The Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center at the University of California, Davis has completed a major expansion and remodeling of its facilities in the Memorial Union. The project, finished in late August, aims to centralize essential student services and provide a more efficient support system for those facing challenges with housing, food security, and finances.
By taking over the former ASUCD Pantry space, the center has unified its staff and created new private areas for confidential student consultations, significantly improving its operational structure just in time for the new academic year.
Key Takeaways
- The Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center (ACBNC) has expanded into the former ASUCD Pantry location in the Memorial Union.
- The expansion centralizes staff who were previously located in different buildings across the UC Davis campus.
- New private cubicles have been created for students to meet with case management coordinators.
- The remodeled space now consolidates storage for essential supplies, including a diaper closet and an essentials pantry.
- An upcoming Basic Needs Fair is scheduled for October 17 to connect students with further resources.
A Central Hub for Student Support
The Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center, first established on campus in 2018, has undergone a significant physical transformation. The expansion project began after the ASUCD Pantry moved to a new location on the west side of the Memorial Union in 2024, freeing up its previous space.
According to Leslie Kemp, the director of the Basic Needs Initiative at UC Davis, the renovation involved more than just a cosmetic update. "We knocked down the door and wall between the two centers so it feels more like a walk-through between the two offices," Kemp explained. This change physically integrates the new space with the existing center, creating a larger, more cohesive facility.
The primary goal of this expansion is to streamline how the center delivers its services. "We’ve made some physical changes in the way the center is set up, and we’re able to help support students more efficiently," Kemp stated. The leadership hopes these structural improvements will be immediately noticeable to students seeking assistance.
Unifying a Dispersed Team
Prior to the expansion, the staff of the Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center were not housed in a single location. Team members had offices spread across different campus buildings, including Dutton Hall and Lower Freeborn Hall, which created logistical challenges.
Lorena Alvarez Flores, a third-year political science major and a special project lead at the center, highlighted the difficulties of the previous arrangement. "We were spread out everywhere," she said. The physical separation made it difficult to operate as a single, unified team.
"We’re hoping we feel less like separate teams and instead like a whole team now that we’re all in the same place," Alvarez Flores commented on the consolidation.
The new, larger space allows all staff—from student peer navigators to professional career staff—to work together in one central location. Kemp expressed her satisfaction with this outcome, noting, "Now all of us can sit together... which I’m so glad could happen."
Background on Aggie Compass
The Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center was founded in 2018 to address critical student needs beyond academics. It serves as a resource hub connecting students with support for food insecurity, affordable housing, financial difficulties, and mental wellness, ensuring they have the stability needed to succeed in their studies.
Redesigned for Efficiency and Privacy
The remodeled space has been strategically organized to better serve student needs. The new layout provides distinct zones for different types of interactions, enhancing both privacy and operational flow.
New Structure for Confidential Support
One of the most significant improvements is the addition of private meeting cubicles. These spaces are essential for the center's case management coordinators, who often discuss sensitive personal information with students.
"Other students may need coordinators who do case management work that need private spaces," Kemp explained. The new design allocates one side of the office specifically for these coordinators and their private meetings, ensuring confidentiality.
The other side of the center is set up for peer navigators who staff the front desk, providing initial guidance and mentorship. Administrative staff are located in the back, managing the operational aspects of the programs.
Centralized Essential Supplies
The expansion has also allowed the ACBNC to bring its inventory of basic needs supplies into a single, accessible location. Previously stored elsewhere, the center's diaper closet and essentials pantry are now housed within the main office, making it easier for students to access these resources directly.
Enhanced Services and Future Plans
The consolidation of staff and resources is expected to create a more direct and personal support experience for students. "Students get a more in-person experience instead of a remote or distant one because now everything and everyone is all in one place," said Alvarez Flores.
While the current renovation is a major step forward, Kemp believes there is still room for growth. "I think in terms of the renovation, it’s still too small," she admitted, suggesting that the demand for basic needs services continues to grow. However, she emphasized the immediate benefits of the project.
"The most important takeaway is that the expansion brought changes to how we do business that is more supportive to our mission and our goals," Kemp concluded.
To further promote its services, the center is planning to host its Basic Needs Fair on October 17 on the Memorial Union Quad. The event will provide students with information and resources related to housing, food, clothing, and assistance with CalFresh applications. Students can find more information on the official Aggie Compass website.