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Spring 2026 Hours:

M - TH | 8:00 am to  4:30 pm

F | 8:00-3:00 pm

 

Contact:

Dr. Lauren Vaknin
Dean of Student Engagement and Belonging

 

 

 

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. 

 

Student Benefit Sticker

  • 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

Expand All | Collapse All

May Culture & Community Circle

april culture and community circle 2026

 

Culture and Community Circle Flyer (PDF)

 

Breaking the Model: Asian American Shorts Collection
May 6, 2026 | 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Student Center, 1st Floor
In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, join us for Breaking the Model. This collection of diverse short films challenges the “model minority” myth by sharing multifaceted personal stories from across the AAPI community. Please join us for the incredible stories or drop by for the snacks! Pizza, drinks, and snacks provided while supplies last.


Getting Back to OK: Managing Stress Through Your Nervous System
May 6, 2026 | 2:00 to 3:00 pm
Presented by: Lauren Cardoso, Mental Health Counselor
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 steadier.

Join this event via Zoom


Together We Remember: Pride
May 7, 2026 | 1:30 to 2:30 pm
Queer Student Center, I-107
Join us for a fun and engaging Pride themed game as we explore important moments in LGBTQ+ history and enjoy food while you’re here.


Expressions: AAPI
May 12, 2026 | 12:00 to 2:00 pm
Library (LRC), C-102
Let’s celebrate Asian American Pacifier Islander Month with Karaoke. Food will be provided

 

Kumu Hina
May 13, 2026 | 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Student Center, 1st Floor
In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, join us for Kumu Hina. This moving film follows a Native Hawaiian teacher who preserves the sacred tradition of the Māhū, those who embody both male and female spirit. It is a powerful story of identity, community leadership, and Indigenous grace. Please join us for the incredible stories or drop by for the snacks! Pizza, drinks, and snacks provided while supplies last.

 

The Out List—Documentary
May 13, 2026 | 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Queer Student Center, I-107
This documentary includes LGBTQ leaders who share personal stories of identity, struggle, and acceptance in America.


(A)Sexual—Documentary
May 20, 2026 | 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Queer Student Center, I-107
This documentary follows asexual individuals and their experiences living in a sex focused society.


PRIDE Flag Raising Ceremony
May 29, 2026 | 11:30 am to 12:00 pm
In front of the flagpole
The first of June marks the beginning of Pride Month across the United States and around the world. Please join us as we kick off San Diego’s Pride Month and raise
the Progress Pride Flag in celebration and affirmation of intersectionality, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at Cuyamaca.

Civic Engagement Workshop Series

Civic Engagement SP 2026

 

 

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.

Join this event via Zoom

 

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

Join this event via Zoom

 

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 Hleath 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: 

 

 

Related Resources

Student Conduct Procedures