Black Student Success Initiative
As an expression of our commitment to expanding access and support for our diverse student body, CSUSM established The Black Student Success Initiative (BSSI) in 2021. This intentional initiative focuses on racial equity and works to address academic needs, provide culturally responsive resources, and develop leadership skills to maximize Black and African American student success.
CSUSM’s Black Student Success Initiative has since aligned itself with the California State University system’s commitment to Black Student Success launched in the summer of 2023, which articulated thirteen recommendations to catalyze cultural change. Those recommendations address three areas:
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- Strategies to directly support Black Student Success
- Strategies to support Faculty and Staff
- Strategies for systemwide infrastructure to support Black Student Success
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Below are additional details about our Black student success initiatives, services, and resources.
Intentional Outreach
In addition to traditional outreach and recruitment, we engage with Black and African American communities through intentional efforts that craft pathways for academic success and opportunity.
- The Alliance
At the core of The Alliance are guaranteed admission agreements providing a framework for stakeholders to work together to close the achievement gap for the region’s most educationally at-risk students.
CSUSM and K-12 districts in the university’s service region share a commitment to enhancing student success. With an interest in expanding and enhancing student experiences, the university and partner districts have developed a mutual agreement in which K-12 districts to provide their students with a rigorous program of study and meaningful learning experiences and the university provides a guarantee of enrollment and experiences designed to support college perseverance through the K-12 pathway to college and career.
Students who meet the guaranteed admission criteria contained in districts agreements are guaranteed admission to California State University San Marcos.
Contact: thealliance@csusm.edu
- Blue Heart Foundation
The Blue Heart Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to empowering inner-city youth from underprivileged backgrounds to become first-generation college students, guided by their belief that "college changes everything." Each year, they support high-achieving students in their university applications and seek partnerships with institutions prioritizing first-generation students. Program alumni play a crucial role by aiding students in enrolling and encouraging them to utilize CSUSM's student support services for retention and graduation success. CSUSM has designated contacts across departments to facilitate this partnership.
Contact: Rosa Barr-Williams | rwilliams@csusm.edu
- Brothers and Sisters Gonna Work it Out
Brothers/Sisters Gonna Work It Out, hosted by the Education Opportunity Program (EOP), aims to equip African American, Latinx, Samoan, and Native American youth with positive strategies to overcome the challenges they encounter in their daily lives, both in school and in their communities. Through workshops emphasizing the pivotal role of education, this program empowers participants to understand how the educational process impacts them, their families, and their communities, fostering positive change.
Contact: Michael Lewis | mlewis@csusm.edu
- Coalition on Black African American Education Community Partners
The Coalition on Black and African American Education (CBAAE) Community Partners (MOU) aims to foster a robust collaboration between CBAAE members and CSUSM, facilitating support for students in their journey toward post-secondary education. Together, they address community concerns and promote the success of Black and African American students. As a key partner, the Office of Recruitment and Outreach offers various services, including virtual pre-admissions counseling, participation in college fairs, and CSUSM admissions presentations, all geared towards supporting our Black and African American students.
Contact: Dr. Patricia Prado-Olmos | pprado@csusm.edu
- Community College Umoja Student Visits
The Black Student Center (BSC) has forged collaborative partnerships with UMOJA Programs at community colleges across San Diego County, organizing visits to the BSC to cultivate connections and educate students about CSUSM and the Black student experience. This initiative seeks to bolster Black students' transfer rate to CSUSM while supporting those who may transition back to community college.
Contact: Shanelle Watkins | schangotra@csusm.edu
- Cougar Blue Day
Cougar Blue Day offers admitted students and their families a unique opportunity to engage with the CSUSM community. Attendees can connect with current students, faculty, and staff to learn about campus life and available resources. The event features guided tours, open houses, and a comprehensive expo showcasing academic programs and student organizations. It's the perfect chance to get all your questions answered and embark on your journey at CSUSM!
Contact: cougarbluedays@csusm.edu
- Discover CSUSM
Campus partners collaborate to host a Black/African American Student and Family Welcome, where students and families have the opportunity to hear from current students about their CSUSM experience, getting connected, and campus resources.
Contact: discover@csusm.edu
- Super Sunday
CSUSM has aligned with the CSU’s initiative to partner with predominantly Black and African American churches and faith-based organizations to host Super Sunday annually in February. This event provides CSUSM leaders and staff with a platform to engage with families and prospective students, delivering empowering messages about the significance of college readiness.
2024 Super Sunday: February 25, 2024
- View Church, Menifee
- Imani Temple of Temecula, Temecula
- St. John Church, Oceanside
- New Birth Church, Murrieta
Contact: Scott Hagg | shagg@csusm.edu
Academic Excellence & Support
Academic support and resources empower Black and African American students and foster a culture of achievement and growth.
Engagement Opportunities
Student life centers, campus programs, and other opportunities provide resources, mentorship, and community-building initiatives for Black and African American students. These efforts foster a sense of belonging and promote educational equity within our university community.
- Black Faculty and Staff Association
The Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) promotes awareness of Black and African American culture and emphasizes supporting the success of Black students as they navigate CSUSM.
Contact: Black Faculty and Staff Association | bfsalist@csusm.edu
- Black Greek-Lettered Organizations
There are currently 4 recognized Black Greek Letter Organizations on campus.
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.*
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
*Chapter is a city-wide organization which has members from the following institutions: CSUSM, SDSU, UCSD, and USD
Contact: Cristian McGough | cmcgough@csusm.edu
- Black Student Center
Established in 2017, the Black Student Center (BSC) serves as a hub for student engagement, open to all members of the campus community. Led by one professional staff member and student employees, the center prioritizes programming centered on student development, community building, success coaching, and promoting cultural awareness and education.
Contact: Shanelle Watkins | schangotra@csusm.edu
- Black Student Union
The Black Student Union (BSU) is a recognized student organization that collaborates closely with the Black Student Center and other campus partners. Their goal is to uplift, unite, educate, and empower all members of the community.
Contact: Shanelle Watkins | schangotra@csusm.edu
- Brotherhood Alliance/Circle of Sisters
The Brotherhood Alliance, a student-run organization, empowers Black men at CSUSM to achieve academic success and graduate through pillars of academic excellence, mentorship, professionalism, community service, and brotherhood. Similarly, the Circle of Sisters offers a supportive space for Black women to address issues affecting them, the campus, and the broader community while dismantling barriers to their professional and personal growth.
Contact: Shanelle Watkins | schangotra@csusm.edu
- Cross-Cultural Center
The Cross-Cultural Center encourages identity exploration by challenging students to think critically about social justice issues and appreciate differences. Our programs promote the development of cultural intelligence, examine various forms of activism, and train students for campus leadership, community engagement, and social change. They create a space for marginalized communities to belong and support efforts for them to achieve their fullest potential for academic success.
Contact: Cheryl Landin | clandin@csusm.edu
- Historically Black Colleges & Universities Exchange Program
Through the Historically Black Colleges & Universities Exchange Program, students are placed in cohorts and paired with a faculty mentor to practice qualitative and quantitative research methods. At the same time, students experience being on a new campus. At the end of the program, students present their research and earn a $500 scholarship.
Contact: The Office of Inclusive Excellence | diversity@csusm.edu
- Pride Center
The Pride Center (PC) is an inclusive space that promotes positive interactions in a diverse environment. The PC celebrates and affirms CSUSM students identifying with all genders and sexualities and their allies.
Contact: Robert Aiello-Hauser | rahauser@csusm.edu
- Women & Gender Equity Center
The Women & Gender Equity Center strives to develop and maintain inclusive and validating environments at CSUSM, focusing on topics and issues broadly related to the experiences of women, trans and non-binary students, parenting students, and the impacts of sexism and misogyny.
Contact: Alycia McGeever | amcgeever@csusm.edu
Cultural Events & Activities
Cultural events and activities celebrate the rich diversity of Black and African American heritage, featuring a range of engaging programs such as festivals, educational workshops, and artistic performances. These events serve as platforms for cross-cultural exchange, appreciation, and education.
- Fall
- Black Student and Family Welcome (August)
- Black Student Center's Unity Hour (Ongoing)
- Women & Gender Equity Center's (WGEC) Women of Color Welcome (September)
- Spring
- Black Student Center's Unity Hour (Ongoing)
- Latinx Center's (LXC) Carnaval (February)
- Black Excellence Month (March)
Inclusive Campus
We stand against bias, hate, and discrimination and are dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where all students, including Black and African American individuals, can thrive.
Share Your Efforts
This website focuses on initiatives, programs, and events that support Black/African American students at CSUSM. We welcome submissions from campus faculty, staff, departments, and centers interested in featuring their efforts on this page.