Multicultural Center Transitions into a New Space

Photo by Karla Hernandez.

Students walking into MCC’s Housewarming event in Benson 1

Renovations of Santa Clara University’s Multicultural Center have been a steady ongoing process after years of asking for expansions. In the meantime, the center has been relocated to Benson 1, where the Office of Accessible Education used to be.  

Denae Rivera, director of the Multicultural Center, and Kenneth Park, associate director of the Multicultural Center, have tried to make the new space feel as home as possible for students accustomed to Shapell Lounge, a feat that comes with its own challenges. 

“Part of that is I feel like we always call it the OAE,” Rivera said regarding the Office of Accessible Education’s former room. “But they’re not here, so this is our space now.”

A major part of their mission with the temporary relocation is to ensure students know they still have a safe space to go to on campus. The Multicultural Center’s mission has remained consistent, which is to provide a space for students of color to gather.

Rivera is taking into account the new presidential administration, and they are “making sure our students here feel supported and that they’re well connected to the resources that do exist so that no one feels alone during this time.”

Students who are a part of the Multicultural Center are still consistently visiting the new location, which has helped with a smooth transition. However, there have been some challenges such as a lack of seating facilities being provided that they need to accommodate all their students. 

“We actually have a lack of chairs, tables and a projector, which is more of a problem with Facilities being slow,” Park said. The projector issue has since been resolved, although not without its hiccups.“I think she was talking with Facilities since December about getting a projector and there wasn’t one so we had to borrow.”

The center has faced challenges before with a lack of facilities in Shapell Lounge, its original location. With the renovations that Santa Clara University has agreed to after being asked for expansion since 2023, students will have access to several more facilities in the new Shapell Lounge.

Park believes that many students simply appreciate having a dedicated space to call the MCC that allows them to connect and feel a sense of belonging. 

“I don’t think a lot of people mind that it’s in the basement,” Park said. “At least we have a space to gather and exist. It’s better than nothing.”

MCC Week was from January 20th to the 24th and was filled with events every day, including a housewarming party on Tuesday and a movie night on Friday. It was another key way Rivera and Park ensured students still felt a sense of community within the MCC. 

Rivera and Park are thankful the transition has worked so well but are also anxious to see the new and improved Shapell Lounge. Rivera and Park also hope the new space doesn’t erase the message of the organization.

“I just hope that it still gives the essence of MCC,” Rivera said. “It’ll be a little awkward, but it’s growing pains, yeah?”