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.
What AU Offers its Black Students
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
We encourage students to participate in educational, social, and leadership programs that promote self-awareness and validation of the Black experience.
Black Student Union (BSU)
The purpose of the Black Student Union 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.
Black Men Engaged (BME)
Black Men Engaged 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, creating a budget and finances, and defining what it means to be a Black man.
Black Women United (BWU)
Black Women United 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:
I met some of my closest friends through BSU, and I was involved in many events and accomplishments of the organization. I highly encourage students at AU to get involved early and find organizations that fit them and provide a family away from home!Aminah Mujahid '21, sociology major, vice president of Black Student Union
Cultural Awareness
We help educate the AU community on topics related to diversity, inclusion, and equity to advance the campus' cultural competency. Key events sponsored by the Office of Black Student Initiatives 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, the Office of Black Student Initiatives 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.
Holistic Development
The Office of Black Student Initiatives 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
Access
In partnership with your professors and Career Services, the Office of Black Student Initiatives develops opportunities to connect students to student support resources and mentors that help strengthen their post-graduate success.
AU exceeded my expectations as a first-generation college student with professors and advisors who guided and encouraged 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
Keith Wise, Director of Black Student Initiatives
Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action
630-844-5405
kwise@aurora.edu