African American Initiatives
We are here to support your success as you navigate the road to graduation. We offer tools and resources you may need along the way.
- Peer and professional mentorship
- Academic and social development
- Campus and community resources
Our programs and services focus on recruitment and retention of African American students.
Black and Latino Excellence (BLX) Transition program
This five-day summer program helps ease the transition into college for new students.
- Move in early before the start of fall semester.
- Meet new friends.
- Learn about academic and social support.
- Gain leadership skills and more.
Afterward, you're encouraged to join the BLX Living Learning Community in Parks Tower Residence Hall to continue living and learning together.
How can I get involved?
- Attend the Black student, faculty and staff mixer and other African American events.
- Find a mentor and meet Black students, faculty and staff through Talented Aspiring Women Leaders (TAWL) and Brothers on the Rise.
- Check out Black History Month events in February.
- Use our educational resources at the Center for Racial Equity and Black Student Equity to learn about the experiences of specific populations.
- Participate in Student Diversity Workshops.
Black Student Organizations
- Black Student Union
- Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- African Peoples Association (APA)
- Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students
- Black Graduate & Professional Student Association
- Charisma Dance Team
- F.I.R.E. Squad Dance Team
Mentorship Programs
Connect with mentors at UToledo and in the community through Talented Aspiring Women Leaders and Brothers on the Rise.
Greek Life
UToledo's National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) represents nine historically Black fraternities and sororities on campus.
Meet Jersey Napler-McClendon
Class of 2022, Political Science
“OMSS has been a great help to me during my time here at The University of Toledo. I have met a lot of my friends in the office, and it’s a great place to study and unwind. I would definitely recommend the OMSS to any multicultural student looking for a place to feel comfortable and welcomed.”
Meet Taylor Ottrix
Class of 2023, Biology
“As an African American female and a part of the LGBTQ+ community, the Office of Multicultural Student Success helped me a lot. It’s a safe place to be yourself. It’s so welcoming. What really stood out to me are the multiple black leaders that are in the office. As a black female at a predominantly white school, it’s hard to find people like yourself in the offices. It showed me how as an African American woman, I have people that care about me here that are the same complexion as me.”