The Cultural Oasis: A Space by and for Students of Color

A Community Space by and for students of color

Image of the cultural oasis room with chairs, a wall-mounted tv and two computer stations
The cultural oasis room filled with students

Location
Sullivan Building
36 S. Wabash Ave., rm 1425
14th floor
Chicago, IL 60603

Building Hours
Fall and Spring semesters:
7-days per week 7:00 a.m.– 10:00 p.m.
Summer and Winter semesters:
7:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m.

 

Cultural Oasis: A Space by and for students of color is the realization of an action item of the Anti-Racism Committee, a group of more than 80 students, faculty, and staff formed in 2020 to identify ways to make SAIC more inclusive and equitable. This newly renovated space was designed by students of color as a dedicated student place to meet, relax, recharge, and create community.

The Cultural Oasis is a host to a variety of programs designed to center the narratives of our students of color and promote cultural diversity and inclusion. These include Affinity Group events, Heritage awareness programming, Multicultural Affairs Affinity Communities (MAAC) meetings, as well as other events planned by and with students who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian, Asian American, and as a person of color.

Amenities include a lounge area, community library, kitchenette, coffee-maker, audio visual equipment, and computer stations. An enclosed meditation/quiet room within the Cultural Oasis is equipped with customizeable lighting for spiritual or wellness needs. Gender-neutral restrooms are located next to the Cultural Oasis.

 
Laura Bustamante posing with the Cultural Oasis room sign

Staff Support
Onsite staff are available to assist students. Please contact us for any questions or if you're interested in planning events in the space. 

Contact
Laura Bustamante
The Cultural Oasis Coordinator
Sullivan Building
36 S. Wabash Ave., Ste 1203
lgomez3@saic.edu