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Student Success & Academic Excellence Division of Student Affairs

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Cultural Academic Resource Centers

Our Commitment: The Cultural Academic Resource Centers (CARC) serve as vital resource hubs, cultivating a vibrant and inclusive community. These centers support students throughout their academic journeys, providing affirming spaces that celebrate their experiences and foster a strong sense of belonging. By empowering students to pursue their academic and career goals, the CARCs play a pivotal role in shaping their college experience—helping them grow as engaged scholars and future leaders.

Cultural Academic Resource Centers Map

CARCs: Latest Updates

The Division of Student Affairs is excited to share updates on the relocation of Sacramento State’s Cultural Academic Resource Centers (CARCs). These moves are part of a broader effort to foster more inclusive and culturally affirming environments across campus.

This initiative directly supports Strategic Activity 15: Expand the capacity of cultural centers to provide essential academic supports by increasing staff and ensuring adequate physical space by Fall 2025, under the leadership of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

  • The Serna Center and the Dreamer Resource Center will now operate from separate physical spaces. While collaboration between the two centers will continue, this change acknowledges the distinct needs of the Latine and undocumented student communities. Previously, sharing one location may have inadvertently reinforced the misconception that all undocumented students are Latine. Establishing dedicated spaces for each center ensures all students are accurately represented, affirmed, and supported. The Serna Center’s new space allows for a larger footprint, a growing team, and a more vibrant representation of Latine cultures and identities.
  • The Dreamer Resource Center (DRC) is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a move to a newly expanded location in Lassen Hall 3003. This space enhances the DRC’s ability to serve a diverse undocumented student population with more robust services and support.
  • To strengthen Sacramento State’s role as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), the Full Circle Project (FCP) has relocated to join the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Center in Lassen Hall 2200. This co-location supports scale services, streamline programming, and more effective collaboration to meet the evolving needs and enhance support for the over 7,000 students who identify as APIDA.
  • Sacramento State proudly enrolls one of the highest numbers of Native American students in the CSU system. In support of their success, the Esak’tima’ Center has relocated to Library 1010, adjacent to the Native American College. This strategic move strengthens collaboration to provide academic and career support services that assist and advocate for Native student populations and further elevate connections to tribal communities.
  • The Multi-Cultural Center (MCC) has a new executive suite in University Library 1000A! This transition marks more than just a change in location—it’s an opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen our commitment to the entire campus community to foster greater cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. As we step into this next chapter, the expanded Multi-Cultural Center team—now consisting of a director, coordinator, assistant program coordinator, and intern—will lead efforts to strengthen collaboration to connect identities, communities, and campus units.

We thank you for your ongoing partnership and support as we continue working to create culturally affirming, inclusive, and empowering spaces across campus.

Student Success Programs

Strategic Partnerships

Faculty Scholars

Faculty scholars are essential partners of the Cultural Academic Resource Centers, offering their expertise and leadership to support student success. Through career advising, mentorship, research skill development, and graduate school preparation, they play a vital role in guiding students along their academic and professional paths. Their active engagement with the CARCs ensures that our student scholars not only thrive at the University but are also well-prepared to seize opportunities beyond campus. Additionally, we partner with the University Library to promote information literacy, collaborating with librarians to identify resources and tools that support student research and academic achievement.

Academic Advising

Integrated academic advisors, in partnership with the Academic Advising Center, provide holistic support and resources to students through the Cultural Academic Resource Centers. This collaborative approach enables advisors to tailor guidance to each student’s unique needs, empowering them to make informed choices as they develop academic, co-curricular, extracurricular, and career plans to reach their goals.

Academic Tutoring

In partnership with the Peer Academic and Resource Center (PARC), students have access to subject-specific tutoring designed to meet diverse learning needs. Tutors are trained in culturally responsive strategies that honor varied learning styles and language backgrounds. Academic support services include drop-in tutoring, scheduled appointments, peer-led study groups, and embedded in-class support, all facilitated by PARC.

Career and Professional Development

The Cultural Academic Resource Centers collaborate with the Career Center as well as extend our reach beyond campus, partnering with the broader community to deliver career services, resources, and programs that expand students’ academic and professional opportunities. These collaborations prepare students for a successful transition into the workplace while supporting them in achieving their educational goals and aspirations. Working alongside a network of mentors, employers, and industry leaders, CARC is committed to equipping students with the eight career readiness competencies outlined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Mental Health and Wellness

The Cultural Academic Resource Centers partners with Student Health, Counseling, & Wellness Services and faculty scholars across the campus to enhance outreach and education around holistic mental health and wellness. Together, we aim to raise awareness, normalize help-seeking, and break down the stigma surrounding mental health by centering student voices and lived experiences. Through this collaboration, students have access to resources, programs, and supportive services that equip them with the tools they need to persist, thrive, and succeed in college.