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.
Belonging Excellence (BLX) 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
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
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.”