Students and faculty gathering outdoors around picnic tables for a social discussion on campus
WSU Vancouver

Center for Intercultural Learning and Affirmation

Explore identity, culture and community

The Center for Intercultural Learning and Affirmation (CILA) is a welcoming space where you can explore identity, connect with others and take part in programs that celebrate culture and community.

Whether you’re looking for peer support, leadership opportunities or ways to meet new people, CILA connects you with cultural events, student organizations and mentorship opportunities, while providing a space to be yourself.

Get Involved with CILA

Upcoming events

Join CILA for cultural celebrations, student-led conferences and interactive workshops. Find upcoming events on WSU Involve and the WSU Vancouver events calendar.

View CILA events
Campus events calendar

Questions?

Email: van.cila@wsu.edu
Phone: 360-546-9182
Location: CILA is located in the Firstenburg Student Commons, Room 102 and 104.

CILA Schedule

  • Monday9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Tuesday9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Wednesday9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Thursday9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Friday9:00am – 5:00pm
A cheerful WSU Vancouver student leader shouting enthusiastically into a megaphone at an outdoor campus event

Gather at CILA

The CILA community space in Firstenburg Student Commons, Room 104, is open to all students. Stop by to:

  • Study, relax or spend time between classes
  • Connect with peers and student leaders
  • Use the study area, charging stations and computers, with a video setup for virtual meetings
  • Borrow books from the CILA Library
  • Meet with others, work on projects or host a student group

CILA is a place to connect, learn, reflect and get involved on campus.

Support and resources

These organizations offer cultural connection and community programs in the region. While many focus on specific communities, all students are welcome to explore and engage with these resources.

Find support on campus

Explore campus resources and services that can help you navigate college, meet your basic needs and succeed at WSU Vancouver.

Current student resources
Basic Needs Resource Center

Report discrimination

If you experience or witness actions that stereotype, harass, exclude or harm someone based on part of their identity, you can report it.

File a report

Meet the CILA team

Adam Bates

Adam Bates

Campus Director of Student Life and Intercultural Learning
Email Addressadam.bates@wsu.edu
LocationFirstenburg Student Commons (VFSC) 123
Phone(360) 546-9089
Mandipa Masike

Mandipa Masike

Center for Intercultural Learning & Affirmations Advisor
Email Addressmandipa.masike@wsu.edu
LocationFirstenburg Student Commons (VFSC) 129
Phone(360) 546-9436

Mission Statement

CILA supports you in exploring who you are, connecting with others, and growing through learning and leadership. CILA works with students from a wide range of cultural, social and educational backgrounds to build a strong sense of community on campus.

Through workshops, events and student-led programs, CILA encourages conversations about identity, culture and lived experience. These opportunities help you build confidence, expand your perspective and develop skills that support your success.

  • Hosting events and workshops that focus on identity, culture and real-life experience
  • Offering a welcoming space to meet, reflect and connect
  • Supporting student leaders who plan and lead educational programs
  • Partnering with campus groups, local schools and community organizations

Faculty and staff are encouraged to recommend CILA programs as part of the student learning experience. To explore how CILA events might connect with your course or department goals, contact the CILA director.

Learning outcomes

By participating in CILA programs, you will gain insight into yourself and others. Whether attending a single workshop or becoming more involved, you will grow as a learner, leader and community member.

When you who engage with CILA, you will be able to:

  • Talk more confidently about your own background and experiences
  • Listen across differences and ask thoughtful, respectful questions
  • Notice when perspectives are missing and consider how to address that