Chicanx Latinx Student Center (CLSC)

Since the creation of the Chicanx Latinx Student Center (CLSC) in the early 1970’s the core mission has been to promote self-determination for Chicanx Latinx Students at Washington State University; this core mission has continued to be refined and shaped into what the center is today. While there is a focus on our Latinx students, the CLSC assists all WSU students, regardless of ethnicity, culture, community, heritage and linguistic background. This help is offered via culturally relevant services that coincide with the goals of the Office of Multicultural Student Services, meant to aid in the successful transition, adaptation, persistence, achievement and graduation of all our students. Therefore, with support of many WSU sister and partner programs, the Center is a strong community of Cougar support. Students at the CLSC receive academic advising, mentoring, tutoring, and are engaged in social and cultural programming, while simultaneously being encouraged to reach out to WSU’s resources all across campus. Our students also engage in intra-center cultural enrichment activities within the CUB fourth floor community, and the university as a whole. The CLSC is also very proud to be a place of not only academic and cultural support but also a space where student leaders, within the 19 active student organizations, share, lead and communicate their student voices. 

Formerly know as the Chicana/o Latina/o Student Center, we have changed our name to keep up with changing times; this name change was made in conjunction with the Chicanx Latinx Student Alliance, the umbrella organization formed by student leaders. As you may know, the spanish language is a binary language with male and female versions of most words. Due to a history of patriarchy, the male version of a word is always used when even one "male" is present, trumping any and all female objects or individuals. This not only creates a sexist language but also fails to validate our non-binary community members. Student leaders in our community felt it was necessary to transition to a more inclusive and welcoming name so that we may serve everyone in our community and no one feels alienated.