00:00:00 In this section, the transcript excerpt introduces the soft opening of a Multicultural Center at the College of the Canyons, which aims to create a space for students, staff, and faculty to feel safe, share their thoughts, and discuss matters happening in the world. The Center has been created with the purpose of building an authentic relationship with indigenous people, specifically the tatuvian people, who have lived in the land for generations. Dr. Diane Van Hook, the Chancellor at the College of the Canyons, has strongly supported the Multicultural Center, the Equity work on campus, and creating an inclusive culture. The Center’s opening ceremony includes a land acknowledgment, and throughout the day, there are many activities, such as a virtual Center tour, which provides a preview of what the Center will offer virtually until the students come back to the campus.
00:05:00 In this video section, the speaker discusses the significance of the Multiculture Center opening at the College of the Canyons. The Center is seen as a commitment to innovation and planning, reflecting the College’s rich history of offering services and structures to support students and staff from diverse backgrounds. The goal of the Leap team, which led the development of the Center, was not just to talk about innovation and change but to move it forward. The original plan was to open a physical space on campus, but due to the pandemic, the team had to innovate and shift to a virtual world, ensuring that all students feel they belong and have a chance to engage, be listened to, and be met where they are. The speaker emphasizes the importance of engagement, especially during these challenging times when every day brings different barriers to overcome.
00:10:00 In this section of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of breaking down barriers and building relationships with others. They express their hope that the newly opened Multicultural Center will serve as a space for students and staff to connect and showcase a variety of perspectives, programming, and events. The speaker highlights upcoming events such as diversity talks, anti-black racism podcasts, and discussions on Islam and science. They thank all those involved and encourage viewers to raise their hand, volunteer, and take risks to bring people together and support one another. Finally, the speaker notes the positive impact of the pandemic on student engagement with campus services and dialogues.
00:15:00 In this section, the speaker acknowledges that the virtual opening of the Multiculture Center has eliminated the barriers of distance, parking, and time, making it more accessible to everyone. The PowerPoint presentation takes the viewers on a journey of the Center’s creation, starting from the need for a women’s center raised by the sociology department to the hard work of the leap team. The Center aims to bring awareness to marginalized groups and ethnicities, including LGBTQ+ and religious groups. The speaker expresses excitement about the Center’s opening and thanks the 82 participants who helped bring it to life, including administration, faculty, staff, and students.
00:20:00 In this section, the speakers expressed gratitude for the college’s students who helped bring a wealth of knowledge and perspective, highlighting that the students brought a common language and a special touch to the project. They lauded community colleges as having open access and the ability to bump shoulders with people from diverse backgrounds. The speakers also provided context for why the space was created, indicating that it would be a resource for the community, particularly the students who have been historically minoritized. Furthermore, they established that the Multicultural Center’s purpose is to create a space where people can express their views, experiences, and identify some creative forces to build bridges and build a community.
00:25:00 In this section, the purpose of the College of the Canyon Multiculture Center is discussed, which is to provide a safe and brave space for historically marginalized groups on the campus with the aim of increased diversity, equity, and inclusion. The vision of the center is to engage, encourage, empower, equip and enrich students and the campus community by learning from individuals who have different backgrounds and identities. Subsequently, the logo of the center is presented, which represents growth, unity, and diversity. The video also highlights the events that are planned for Black History Month and the importance of diversity and inclusion.
00:30:00 In this section of the transcript, the speaker talks about the upcoming events that will be held at the Multicultural Center during the month of February, with a focus on hosting a string of Campus events during the Flex week. The Multicultural Center will be offering several sessions, such as courageous conversations and transforming the cultural fabric of the college. There will also be a strong focus on coping strategies for virtual learning and how to enhance professional skills and practices for students and faculty members. The event will culminate in an Open Mic featuring poetry, spoken word, and art from students, staff, and faculty. Moreover, the center will offer alliances to mentor and provide support to historically underrepresented students to create a sense of belonging and to help them with their struggles and concerns.
00:35:00 In this section, various Alliance leads at College of the Canyon’s Multiculture Center opening session shared their groups’ missions and goals for promoting diversity and inclusion. The Latinx Alliance provides mentorship and support to Hispanic and Latinx students and partners with the school’s resources to address their needs. The Black Student Alliance focuses on building a sense of community and connecting students to resources on and off campus. The Trans Alliance provides a safe space for transgender, non-binary, and questioning students to connect, learn, and discuss issues. Finally, the Veterans Alliance Organization Valor is a community for student veterans to connect and support one another. All Alliance leads are committed to advocating for marginalized students and using the Multiculture Center as a resource hub to improve their experiences.
00:40:00 In this section, representatives from different organizations and programs at the College of the Canyon discuss their efforts to support underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The STEM Equity Alliance aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for students belonging to underrepresented communities such as women, undocumented students, LGBTQ+, and students of color. The organization connects students with resources, professional networks, and mentors to address the inequities and increase representation in STEM fields. Similar commitments are made by the Autism Social Alliance, which provides support to students on the autism spectrum, including social events, and the Valor club, which assists veterans to transition to civilian life by providing networking opportunities and resources for problem-solving.
00:45:00 In this section, various student representatives introduce and provide information about the multicultural alliance groups on campus, including the First Generation Student Alliance and the LGBTQ+ and Ally-focused GSA. They give details about the groups, their upcoming meetings and events, and how to get involved. Then, a virtual tour of the Multicultural Center is introduced, showcasing its structure, content, and features such as a map of the schedules and images of the programming. The tour highlights events and discussions around topics such as anti-racism, student athletes, sexual assault, and Black History Month.
00:50:00 In this section, the speakers excitedly explore College of the Canyon’s Multicultural Center, commenting on the vibrant artwork and diverse array of events that will be held there. They discuss the importance of creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to come together and learn about each other. The center aims to promote equity and inclusion, with programming that includes literature, culture, LGBTQ+ awareness, autism, and STEM equity, among others. As they approach the exterior, the speakers reflect on how the center symbolizes the multi-dimensional nature of their own cultural identities. The video ends with a teaser about the potential expansion of the campus.
00:55:00 In this section, a proposal is made for an additional resource center called the Infinity Room. This room would act as a common ground for faculty and students to obtain a variety of resources, including those that will cater to the needs of dreamers, LGBTQIA, Muslim appreciation, prayer, and among others. The resource center will be a platform designed for multi-purpose use, similar to the Staples Center. Additionally, the video features several students who have been involved in the planning process for the Multicultural Center at Call of the Canyon, all of which highlight the importance of a safe and welcoming community on campus that values diverse cultures, traditions, and knowledge.
01:00:00 In this section of the video, students and panelists discuss the importance and impact of the newly opened Multicultural Center at College of the Canyon. They emphasize that the center provides a welcoming and comfortable space for students of various backgrounds to come together and share their traditions and experiences without fear of judgment or feeling out of place. The hope is to see the center promote diversity and help students grow individually through conversations and support from others with similar experiences. The panelists, including the president of the Islamic cultural society and members of the latinx alliance, share their personal experiences with similar student groups at COC and how it helped them find their voice and support system. They express that the center is a step towards creating a united community that recognizes and values the diversity of its members.
01:05:00 In this section of the video, a group of students share their experiences and motivations for getting involved in the Multiculture Center (MCC) at College of the Canyon. Christian, a “comeback student,” credits the MCC as a place where he began to figure out who he is and what he wants to do. He sees the MCC as an opportunity to give back and create positive change, emphasizing the importance of unity and taking advantage of opportunities. Another student, Brian, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to work on the MCC project and hopes that it will benefit future students. Christian also shares his personal motivation, including his identity as a member of the Armenian diaspora and the recent conflict in Armenia. The MCC is seen as a space where students from different backgrounds can come together and create positive change.
01:10:00 In this section of the video, individuals discuss their motivations for getting involved with the Multicultural Center at College of the Canyon. They touch on issues such as the importance of creating safe spaces for minority groups, the need for equity-mindedness, and the desire for actions to match words in addressing these issues. The panelists discuss how they were brought into the movement and how different individuals influenced and motivated them to get involved in the center’s creation.
01:15:00 In this excerpt, speakers discuss the motivation behind the efforts to create the Multicultural Center at College of the Canyons. Brian explains that his involvement started with working with undocumented and DACA students who lacked support programs at the institution. This led to his collaboration with Lorraine to create the Islamic Culture Society which later sparked their involvement in planning the MCC. Meanwhile, Jace’s motivation stemmed from being a first-generation college student and realizing the need to do something for the students who are falling through the gaps of institutions of higher education. Both speakers emphasized the importance of taking action and not being bystanders in creating change.
01:20:00 In this section, the speakers discuss their motivations for creating the Multicultural Center and making a change. Jace commends the first-generation students and the opportunity that drove them to where they are today, while also highlighting her own efforts to grow the population of African-American males graduating in college. Noreen shares her personal experiences with the tragedies going on in the world and the need for this center to be a support group for those communities. Brian’s motivation lies in the lack of services for underrepresented student groups and his desire to ensure that future students have access to these services, especially those who might suffer from impostor syndrome.
01:25:00 In this video section, students and faculty members discuss their motivations for opening the Multicultural Center at College of the Canyon. They discuss how the center will provide students with access to the resources they need to succeed and the motivation to keep them going. They also discuss the importance of providing a platform for the youth to find hope and inspiration, no matter what age they are. The students hope that the center will bring unity to not only the minority communities but the entire community of Santa Clara. Lastly, they discuss their desire to leave things better than they found it and to inspire future generations to do the same.
01:30:00 Safe and welcoming space for students of different cultures, ethnicities, religions, and sexualities who need representation and support services. As a minority herself, Noreen recognizes the hardships that students face and how having access to resources and support can help ensure their success. For Brian, the MCC is a way to break down barriers and provide a seat at the table for everyone, especially those who may not conform to societal norms. Christian sees the MCC as a place of comfort and a piece of the home where students can be themselves and reflect on their family traditions and cultural backgrounds that are important to them. Overall, having a Multicultural Center on campus is crucial in providing resources, support, and representation for students from diverse backgrounds.
01:35:00 In this section, speakers from the College of Canyon Multiculture Center opening session discuss the benefits of having a Multicultural Center on campus. They emphasize the importance of having a physical space for students to come together, share their journeys, and learn from one another. The Multicultural Center enables students to work together and push their message outside the smaller bubbles they were previously confined to. They highlighted the example of Vita, an articulate Latina student who encouraged other students to become college-educated and gave hope to younger students from similar backgrounds. This center allows for building a big enough table to fit everyone, as it inspires students to be someone and helps inspire younger students who are still finding their path.
01:40:00 In this section of the video, speakers discuss the importance of representation and the motivation it provides for students. They emphasize the need for a safe space like the Multiculture Center (MCC) to make students feel welcomed and supported. Speakers envision the MCC as a place where students can come together, chat, hang out, and get support from each other. The hope is to create a space where the students can imagine themselves as successful and see positive representations of their own cultures. The speakers also mention the inspiration they’ve gained from other similar programs on campus, such as the Mesa program. Overall, the speakers envision the MCC as a space to build a community and to support one another.
01:45:00 In this section of the video, students and faculty members discuss the importance of having a multicultural center (MCC) on campus. They note how MCCs can serve as a central meeting spot for students to come together and find support and comfort away from the academic stress of college. The conversation also touches on the need for specific cultural clubs within the MCC, particularly for an Armenian Club in response to recent events, and the power of finding unity in supporting one another’s struggles. The hope is for the MCC to become a place where students can find that support and have a home away from home, with professors, peers, and faculty members advocating for and guiding them.
01:50:00 In this section, two speakers reflect on the impact of mentorship and community on their college experiences. They discuss their own experiences with imposter syndrome and the importance of having someone who knows you as a person and an academic to validate your ideas and remind you that you belong. The speakers also talk about the importance of fostering a multicultural campus and having a Multicultural Center to nurture a sense of community and enrich the overall student experience. They reflect on their own experiences at College of the Canyons and how the resources and mentorship they received there helped them excel in their careers.
01:55:00 In this section, three individuals talk about their experiences with the Multicultural Center and how it has enriched their college careers. Brian speaks about how support from the community was essential in combating imposter syndrome and instilling confidence. Lorraine discusses how being a part of Mesa has allowed her to work among students from different majors and ethnicities which has helped her grow personally. Christian speaks about how teaming up with people has helped him meet new individuals and that he hopes the Multicultural Center will create more opportunities for people to help each other. All three individuals express excitement about the potential of the Multicultural Center, which could be “Mesa 2.0” and encourage students to join them in participating.
02:00:00 In this section, a group of individuals discuss their vision for the Multicultural Center at the College of the Canyons, which they see as a space for students and faculty to unwind and connect with others who come from different cultural backgrounds. They also see the center being a space for students to learn more about other cultures and to bond over shared experiences, providing a sense of comfort and unity. The Multicultural Center is seen as an opportunity for students to connect with faculty and enhance their student experience. The group believes that the center can serve as an Icebreaker that connects people who may have different ethnicities, nationalities, or backgrounds.
02:05:00 In this section, the speakers discuss the significant influence of the College of the Canyons on their academic careers and personal lives. They credit the college’s abundant resources and excellent academic preparation, which put them in a position to excel academically. The participants discuss their vision for the college’s Multicultural Center, which includes two rooms for different cultures and faiths to practice and present their beliefs, allowing students to fulfill their religious obligations while studying. Additionally, they hope to have a social space that fosters a lively atmosphere conducive to gathering and doing fun activities, similar to the international students’ clubs in other countries.
02:10:00 In this section of the transcript, the College of the Canyon Multiculture Center Opening Session participants discuss their hopes for the center once it opens physically. They express a desire for students, faculty, and administration to come together and celebrate the opening. They also discussed the need for a dedicated prayer room, which was identified as a barrier for a student who had to drive 20 minutes to find one. They hope that the center will provide a space for all students, including those looking for a community to study with on weekends. They believe that the MCC will be able to offer an opportunity for personal development through their commitment to respecting and valuing diversity.
02:15:00 In this section of the video, participants discuss their ideal visions for College of the Canyon’s Multicultural Center (MCC). They envision a physical space with meeting rooms, offices for alliances, and spaces for religious obligations and hanging out. The participants also suggest that student-led programming would be ideal, allowing brilliant minds to facilitate good conversation while also providing academic, personal, spiritual, and emotional support. They further suggest adding an espresso machine, a small cafe, and a gaming room to the MCC, which would serve as a healing space where students could come to heal and receive support. Furthermore, they suggest that the MCC could continue to engage students even after they graduate, by providing newsletters and Zoom links to stay in touch with them.
02:20:00 In this section of the video, the speakers discuss ways to keep students involved with the Multicultural Center even after they transfer to another school. They mention the importance of communication, using social media to keep students updated, and even connecting MCCs between different colleges to expand the network. The speakers also suggest involving alumni in the MCC to provide a source of inspiration and motivation for current and future students. The goal is to create a strong community supporting diversity and cultural awareness beyond College of the Canyons.
02:25:00 In this section of the transcript, students talk about their experiences at College of the Canyons and the potential for a merger between the university and the two-year/three-year program at COC. They discuss the importance of making connections through virtual meetings and offering guidance to current and future students. The panelists emphasize the value of the MCC and how it can provide opportunities beyond academics. They express their appreciation for the school and hope to continue to bring commitment and support to the CLC. Flavio announces different Zoom links for different sessions throughout the day and expresses enthusiasm for the event.