The Center for Belonging helps bring students on the Oakland campus together as a community. Discover rich cultural programming and opportunities for employment and leadership to build the skills you need to create positive change, locally and globally. Take advantage of community spaces for historically marginalized student populations and the broader Northeastern community.

Two young women smile while pinning locations on a large world map, with one woman placing a pin and the other looking on. The scene is bright and appears to take place in a classroom or community space.

Student activities

Throughout the academic year, we celebrate diverse cultural experiences through seven recognized heritage months: Arab Diaspora Heritage Month; Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander+ Heritage Month; Black History Month; Indigenous Heritage Month; Latinx Heritage Month; OUTober (LGBTQIA+ Month); and Women’s History Month. 

Programs during these months range from dialogues exploring history, power, and privilege through an intersectional lens to cultural performances to celebrations featuring delicious ethnic cuisines.

A young man with glasses and a white shirt holds a microphone and speaks at an indoor event. He wears a name tag. Another person with blond hair is blurred in the foreground.

Leadership development

The center facilitates opportunities for holistic leadership development at every stage of a student’s journey. Students can apply these skills to their personal lives, academics, professional work, and community advocacy.

Lounges

To support community building on campus, the center manages lounge spaces in Rothwell Center for student affinity groups and the general student community. Refer to the campus map (PDF) for specific locations.


Cyclone Rec Room

The Cyclone Recreation Room provides a comfortable space for students to come together. This rec space and lounge is furnished with tables, a television, booths, comfy bean bag chairs, and couches for hanging out. The lounge is stocked with board games, card games, and a ping pong table.


LGBTQIA2S Lounge

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Two Spirit Lounge serves as a hub for students to study and hold meetings, programs, and events. As our population grows and becomes more diverse, we want to ensure our LGBTQIA2S community has a space to gather and find community. All students are encouraged to hang out, study, and meet here with the expectation that they respect the community this space serves.


Mary Atkins Legacy Lounge

The Mary Atkins Lounge historically was space for undergraduate students of a nontraditional age. Honoring the legacy of Mary Atkins and Mills College, the lounge now centers on women and gender-expansive students, but is open to all. The space is equipped with comfortable chairs and sofas, and students have access to a plethora of snacks, coffee, and tea; a communal fridge; and communal school supplies. Check with the front desk for access during open hours.


Solidarity Lounge

The Solidarity Lounge, or S Lounge, frequently is the venue for student-based group meetings, discussions, and events. This multiroom lounge also serves as a quiet study space and is stocked with a range of school supplies, refreshments, and a small library. A prayer/meditation room is available for use by people of any faith, religion, or spiritual practice.


Student Leadership Lounge

The Student Leadership lounge is available for student leaders to gather for club meetings, hold office hours, or connect. There is meeting space as well as supplies and materials.


Study Room

The Study Room is a private space for study sessions, counseling sessions, interviews, and more. This lounge is equipped with desks, office chairs, a couch, a television, a sound machine, and study materials.


Questions?

Rothwell Center
[email protected]