Students Find Community and Support at Pan-African Center

The Pan-African Student Success Center opened its doors in 2016 and became a place for students to get together, find community, study during breaks, and meet with student organizations. The center also connects students to both on- and off-campus resources.

Charles Gaylord, coordinator of the Pan-African Student Success Center, joined the Coyote family in January. In his role, Charles creates co-curricular programming for the African American student population and works with CSUSB’s other affinity centers, including the Asian Pacific Islander, LatinX, and First Peoples’ Centers.

The programming allows students to “meet each other, to learn more about their identity, but also to just have fun,” said Charles.

In addition to programming, Charles oversees the day-to-day operations of the center and provides council to student organizations, specifically CSUSB’s black student organizations.

Each semester, the center hosts about six events. Fall semester kicked off with the Welcome Black BBQ. According to Charles, “Great turnout. Great feedback from students and staff, so that’s something that we’re looking to make an annual event.”

Their next event will be a mixer during Homecoming on Oct. 14 from 6-8 p.m. at the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art. It will be an opportunity for students to connect with CSUSB’s black faculty, staff, and alumni and learn the importance of networking.

The center continues to follow Covid-19 protocols to provide a safe space for students. It is open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Follow the Cross Cultural Center’s Instagram @SMSU.CCC for additional resources. Call 909-537-7204 or click the link below for more information.

To access information about the Pan-African Student Success Center, click here