Mission

The ultimate mission of the Office of African American Student Affairs (AASA) is to maximize the successful completion of academic programs by African American and Black students. We encourage students to take fullest advantage of the programs and services provided by the many offices of the university designed to produce well-rounded graduates who will be prepared to lead successful, enriched lives. While the office is available to provide assistance and opportunities for participation in its programs and services to undergraduate, graduate and professional students, the primary focus and resources of AASA shall be oriented to the needs of the undergraduate population. In all of its efforts, AASA shall endeavor to acknowledge the diverse backgrounds of these students and to encourage fullest participation in a broad range of curricular and co-curricular endeavors.

Vision

Within the broader philosophical framework and construct of the Division of Student Affairs at Northwestern University, the Office of African American Student Affairs (AASA) will serve as the primary provider of essential services and programs that are designed to make the academic experience and out-of-class life of African American and Black undergraduate students affirming and successful. Through a well-coordinated plan involving advocacy, a personalized form of guidance and campus wide outreach, the office will seek to provide integrative experiences designed to reinforce the students’ educational, social and cultural well being, thus fostering a greater sense of community at the university.

Structure

African American Student Affairs is a department within the unit of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA). Asian/Asian American Student Affairs and Hispanic/Latino Student Affairs are also MSA departments. MSA is a unit within the Division of Student Affairs.

Community

African American students comprise approximately 5% of the undergraduate population at Northwestern University. The African American community is represented by students from the U.S., Caribbean, and Africa. Our population also includes those students of multi-racial backgrounds.

Staff

Shadra Smith, Director
Jerre Michelin, Secretary