African Americans
Academic
The Department of African American Studies offers a bachelor's degree, a minor, and a graduate program in the study of the African Diaspora. African American Studies 1A and 1B courses fulfill the L&S Reading and Composition requirement, and other courses satisfy humanities and social science breadth and American Cultures requirements (africam.berkeley.edu; 660 Barrows Hall; africam@berkeley.edu; 510/642-7084).
African American Studies 98/198: Navigating the University is designed to acquaint new students, specifically freshman and transfer students, with an understanding of the intellectual and academic University experience. Lectures, films, exercises, activities and writing assignments will be used to encourage critical thought (multicultural.berkeley.edu/aasd; 247 Cesar Chavez; ntu_98-198@lists.berkeley.edu; 510/643-0442).
The African American Studies Reading Room houses periodicals, videos, books, and audiotapes, as well as reserved readings for courses and a special reference collection. There is also a lounge area for undergraduates to study and socialize in comfort (675A&B Barrows Hall; 510/642-0351).
Howard University is one of the oldest historically Black universities. The African American Student Development office offers the opportunity for Cal students to visit Howard, and Howard students to attend Cal for one semester through a semester exchange program (heassd@lists.berkeley.edu; 510/643-0442).
See here for more information.
Housing
African American Theme Program is a residence for approximately 48 students who have an academic interest in African American culture and history. It also promotes social and political awareness among students and the community. For housing applications and more information, check online or contact the Office of Student Development, African American Theme Program (housing.berkeley.edu/theme/afro.html; 2610 Channing Way; 510/642-3213).
The African American Theme House, a co-op housing 21 students, is an Afrocentric setting where students can live in a comfortable environment. Events include Black History Month programs, evening study hour, Kwanzaa celebrations, and various cultural and social outings (usca.org/coops/ath.php; 2347 Prospect Street; 510/848-1936).
Support
African American Student Development (AASD) coordinates academic development activities and services that address the specific needs of African American students on campus. Activities include: the Annual Student Orientation, Staff-Faculty and Peer Mentoring Programs, the Howard Exchange Program, The BlackBoard Resource Calendar, Kwanzaa, Black History Month, community service opportunities, academic support advising and referral, internships, and freshman orientation classes (multicultural.berkeley.edu/aasd; 247 Cesar Chavez Student Center; nzingha@berkeley.edu; 510/643-0442).
The AASD Leadership and Intern Program gives students the opportunity to participate in activities they are interested in, and in doing so, encourage retention of the African American community. Positions allow students to become involved in the African American community, practice office management skills that are applicable in the real world, and develop important team building skills. Students selected as interns receive class credit, a letter of recommendation for a successful year, and get the opportunity to assist with programs like those listed above (multicultural.berkeley.edu/aasd; 247 Cesar Chavez Student Center; nzingha@berkeley.edu; 510/643-0442).
Black Welcome Month (BWM) is a series of programs and activities to help orient new African American students to campus by introducing them to a diversity of resources offered at Berkeley. Some of the programs of BWM include orientations, faculty-staff receptions, a student group fair and other activtities hosted by student and campus units. Welcome Month calendars are posted in August (multicultural.berkeley.edu/aasd; 510/643-0442).
Black Recruitment and Retention Center (BRRC), an ASUC student-run program, helps African American students with problems they may face before or after they come to Berkeley. BRRC makes recruitment trips to more than 100 high schools throughout Northern and Southern California in order to encourage students to continue their education. Study halls, social events, and other forms of academic assistance especially tailored to the needs of African American students are offered by BRRC to help increase the retention of Black students at Cal (www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~brrc; 311 Eshleman Hall; 510/642-6224).
California Alumni Association (CAA) sponsors African American Mentoring, which matches African American students and African American alumni for one-on-one mentoring via an online mentoring program (alumni.berkeley.edu/samp; Alumni House; 510/642-5780).
Mentor programs
Freshman Mentor Program
African American Student Development (AASD) hosts a special faculty-staff mentor program for freshmen. Freshmen are matched in mentoring teams and supported in their first two semesters. The mentoring teams host networking and information sessions and special workshops designed to inform students about key things be successful in their first year (multicultural.berkeley.edu/aasd).
Peer Mentor Program
The AASD office also offers a peer mentor program to support sophomores, juniors, and seniors with their academic goals. The Peer Mentor Programs matches students with undergraduates, graduates, and alumni who are successfully achieving their academic and professional goals. Mentors are selected from August through October of the academic year and the commitment lasts for one year (multicultural.berkeley.edu/aasd).