Events By Quarter
Beyond the Lab! STEM Community-Building Week
MCC Lounge
The MultiCultural Center, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Graduate Division, Graduate Student Association, American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES), Chicanos in STEM, Los Ingenieros, College of Engineering, National Society of Black Engineers and Scientists (NSBE), Restorative Justice Program, and the Society for Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) present
Beyond the Lab! is a week dedicated to building community and belonging in STEM by centering empowerment, resilience, and holistic wellness. Through interactive events, forums, and resource-sharing, we’re creating spaces for students to connect with peers, Benjamin Banneker Fellows, faculty, and staff—reflect on their experiences, and access resources that support both academic and personal success.
STEM at UCSB is demanding—beyond labs, lectures, and late nights. Care, collaboration, and community are essential to reduce isolation and foster thriving. This week, the MCC invites students to connect across identities and experiences, recognize the strength in diversity, and build networks that uplift and empower.
SCHEDULE 11/12-11/14
- Meet and Greet and Resources Fair
- Wednesday, Nov 12
- MCC Lounge, 12-2pm
- MCC Council – STEM Focus
- Wednesday, Nov 12
- MCC Lounge, 5-7pm
- Spiritual Care Club – Affirmation Cups
- Thursday, Nov 13
- MCC Lounge, 12-1:30pm
- STEM Community Forum
- Thursday, Nov 13
- MCC Lounge, 5-7:30pm
- STEM Clubs Social
- Friday, Nov 14
- MCC Lounge, 12-1:30pm
- Food will be provided at all events
Art Reception – Defying Uglification: the dichotomy between demonization vs. humanization of the body
MCC Lounge
Come celebrate the artists who participated in our Fall 2025 exhibit “Defying Uglification: the dichotomy between demonization vs. humanization of the body". Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. This is an opportunity for artists to feel celebrated and to have the chance to tell and define their stories through their creations! View the exhibit all quarter starting October 9th!
HSP Community Series: A Ki To Be Free - 4th Session
MCC Lounge
Join us for the HSP Community Series, A Ki To Be FREE, a space to share, reflect, and connect around issues at the heart of community and identity. Held on Tuesday at noon in the MCC Lounge on 11/18, this series, in collaboration with the Office of DEI, invites you to bring your lunch and your voice as we explore meaningful questions together.
Our fourth session on November 18th will focus on the theme:
– What does our community need most right now to feel connected and supported?
– What does organizing with care and abundance look like to you?
Each session, we’ll tackle new topics that deepen our understanding of community building, resilience, and support within the unique context of our academic space.
Diaspora Dialogues
Community Dinner
MCC Lounge
Join us for Diaspora Dialogues, an evening of storytelling and community. Students and campus members are invited to share personal experiences of migration, displacement, and belonging, highlighting not just loss, but also resilience, adaptation, and joy. This event will remind us that diasporas are not monolithic, while uncovering the threads that connect us across our differences. Come listen, share, and build solidarity in the community. Dinner will be provided!
Co-Sponsors: Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) and Undocumented Students Services
