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Ways in which the Adult Re-Entry Center and Women’s Resource Center are meeting the goals of the Student Union Strategic Plan
Submitted by Janet Honn-Alex
May 29th 2002
Goal #1: The Adult Re-Entry Center has changed locations to a much larger site which will accommodate a greater number of people and will also be more accessible to those in wheelchairs. We are in the process of adding computer stations and a music system as well. In addition, we will be acquiring new art which will increase the attractiveness of the ARC.
The Women’s Resource Center has been recently painted and the walls feature art on loan from students.
Both the ARC and the WRC have updated libraries that appeals to a wide range of interests. Both centers have a diverse staff in terms of ethnicity, age, sexual orientation and life experiences. We strive to offer programming that reflects that diversity. This year we have had a wide range of programming including academic lectures, workshops on study skills and stress to a production of “The Vagina Monologues” and an evening of “Jazz Under the Stars”.
Goal #2: The ARC employs five undergraduate students and one graduate student. The WRC employs 6 undergraduate students and one graduate student. I work closely with the students both one on one and as a group consistently role modeling and instructing on appropriate workplace behavior. The students are responsible for putting together and implementing programs. By taking ownership of the programs they acquire a number of skills, including leadership skills and the importance of follow through.
Goal #3: As mentioned in goal #1 the ARC has moved to a larger site.
Goal #4 Since I began as coordinator of the ARC and WRC in January 2002 the centers have partnered with a number of on campus groups and departments. The Women’s Resource Center partnered with the Women’s Studies Department to produce “ The Vagina Monologues”. The Adult Re-Entry Center has partnered with The SAIL Program to organize a series of study skills workshops. The Women’s Resource Center has also joined with Sexual Assault Services, a local community organization, to provide information and resources. Both centers have partnered with student groups to offer a wider array of programming such as field trips to art museums and a presentation about the oppression of Tibetan Nuns. Next year we have plans to partner with the County of San Bernardino in a health fair. I am confident that we will have numerous opportunities for further partnerships as well both within and outside of the campus.
Goal #5: Both the ARC and WRC are committed to diversity in terms of staffing and serving the needs of a diverse student body. It is imperative and clearly understood that the centers are safe and welcoming places for everyone and where diversity can be celebrated. This year we have put on a student art show which certainly reflected diversity. In addition, along with the Cross Cultural Center we had “Gay Day” which celebrated gay and lesbian
culture and provided a forum to discuss issues. This provided an opportunity for the campus community to learn about the challenges which our lesbian and gay students face.
Goal #6: All programs are currently evaluated by those that attend. The feedback is taken into account for future programming.