Programs:
In an effort to establish a nurturing and supportive climate that supports and reinforces the academic and social development of students of color at CSU, campus-wide advocacy programs are essential in providing as well as promoting unique cultural experiences among individuals throughout the university and the Fort Collins community. Specifically, the Black/African American Cultural Center plays an integral unique role in relation to the broader participation of communities on campus and throughout the state. As a result, many of the programs are based upon standards which are essential to the retention and graduation of minority students as well as promoting cultural and social awareness on campus and the surrounding communities.
Rites of Passage
This program is designed to improve the academic performance and retention rate of African American first-year and transfer students. Components of this program include peer mentoring, seminars/community building forums, mid-semester grade monitoring, faculty/staff mentoring, African American Success Project Seminar, alumni speakers bureau, community service involvement and leadership development.
Peer Mentoring
This program is a peer-to-peer contact program designed to reach out to all first-year/new students attending Colorado State University. The program is also a component of the Rites of Passage Program.
Albert C. Yates Leadership Development Institute
This program focuses on enhancing the leadership skills of African American sophomore students through participation in various training and leadership activities throughout the academic year. This distinguished group of students work in conjunction with other office programs, as well as the university and the Fort Collins community at large.
B.E.S.T. (Black Educational Support Team)
CSU's B.E.S.T. consists of sophomore, junior, and senior students who volunteer or receive work-study. These individuals assist the office in fulfilling its goals, commitments, programs and services.
Annual Awards Ceremony
This program has been in existence for the past 25 years. The program is designed to acknowledge and recognize the accomplishments of African American students, both academically and as student leaders. The program also recognizes the accomplishments of individuals in the community (as well as alumni) who have played an integral role in the success of African American students and the Black/African American Cultural Center.
Welcome Program
Prior to coming to CSU, the B.E.S.T. staff and the professional staff, prepare summer correspondence for incoming new students regarding student organizations, events, and services offered by the Black/African American Cultural Center. A highlight of these activities features B.E.S.T. student staff workers distribute welcome bags to new freshmen and transfer students. An ice cream social is also sponsored by the office as a meet and greet event. This event also showcases student organizations that cater to the needs of Black/African American students.
Annual Fall Retreat
The annual off-campus, community building retreat allows first-year and transfer students the opportunity to develop relationships with one another, work on communication skills, conflict resolution, relationships, self esteem and team building.
Community Outreach Program
The Black/African American Cultural Center receives many invitations to participate and speak at various campus and community events. Examples: classrooms, community forums/programs.
Real Talk Series
This weekly program is designed to give students the opportunity to discuss various "hot topics" in a controlled format with student facilitators. These sessions are held every Tuesday afternoon at 4:00pm in our office (204 Lory Student Center). Topics that have been discussed include:
Love or Lust: Do You Know The Difference?
The Facebook/MySpace Effect
The Brown Paper Bag Test: Light-Skin vs. Dark-Skin
Advantages and Disadvantages Facing Student-Athletes
Black History Month Programs
This annual celebration highlights the accomplishments and contributions of Africans and African Americans. This event involves a great deal of collaboration between students, faculty/staff, departments, colleges, alumni, schools and community members.
Graduate School Preparation Workshops
The Black/African American Cultural Center & Graduate Center for Diversity and Access has established valuable workshops that will introduce you to graduate school opportunities. It is designed to provide information about the graduate school process with personal knowledge and expertise.
Services:
We offer a variety of services to assist Black Students in making the transition and adjustment to Colorado State University.
GRIOT Newsletter
This monthly publication is distributed to all African American students, faculty and staff as well as throughout the university and Fort Collins community. This publication is also mailed to alumni and friends of the Black/African American Cultural Center. The newsletter is written/edited by students, usually aspiring journalists.
Black Alumni Network
An informal network of graduates of the University who plan/participate in reunions and open their doors to allow students to visit their places of employment. Alumni also visit campus to present workshops/forums to current students. An on-line communications list-serve and opportunities for social and professional gatherings among alumni from all decades.
Black Graduate & Professional Student Association (BGPSA)
An informal network of graduate students attending CSU who plan/participate in social & professional gatherings.
Tutoring Services
The Black/African American Cultural Center wants to reach out to students who may be struggling in certain academic areas. Please contact our office at (970) 491-5781 to learn more about how we can help you.
Scholarships and Scholarship Resources
Numerous resources to help you along in your scholarship search!