Black Student Success Programs and Initiatives are designed to meet the particular needs of Black students at Sonoma State University. The primary goals of the success initiatives include supporting a strong Black community for students to thrive, building a foundation for Black academic success, and to develop a network of Black SSU alumni and community members that can provide mentorship to current and past Black Students.
Black 2 School Events
Black Student Union (BSU) Meeting | Tuesday, September 5 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm | HUB Cultural Center
Male Success Initiative (MSI) Kickoff | Wednesday, September 6 | 6:00pm - 7:30pm | HUB Cultural Center
Movie Night: The Blackening | Thursday, September 7 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Stevenson Hall 1400
Umoja Queens: Afternoon Tea with the Queens | Monday, September 11 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm | Wine Spectator Learning Center Underwood Board Room 1021 | RSVP by September 6th
Black Student Union (BSU)
The Black Student Union (BSU) aims to create a welcoming and supportive environment, promote student involvement and academic excellence, and provide opportunities for positive change within the community.
Contact: bsu@sonoma.edu
Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA)
The mission of the Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA) is to place faculty, staff, and students at the center of the educational and professional experience. The BFSA of Sonoma State University supports the recruitment and retention of Black students, faculty, and staff as well as the matriculations and graduation of Black students while encouraging cultural education, learning, and leadership experiences through community engagement.
Contact: bfsa@sonoma.edu
Male Success Initiative (MSI)
The purpose of the Male Success Initiative (MSI) is to improve the retention and graduation rates for men of color by providing an integrated program focused on academic support, identity development, and mentoring. The program aims to support the success of students by utilizing community building and an unapologetic approach shaped by scholarship, service, and leadership.
Contact: Tramaine Austin-Dillon | Manager, DEI Programs and Initiatives | austindi@sonoma.edu
Umoja Queens
Umoja Queens was inspired by a group of students that identify as Black womxn that expressed an interest in engaging with and being mentored by professional Black womxn that were a part of the Seawolf community. We strive to support, encourage and empower Black womxn as they explore personal values, beliefs, and ideals during their matriculation at SSU.
Contact: Nigeria Cole | Umoja Queens Mentor | coleni@sonoma.edu
Visionaries Inspiring Black Educated Students (VIBES)
Visionaries. Inspiring. Black. Educated. Students. (VIBES) is SSU's first identity affinity residential living community. The VIBES affinity house welcomes all first-year students who are interested in expanding and exploring consciousness in the area of Black/Pan-African culture. Students who reside in VIBES will engage in learning about Black/Pan-African heritage and history while developing a sense of pride and community.
Contact: housing@sonoma.edu