Sonoma State University

Black Student Success Advisory Council

Charge

The Black Student Success Advisory Council (BSSAC) at Sonoma State University leads institutional efforts to strengthen the recruitment, retention, academic achievement, and graduation of Black students. In alignment with Sonoma State’s Strategic Plan—which emphasizes diversity and social justice, community engagement, and student success through academic excellence, leadership cultivation, and transformative impact—the Council develops strategies and initiatives that advance Black student success across the university.

Guided by equity and informed by data, BSSAC identifies challenges, creates actionable solutions, and implements programs that align with the CSU’s Advancing Black Student Success and Elevating Black Excellence recommendations. The Council is committed to fostering an inclusive and affirming campus environment where Black students can thrive, lead, and graduate prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

BSSAC Priorities

  • Review Sonoma State’s recruitment, retention, and campus climate data for Black students, faculty, and staff, and produce a comprehensive summary report.

  • Establish outreach and recruitment goals to increase Black student enrollment.

  • Strengthen and expand research, internship, and mentorship programs supporting Black student success.

  • Develop and implement an outreach and policy review plan to enhance recruitment and retention of Black faculty.

  • Create and sustain a Black Student Resource Center as a hub for belonging, leadership, and academic success.

Membership

  • Vice President for Student Affairs (Co-Chair)

  • Director of Institutional Equity and Belonging (Co-Chair)

  • Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

  • Vice President for Enrollment Management

  • Black Student Success Ambassadors (2)

  • Associated Students (AS) President

  • Dean, College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies

  • Faculty Representative, American Multicultural Studies (AMCS)

  • Black Faculty and Staff Association Representative

BSSAC Committees

Committee # 1 — Community Data & Recruitment Goals

  • Goal: Review and expand Sonoma State's data on Black students, faculty, and staff to create a summary report. Set recruitment goals for Black students.
  • Objective: Enhance the campus environment by implementing retention strategies that support the success and well-being of Black students and ensure equitable access to resources.

Committee # 2 — Student Research, Internships, & Mentorship

  • Goal: Strengthen and create programs supporting Black students in research, internships, and mentorship.
  • Objective: Ensure Black students engage in at least two high-impact practices (internships, research, or study abroad) to foster belonging and academic success.

Committee # 3 — Black Faculty Recruitment and Retention  

  • Goal: Develop an outreach plan and review policies to recruit more Black faculty.
  • Objective: Standardize recruitment and support for Black faculty and staff, acknowledging their vital role in student success.

Committee # 4 — Black Resource Center (BRC)

  • Goal: Establish a Black Student Resource Center.
  • Objective: Improve Black student retention and graduation rates through a comprehensive support system.