Office of Black Student Initiatives
As an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of education, Aurora University encourages diversity of thought and ideas to enrich the academic and personal development of its students.
At the Office of Black Student Initiatives, we create a support system that promotes academic excellence, celebrates Black culture, and engages students with the larger campus and alumni community.
One of our top priorities is for our students to feel a sense of home and family within the AU community. We accomplish this by acknowledging the cultural ties and family values that help students thrive during their college career.
We strive to ensure that students encounter opportunities that meet their needs for leadership engagement, service to the community, and career development. We do this by focusing on four pillars:
- Social Enrichment: Participate in educational, social, and leadership programs that promote self-awareness and validation of the Black experience.
- Holistic Development: Receive academic support, career development, time management resources, and guidance through difficult conversations.
- Cultural Awareness: Educate the AU community on topics related to diversity, inclusion, and equity to advance the campus' cultural competency.
- Access: Develop opportunities to connect students to student support resources and mentors that help strengthen their post-graduate success.
The Office of Black Student Initiatives can also guide students through a host of other campus services, including:
- My Brother's Keeper
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority
Black Student Union
The purpose of the Black Student Union, also known as BSU, is to promote cultural unity throughout the AU community. The BSU encourages cultural oneness through education, activities, and discussions through events including poetry slams, AU family night at the movies, and, BBQ and soul food socials.
Being a part of BSU at AU has been one of the best experiences I've had. I've met some of my closest friends through BSU, and I have had the opportunity to be involved in many events and organization accomplishments as well. I highly encourage students at AU to get involved early and find organizations that fit you and provide that family away from home!
Aminah Mujahid '21, sociology major, vice president of Black Student Union
AU has exceeded my expectations as a first-generation college student with professors and advisors guiding and encouraging me through my academic experience. I felt at home and made connections that will last a lifetime.
Lorenzo Watson-LeMarche ’20, accounting and finance double major, master of accounting science student at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Through AU’s Celebrating Arts and Ideas series, the university hosts cultural events open to the community that celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans. Past events included a panel discussion on civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. “From Chaos to Community – A Message of Hope: The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” and a conversation with award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson.
The Office of Black Student Initiatives and the Office of Latino/a Student Initiatives also sponsor "The Cultural Exchange: Conversations at the Intersections of Life," a series of thought-provoking discussions for the AU community to explore important current events and social issues.
Keith Wise, Director of Black Student Initiatives
Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action
630-844-5405
kwise@aurora.edu