Intercultural Student Services

Intercultural Student Services

Sandy Tsuneyoshi, Director

Maleah Harris, Administrative Assistant

A150 Kerr Administration Building
541-737-9030
541-737-7874 FAX
ISS@oregonstate.edu
Web site: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/iss/

Intercultural Student Services (ISS), a department of the Division of Student Affairs, is the home of initiatives, programs and services regarding African/African-American; Asian American Pacific Islander; American Indian; Latina/o; multi-racial; lesbian, gay, bi, transgender students; women; and multiple identity students.

Our work is grounded in ideals of social justice, equity, and a dedication to facilitating experiences in which all students reach their full potential as learners and as socially aware and active individuals, locally, nationally, and globally.

What We Do

Provide individual informal/formal mentoring and support, referral to services, and advocacy for personal, interpersonal, academic, career, cultural, spiritual development and success.

Develop, present, and coordinate educational programs for students contributing toward retention and success including academic, personal, social, interpersonal, cultural, career issues; leadership and professional development; organization development; intercultural effectiveness, community service, and social justice. We also engage in consultation and teaching.

American Indian Initiatives

The American Indian Initiatives office is charged with the central goal of building the capacity and potential of American Indian students and American Indian communities. To that end, the Office of American Indian Initiatives is responsible for the management of collaborative efforts between Oregon State University, American Indian student organizations, the Nine Sovereigns of the state of Oregon, and National American Indian Education organizations as well as Tribal Colleges.

In consultation with the statewide Oregon Tribal Education Contractors, and the vice provost of Student Affairs, the Office of American Indian Initiatives is also charged with the following:

• Developing and implementing strategic plans for the recruitment of American Indian students;
• Creating and implementing specific programs and events to enhance the university’s visibility in reservation communities;
• Adhering to, and upgrading the management of tribal relationships, and memorandums of understanding that exist with the Nine Sovereigns of Oregon as pursuant to Executive Order #EO-96-30;
• Maintaining liaisons with other campus programs and units, community groups, regional and national Indian organizations;
• Serving as the central access point for on-campus programs,
• Tribal education contractors, prospective students and parents, and others seeking information or services on or for American Indian students.
• In addition, the office determines campus policy in collaboration with other academic and administrative units on campus.

Asian and Pacific Islander American Student Services

Sandy Tsuneyoshi, Director
Intercultural Student Services
150 Kerr Administration Bldg.
541-737-9033
Sandy.Tsuneyoshi@oregonstate.edu
Web site: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/apa/

The API Student Services Office focuses on the access, retention, and success of Asian and Pacific Islander American students with multiple identities that include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Access programming includes hosting of on campus and off campus events for pre-college students. Assessment, assistance, and/or referral are made for issues negatively impacting retention. Focus is on making better choices, learning survival skills for thriving, becoming academic leaders, and managing the challenges. Written, verbal, and emotional support and advocacy is provided to increase retention regarding academics, financial aid, race/ethnicity/gender, cultural, and professional advancement.

Advises and collaborates with student organizations, e.g., the Asian and Pacific American Council ( Asian and Pacific Cultural Center, Asian and Pacific American Student Union, EPIC, Hui O Hawaii, Hula Club, Delta Phi Omega, HMONG OSU, Isang Bansang Pilipino, Japanese American Students Association, Polynesian Cultural Club, and the Vietnamese Students Association) to celebrate diversity and to organize events and activities that provide social support and aids in the transition, retention, and success of students. Events include APA Connect, A&PIA Leaders Connecting, APA Heritage Month, API Welcome Reception, End of the Year Celebration of Graduates and Leaders, etc. Provides training and development in leadership, organization skills, and community networking; and regarding academic, personal, social and cultural issues.

CASA Latina/o de OSU

CASA is responsible for the administration, management and operation of the CASA Latina/o de OSU to increase the recruitment, retention, student development, academic performance and graduation of students of Latino/a, Hispanic, and/or Chicano/a heritage. Develop and coordinate the recruitment of Latino/a, Hispanic, and Chicano/a students by the CASA Latina/o de OSU. Establish and maintain Latino/a, Hispanic, and Chicano/a community alliances and other communication venues to access the Oregon and Northwest Latino/a, Hispanic, and Chicano/a community.

CASA leads community-building efforts, works collaboratively with student leaders, faculty, staff, and community to carry out the vision of CASA Latina/o de OSU, the Intercultural Student Services Department, Student Affairs, and Oregon State University. CASA develops educational and cultural education programming collaborating with and to students, the OSU campus, and the surrounding communities.

LGBT Services Office/Pride Center

Steven Leider, Director
Intercultural Student Services
149 Snell Hall
541-737-6342
steven.leider@oregonstate.edu
Web site: http://oregonstate.edu/lgbtqqia/   

The LGBT Services Office supports Oregon State University in meeting the specific academic, social, and cultural needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Allied (LGBTQQIA) students, prospective and current. Retention of LGBTQQIA students is the primary goal of the LGBT Services Office. Promoting campus-based groups that educate and raise awareness about sexual and affectional orientation and identities is an essential component of the program. Equally important is the goal of fostering relationships within Corvallis and across surrounding communities to help build relationships through which LGBTQQIA students can thrive as they pursue future educational, career, and life goals.

The LGBT Services Office works to empower all students by fostering opportunities to think critically, receive information, share knowledge and to sustain an educational environment in which each student has the support needed to shape unique identities. Growth is a natural progression of curricular and co-curricular experiences and the LGBT Services Office assists students with such growth processes through mentoring, advising, interaction and commitment.

Ujima Education Office

Earlean Wilson Huey, Director
Intercultural Student Services
A150G Kerr Administration Building
541-737-9032
Web site: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ujima/home

The Ujima Education Office provides African centered programming that is designed to meet the specific academic, social, and cultural needs of African/African American students, prospective and current. Retention is the heart of Ujima, while recruitment is the natural extension. The Ujima Office works to empower students by giving them the opportunities to think critically, receive information, and share knowledge. Our staff aims to build a strong cohort of student leaders within the Black community and serves as advisor to student groups and organizations, creates opportunities for increasing leadership development, and assists groups with program development, implementation, and conflict resolution. Additionally, written, verbal, and emotional support and advocacy is provided to increase retention regarding academics, financial aid, race/ethnicity/gender, cultural, and professional advancement. Lastly, the staff conduct outreach programs for middle and high school students in the community.

Office of Diversity Development

Victoria Nguyen, Director
Intercultural Student Services
129 MU East
541-737-6341 
Web site: http://mu.oregonstate.edu/diversity/

The Office of Diversity Development coordinates safe environments in which students can share their multiple identities, and learn about issues of culture, heritage, history, identity, and self-expression in an atmosphere of positive engagement and mutual respect. The office is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community at OSU that is committed to social justice and liberation for all people, regardless of racial/ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic class, age, and/or physical abilities. Diversity Development operates four cultural centers: the Asian and Pacific Cultural Center, the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center, the Centro Cultural César Chávez, and the Native American Longhouse. The centers provide support services to students, as well as opportunities for all members of the OSU community to learn about different cultures and communities in a safe environment. Events and activities at the four centers include national history and heritage month programs, social justice workshops, cultural holiday celebrations, cooking demonstrations, craft nights, mentoring opportunities, study hours, and many other programs.

• Asian and Pacific Cultural Center, http://mu.oregonstate.edu/asiancc/  
• Lonnie B Harris Black Cultural Center, http://mu.oregonstate.edu/blackcc/  
• Centro Cultural César Chávez, http://mu.oregonstate.edu/cesarchavez/  
• Native American Longhouse, http://mu.oregonstate.edu/longhouse/

Women's Center

Beth Rietveld, Director
Intercultural Student Services
Benton Annex
541-737-3186
Beth.Rietveld@oregonstate.edu
Web site: http://oregonstate.edu/womenscenter/

Come and visit the friendly staff at the Women’s Center for information about women's and gender issues, connection to multicultural resources, and support on a wide variety of issues. The center supports an active feminist community, and serves as a campus focal point for women’s issues and concerns. Its goal is to provide advocacy, support, programs, resources, and opportunities to translate concerns into action. The educational programs provided by the Women’s Center reflect the diverse views of women from all walks of life. The Women’s Center coordinates many workshops and opportunities for students, staff, faculty, and community members to present information about women's lives and hear national speakers.

The Women's Leadership Initiative provides opportunities for emerging women leaders to build their skills and participate in feminist leadership educational opportunities on campus and across the country.

Internships and volunteer opportunities are available for both undergraduates and graduate students. Over 1,400 volumes are available in our library for checkout to students, staff and faculty; and current periodicals and reference books are available for on-site use. There is a full kitchen and computer lab available for use anytime between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the week; meeting space is available for reservations after 5 p.m. and on weekends.