The colorful corner of Oregon Hall is plentiful in resources for students, granting assistance in all aspects of campus life. Upon walking through the center, the most noticeable features are vibrant colors that fill the walls, displaying photographs dedicated to leaders across various cultures.
Directly through the CMAE is the office of Liv Braiker, whose door is decorated with an oil painting of Pedro Pascal. Braiker, the CMAE’s administrative coordinator, greets those around her with a warm smile. As she oversees connections the CMAE has with various groups, Braiker explains the CMAE falls under the umbrella of the Division of Equity and Inclusion and is “more on the academic side of the Multicultural Center (MCC).”
While discussing what the center has to offer students, Braiker said her favorite feature is the advising services. The CMAE hosts holistic advising. “We want to take a broader look at your academic career,” Braiker said. This includes looking at a student’s physical and mental health, as well as providing resources to social communities. Flyers for cultural based groups such as Asian Desi Pacific Islander, Rumbas and Super Soul are displayed throughout the center. Appointments with the advising team can be made through Navigate and are also available during drop-in hours, Monday through Friday, 10 am-12 pm and 1-4:00 pm.
During my first week at UO, I made an appointment at the CMAE for academic advising with Ixchel Verdugo. Together, we created my course plan for the upcoming two years, making a brief structure to rely on when registering for classes in the upcoming terms. As I explained I was a first generation student, Verdugo (after congratulating me) assured me the CMAE holds the potential to be beneficial to my academic career. Finding the CMAE felt like finding a helping hand, one I can continue to rely on in upcoming years.
Verdugo, whose office features two pictures of Selena Quintanilla, a beloved Hispanic singer, is one of the three academic advisors within the center. While discussing their work, both Verdugo and Braiker shared the goal of holistic advising is to help students navigate their day to day lives.
“If you’re feeling a lack of connection, we are definitely a good resource,” Verdugo said. She understands her job is more than academic advising. Verdugo said that during appointments, she tries to gather information from the student’s overall sense of well being. Questions such as “have you had enough to eat today,” and “are you managing your time well,” are frequently asked during appointments.
Advising is just one branch off the tree of resources available at the CMAE. Drop in and scheduled tutoring is available and the Resource Pond lends textbooks, calculators and iClickers for free. The CMAE also has graduation gowns available for borrowing and is always open to donations. The center is home to drop in advising with university psychologists Gonzalo Camp on Fridays and Mariko Lin on Wednesdays.
Both Verdugo and Braiker agreed the CMAE is a dedicated resource to all underrepresented students. First generation students, transfer students, nontraditional students, BIPOC students, LGBTQ+ students and so many others can seek the help they need at the CMAE.
