TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The Coordinating Council for Student Organizations (CCSO) at The University of Alabama has named the Alabama Association of Professional Latin Americans (AAPLA) as the Student Organization of the Month for November.

Based on the activities and achievements of AAPLA, CCSO has chosen them as an organization exemplary to the UA community.

The AAPLA is a special interest organization comprised of 30 members.  The main objectives of the organization are the following:

• To Assist with orientation and information to help new students with Latin American heritage who are entering the University, and
• To create a network of professionals from the University and throughout the state of Alabama as well as other states and also countries in Latin America.

The group consists not only of members from Latin American backgrounds, but also of those who express a strong interest in the Latin American culture. Some organizations they participate in include the English Language Institute, the Spanish Conversation Club, the International Student Association and the Alabama Latin American Association.

The AAPLA sponsors activities throughout the year, including “Around Latin America,” Karaoke Night, Fiesta 2003 and the Latin Moonlight Party. In November, AAPLA members traveled to Birmingham to participate in the third annual statewide Hispanic Summit, “Bringing in Solution.” The Latin radio show “!Hola Alabama!” has recently invited AAPLA to participate in their program.

CCSO serves as the coordinating body for all student organizations.  Its purpose is to provide support to the more than 250 student organizations and to the students on the UA campus. CCSO sponsors events that include Get-on-Board Day, the Student Organization Banquet and the Officer Transition Workshop.

For more information about the CCSO, contact Candice Adkinson or Jeanna Crocker at 205/348-2276, ccso@bama.ua.edu.