The mission of the UA President’s Black Community Council (BCC) is to actively engage and advocate for UA Black students' educational success.

The vision is to partner and collaborate with university administration and organizations in the recruitment and retention of Black students, faculty, and staff while supporting the continued growth and development of the university as an exemplary, inclusive institution.

• The Black Community Council (BCC) was initially established as one of six Community Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Councils in 2002 by former UA President Peter Likens. The councils were created to give feedback on community issues that impact The University of Arizona from stakeholders that have traditionally been marginalized in higher education.

• Council membership included Community leaders with strategic representation of local businesses, non-profits, religious, and other organizations in partnership with faculty advisors.

• Council’s primary focus was to partner with the University to encourage collaboration and promote community interaction with UA leadership, faculty, and relevant student organizations to:

- Improve Black Student graduation rates.

- Increase the hiring, presence, and retention of Black Faculty and Staff.

- Increase the enrollment and retention of Black students.

Black Community Council reports to the President of the University of Arizona. 

1. Increase focus on Black Student Recruitment, Retention, and Achievement.

• Improve resources that will attract African American students and retain them.

2. Serve as a resource to help the UA increase the number of African American faculty and administrators.

• Add aggressive search & hiring goals to the Strategic Plan.

• To push for resources to address equity in student hiring for campus jobs, listening sessions, etc.

3. Partner with African American Student Affairs to create a community mentoring program for students.

4. Develop a True awareness of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion ACROSS the entire campus.

• Establish equitable connections and communication with African American students.

• Support investments, initiatives, and educational tools for the Cultural Resource Centers.

• Deploy data systems with metrics to track open actions and results

5. Build better relationships with the Tucson community at large via student networking, mentoring, internships, community resources, etc.

The Black Community Council also focuses on a number of additional activities each year that yield significant results. These include:

• The UA Fall Welcome Back Event. An annual event that connects faculty, staff, and students with community members who recognize that a sense of belonging to the local community aids in the retention of UA students and employees. This event has attracted more than 300 students and community members each year and is sponsored by various organizations and UA Colleges and Departments.

• Council members have helped increase the number of African-American students enrolled at the UA through activities such as contacting students who have been accepted to the UA, but not yet enrolled.

• Council members coach and mentor students and host student events in their homes. They also personally host events for Africana Studies, the Black Law Student Association, and other student organizations, generously giving their time, talent, and treasure.

Join in for the Black Community Council's Mentoring and Mixing Event on September 14, 2024! This event is open to all students and aims to connect Black students with potential mentors from the UA and local communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to network and grow!