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african american and african students attend black fall welcome event

See yourself as a member of the UC Davis family? We do. Learn about some of the programs and resources offered by the African American and African community:

Programs Focused on the African American and African Experience

  • The African American and African Academic Theme Program, located in Campbell Hall, is open to freshmen of all ethnicities who are interested in exploring African American and African cultures. This living-learning community is a wonderful way for first year students to transition to university life and develop a rich connection with the campus African American community from the day one. Each February, residents transform the floor into an exhibit that commemorates Black History month and invite the public to tour the exhibit, which also features occasional skits and performances. For more information, please contact Dionica Bell at 530-754-9581.
     
  • The African American and African Studies major explores the ways in which the experience for people of African descent has been shaped by socio-political and economic factors, and the aesthetic dimensions of the experience as expressed in the arts and literature. Students in this major take a variety of courses focused on the African‑American experience in the U.S., and the African diasporic experience. A minor or double-major in this field can enhance your primary academic focus and increase your marketable skills upon graduation. For more information, please contact Dionica Bell at 530-754-9581.
     
  • The Linda Frances Alexander Scholars Program provides academic, social and cultural enrichment for African-American and African students in support of their academic success and personal development. For more information, please contact Kayton Carter at 530-752-9732.
  • The Student Recruitment and Retention Center (SRRC) coordinates a variety of programs focused on supporting and promoting our campus cultural communities. Some of these efforts focused on the African diaspora include: African Diaspora Cultivating Education, a mentorship program; the annual Black Leadership Retreat; and planning assistance for the University of California's African Black Coalition conference.
     
  • The Center for African Diaspora Student Success is a space for African and African American students to engage together in all aspects of life on campus. The center provides academic and professional advising, mentoring by faculty, a sense of community, networking events, leadership development and more.

 

Events

 

Fall

 

  • Black Fall Welcome. At the annual Black Fall Welcome, students, staff and faculty come together to welcome all incoming African and African American freshmen, transfer and graduate students. For more information, please contact Dionica Bell at 530-754-9581.
     
  • The Black Leadership Retreat is an intensive retreat in which participants develop and enhance leadership abilities, learn new skills necessary for successful leadership, practice skills with hands-on activities and situations, network with other student leaders and organizations, discuss Black community concerns and plan activities for the upcoming year in breakout sessions. Contact the Student Recruitment and Retention Center for more information.

 

Winter

  • Black Convocation is held annually, offering a culturally supportive community to guide students of African descent toward academic excellence and a quality college experience.
     
  • Black Family Week is held annually and celebrates the African diaspora.
     
  • Black History Month is celebrated with a variety of campus events that promote and educate the community about the African diaspora, highlighting the extraordinary achievements of and societal contributions by people of African descent.

 

Spring

  • Black Family Day is held annually and celebrates the African diaspora.
     
  • Black Graduation Celebration is a commemoration for UC Davis students of African descent to celebrate the completion of an important milestone with our campus community. In addition to attending the commencement ceremony for their particular college, students of African descent are invited to participate in the Black Graduation Celebration enabling them to share this experience with many of their family members and friends.
     
  • The African Black Coalition (ABC) comprises the nine University of California undergraduate campuses and was created by students who felt that many of the issues they were facing on their campus were the same at all UC campuses. ABC works to provide a stable support network through outreach, conferences and collective actions.

 

Online Communities

 

Campus Resources

Please check the "Campus Resources" sidebar on the Multicultural Resources page for additional listings.

 

Spiritual Resources

 

Campus Contacts

  • Dionica Bell, 530-754-9581, student affairs officer, African American and African Studies
     
  • Kayton Carter, 530-752-9732, Director of the Center for African Diaspora Student Success

Campus Community