Black Student Initiatives – On-Demand Training

Short- and Long-Term Programs for Retention and Persistence

The dynamic for Black students on campuses across the country changed dramatically in 2021. The societal, financial, health and cultural impacts of COVID-19, as well as vaccination availability, have all impacted Black student persistence.

The current state of affairs on college campuses from enrollment decline, less diverse student populations, increased student need, increased student support and decreased campus resources require continued creativity, forward thinking and attention to the current state of Black student persistence – including the disparate impact of COVID-19 and a recognition that Black students may be coming to campus with fewer resources.

Learn how you can best support Black student persistence and success on your campus. You will be able to examine short-term and long-term strategies that ensure equity and equality are at the center of all institutional decisions, processes, and systems you implement.

Topics Covered

Get crucial, actionable takeaways that will help you:

• Create objective and action items for developing a campus strategic plan for improving Black student persistence – ensure institutional policies and practices are authentic and culture-changing.
• Implement small, incremental changes that that over time will begin to shift the culture on your campus – take a layered approach to addressing issues and acknowledge the need to make systemic and sustainable change, in areas including college access and admission, retention and completion.
• Design resources that address the academic gap that has occurred – support Black students through initiatives that address educational readiness and attainment.
• Validate Black students’ identity – look at short-term and long-term strategies that ensure equity and equality are at the center of all institutional decisions, processes, and systems you implement.
• Ensure that your diversity, including and equity work is not done on the back of your Black students – prevent the risk of potential mental health, physical wellbeing, and academic/social experiences from being negatively impacted.

Presenters

Dr. Bonnie Taylor serves as the Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. The Dean of Students Office oversees Student Conduct, Student Life and Engagement, and Civic Engagement.
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Tamara L. Greenfield King, J.D., serves as the Senior Associate Vice Provost for University Life at the University of Pennsylvania. Greenfield King supervises the following departments: Career Services, NROTC, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Office of Student Affairs, Platt Student Performing Arts House and six Cultural Resource Centers.
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