WELCOME KASADA 2011

To Begin … In the early 1970’s, Black males were among some of the most successful student groups on college campuses In the early 1980’s, the hip-hop culture and rap music were born In the early 1990’s, more Black men were locked in prison or had a legal mandate (probation or parole) with the court system than were enrolled in the nation’s colleges

What is happening today … Black males are attending college in higher numbers, but are not persisting through graduation. Problems affecting Black males are not more severe than others, just different and unique. At Morehouse college … 4-yr. graduation rate is 43%, 6-yr. rate is 67% What is the graduation rate of Black males at the University of Akron?

Let’s do the math … 99 Black male students did not graduate Costs Per Year for one student = 13, x 4 yrs. = 53, , x 99 students = $533, lost revenue!

Part I DOES THE ADMINISTRATION HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO ASSIST AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES IN BECOMING SUCCESSFUL COLLEGE STUDENTS? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE STUDENTS FACE AT PRE-DOMINANTLY WHITE COLLEGE CAMPUSES? WHAT ARE SOME SOLUTIONS?

Provide Role Models Continue to hire People of Color Support mentoring groups Create Depts and Offices to provide leadership

Address Low Retention Rate between 1 st and 2 nd semesters as well as 2 nd and 3 rd MAPS Works – Early Warning System Track and review attrition rates for Black males with a team approach Create exit or “stop out” interviews to collect critical data and pay for the information Build support systems to assist student’s for future enrollment

Reduce High Rate of Academic Probation Closely monitor probationary students Provide more access to tutoring Place holds on accounts to prevent registration

Address High Suspension Rates Know the statistics on black male suspension rates that are non- academic Avoid socially unacceptable behavior Avoid acts of Self- Suspension – Off campus problems – Arrest/Crime/Violence Student Judicial Affairs

Provide Specialized Sensitivity Training for Faculty Hire Educational Consultants Attend racial, gender and cultural programs conferences and workshops – Faculty should attend programs Incorporate cultural awareness into curriculum

Part II Should African American male students take personal responsibility for their success in college? Are their efforts being hampered by higher education policies and procedures?

Social or Peer Pressures Maturity Level – Are you willing to be the lone person to say “No”? – Are willing to sacrifice for good grades? – Adopt an extended family for support

Fraternities and Sororities Consider being a first semester sophomore before joining because you will be able to better utilize the social network and manage time commitments for social events more effectively

Get Involved Participate in the whole learning process A lack of engagement can hurt – Buy Your books – Be prepared to take good notes – Get involved in social-cultural programs

Be Carful of Distractions Women Video games The “college experience” Parties Materialism Schedule time for Family/friends

Lack of African American Classmates Who can I relate to? Take a leadership role; create study groups

Embrace the Right Perspective of College Misconceptions Wrong Perspective on College – It’s easy – Similar to high school socially and academically – There are shortcuts to success – I can procrastinate and still graduate – Set High Expectations – Everyone graduates

Wear Positive Attire Dress for success – Dress the way you wanted to be treated – Dress for the job you want, not necessary the one you have. – Dictate the way people look by the way you dress – Dress in a way that people can find it easy to take you seriously Raise our level of self- respect

Sometimes We Are Our Own Worst Enemies Stereotypes of Black males Cultural Male Pride – Not willing to change Embracing media stereotypes Are we afraid to ask for help because we have never helped anyone? Keeping a tight inner circle instead of reaching out How do African American males perceive African American faculty, staff and administrators?

Homicide Stats

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS