Student Engagement and Belonging Office
The Student Engagement and Belonging Office at Cuyamaca College (building I-121) is
the one-stop area for student engagement opportunities offering you numerous ways
to become involved on campus.
By taking an active role on campus, you will not only meet new students and enhance
your college experiences, but you will also augment your leadership skills. Take advantage
of the wide array of available opportunities - participate in student organizations,
serve on committees, run for elected office, plan a campus event, and/or participate
in leadership development training programs.
- Spring Semester 2026 discounts
- $12.00 cost for the student benefit cards
Students can purchase Benefit cards through Self-Service or the Cuyamaca Cashiers Office. Benefit Card stickers are available for pickup at the Student Engagement and Belonging Office.
Resource Flyers:
Student Event Flyers: Spring Semester 2026
April Culture & Community Circle
Culture and Community Circle Flyer (PDF)
Chris La Tray: Poet, Memoirist, Educator
April 9, 2026 | 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Location: Student Center I-207, I-208, and I-209
Chris will be discussing his journey in becoming a writer, exploring his Indigenous
roots, and excerpts of his award-winning poetry collection,One-Sentence Journal: Short
Poems and Essays from the World at Large, as well as his new memoir, Becoming Little
Shell, which won the Pacific Northwest Book Award, Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction
of the Year, and Book Riot’s Best Book of the Year
Healthy Relationships & Emotional Safety
April 13, 2026 | 11:00 am to Noon
Presented by: Lauren Cardoso, Mental Health Counselor
Have you ever had a gut feeling that something in a relationship wasn’t right, but
couldn’t explain why? Come and learn about common green and red flags in relationships,
healthy communication patterns, and how to set and respect boundaries. You’ll leave
with skills for navigating dating, friendships, and conflict while maintaining your
emotional safety.
Together We Remember: Middle Eastern North African History Month
April 14, 2026 | 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Location- C-102
Celebrate MENA culture with us! Sip tea, enjoy music, and create your own art inspired
by Middle Eastern and North African patterns and designs.
Success Talks: Inspiring Stories from the Middle East
April 16, 2026 | 12:30 to 2:00 pm
Presented by Aklas Sheai
Highlighting many mighty notable women who have achieved groundbreaking success and
use their voice to empower and uplift others. They are still paving new ways despite
prejudicial barriers to become invaluable resources for the community in creating
change for women.
Breaking the Silence: Debunking Sexual Assault Myths
April 17, 2026 | 10:00 to 11:00 am
Presented by: Lauren Cardoso, Mental Health Counselor and Amanda Gunn, Mental Health
Counselor
The presenters will examine common myths about Sexual Assault, including victim blaming
and cultural misconceptions that contribute to stigma
Arab American Immigrants: Cultural Identity, Historical Roots, and Contemporary Challenges
April 17, 2026 | 12:30 to 1:30pm
Presented by: Roula Aoneh
This workshop explores the historical roots and evolving cultural identity of Arab
Americans, highlighting their contributions to American society. It also addresses
the challenges they have faced, including stereotypes and social tensions, while emphasizing
their ongoing role in shaping the nation’s growth and progress.
Watch Party: ROI as Economic Liberation: Higher Education’s Moral Obligation
April 21, 2026 | 12:00 to 1:00pm
Location: Black Student Success Center (C-102)
Speakers will examine how institutions must shift their framing away from access-focused
metrics toward outcomes that produce true economic mobility. Food
will be provided.
Watch Party: Basic Needs Support is Institutional, Infrastructure, Not Intervention
April 23, 2026 | 12:00 to 1:00pm
Location: Queer Student Center (I-107)
This session will explore how institutions must operationalize support for food, housing,
mental health, and financial stability needs, and develop these resources as part
of institutional infrastructure rather than peripheral services. Food will be provided.
Eternal Black Eye: Identity, Performance & Healing Together
April 23, 2026 | 3:00 to 5:00 pm
Presented by: Dr. Toshua Cornwell-Clark, Author of Eternal Black Eye
Location: Student Center, I-207
Join us for an inspiring workshop with Dr. Toshua CornwellClark, Author of Eternal
Black Eye. She will examine the relationship between rest, resilience, and identity
and
engaging in dialogue that validates lived experiences and collective healing.
Bridging Dialect and Standard Arabic: Strategies for Learning Heritage
April 27, 2026 | 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Student Center, I-207
Presented by: Ghassan Zakaria
This workshop explores how spoken dialects can support Arabic heritage learners in
developing Modern Standard Arabic. It highlights key challenges, teaching
strategies, and practical applications that strengthen both language skills and identity.
Expressions: MENA Artists
April 30, 2026 | 12:00 to 2:00 pm
Location: C-102
Middle Eastern and North African artists and culture. Middle Eastern food will be
provided.
Civic Engagement Workshop Series
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT 101
February 11 | 12:30 to 1:20 pm | Student Center, I-207
Now more than ever the world needs strong leaders who advocate for change.
Whether you consider yourself an activist or you prefer to work behind the
scenes, we can all better our community. Let’s explore the social and personal
value of civic engagement. After this workshop, you will understand the basics
of civic engagement, learn how to get involved, and know how to market your
experiences on your resume.
COMMUNITY-BASED LEADERSHIP
March 18 | 12:30 to 1:20 pm | via Zoom
Let’s explore Community-Based Leadership - a model of leadership grounded
in collaboration, empathy, and shared purpose. Learn how to engage diverse
voices, challenge single stories, and create inclusive change by leading within
your communities.
ADVOCACY VISION AND VALUES DEVELOPMENT
April 15 | 12:30 to 1:20 pm | via Zoom
Let’s explore the core principles that drive impactful leadership. Learn how to
articulate your personal values that inspire social change. Through engaging
activities, you’ll gain the tools to lead with purpose and create a meaningful
difference in your community
Mental Health Counseling
Cuyamaca College offers free Mental Health Counseling for Cuyamaca College students.
Mental Health Counseling is located in the Health & Wellness Center, I-134 (First floor of the Student Center)
Spring 2026 Hours
Monday and Wednesday:
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tuesday:
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Thursday:
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Friday:
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Request for Mental Health Counseling
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week
Choose: Self Care, Choose: Mental Health
Tuesday, May 5th
Mindful Bites
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Outside the Student Center (I Building)
Snack smarter and feel better with Cuyamaca Cares! During Mental Health Awareness
Week, we’re serving up brain-boosting bites, sharing quick
tips on how food impacts your mood, and connecting you to helpful campus
resources through our Basic Rights Center. Stop by, grab a bite, and boost your mood!
King Kreme
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Outside the Student Center (I Building)
Stop by the Mental Health Counseling tables to learn about resources available and
receive free ice cream from King Kreme.
Mental Health Counseling Resources
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Outside the Student Center (I Building)
Stop by and meet the Mental Health Counselors at Cuyamaca College. Learn about free
resources available for students.
TimelyCare - Mental Health Counseling Resources
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Outside the Student Center (I Building)
Stop by and learn about a new resource available to students. TimelyCare provides 24/7 access to virtual care from anywhere in the United States at no cost. Whether you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, you can talk to a licensed provider to get the care you need via phone or secure video visits.
Paws to Share (Pet Therapy)
12:00 to 2:00 pm
Outside the Student Center (I Building)
Come meet with friendly caninesand puppies. Bringing people and pets Together.
Wednesday, May 6th
Mental Health Counseling Resources
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Outside the Student Center (I Building)
Stop by and meet the Mental Health Counselors at Cuyamaca College. Learn about the
free mental health counseling resources available for students.
TimelyCare - Mental Health Counseling Resources
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Outside the Student Center (I Building)
Stop by and learn about a new resource available to students. TimelyCare provides
24/7 access to virtual care from anywhere in the United States at no cost. Whether
you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, you can talk to a licensed provider to get
the care you need via phone or secure video visits.
Lodo Massage (Self-Care)
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Outside the Student Center (I Building)
Meet with a Massage Therapist for a complimentary 10–15-minute chair massage.
Yoga and Sound Healing
12:00 pm to 1:00pm
Outside the Student Center (I Building)
Sound healing or sound vibrations help soothe the nervous system and balance the body’s
energy. This calming event is the perfect opportunity to practice self-care.
Getting Back to OK: Managing Stress Through Your Nervous System
2:00 to 3:00 pm ZOOM LINK
Presented by: Lauren Cardoso, Mental Health Counselor
Come learn how your body responds to stress and pick up a few practical ways to feel
more settled, so you can think more clearly and feel a bit more steady.
Thursday, May 7
Mental Health Counseling Resources
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Outside the Student Center (I Building)
Stop by and meet the Mental Health Counselors at Cuyamaca College. Learn about free
resources available for students.
TimelyCare - Mental Health Counseling Resources
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Outside the Student Center (I Building)
Stop by and learn about a new resource available to students. TimelyCare provides
24/7 access to virtual care from anywhere in the United States at no cost.
Whether you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, you can talk to a licensed provider
to get the care you need via phone or secure video visits.
Meditation Workshops
Mindfulness Meditation Workshop
A THRIVE and Student Engagement and Belonging collaboration open to students, staff,
faculty, and administrators.
Date(s): Every Wednesday
Time: 4–5 PM
Location: Room D-205
Six-week course beginning March 25
Contact scott.stambach@gcccd.edu for questions
Your vote is your voice! For more info, visit: