Office of African American Affairs

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
(Other hours by appointment)

In this office we realize that a system of education is not just one thing, but a combination of the spiritual, physical and intellectual development processes. Education is that whole system of human training within and without school walls, which molds and develops people from where they were into who they are, and then who they are to become. When this reform becomes impossible, revolution becomes imperative!

Purpose

As a recent addition to the Academic and Campus Life of Guilford the office of African American Affairs has been developed to accentuate the college's efforts to serve as a primary contact for African American students regarding their curricular and co-curricular needs. Although entitled African American Affairs, this office encourages and welcomes students, faculty and staff of all races to help us engage each other. With the goal of increasing the retention and overall success of African American students, our four main principles are Educating, Supporting, Programming and providing Networking opportunities for them in the Guilford College Community. Through a wide range of information and community involvement, we provide administrative leadership in the development, coordination and delivery of programs. These programs focus on self-empowerment through the exploration of social and institutional issues that enhance the awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Services Provided

Student

• Academic advising that accentuates the college's efforts
• Counsel and refer students to appropriate college services
• Mentoring Network Association
• Provide resources on campus and in the community that emphasize the complex needs and concerns of African American Students
• Create and manage Publications directed to the success of African American students
• Fall/Spring Break worktrips
• Internship Opportunities
• Professional Development training
• One on one conferencing
• Collaborate with other colleges in the area
• African American Alumni involvement

Faculty & Staff

• Consult with academic advisers as to the progress of African American Students
• Provide information to faculty concerning the well being of students as it may relate to their performance in class
• Encourage participation in workshops, presentations and guest speakers that address the complex social, cultural and educational issues related to African American students
• Work in close conjunction with relevant faculty, staff, administration and students to consistently encourage the dialogue on race.

Top Ten Questions of African American Students

1. Can we increase the number of social events that display more cultural diversity or that are geared toward students of color?

2. What do I do about the feeling of isolation I get from the Guilford College community?

3. Who do I turn to with my own personal or academic concerns?

4. Will the institution or students ever respect or appreciate the differences we as minorities bring to this community?

5. How can I get connected to the Greensboro African American community?

6. What can I do to deal with the culture shock Guilford produces?

7. How can I be a successful minority at a majority institution?

8. How is it possible to make solid connections with other African American students?

9. How should I deal with being the only person of color in most classroom and social settings?

10. How do I get involved around campus and the community?

In being aware, one must notice these concerns and know that the cost of noticing is to become responsible. To address these issues our office has developed the appropriate services for students, faculty and staff.

"If we -- and I mean the relatively conscious whites and the relatively conscious blacks, who must like lovers, insist on, or create the consciousness of others -- do not falter in our duty now, we may be able, handful that we are, to end the racial nightmare of our country and change the history of the world."

Resource Area

Our resource area provides a support function for African American students as well as academic function for the entire college campus. We subscribe to Vibe, The Source, Essence, Ebony, Jet, Black Enterprise, Black Issues in Higher Education, Blaze, and other magazines that identify with the black experience in America. There are also books located in our library that will stimulate your spiritual, physical and intellectual growth. We have information ranging from African American History to How to Succeed on a Majority Campus, so if you want to come and take a look, don't hesitate in doing so. If you would like to chill out in our suite, The Commons (located just outside our door) or the Multicultural Resource Center (right down the hall), it's all entirely up to you. Some of the resources in our library can be check out while others have to remain in our general vicinity. If you would like to share CD's, books, ariticles, artwork or whatever, please feel free to give us a call. Most of our information has been donated by our faculty, staff and students, so what you are willing to share will be greatly appreciated. We would like to thank all faculty, staff, alumni and students who have already made donations and invite you to contact us if you have some information you would like to share with the department or the community.

Internships

Guilford offers a comprehensive range of classes and opportunities, but sometimes there seems to be a missing link. If you are interesting in being challenged and/or trying to get your career/life in order, one of our internships may just be the thing for you. We try our best to meet you where you are and then help you get where you would like to be. With a special emphasis on leadership, computer, organizational and facilitation skills we work in close conjunction with organizations on and off campus. Many students graduate from Guilford with great people skills and are socially conscious of their environment, but lack the small tools that the world outside of Guilford demands. These pre-professional skills are not hard to obtain, but need to be practiced and tested to fit your personality and career interest. You can do that here. Positions are limited so contact us as soon as possible.

Want to Become Involved?

Regardless of your skin color, sexual orientation, background and physical abilities, this is an office that welcomes everyone with open arms. If you are interested in becoming involved or supporting the African American Affairs office, please let us know.