Get Involved

Explore opportunities to connect and lead

From joining a student organization or attending cultural events to taking on leadership and mentorship opportunities, CILA offers meaningful ways to explore identity, build connections and find your community at WSU Vancouver. Whether you want to join an established group or start something new, there’s a place for you here.

Explore the ways you can get involved, develop leadership skills and connect with other Cougs through student organizations, programs and events.

Find your community

Looking for ways to connect with others who share your interests, experiences or identities? Explore student organizations, including groups that celebrate different cultures, identities and perspectives.

Explore student organizations

Tips for contacting a student organization:

Launch WSU Involve.
Choose the Organizations tab.
Pick a category.
Select an organization to view meeting times, events, and contact details.

Want to start something new? The Office of Student Life and Intercultural Learning can help you turn your idea into a student organization, including registering your organization and finding an advisor.

Questions?

van.cila@wsu.edu

360-546-9182

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

Heritage Series

These celebrations highlight the cultures, histories, and identities represented on campus. Events often include speakers, performances, art, music and food. Student voices are at the heart of every event.

Heritage months celebrated each year include:

Celebration	Month	Focus of Recognition
Muslim American Heritage Month	January	Celebrates the heritage, history, and contributions of Muslim Americans.
Black History Month	February	Honors the cultures, histories, and achievements of the Black community.
Women’s History Month	March	Celebrates the vital contributions of women to history and modern society.
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month	March	Promotes inclusion and highlights the contributions of people with developmental disabilities.
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month	April	Recognizes the diverse backgrounds and impact of APIDA individuals.
National Arab American Heritage Month	April	Highlights the rich heritage and achievements of Arab Americans.
National Hispanic Heritage Month	September–October	Celebrates the histories and cultures of those with roots in Hispanic and Latin American countries.
Diwali	October-November	Celebrates the traditions, cultural heritage, and significance of Diwali.
National Native American Heritage Month	November	Honors the unique traditions and significant contributions of Indigenous peoples.

Dish-It-Up Speaker Series

A space to hear real stories, ask questions and take part in conversations about identity, leadership and creating change. Guest speakers include students, faculty and community members who share their experiences over lunch.

Annual Graduation Celebration

Each spring, CILA hosts a celebration to recognize graduating students who have been involved in CILA programs. It is a time to reflect, celebrate and enjoy community.

Workshops and leadership development

Led by students for students, these workshops focus on topics such as self-care, personal growth and speaking up for what matters to you. Whether you are leading a session or joining one, you will leave with something meaningful.

Clark County Latino Youth Conference

Held every October, this one-day event brings middle and high school students to campus for hands-on workshops and sessions with local leaders. The goal is to inspire students to see college as part of their future.

Leadership and Peer Mentorship

Make an impact by mentoring, leading workshops and supporting fellow students.

Apply to be a CILA Student Leader

The team of Intercultural Outreach and Retention Leaders facilitates workshops for WSU Vancouver students and high school students on topics such as:

Self-care and wellness
Cultural and gender identity development
The connection between power and privilege

As a student leader, you will mentor new students, support Cougs in their growth, build meaningful connections across campus and become a key part of the CILA community.

Students collaborating on laptops around shared tables inside a WSU Vancouver computer lab

Interested?

Explore the CILA Library

Browse books and other resources in the CILA Library. Stop by CILA to find something to read, learn more about different cultures and perspectives, or spend some time in the space.

Collaborate with CILA

Have an idea for an event, workshop or other student activity? CILA welcomes opportunities to collaborate with students and student organizations. Reach out to explore collaboration opportunities.