About SWANA Center

The SWANA Center is a welcoming space dedicated to building belonging, inclusion, and community for students with ties to the Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) region, encompassing students identifying as Middle Eastern, North African, Arab, Amazigh, Armenian, Kurdish, Persian, and many other identities. It is also open to anyone who wishes to learn, connect, and support. Rooted in our mission to provide a safe and supportive environment, the Center promotes student success, cultural pride, and a sense of home on campus.

We offer programs, workshops, and events that celebrate SWANA heritage, provide academic and career resources, and foster leadership and mentorship. Beyond services, the Center is a hub for friendship, dialogue, and collective empowerment.

Looking forward, the SWANA Center envisions a future where scholars excel academically, prosper professionally, and contribute to communal enrichment. By celebrating diversity and building bridges, we light the path of belonging for all.

What is SWANA?

Our Mission

The mission of the SWANA Center is to provide a place of belonging and inclusion within a safe and supportive environment that promotes student success, diversity, achievement, and a sense of home.

Our Vision

The SWANA Center envisions a bright future for scholars of the SWANA region that typifies educational success, career prosperity, and communal enrichment and longevity.

Equity Statement: As an inclusive campus which promotes student success for all, the services and programs of each student center are open and available for the entire campus populace. Through our rich diversity of perspective and background, we are friends and supporters to all paving the way of excellence and lighting the path of belonging.

Our Services

• Programming and Cultural events
• Advising and Counseling Support – Make a counseling appointment
• Community Advocacy
• Zitu Peer Mentorship
• Peer Wellness Advocates - Make a Peer Wellness Advocate appointment
• Wellness Support
• SWANA Graduation
• SWANA Alumni Network

Upcoming Events

Be sure to frequently check our website and social media channels to learn about our new events as we continue our program planning!

Upcoming events:

• SWANA Unity Iftar for Humanity: March 3^rd 5:30 – 8 p.m. in the Pacific Suite. RSVP for Iftar for Humanity
• Picture Your Future: Headshots & Job Market Readiness: March 12th 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Black Honors College / LIB 11. RSVP for Picture Your Future
• Grad School 101: April 2nd 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Foothill Suite. RSVP for Grad School 101
• SWANA Week: April 6^th-10^th
  • SWANA Week Kickoff: Cultural Showcase: April 6th 11a.m. – 2 p.m. in University Ballroom. (No RSVP Required)
  • Mapping SWANA: Histories, Identities, Futures: April 7th 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in Pacific Suite. RSVP for Mapping SWANA
  • Stitching Stories: A Tatreez Workshop: April 8th 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. in Orchard Suite. RSVP for Stitching Stories
  • Diwan Café: April 9th 12 – 2 p.m in Foothill Suite. (No RSVP Required)
  • Amal & Action: A SWANA Community Reception: April 10th 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in Orchard Suite. RSVP for Amal & Action
  • Flavors of SWANA: Bites & Insights: April 22nd 12 – 1p.m. in The Cove Kitchen/The Well. RSVP Link: Coming soon
  • SWANA Judo Jam: April 28th 4 – 5 p.m. in Solano Hall, Room 1000.
  • SWANA Graduation: May 14th 6 – 8 p.m. in Cottonwood Suite. Register for SWANA Graduation

Past Events:

• SWANA Healing Circle
• Vision Board Workshop
• Power of Mentorship

• Slow Sips and Salaam
• Scholarship Workshop
• The Festival of Light and Togetherness
• SWANA Sisterhood Lunch
• SWANA Women in STEM
• SWANA Alumni Network Series
• SWANA Festival
• Alumni Networking Mixer
• Midterm and Final Exam Study Halls
• SWANA Mixer