The history of African American students at the University is characterized by the creation of the Black Student Union (BSU) in 1969.
For the fall 2001 semester, 743 African-American students were enrolled at the University. Black students roughly comprise 4.7 percent of the overall undergraduate population.
According to University archival records, the exact date of the first black students admitted is unknown. The first records showing the presence of black students at the University occur in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.
With the formation of BSU came demands for more black recruitment, financial aid, and a Department of Black Studies to ensure that more Africana courses were offered.
According to archival records on file at the University, representatives of BSU faced the former President of the University, Dr. William Jerome, with concerns that the University was not making a concentrated effort to recruit black students. Students also felt that the University should adopt an open admission policy for minority students.
Jerome responded that the University was aware of the small number of minority students, and were striving to make progress in this area. However, Jerome could not approve an extension on the admission policy beyond what they would be able to provide for financially.
Student representatives of BSU also wanted Jerome to approve an official number or percentage necessary for minority students each year.
Jerome said that such a practice would be contrary to the basic philosophy on admissions at the University.
The University still refrains from setting a yearly goal for the admission of minority students, but “tries to recruit as many students of color as we can,” said Dave Garcia, admissions counselor. Garcia said that “many programs are presented nationally to encourage minority students” to attend the University.
A “majority of students (minority) have been first generation students” said Garcia. He said that this steady movement is the result of the many available forms of financial aid. African-American students at the University, represented by BSU, continue to strive for increases in the minority student population and awareness of current situations.