Skip to main content

Black Student Resource Guide

Academic Support

Learn by Doing defines Cal Poly academics. There are a wide range of academic support services such as tutoring, advising, presentation and essay help, and more to ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources.

Black Academic Excellence Center

The Black Academic Excellence Center (BAEC) offers a range of academic and professional support services in a caring social environment allowing you to connect and engage with others through the lens of culture, identity and the Black student experience.

Learn More about the BAEC

The Black Student Union club at a booth at Culturefest

Academic Advising

Our advising centers can you help you plan your schedule, plan and track your degree progress, change your major and more. 
 

First-Generation Student Resources

First-generation students can find campus resources and support as well as connections to the broader first-gen community at Cal Poly.

Student Academic Services

Student Academic Services provides a network of services and programs to help you achieve academic success.
 

Jamie Patton, Ed.D.

Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Cal Poly, we are committed to building a campus community where everyone can come together to learn and contribute to a better future.  We want to ensure that people from every background and social identity are welcomed, valued and given the resources to thrive academically, socially and personally. Within this guide you will find a variety of leadership opportunities, student clubs, organizations, cultural events, activities and campus services designed with you in mind. 

Read more stories from our students, faculty and staff

Portrait of Dr. Jamie Patton

Career & Professional Development

Resources, training and advice are available to help you reach your professional goals. Our campus organizations offer career advising and exploration, job and internship placement, career fairs, professional development, mentorship opportunities, mock interviews, resume review and more.

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

The NSBE provides a community for culturally responsible Black engineers to excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. 

Black Alumni Chapter

The Black Alumni Chapter is a diverse community that allows you the chance to socialize, volunteer and connect with fellow alumni as well as the Cal Poly community.

Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA)

The BFSA is a diverse association dedicated to creating an environment that is supportive of the recruitment and retention of Black faculty, staff and students. 

Career Services

Career Services contains resources that can assist you in finding jobs and internships as well as offers career counseling, interview and resume help and more. 

Center for Leadership

The Center for Leadership can help you develop the intellectual, professional and civic skills necessary to become a socially engaged leader.

Clubs and Community

There are a variety of places, groups and organizations on our campus that provide a supportive environment for you to connect and build your community.

Black student union

The Black Student Union (BSU) works to build unity and enhance the lives of Black students on- and off-campus. The club promotes Black cultural awareness and pride, advocates for academic success and fosters a community of Black voices.

Learn More about the BSU

Women pose with a sign that says Black Student Union

Student Diversity and Belonging

Student Diversity and Belonging is a coalition of campus centers that work together to provide a place of community and create a culturally rich environment.

Clubs

Getting involved with one of our many student-run cultural clubs are a great way for you to make connections and find your community. 

Greek Organizations

Diverse social fraternities and sororities such as Gamma Zeta Alpha or Lambda Sigma Gamma can help you form lifelong friendships while serving your community.

Cultural Housing Communities

While living on campus, you can choose to live in residential learning community with others who share your field of study, career aspirations, personal interests or cultural identity.

Residential Learning Community Information
 

Student congregate in a shared housing space

Interested in Applying?

We can help you explore our campus resources, admission requirements and the application process. Whether you are a prospective or current student, parent or counselor, we are here to support you and answer your questions via phone or via video chat. 

Dimitrous Chattman, M.A.
[email protected]
(805) 788-8410

Regional representative in Sacramento, Dimitrous Chattman

CSU African-American Initiative
The California State University's African American Initiative aims to increase college participation, enrollments and graduation rates for African-American students. In partnership with California churches serving predominantly African American congregations, the CSU holds outreach events, conducts programs and shares resources all aimed at increasing awareness and preparing students for higher education.