July 20th 2023.
The California State University (CSU) system is taking a major step forward in supporting its Black students. After a data study conducted by CSU's Graduation Initiative revealed that Black students had the lowest student success and retention rates, the school created a work group to explore how to improve the academic experience of this particular group.
The work group surveyed stakeholders from all 23 campuses within the statewide system to identify strategies to improve retention and graduation for Black students. Listening sessions and subgroups focusing on recruitment, academic success, campus culture, and faculty roles were established. After gathering their research and conversations, the group created a 13-point plan of recommendations to combat the gap in student success along racial lines.
The plan is aimed at improving resources, infrastructure, and policy to ensure the upliftment and protection of the Black student population. Specifically, CSU is looking to create designated safe and affirming spaces for Black students, set clear anti-harassment guidelines, recruit Black personnel, and develop marketing plans to encourage interest from Black scholars.
The implementation of this plan will be an invitation to higher education to pay more attention to underserved and underrepresented students, according to CSU Dominguez Hills president Thomas Parham. A committee will allocate the $10 million in funding during the plan's three-year rollout to the multiple campuses. It will be up to the discretion of each campus' administration to decide which of the recommendations they choose to enact.
The CSU system's investment in their Black students is a major step forward for equitable inclusion. It is hoped that this plan will bridge the educational opportunity gap for Black students and ensure that they receive the support and resources they need to succeed.
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