Cultural Centers
From OSU Wiki
Contents |
Oregon State University Cultural Centers
OSU has four cultural centers provided by the students, for the students for the enhancement of OSU's cultural community. The Cultural Centers are coordinated under the Diversity Development Office located in Snell Hall. The Centers are considered a part of Student Involvement which helps to coordinate other student groups and organizations on campus.
The fours centers are the Asian & Pacific Cultural Center, Centro Cultural Cesar Chavez, Native American Longhouse, and the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center.
Below is a brief introduction to the centers:
Asian & Pacific Cultural Center 2638 NW Jackson St.; (541) 737-6361
The Asian & Pacific Cultural Center was established in 1991 by faculty and staff of Oregon State University who saw a need for a center that would serve as a focal point for the education of the campus and local community about the Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. It is the newest of the four cultural centers at Oregon State University as well.
Centro Cultural Cesar Chavez
1969 'A' St.; (541) 737-3790
The Centro Cultural César Chávez was established to provide a location and facility for programming various academic, cultural, recreational and social events related to the Chicano/Latino/Hispanic culture and heritage.
It exists to support different ethnic and cultural peoples’ pursuit of their educational goals and the retention of their culture. Further, it strives to inform both the respective cultural groups and the greater university communities about issues central to the Chicano/Latino/Hispanic culture and heritage. The Centro Cultural César Chávez seeks to provide an environment in which students are able to accept and appreciate their differences and also a place that encourages a sense of purpose and unity.
Native American Longhouse
Corner of 26th & Jefferson; (541) 737-2738
As a public service center of Oregon State University, the Native American Longhouse exists to provide services and hospitality to students, faculty, staff, the college and, the surrounding community. It primary functions are to provide a gathering place for hosting cultural ceremonies, classes, conferences, lectures, performances, retreats and community events.
The Longhouse provides the opportunity to build a bridge of understanding between the regions' tribes and visitors of all cultures. The Longhouse is a resource for non-natives interested in the dynamics of cultural exchange and alternative learning styles. For learners from a native background, the Longhouse provides a hospitable environment and a source of support honoring the cultures of the first people of this land, including Alaskan Natives & Hawaiian Natives.
The Longhouse serves a place of multicultural and inter-cultural education. This is a place to exchange ideals and promote positive discourse for all groups. Native and non-native people have access to information on native cultures, traditions and the rich heritage of the native peoples.
The Native American Longhouse is used as a teaching area for traditional singing, dancing, storytelling and ceremony.
Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center
2325 NW Monroe; (541) 737-4372
The Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center is committed to the retention of African and African American students as well as all students of color at Oregon State University. We will accomplish this task by providing support services and leadership development opportunities, residential facilities, events and activities. The various resources provided allow the BCC to continue its dedications to educating all student and community members about the rich culture, history and accomplishments of the African and African American people through events and activities.
Please feel free to use the links above to view the webpages of the Cultural Centers.
Ways To Utilize The Centers
How can you get involved? Let me count the ways....
For starters, the centers although they represent specific cultures, those who use them don't need to self-identify with that culture to use it. When asked who can use the centers the answer is everyone! These centers are student-fee funded and thus are available to all students. The centers are even used by the general public.
So here are some ways to use the centers. Do you ever need to print something on campus but dread running up your account with printing fees? Then use the cultural centers! Each center is equiped with computers that provide free printing. Yes free. You can also use the computers to do homework or just surf the web.
Another way to use the centers is just to relax. Each center has cozy couches, free cable and a/v equipment. There are also fully stocked kitchens available for use for food preparation. Most students who use the centers go there to just relax between classes or meet up with friends.
Reserving the centers is free of charge so often times, student groups or other organizations will use the centers as a meeting or presentation location. Another rare known fact is that each center has a library stocked with culture-specific literature and resources, which are available for check out.
And last but not least, you can WORK at the centers! The centers are student-run which means you, yes you can be a part of the excellent and fun staff who run the centers!
