Hispanic/Latinx/é Heritage Month 2026 Events
As part of the Diversity Center's Mission to create an inclusive campus environment, we host cultural/heritage months and awareness weeks. While the month and events have a culture or identity associated with them, all events for the month are open to all students.
In alignment with our mission to foster a supportive environment for all students, the UIS Diversity Center values and encourages individuals of all backgrounds and identities to engage with our programs and initiatives.
September 13 (Sun)
Trip to the Beardstown
Students are invited to travel to Beardstown and participate in the community’s annual celebration. Transportation will be provided by Diversity Centers staff. Pick-up and drop-off will take place at the Diversity Centers in Student Life Building 22. Advance registration is required on UIS Connection. Register by Saturday, September 12th 12pm to confirm transportation.
Open to UIS students.
For questions or accommodation requests, contact us at diversity@uis.edu or 217-206-6333.
Location: Beardstown, Illinois; transportation departs from the Diversity Centers (SLB 22) | Time: 12pm to 5pm | Sponsors:Diversity Centers
September 15 (Tues)
Hispanic/Latinx/é Heritage Month Flag Raising
Join the Diversity Centers for its annual flag-raising ceremony and the official kickoff of Hispanic/Latinx/é Heritage Month. This celebration recognizes the rich cultures and contributions represented across the UIS campus and launches a month of educational, cultural, and community-building programs. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to attend.
Open to UIS students, Staff and Faculty.
For questions or accommodation requests, contact us at diversity@uis.edu or 217-206-6333.
Location: Student Union North Patio | Time: 6pm to 8pm | Sponsors: Diversity Centers, La Familia
September 17 (Thurs)
Paz y Piragua
Join Gamma Phi Omega for an interactive crafting event centered on culture and identity throughout Latin America. Students will have an opportunity to create a culturally connected craft while learning, sharing, and building community.
Location: To Be Determined | Time: 6pm to 7:30pm | Sponsors: Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.
September 18 (Fri)
Diabetes Informational Tabling
Learn more about diabetes prevention, wellness, and the impact of the disease on historically underserved communities and communities of color. This tabling event supports one of Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.’s national initiatives and provides students with accessible health information and campus resources.
Location: Student Union | Time: 12pm to 3pm | Sponsors: Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.
September 21 (Mon)
Ribbons and Roots
Join the Hispanic/Latinx/é Initiative and Baile Monarcas for an interactive tabling event exploring the richness of hair traditions and the cultural significance of ribbons in Hispanic, Latinx/é, and Latin American communities.
Open to UIS students, Staff and Faculty.
For questions or accommodation requests, contact us at diversity@uis.edu or 217-206-6333.
Location: Student Union North Entrance | Time: 11am to 12:30pm | Sponsors: Diversity Centers Hispanic/Latinx/é Initiative and Baile Monarcas
September 22 (Tues)
Shades: Media Representation of US
Join us for Shades: Media Representation of Us from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the Diversity Centers. Together, we'll watch a short film exploring how media portrays QTPOC (Queer & Trans People of Color) and discuss the impact of representation, the harm of assumptions, and how we can create spaces where people feel truly seen, heard, and valued.
Shades is a discussion-based event series open to all UIS students, faculty, and staff. The goal of this series is to create a safe and affirming space where we can explore topics of identity while bringing together QTPOC students and allies on campus. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Open to UIS students, faculty, and staff.
For questions or accommodation requests, contact us at GSS@uis.edu or 217-206-8316.
Location: Diversity Centers Lounge (SLB 22) | Time: 2pm to 4pm | Sponsors: Gender and Sexuality Student Services (GSSS) and Women’s Center
September 23 (Wed)
Sodas Preparadas
Stop by the Student Union North Entrance for Sodas Preparadas, an informal opportunity for students to enjoy a cultural activity and meet members of the Diversity Centers team.
Open to UIS students, Staff and Faculty.
For questions or accommodation requests, contact us at diversity@uis.edu or 217-206-6333.
Location: Student Union North Entrance | Time: 11am to 12:30pm | Sponsors: Diversity Centers Hispanic/Latinx/é Initiative
September 24 (Thurs)
Más Allá de Una Identidad: Intersectionality & Latinidad
Join us for a meaningful conversation exploring the many layers that shape Latinidad and the diverse experiences within our communities. Más Allá de Una Identidad: Intersectionality & Latinidad invites participants to look beyond a single definition of identity and reflect on how race, ethnicity, gender, culture, language, socioeconomic background, and other lived experiences intersect to shape how we see ourselves and how others see us. Co-hosted by the Women of Color Initiative, this event creates space for dialogue, connection, and reflection around the unique experiences of women of color within Latinidad.
Open to UIS students, Staff and Faculty.
For questions or accommodation requests, contact us at diversity@uis.edu or 217-206-6333.
Location: Diversity Centers Lounge (SLB 22) | Time: 4pm to 5:30pm | Sponsors: Diversity Centers Women of Color Initiative
Luchador Challenge
Step into the ring for a tournament-style competition designed to test participants’ strength and skills while introducing the campus community to the rich cultural history and significance of lucha libre and luchadores.
Open to UIS students, Staff and Faculty.
For questions or accommodation requests, contact us at diversity@uis.edu or 217-206-6333.
Location: The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) | Time: 3pm to 5pm | Sponsors: Diversity Centers Men of Color Initiative
September 25 (Fri)
La Casita on the 50-Yard Line
Join us to watch and discuss this incredible cultural moment by Decoding the Symbols and Politics of Bad Bunny’s Halftime Show while enjoying snacks, drinks, and the company of friends! We will be in the Student Union, Center Ballroom from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026. We will have light snacks and refreshments!
For questions or any specific accommodations, please contact us at gss@uis.edu or 217-206-8316.
*Open to all UIS Students, Faculty, and Staff
Location: Student Union Central Ballroom | Time: 12pm to 2pm | Sponsors: Gender and Sexuality Student Services (GSSS)
September 29 (Tues)
Salsa y Salsa
Join us for Salsa y Salsa, a unique event that combines cooking and culture! Learn how to prepare fresh, flavorful salsas and then discover the rhythms of salsa dancing through an engaging, beginner-friendly lesson. No experience necessary. Just bring your enthusiasm and get ready for a flavorful, fun-filled experience!
Open to UIS students, Staff and Faculty.
For questions or accommodation requests, contact us at diversity@uis.edu or 217-206-6333.
Location: Student Union Ballroom | Time: 2pm to 4pm | Sponsors: Diversity Centers, Campus Recreation, Baile Monarcas, and Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS)
September 30 (Wed)
Mug Painting with OLAS
Join us for a delightful evening of creativity and warmth! Personalize your very own mug by painting it while sipping on delicious café and hot chocolate. This fun-filled event not only allows you to express your artistic side but also celebrating HLHM. Bring your friends, unleash your imagination, and create a unique keepsake to cherish!
Location: Student Life Center | Time: 5pm to 6:30pm | Sponsors: Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS)
October 2 (Fri)
Tie-Dye Your Pride
Join us for an afternoon of creativity, community, and color at Tie Dye Your Pride! This event is all about celebrating identity, self-expression, and unity across our campus. Come make your own vibrant tie-dye shirt that showcases your pride—whether it’s pride in yourself, your culture, or the communities you belong to.
We’ll provide the shirts, dye, and supplies; all you need to bring is your creativity and positive energy! This is a safe and affirming space to connect, express yourself, and build bridges between communities. H/L Month & Queertober Month Event.
For questions or accommodations, contact womenscenter@uis.edu or 217-206-7173
Location: Legacy Courtyard; rain location: Diversity Centers Lounge (SLB 22) | Time: 2pm to 4pm | Sponsors: Women’s Center, QSAP, and the Diversity Centers People of Color Initiative
Lotería Night
Join Baile Monarcas for an evening of Lotería, a traditional game with deep cultural significance in Mexico and across Latin America. Students will learn more about the game while building social connections and competing for prizes.
Location: Student Union Ballroom | Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm | Sponsors: Baile Monarcas
October 7 (Wed)
La Familia Homecoming Cookout and Tailgate
Celebrate UIS Homecoming and support the Prairie Stars at the men’s and women’s soccer games. This collaborative cookout and tailgate will bring students together for food, school spirit, and community. Students can obtain event tickets through designated tabling opportunities.
Open to UIS students, Staff and Faculty.
For questions or accommodation requests, contact us at diversity@uis.edu or 217-206-6333.
Location: North area of Kiwanis Stadium| Time: 4pm to 8pm | Sponsors: La Familia, UIS Athletics, Diversity Centers Hispanic/Latinx/é Initiative, Student Activities Committee
October 14 (Wed)
People of Color Initiative Study Tables
Join the People of Color Initiative for a welcoming study table celebrating Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month (HLHM). Come take a break from the stress of midterms and enjoy a comfortable space where you can study, connect, and have fun with friends and the community. We’ll have conchas, hot chocolate, and good company to keep you fueled while you prepare for your midterms. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to get some work done, want to study alongside friends, or simply need a moment to relax and connect, this space is for you. Come study, snack, laugh, and celebrate community with us!
Open to UIS students, Staff and Faculty.
For questions or accommodation requests, contact us at diversity@uis.edu or 217-206-6333.
Location: Student Life Center | Time: 4pm to 6pm | Sponsors: Diversity Centers People of Color Initiative
October 15 (Thurs)
Hispanic/Latinx/e Heritage Month Closing Event
Join the Diversity Centers for the closing program of Hispanic/Latinx/e Heritage Month. This capstone event will bring the campus community together for conversation and reflection while gathering feedback about the month’s programs and their impact.
Location: To Be Determined | Time: To Be Determined | Sponsors: Diversity Centers