1. FUNCTIONAL AREAS PROJECT (MULTI) CULTURAL CENTERS JORDAN WEST ASHLEY HAZELWOOD

2. 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

3. “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.

4. 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

5. The University of 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
Assistant Director, Ewaniki Moore
Assistant Director, Brandi Hutchins
Program Coordinator, Derrick Jenkins

6. The University of Cincinnati: Important Components
Location
Target population
Structure of the center
Use of center by the students
Staff relationships with students
Programming
Educational
Social

7. The Pennsylvania State University Paul 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.

8. The Pennsylvania State University: Important Components
Five-Step Framework
Cultural 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

9. Boston College Office 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

10. 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

11. Recommendations: University of Cincinnati
Implement programming in order to be more inclusive of invisible populations (i.e. Asian-American students)
Collaborate with other student service offices
Consider name change of office title

12. Recommendations: The Pennsylvania State University
Collaboration with academia and other student service offices
Reframing safe space and hospitality of the center
Increase flexibility in office structure
Working harder to promote to all populations
Greater focus on Asian and Middle Eastern students

13. Recommendations: Boston College
Increase cultural awareness programming
Increase collaboration with academia as well as other student service offices
Survey student satisfaction with physical plant of office

14. Conclusion CAS Applicable, but not the only set of standards
Similarities amongst centers
Student Centered
Intentional Programming
Concerned with underrepresented populations
Must adjust to varying populations of the institution
Differences amongst centers
Target populations
Programming initiatives
Physical structure
Emphasis on Cultural Awareness

15. The University of Cincinnati Office of Ethnic Programs Derrick Jenkins, The Pennsylvania State University Paul Robeson Cultural Center Toby Jenkins, Boston College Office of AHANA Student Programs Dr. Ines Maturana-Sendoya,