SCampus Student Guidebook

Student Services

Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs

Director: Corliss P. Bennett-McBride
Asst. Director: Syreeta N. Aboubaker
(213) 740-8257
(213) 740-3298 (FAX)
Student Union 415
Email: cbcsa@usc.edu
www.usc.edu/cbcsa

The Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs (CBCSA) provides a wide range of support services, programs and cultural activities aimed at the development of undergraduate and graduate students. CBCSA is committed to creating an environment that encourages intellectual, professional and cultural growth of students of African descent entering and completing degree programs. CBCSA’s five major areas of focus are cultural and community awareness, leadership, professional development, social enrichment and retention.

Core Programs

Dr. Thomas Kilgore Honor Society

Created in 2001, the Dr. Thomas Kilgore Honor Society promotes students of academic excellence who are recognized for their achievements, encouraged to appreciate scholarly work and supported towards their career aspirations.

Excel Leadership Academy

The academy provides an avenue for students to develop collective leadership styles with four goals: to create a sense of community, to help students identify and cultivate their own leadership styles, to leave a legacy for 
African-American students, and to serve as ambassadors for African-centered leadership campus-wide. The annual retreat allows CBCSA, Program Board and other departments to disseminate information to the leaders of Black clubs and organizations.

Howard University Exchange Program

Despite the fact that Los Angeles is a major metropolitan city, it lacks a historically Black college or university. The Howard University Exchange Program gives students a chance to study and experience college life at a historically black college or university. Students have the option of spending one semester or a full academic year in the exchange program.

Somerville Place

Named after John and Vada Somerville, this residential community creates an environment where academic success, leadership, self-direction and personal growth are nurtured. The five goals that all residents strive to achieve are: spirituality, respect, retention, successful transitions, and an understanding and display of positive social values. The goals of Somerville Place foster an understanding of and respect for the Black culture, while cultivating a sense of family and community.

Signature Events

Black Welcome Week

This week is a collaborative effort between CBCSA, the Black Student Assembly (BSA) and Black student organizations. Several events are hosted during the first two weeks of the fall semester to introduce new and returning students to Black student organizations. Activities range from engaging students in civic and community involvement to socializing with students, faculty and staff.

Black Family Weekend

Held in conjunction with USC’s Trojan Family Weekend, CBCSA and the Black Student Assembly invite students and their parents to an annual soul food dinner on Friday evening. On Saturday, three hours before the USC football game, CBCSA hosts a family tailgate picnic. On Sunday we wrap things up with the family worship service and brunch.

Black History Month

Black History Month at USC promotes, preserves, interprets and disseminates information about Black life, history and culture to the university community. Over the years, programming has included: a kickoff rally; Black greek step yard show; sickle cell blood drives, movie screenings, a spoken word event, and dances and formals.

African American Cultural Celebration

Bridging our past with our present, Black graduation is a traditional rite of passage that recognizes and affirms students of African descent who have completed a rigorous journey through academia at USC. This widely attended and highly anticipated event unites students, families and friends through culture and achievement. An outstanding speaker is chosen each year for the ceremony which is traditionally held on the Thursday evening before USC commencement for undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

Collaborations

Unity through Community: Black and Latino New Student Orientation

CBCSA, in collaboration with El Centro Chicano, has created an orientation program for new undergraduate and transfer students to give them the opportunity to meet current students, as well as distinguished faculty and administrators. Additionally, the program provides academic and social workshops that orient new students to the experiences USC has to offer.

Project ReMix: Exploring the Mixed Race Generation

Project ReMiX is a monthly, interactive discussion series that explores issues facing the mixed race generation – a growing population in the U.S. and especially at USC. Asian Pacific American Student Services (APASS), Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs (CBCSA) and El Centro Chicano (ECC), wanted to provide a new program to attract students who might not otherwise seek out our specific cultural centers.