By: Magnus Blanchard-Rockhill

Staff-Writer & Advertising Co-Manager

The new campus CUBE, or Center for Understanding, Belonging and Experiences, has completed its search for a coordinator. 

The position has now been filled by Misel Ramirez Vasoli, current Diversity, Equity and Inclusion counselor and adviser to the Latino Student Union and U Bring Change 2 Mind. 

Part of the hiring process involved feedback from affinity club leaders on campus, so some of these leaders were asked for their thoughts on the outcome as well as what they want to see from this space in the future.

Everyone interviewed agreed that they would like to see the space be used to help foster tangible community. Robin Weaver, president of the Queer Straight Alliance, wants to see a clothing closet on campus. 

“It’s something the previous president had always wanted done, and something I’m really passionate about as well,” Weaver said. 

Ana Carmona, president of LSU, said she sees the CUBE “supporting students by being available for club meetings, a place to share ideas, or just a place to hang out with friends!” 

She also mentioned a current lack of community. 

“Most students go home or to work after classes and don’t enjoy being on campus,” Carmona said. Maybe creating an event that would bring ALL students together would be great.”

Brie Simmons, president of the Black Student Union, said that the club has “been really looking forward to having an office for the BSU. I really wish it was a permanent one, but it’s a start.”

Simmons also expressed a desire for community. 

“I know something that would be cool is a quiet place to chill and do work. I also look forward to seeing how the CUBE will celebrate months dedicated to minority students, without taking away from what students are doing,” Simmons said. 

There are concerns that students may not even know what the CUBE is or does. 

“Students on campus know next to nothing about the CUBE. Sometimes I mention it to people, even staff and faculty, and they don’t know about it,” Weaver said. 

Simmons agreed, hoping for more clarity. 

“I know that the CUBE will try its best to support students, but currently I can’t really see the full picture with specific details,” they said.

Student leaders also had differing opinions about the coordinator decision, with some concerned that the internal hire will prevent the CUBE from starting with a clean slate.  

“I think I would’ve preferred if IU South Bend had outsourced the position,” Weaver said. “It’s such a close-knit community, anybody that they could’ve hired internally would already have pre-existing relationships with other people and clubs on campus.” 

Other students are not as concerned about this possibility. 

“I was part of the search and screen community to find the director for this position, but I know [Ramirez Vasoli] will not be biased towards any clubs since she is an advisor for UBC2M and LSU,” Carmona said. 

The CUBE is still in development, and an official opening date has not been announced.