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 (BSI), we create a support system that promotes academic excellence and provides Black students, the larger campus population, and alumni with the opportunity to engage in community, experience Black culture through education and celebration, and explore all of the career preparation resources available at AU.

Engage

We encourage students to participate in educational, social, and leadership programs that promote self-awareness and validation of the Black experience.

Black Student Union

The purpose of the Black Student Union (BSU) is to promote cultural unity throughout the AU community. BSU events, including poetry slams, AU family night at the movies, and BBQ and soul food socials, encourage cultural oneness through education, activities, and discussions.

Black Men Engaged

Black Men Engaged (BME) is an empowerment group for Black male students to connect monthly with their peers and learn skills that promote personal and professional development. BME meeting topics include dating and relationships, finances and creating a budget, and defining what it means to be a Black man.

Black Women United

Black Women United (BWU) is an empowerment group that brings Black female students together monthly to discuss their college experiences and daily lives, as well as learn skills that promote personal and professional development. BWU meeting topics include self-love, goal setting, and defining what it means to be a Black woman. 

Other campus opportunities for Black students include:

• My Brother's Keeper
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority

BSU faculty advisors have aided my academic, emotional, and spiritual growth. They provide valuable information about job opportunities and scholarships for post-grad education. It’s also a safe environment where we can unapologetically be ourselves. Cheyenne ’25, Nursing

Experience

We help educate the AU community on topics related to diversity, inclusion, and equity to advance the campus' cultural competency. Key events sponsored by BSI include:

Cultural Exchange

Sponsored in partnership with the Office of Latino/a Student Initiatives, Cultural Exchange is a monthly diversity discussion series in which AU students, faculty, and staff engage in conversations about identity and culture. All are invited to participate in these monthly gatherings. 

Black 365

Rather than celebrating Black history only during the month of February, BSI is focused on supporting and celebrating Black history and culture all year round. Black 365 is comprised of events throughout the 365-day calendar that celebrate the achievements of African Americans.

BSI Kick Back

This monthly social gathering allows Black students to connect, learn about available resources, and build a strong sense of community and belonging at AU.

Explore

BSI helps ensure that students receive academic support, career development, time management resources, and guidance through difficult conversations. We can connect you to a variety of other campus services, including:

• Academic Support Center
• Counseling Services
• Health Services
• Financial Aid
• Office of Latino/a Student Initiatives 

In partnership with your professors and Career Services, BSI develops opportunities to connect students to student support resources and mentors that help strengthen their post-graduate success.

AU offers amazing mentoring programs that connect students of color with minority professionals, including alumni, who provide career advice and networking opportunities. Zack ’25, Business Administration

Keith Wise, Director of Black Student Initiatives
Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action
630-844-5405
kwise@aurora.edu