Cal Poly’s Pride Center recently moved to the University Union in an effort to allow more students access to the facilities in a more central, familiar location.
“Everybody is really excited that (the move) is sending the right message,” said Pride Center coordinator Erin Echols. “It’s a great location and a more comfortable space to be in and people are really liking it.”
For more than two years the Pride Center was located at 52-T, a trailer located near the science building with limited space and out of immediate view to many students, Echols said.
“The typical usage of the center two years ago was maybe two or three people at a time using the center,” Echols said. “By this fall it was packed full of people, and we had obviously over grown the space.”
People who came to the center were often found waiting to use one of the computers or sitting on the floor because of limited seating, Echols said.
Members of the Pride Center asked the university for a permanent space, and hoped to eventually move to the UU. This fall, the University Union Advisory Board voted for the rose float office to move downstairs, creating an open spot for the Pride Center.
“The right people started discussing this move, and started making an effort to move locations,” Echols said. “It was really good timing and we’re all really excited to be in (the UU). It’s exactly the space we wanted.”
The Pride Center is now located in one big room, as opposed to the old location where two trailers were combined creating a barrier and limited space. It’s actually bigger than the Women’s Center and the MultiCultural Center, Echols said.
The four computers and couches make for a comfortable space for students to work on projects or socialize.
As part of its services, the Pride Center offers PRISM, a peer counseling service available by appointment or during on-call hours.
“Potential new students have seen Pride Centers at other schools, and compare them to our new location and feel more comfortable with where the center is now,” Echols said.
Though he hasn’t heard anything negative about the new location, student coordinator and recreation, parks and tourism administration junior Jessica Cresci is worried that people will be hesitant to come into the center because of the more noticeable location.
“One of our biggest fears is that we’re afraid (of) being in such a public location, that people will be too afraid to come in,” Cresci said.
Cresci’s said he urges students not to be afraid to come into the Pride Center, and hopes others will not make assumptions about the people coming through the center.
The Pride Center is in the UU room 209 across from the entrance to the Bishop’s lounge and is open between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.