Cultural Resource Centers

The Cultural Resource Centers (CRCs) provide student leadership, employment, and volunteer opportunities; student resources such as study spaces, computer labs, lounge areas, extensive programming and events. The CRCs are a unit of Diversity & Multicultural Student Services under Global Diversity & Inclusion. All PSU students are welcome in our spaces.

Learning Goals

Leadership: Leadership is more than holding a position, it is a process. We recognize that leadership is approached and perceived in diverse ways throughout our various communities. Students will learn to develop a culturally responsive leadership lens by cultivating a comprehensive set of practical skills including time management, self-care, meeting facilitation, group dynamics, and team building.

Intercultural Communication: Students will learn how to communicate effectively utilizing listening skills, verbal and non-verbal language, and written word. Students will learn how to identify their own unique communication styles in order to develop relationships, manage conflicts, and work within diverse cultures and communities.

Identity Development: Students will gain a greater awareness of their own personal identities and how that interacts with their life experiences and environments. Students will explore the interconnectedness of social categories such as race, class, and gender. They will gain knowledge of how multiple layers of oppression impact overlapping identities. 

Social Justice: Students will gain knowledge of diverse cultures, the dynamics of privilege and oppression, and the uses of power between groups. They will learn to act out of humanitarian values, such as being committed to social justice, engaging in social responsibility, and serving as positive social change agents.

Healing: Students will have opportunities to analyze how they can move toward healing (i.e., self-care, community care, de-stigmatization of mental health, etc.). Through self-care and community care, student will gather strategies and information needed to remedy personal and community challenges through action.

The events on the calendar below are produced by the Cultural Resource Centers Leadership Team. All events are free and open to all unless otherwise specified. All events are subject to change.

Collaborate with us

We seek to collaborate with students, community partners, university units, and student organizations. Collaborative events include the use of Cultural Resource Centers staff time, resources, and systems beyond our physical spaces. Submit a request through our email cultures@pdx.edu.

Our Collective Agreement 

The Cultural Resource Centers Collective Agreement, developed by our Leadership Team, directly guides the work of the five centers. We ask that all who access and use our space read and understand the agreement.

• PSU students are at the center of our work
• Community growth depends on the inclusion of every individual voice
• We respect others and ourselves
• Our goal is not to agree, but rather, to gain a deeper understanding
• No alcohol or drugs on the premises or in the body
• We do not tolerate hate speech, derogatory language/actions, or oppressive language/actions.
• We reserve the right to refuse service
• Our student centers are vibrant, lively and not noise controlled spaces

Accessibility

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all Cultural Resource Centers activities, programs, and leadership opportunities. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in our activities, please contact us by emailing cultures@pdx.edu / 503-725-5351.

There are two accessible entrances to the Smith Memorial Student Union - on the North and East sides of the building. Please see the SMSU floor plan for more information.

For more information about accommodations, the Disability Resource Center drc@pdx.edu / 503-725-4250 is an excellent resource. While Service Animals are always welcome, the Cultural Resource Centers do not allow pets in our spaces. 

Land Acknowledgement

The Cultural Resource Centers acknowledge and honor Indigenous communities—past, present, future— whose land we currently reside on here at Portland State University. This includes the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of the Chinook, the Tualatin Kalapuya, and many other Indigenous nations. We acknowledge the current, yet long standing oppression faced by Indigenous peoples and recognize that we are here because of the sacrifices forced upon them. We encourage everyone here to find ways to support and connect with Indigenous communities and the land and to remain committed to their justice and liberation.

Syllabus Statement

The Cultural Resource Centers cultivate diversity, elevate culture, and center social justice issues. We empower student identities, educational success, & leadership through collaboration and community engagement. Our centers provide an inclusive, student-centered environment that enriches the Portland State University experience. 

Our centers include the Multicultural Student Center, La Casa Latina Student Center, Pacific Islander, Asian, Asian American Student Center, Pan African Commons, Middle Eastern, North Africa, South Asia Student Center and Native American Student & Community Center Student Programs. We provide students with employment, volunteer, and leadership opportunities. Along with extensive programming, our spaces offer resources such as study spaces, computer labs and lounge areas. All are welcome!