FUNCTIONAL AREAS PROJECT(MULTI) CULTURAL CENTERS

JORDAN WESTASHLEY HAZELWOOD

Overview

I. What is a Cultural Based Center?

II. Considerations

III. Responsibilities according to the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS)

IV. A closer look at three centers a. University of Cincinnati-Office of Ethnic

Programs b. The Pennsylvania State University-The Paul

Robeson Cultural Center c. Boston College-Office of AHANA Student

Programs

V. Recommendations

VI. Conclusion

“Oh How They Vary”Factors to Consider in a Discussion of Cultural Based Centers

The sole responsibility of a cultural based center is to meet the specific needs of the students by taking into account external factors

There is NO right or wrong way to serve students of a cultural based center

CAS Standards are guidelines and should not be perceived as strict standards for professionals working in cultural based centers

A major focus of Cultural Based Centers is to serve underrepresented populations

The physical plant of the center whether big or small will govern the safe space that most centers seek to provide.

Cultural Center Responsibilities according to CAS Standards

CAS provides a Foundation for the Field “A” Standard not “THE” Standard The mission for CAS emphasizes

Academic Growth Personal Growth Promotion of Access, Equity and

Justice (Dean, 2006, p.257) Applicable for assessment purposes

The University The University of Cincinnatiof Cincinnati

The Office of Ethnic Programs and Services supports the mission of the University of Cincinnati by enhancing the growth and development of students of color and

addressing the academic, social, spiritual and cultural needs of the campus

community. The professional staff has a strong commitment to ensure all members

of the University are creating and promoting a just community.Director, Dr. Eric Abercrumbie

eric.abercrumbie@uc.eduAssistant Director, Ewaniki Moore

ewaniki.moore@uc.edu Assistant Director, Brandi Hutchins

hutchibn@uc.eduProgram Coordinator, Derrick Jenkins

derrick.jenkins@uc.edu

The University of Cincinnati:The University of Cincinnati:Important ComponentsImportant Components

LocationTarget populationStructure of the centerUse of center by the studentsStaff relationships with studentsProgramming

EducationalSocial

The Pennsylvania State The Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity

Paul Robeson Cultural CenterPaul Robeson Cultural Center

Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC) functions as a forum for the cultural enrichment, educational development,

and social advancement of all students at our multi-campus

land grant university. The Paul Robeson Cultural Center

provides opportunities for students to explore

knowledge and opinions and to develop skills and reflect

on attitudes, beliefs, and values essential for

meaningful participation within society as responsible citizens in a diverse global

community.

The Pennsylvania State The Pennsylvania State University:University:Important ComponentsImportant Components

Five-Step FrameworkCultural Engagement, Education, Development, Safe Space and Community Building Initiatives

Focus on holistic approach and forming global citizens

Impact change in community

Looking at culture through one’s “ethnic lens

Welcoming to all students

Boston CollegeOffice of AHANA Student Programs The mission of the Office of AHANA Student Programs

is to provide a broad array of services that nurture students' academic, social, cultural and spiritual development.  The Office of AHANA Student Programs provides quality programs and services aimed at responding to the continuum of students' needs.

Director, Ines Maturana Sendoya

Associate Director, Andy Petigny

Assistant Director, Joana Maynard

Counselor, Warren Chiang

Counselor, Donna Lee

Administrative Assistant, Yvonne McBarnett

Important Factors about OASP AHANA is an acronym standing for African-American, Hispanic, Asian and

Native American This term was created by two students in 1979 who rejected the previous

name of the office which was the Office of Minority Student Programs. The students expressed a dislike of the connotation of the word minority which implies “less than”. The AHANA acronym is familiar to many institutions in Massachusetts and has been adopted by many in the area

Office provides each student with an academic advisor when they enter as a freshman and are strongly encouraged to meet with them for at least three times a semester

OASP serves all students and encourages white students to utilize the services provided

The office is located in a house which provides a “home away from home” atmosphere for students

Professionals working in the office often serve as advisors to cultural student groups on campus

Recommendations: Recommendations: University of CincinnatiUniversity of Cincinnati

Implement programming in order to be more inclusive of invisible populations (i.e. Asian-American students)Collaborate with other student service officesConsider name change of office title

Recommendations:Recommendations:The Pennsylvania State The Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity

Collaboration with academia and other student service offices Reframing safe space and hospitality of the centerIncrease flexibility in office structure Working harder to promote to all populations

Greater focus on Asian and Middle Eastern students

Recommendations: Boston College

Increase cultural awareness programmingIncrease collaboration with academia as well as other student service officesSurvey student satisfaction with physical plant of office

ConclusionConclusion

CAS Applicable, but not the only set of standards

Similarities amongst centersStudent CenteredIntentional ProgrammingConcerned with underrepresented populationsMust adjust to varying populations of the institution

Differences amongst centers Target populations Programming initiatives Physical structure Emphasis on Cultural Awareness

The University of CincinnatiThe University of CincinnatiOffice of Ethnic Programs

Derrick Jenkins, derrick.jenkins@uc.edu

The Pennsylvania State UniversityThe Pennsylvania State UniversityPaul Robeson Cultural CenterToby Jenkins, tsj3@sa.psu.edu

Boston CollegeBoston CollegeOffice of AHANA Student Programs

Dr. Ines Maturana-Sendoya, ines.maturana.1@bc.edu