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survival
guide
Center works to
improve campus life
By Todd Leland
Special to the On-line Forty-Niner
The Women's Resource
Center at Cal State Long Beach operates to enrich the atmosphere
of campus life, according to Lynne Coenen, WRC assistant director.
The WRC was developed
in 1976 by CSULB students who felt certain issues pertinent
to women were not being addressed. Today the center, managed
by a staff of three full-time employees and many volunteers,
offers many different services to both women and men.
"Many people
believe we are here just to serve women," said Coenen,
who has been on the staff at the center since 1997. "Most
of our programs and forums are insightful for men as well."
Joining Coenen
on the WRC staff are Barbara Sinclair, office manager and
operator of the WRC Web site, and Center Director Marcela
G. Chavez. All three women have worked extensively as political
and social activists both on an off campus to develop networks
of communication benefiting the WRC and women in general.
The staff of the
WRC has created an environment in LA3-105 that caters to the
needs of all students. In the center of the room are sofas
for socializing and a place an exhausted student may take
a break. Surrounding the sofas is an artistic and informative
atmosphere designed to put a visitor at ease, while impressing
upon them issues of social importance to the modern woman.
An extensive book
library wraps around two walls, containing information students
are encouraged to explore.
"Students
come in to the center to relax or have lunch, the atmosphere
is made to be welcoming," said Coenen.
Though the WRC
has a casual and light atmosphere, its purpose is extensive.
The WRC mission is to assist women in their educational, professional,
and personal growth through a diverse and interactive program
of service, advocacy, and education.
"The WRC liaisons
with other departments and organizations on campus to bring
our message to students," said Coenen. "We have
weekly and monthly forums addressing numerous topics ranging
from the benefits of alternative medicine to sexual harassment.
The forums are not always here in the WRC, we go to the students.
Class presentations and round table discussions with sororities
and fraternities play a dynamic role in our ability to reach
the campus community."
Coenen said she
feels the ability of the WRC to reach students has enabled
the center to enlist a large number of volunteers. She also
said she believes the resources the center offers intrigue
students, who then repeatedly return, and finally become involved
in many of the programs and services the WRC offers.
Hara Bastas, a
women studies major, said she became involved with the center
after using it as a research vessel on several occasions
Peer counseling,
workshops and forums are some of the many services the WRC
offers to students on a daily basis. The staff of the WRC
develops workshops that involve self-defense courses and activities
designed to empower women. Coenen said the regularly scheduled
forums address situations women deal with today. Peer counseling
is available in the WRC as well.
"If a student
has a tough time on an exam, problems at home, or more seriously,
has encountered sexual harassment, we are here to listen and
if possible advise," Coenen said.
The center's office
hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To receive
further information, call (562) 985-8687 ex. 8576.
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