MCC grows, requests more space

By Erin Chambers

In a shift from the normal focus on the exchange of perspectives among individuals from different backgrounds, members of the Multicultural Center are finding themselves knee-deep in a much more physical issue: elbow room.

Since university officials denied their request to create additional offices for chartered organizations, MCC members are looking for ways to accommodate their growing population.

"We do a lot of the student-based programming on campus, and the university does support our growth in general, but not always logistically," said Citlali Vasquez, assistant director of the MCC. "As always, there is a little bit of tension, but they have been open to talking with us."

The MCC, currently serving in excess of 300 members, recently petitioned the Santa Clara administration to expand their offices into Shapell Lounge, a space currently designated for commuter students. The proposal was rejected, but the organization is currently in talks with the administration about reorganizing their work space.

John Gray, director of the Center for Student Leadership, which advises the MCC, has served as a liaison between the MCC and the administration during the negotiations.

"This year is really no different than any other year. There are always issues that present themselves, whether related to space, to funds, to staffing issues," said Gray. "It's part of the learning process of being a leader of a chartered student organization."

The Arab Cultural Society, formally accepted to the MCC last week after completing the standard two-quarter probationary period, is the organization's ninth Resident Student Organization (RSO). Others include MEChA, the Vietnamese Student Association, and Barkada.

"Nowhere in our charter is space listed as criteria for membership in MCC," said Manuel Perez, director of the MCC. "We accept groups based solely on their philosophies and are then required to provide space and resources for them."

The MCC has operated along the eastern wall of the Shapell Lounge since Winter 2000, when it was relocated from the Graham 100 basement. Aside from the reception area, two RSOs are assigned to one of four offices, roughly the size of a dorm room in Swig, containing two desks and one computer.

Concern is growing among all RSOs over how to organize and run programs like MCC Week, various social events and awareness programming in such a small space. Members say basic needs for each RSO include space to store materials and equipment, office space to organize and file information, and access to a phone and a computer.

"I didn't think it was an issue until recently when we were accepted to MCC," said Kareem Raad, president of the Arab Cultural Society.

"My members are all worried how we are going to fit in and get things done, but as president of a new organization, I am worried about not stepping on anyone's toes."

Because university officials say they are committed to maintaining a space for commuter students, taking up more space in the Shapell Lounge is not an option for the MCC. Reorganizing their current space, however, is the next best thing. One proposal is to lift the partitions to form one large space with cubicles and a computer area. Another is to leave the offices as they are and begin "tripling up" or putting three RSOs in each office.

"We still don't even have any kind of central meeting area or conference room to hold board meetings," said Vasquez.

Stanford University operates six separate cultural organizations on its campus without an umbrella group like the MCC. The University of San Diego, however, represents an institution comparable to SCU in size and demographics. Their multicultural center also operates out of a larger facility.

According to Nicholas Severson, media relations coordinator for the United Front Multicultural Center at USD, they occupy roughly 1,600 square-feet of office space plus a 500 square-foot conference room. In total, that's nearly double the square footage allotted to the MCC.

"We are trying to start an expansion phase because this is home for a lot of students, and it gets unbearably crowded during meetings especially," said Severson.

After last year's 'Campaign for Santa Clara' fund raising efforts, many students and leaders of student organizations are left wondering how funds will be allocated.

"I've been told we have a library to build, and we understand that. I mean, we have a business school to build. But we do feel like we are an important part of it," said Vasquez. "A lot of students here will tell you that they came here because the University advertises itself as a multicultural place to learn."

Gray shares that sentiment but cautions against a one-sided vision.

"In my experience, growth of an organization within a greater organization needs to happen in context with the greater organization," said Gray. "The issue is challenging because it is deeply personal and deeply emotional - the issues that the MCC raises versus the The Santa Clara, for example. There is a different level of personal investment."

According to Gray, the Center for Student Leadership will continue to advise the MCC during negotiations. As a senior, Citlai said she wonders if she will ever see changes made.

"We have conversations with the University about the future. It's just always so long term."