Students who have long breaks between their classes might want to forget about napping in the Commuter Lounge and head over to 240 Student Union to check out the new Intercultural and Diversity Center.
Created last summer with the cooperation of various departments of Student Life, including Sports, Leadership, Greeks, Student Relations and Commuter Services, the center's primary focus is to improve the quality of multicultural life at UB while simultaneously assisting students in achieving excellence for both the present and future.
Now located in the former Commuter Lounge, this little-known niche is a big space somehow tucked away from the busy hustle and shuffle of the Student Union. With overstuffed chairs and couches, earth tones and soft edges, the IDC's fresh and soothing atmosphere makes it the ideal location to relax, do work, eat lunch, or meet with friends.
"Coming here is like a home base," said Dawn Whited, program coordinator for the Intercultural and Diversity Center.
Whited made it a point to refute common misconception that the center is only for those with minority backgrounds. She said this is actually not the case at all; everyone is welcome in the IDC.
"I've heard people say, 'I'm so tired of people pushing diversity on us all of the time,' " said Whited. "Students should feel comfortable coming in here and not worry about doing anything."
But for those that want to get involved, the IDC offers a broad range of programs and activities. From their Film Series and Guided Dialogue, featuring films such as "Crash," and "Brokeback Mountain," to their Life and Learning Workshops, their Diversity and Leadership Panel Discussion Series, Cultural Dance Expressions, and Cultural Bazaars, there is something to interest everyone.
The center offers cultural enrichment programming and leadership experience that raises the awareness of issues of diversity while maintaining a university climate. The IDC calls itself "a place where leaders are made," and to achieve this provides a number of opportunities which foster involvement and future success.
"Students can gain experiences serving as a Diversity Advocate or obtain a paid internship through the Minority Higher Education Program," said Whited.
The Student Diversity Advocates Course is an academic and advocacy group composed of undergraduate students. Through presentations and workshops to groups in the university community, these advocates earn credit hours.
MHEP, on the other hand, is a division of UB's affirmative action endeavors. This program allows for underrepresented students interested in a career in higher education the chance to gain work experience.
"At first I didn't know what to expect," said Naomi Pabon, a senior theater major and intern in the program.
After some time in the program however, Pabon said that it had been beneficial. After being on various planning committees and having both control and the opportunity to add her input to projects overall resulted in a very rewarding experience, and added up to more than the average internship.
"I like to know that I'm being productive and not just getting someone's coffee," she said.
Other components of the IDC include the ALANA (African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American) Celebration of Achievement, and their Mentor Program.
Since the IDC is an abundant source of resources and information, it is only appropriate that a satellite office of the UB Community Police is housed within the center. From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, or by appointment, anyone can stop by and talk with an officer about any questions or concerns.
With awareness of the center growing, the level of people taking notice and stopping in is rising.
"I think the fact that UB continues to build upon their already diverse and unique programs for its student body population says a lot about its dedication to student welfare," said Tiffany Ladon, a senior social sciences major.
According to Whited, the IDC is the result of the work of both students and faculty members.
"More faculty and staff from around the university have come by so it's allowed us to be collaborative," said Whited.
And rightly so. In a large university setting like UB, with people from a wide spectrum of backgrounds, many people feel that everyone should be entitled to take full advantage of all of the resources, programs and information the IDC has to offer.
"Everyone has culture," said Whited. "It's not for the minority."
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
