza has held already this year, including Arte y Resistencia, Bachata and Capoeira workshops in partnership with the Black Student Coalition, Jotería Lotería in partnership with LGBTQ+ Western featuring a drag performance by Queen Andrew Scott from Drag Latina Season 2, and a Día de los Muertos Celebration at Whatcom Community College. La Plaza will continue to honor and integrate art and cultural displays in its new space, celebrating Latine cultures and creativity.

As what was the VU Gallery space shifts to meet the crucial need for a home for La Plaza, Student Affairs remains committed to student development opportunities related to the visual arts. AMP (Arts & Music Productions), a program within the Student Engagement Unit of Student Affairs, is developing a Viking Union art program. This program will have dedicated student staff to curate and manage several art display areas throughout the VU that will be filled by calls for art from students and local artists.

Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved as La Plaza grows and the VU art program develops! You can follow La Plaza on Instagram @wwulaplaza and AMP @wwu_amp.