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 Office of Black Student Services 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.
Sophomore Year Experience
Currently, students who participate in the Rites of Passage Program are automatically selected as participants in the Albert C. Yates Leadership Development Institute. In addition, in the beginning of the fall semester of their second year, students are matched with a Black faculty/staff person who is willing and available to meet both formally and informally with students throughout their second year experience (implementation anticipated in Fall 2004). Invitations to participate in this program are sent to all self-identified Black students.
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 19 years. The program is designed to acknowledge and recognize the accomplishments of African-American students, 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 Office of Black Student Services.
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 Office of Black Student Services. 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 Office of Black Student Services receives many invitations to participate and speak at various campus and community events. Examples: classrooms, community forums/programs.
Knowledge for the Soul Chats
This monthly program is designed to create community and knowledge among the entire University community, in particular, the African American community. When possible, traditional “soul food” is offered as a taster during this noon time tradition. Guest speakers share information related to careers, culture, history, etc.
African American Success Project Seminar
This program is geared toward providing students with a basic introduction to college life at CSU. The program is designed with first-year African American students in mind, speaking directly to their experiences.
M.A.T.C.H. (Mentoring, Advising, Teaching, Caring, Helping)
This program, a partnership between the Office of Black Student Services and Partners of Larimer County, provides opportunities for one to one relationships between African American Colorado State University students and African American children/families in Fort Collins.
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.