UC Irvine is vowing to create a more positive environment for African American students, it was reported today.
UCI Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Thomas Parham last week outlined the recommendations submitted by a task force in June. He also shared what progress has been made, including development of an African American scholars hall and a Black Resource Center, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The university’s Chancellor Howard Gillman established the Task Force on Ensuring a Positive Climate for the Campus’ African American Community in January.
The group was assembled after several UCI administrators received a letter from the campus’ Black Student Union. The letter’s subject line read “Structural and Institutional Changes” and contained nine demands meant to address “structural deficiencies in institutional support for Black students” in the school.
The task force consisted of UCI professors from various disciplines, undergraduate and graduate students — including two members from the Black Student Union — and other staff members in the school’s academic planning, counseling services and student housing departments.
Recommendations already implemented include an African American scholars and excellence hall in the Arroyo Vista student housing community, according to The Times. A Black Resource Center was also approved. Several sites are being considered for the center’s location and a director will soon be recruited.
