At the University of Arizona, retention and graduation rates of students of underrepresented groups lags behind the numerical majority populations. Among African American students, recent statistics illustrate that the 1st year retention rate for the Fall 2005 cohort (returning to UA for Fall 2006 semester) stood at 73.9%. Other statistics illustrate the graduation rate for African American students. For the 1st year cohorts entering UA between the years 1991-1999, the average 6-year graduation rate among African American students is 54.7%.

Two issues prevail regarding the low retention and graduation rates for African American students at UA. First, African American students on campus, as is generally true with students of color on Predominantly White Intuitions (PWI), express a disconnection between their beliefs, values, and needs and those of the University. African American students often do not feel at home at the University and feel that their opinions, ideas, and ideals are not valued by the University.

Second, many African American students find it difficult to seek and discover the academic support resources that are available on campus. When they are struggling with a course, these students express that they either do not know where to get help or that they are apprehensive about receiving help.

The mission of African American Student Affairs (AASA) is to facilitate a support system that helps students achieve academic excellence and an enriching African American cultural experience at the University of Arizona. AASA provides programs and services that enable students to develop leadership skills as well as the resources to develop and create personal excellence.

This mission is achieved by addressing four core areas key to student success: Academic Support, Cultural Explorations, Student Leadership Development, and Education and Community Outreach.
(read less)

At the University of Arizona, retention and graduation rates of students of underrepresented groups lags behind the numerical majority populations. Among African American students, recent statistics illustrate that the 1st year retention rate for the Fall 2005 cohort (returning to UA for Fall 2006 semester) stood at 73.9%. Other statistics illustrate the graduation rate for African American students. For the 1st year cohorts entering UA between the years 1991-1999, the average 6-year... (read more)