Pitt symposium geared to Black student retention

The African American Student Retention Symposium was developed six years ago as a strategy. A strategy to keep University of Pittsburgh faculty, staff, and administrators informed of the current challenges and successes in recruiting and retaining African American undergraduate students. To give faculty, staff, and administrators the opportunity to discuss specific measures and realistic ideas to take back to their units for implementation, and to enable them to support African American students in their academic success.
The Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences recently presented the African American Student Retention Symposium. The Academic Resource Center coordinates and oversees this annual campus-wide event, and the sympoium received generous support from the Provost’s Development Fund.
“I first heard about this annual event last year after a few students filled me in on how enlightening it was, so I knew I couldn’t miss it this time around. I was so intrigued by the information, and the keynote speaker just draws you in. I’m glad to say that I was in attendance,“ Clayton Jemison said,
The symposium took place on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus in Ballroom B, of the University Club. Two hundred faculty members, staff members, and administrators from the University of Pittsburgh’s Oakland campus and regional campuses attended.
“This is the third year that the event has filled to capacity. Pitt’s faculty, staff, and administrators’ commitment to diversity is demonstrated by the record number of participants at this annual event,” Director of Academic Resource Center. Anita Persaud said.
During the symposium, there was a memorable keynote speaker; Alfred L. Moyé PhD who addressed the topic of “Mentors and Role Models: A Personal Perspective.” Moyé is an award winning chemistry professor, rose to vice chancellor of University of Pittsburgh’s student affairs, and was taped by President Jimmy Carter to serve as deputy assistant secretary for higher, Emeritus Trustee and member of Board of Visitors for both the School of Information Sciences, and continuing education before going to Roosevelt University in Chicago as Vice President for Academic Affairs. Followed by Moyé’s presentation there was a faculty panel and a student panel where the audience was encouraged to ask direct questions of the panelists.
“Based on feedback from evaluations, it is clear the crowd grasped the meaning of and appreciated the event. It is held annually to demonstrate Pitt’s commitment to diversity and supporting our underrepresented students,” said Persaud.
Students, faculty, and staff seemed to enjoy the symposium, and were educated on challenges among minorities.
“Yes, the outcome of the event is a huge success for our university. It brings to the surface some real issues that our underrepresented students face attending a predominantly white university. It also helps us understand how we can help our students feel true ownership as members of our campus and to succeed academically,” Persaud said.
Since the African American Retention Symposium has been taking place at the University of Pittsburgh, the event has continues to get better and registration continues to fill with willing attendees anxious to be a part of the conversation.
 
 
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