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Black Student Satisfaction

A Summary of Recommendations and a Prioritized Action Plan

ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ remains committed to creating a positive Black Student experience on our campus. Over the past four years, beginning with the program review for Multicultural Student Affairs, and incorporating information and recommendations from community dialogues, listening sessions, the Black Student Experience Task Force report, and the Black House Facility Review Committee, we continue to make progress.

The groups of individuals who contributed their time and energy were convened to address continued concern regarding the Black and African-American student experience at Northwestern. They explored a number of issues, including:

• the Black House, its use and purpose;
• spaces throughout campus;
• programs and services;
• community;
• campus culture and climate;
• historical data;
• satisfaction;
• and academic experience.

This document summarizes the initiatives that were identified, where we are with each initiative, and discusses next steps. Note that the report from which the item came is listed on the left side of the table, using the following key:

• BSETF = Black Student Experience Task Force
• Facility = Black House Facility Review Committee
• MSA = Multicultural Student Affairs Program Review

The intent of this action plan is to implement a multipronged approach that combines a number of these recommendations to better serve our Black and African-American students. We appreciate the involvement of students, faculty, staff and alumni that contributed to these objectives.

Download the Black Student Satisfaction Summary Report here.(DOC)

Completed

The following table summarizes the initiatives that have already been completed, or that have been completed but remain ongoing items on which the university will continue to focus efforts.

TABLE 1: INITIATIVES COMPLETED OR COMPLETED & ON-GOING

In Progress

The following items are currently being addressed by the university. As these items are completed, they will move to the “Completed” section above.

TABLE 2: INITIATIVES THAT ARE IN-PROGRESS

Under Review

The following items are currently under review, or no action has been taken on the item at this time. Items in this section will continue to be reviewed in order to determine how best to address the concern at a future date.

TABLE 3: INITIATIVES THAT ARE UNDER REVIEW OR NO ACTION TAKEN

Next Steps

The university will continue to make progress on these initiatives over the coming year. Quarterly updates about progress will be shared and posted to this website. Three subcommittees, as recently announced by the Provost, Vice President for Student Affairs, and the Associate Provost and Chief Diversity Officer, have been formed and will begin their work over the next year on the following three areas:

• Increase the number of Black Students, Faculty, and Staff (chaired by Jabbar R. Bennett, Associate Provost and Chief Diversity Officer)
• Create and Academic Hub (liaison is Ron Braeutigam, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education)
• Listen to Black Students (chaired by Kelly Schaefer, Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement)

Conclusion

It is our goal to make progress on behalf of our students and ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ. As ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵis committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and dynamic environment, we look forward to the positive impacts these actions will have on our community.