OASIS Cultural Center
Offering Acceptance, Support and Inclusion to Students
The primary goals of the cultural center are:
- To give minority/marginalized students a place to build a community; and
- To provide a centralized location for all students to learn about culture.
Because the term "cultural center" does not adequately describe how this space will be utilized it will instead be called "The OASIS: Offering Acceptance, Support and Inclusion to Students".
Location
The OASIS is located at 20 Schussler Street, Worcester, MA 01609.
Hours
The OASIS will be open from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Fridays 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Saturday and Sundays from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm . An attendant will staff a front desk station at all times. Given these hours of operation, it will not be necessary to have a building manager.
Programs
The OASIS would be host to minority/marginalized students wishing to study or meet. Students also have requested that the following services be provided through the OASIS:
- Monthly programs to focus on one culture
- Language classes, including instruction on pronouncing names from other cultures and understanding ESL speakers
- Religious observances open to the public (e.g., Jewish students host Passover)
- Programs that dispel stereotypes and myths
- Host events - game nights, movie nights
- Discussion forums
- Ethnic food nights
- Programs that connect global project experiences to multicultural experiences
- Peer counseling
- Leadership training
- Cultural library
- Social events for underrepresented students
Facilities
The facility housing The OASIS provides the following:
- Adequate space for students to gather
- A centralized location
- Accessible to people with disabilities
- Accessible in the evenings
- A comfortable atmosphere (not "institutional")
- Kitchen
- Unisex bathroom
- Resource Room (books, videos, newspapers, music, etc)
