About Us

african american student affairsAfrican American Student Affairs (AASA), originally known as Minority Student Affairs, was developed as a result of student protests during the 1968 Bursar Takeover. The victorian style house, often called the “Black House” by the Northwestern community, serves as a gathering place for students, staff, and faculty. The House features conference rooms, a lounge with LCD television and a computer lab with copy machine. We pride ourselves on being a comforting space for students to socialize and study.

Students who identify as Black/African American comprise approximately seven percent (7%) of the entering class of undergraduate students at Northwestern. The African American community is represented by students from the United States, Canada, Caribbean, and Africa. Our population also includes those students of multi-racial backgrounds.

AASA is one of the three departments within Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA). The other two departments are Asian/Asian American Student Affairs and Hispanic/Latino Student Affairs. AASA is housed within the Black House at 1914 Sheridan Road.

Contact and Visit Us

Students gathered

Northwestern University
Department of African American Student Affairs
1914 Sheridan Road
Evanston, Illinois 60208

Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm

Phone: 847-491-3610
Fax: 847-467-1675

The Mission

African American Student Affairs (AASA) seeks to offer unique programs and services that enhance the collegiate experience of African American and Black students. Through our collaborative relationships across campus, we offer educational, professional, and social resources designed to meet student needs. We strive to help students develop holistically, supporting initiatives that enable them to lead successful and enriched lives.