The Cross Cultural Centers (CCC) hosted LA Vida Golden, a two-day event offering fun, relaxing activities that promoted self-care and mental well-being. There were performances as well as vendors and giveaways for all participants.
The two-day series saw a total of 545 participants.
This two-day event provided a space for students to de-stress from the preparations for finals and the graduation ceremony session. There was live music on both days, and dozens of students danced and engaged with the other live performances. The students were also offered gifts and snacks during the event. The student engagement created a sense of community, boosting students spirits as well as creating a feeling of belonging to the larger Cal State LA community.
The learning outcomes of this event for students were a sense of understanding of resources on campus that they can utilize. Students expressed a larger sense of campus pride because they felt seen as people and not just as students; they felt cared for by their campus community. Many faculty members volunteered during the event, and students engaged with their professors in a way that boosted student morale. They felt their professors were looking out for them, caring about their needs and the need to rest and relax.
The data gathered sheds light on students' needs for food security, more mental health programs, enhanced Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and improved building maintenance.
Survey results highlight issues with access to information about campus events and the need for better promotion of mental health programs. Food accessibility tops the list for improving wellness, especially given Cal State LA's location in a food desert, limiting access to healthy options like fruits and vegetables. Expanding Farmers Market hours or increasing service days could help evening students.
Housing accessibility is another crucial factor affecting student well-being, given the housing crisis in Los Angeles. While the campus may be limited in its direct impact on the housing market, collaborating with existing organizations could provide more support. The CCC already provides vital resources like safe spaces, coffee, and refreshments to alleviate some student burdens. These basics are essential for student ease and well-being
The CCC will aim to work to better support students in our programming efforts as well as reach out to our Basic Needs initiatives on campus and off campus to provide more understanding of resources. We also hope to continue a conversation with our faculty champions in the work to provide a community collective care approach in our programs and in our spaces. We will host a Faculty/Mixer (August 31, 2023) to continue these relationships and ask how to support our students as a united Cal State LA support system.
Looking for grant and alumni opportunities will be the goal of our CCC Director to support these efforts.