Boise State University Cultural Center

Center FAQ's
Frequent Ask Question

Why is there a Cultural Center on campus?

To introduce different perspectives and respect for other types of thinking other than dominant thinking.
To provide a place where all students can come and share or learn about culture (theirs or others)
To create understanding about people that come from different cultures and countries.
To raise awareness about issues that have been ignored or marginalized.
To provide opportunities for all to have respectful and meaningful dialogue about issues that are ignored or uncomfortable.

What types of groups are part of the Cultural Center

We support and work with religious, cultural, ethnic and diverse groups on campus, but we also work with dominant culture students in helping them understand their own identity development and the importance of their participation in issues of diversity.

What are the hours the Cultural Center is open?
Summer hours are 8am to 5pm and during the school year the hours are from 8am to 6pm, but we hold many events during the year that often have the doors open past the closing time.

Is the Cultural Center only for ethnic students?
Not at all. The Center is for all students from all cultures and ethnicities, including white. Those that enter the Center should understand that we welcome all cultures, however no one culture will be considered dominant.

Is the Cultural Center a 24 hour access area?
Yes, but you must fill out an application in order to get access after it closes.

Who is eligible to have 24 hours access to the Cultural Center ?

The officers of the organizations that we support get automatic access. Others who use the Center and may not be affiliated with an organization can apply and will be notified if approved.

Does the Cultural Center have computers and printers for student use?
We have 3 computer terminals that students can use and one printer, where student can print no more than 10 pages. The Cultural Center picks up the cost for paper and is not subsidized by lab fees, so we are not able to have students print freely.

Can non-BSU students use the computers in the Cultural Center ?
We give priority to Boise State students. If non- BSU students want to use the computers, there are some general computer kiosks in the outer multicultural lounge and downstairs at Moxie Java that can be used.

What types of events occur at the Cultural Center ?
Discussions, dance lessons, karaoke, workshops, presentations and celebrations. We welcome all students to come and visit and participate in all our events. Even when no events are going on, it is a great place to meet people from different cultures and different countries.

Can student groups have meetings in the Cultural Center ?
Students and groups may utilize the lounge area informally for meetings when there are no events going on, but the lounge is a non-reservation area.

Can student groups bring ethnic food into the Cultural Center ?

Anyone can bring their own food into the Cultural Center , but in order for groups to bring their own food in for a function, they must fill out a food waiver with the Catering and Reservations departments. The gathering for which they make this request, must be only for the members of the group and not the general public. If food is being provided for an open meeting, the groups must go through the catering department.

Where is the Cultural Center located?
We are located on the second floor of the Student Union building right above the student government offices.

Are tutoring and counseling available in the Cultural Center ?

Currently these services are provided on other parts of the campus and in order to not duplicate services, we prefer to refer students to these areas, but if there is a request and a need for these services, the Center would be happy to accommodate students.

Can I eat and do my home work in the Cultural Center ?

Can I watch TV at the Cultural Center ?

We have a television available for viewing videos related to class and homework and at times hook it up to watch certain programs, but the lounge is not a television lounge.

How can I get involved with the Center?
We have several events throughout the year that students can volunteer and get involved with. Some of those include The Tunnel of Oppression in November, Holidays Around the World in December, and the First Generation Mentoring Program. For more information, please stop by the center and fill out a volunteer form or speak with a staff member.