Black Student Success Services
Welcome and thank you for exploring Black Student Success (BSS) services and programs. Please let us know if we can help.
About us
Our purpose
To serve Black students at UBCO on their path to success by creating a network of support, providing Black-centered programming, and events that showcase Black/African ancestry at the UBC Okanagan campus.
Our vision
The Black Student Success (BSS) program aims to enhance and support students’ lives outside of the classroom by assisting in the development of responsive and intentional safe spaces and community for Black-identifying students both in-person and virtually. This is accomplished through creating a network of support, event and program facilitation, and providing education.
Our values
The BSS is guided by the ‘Ubuntu’ philosophy, which is a word that originates from the Southern African Xhosa language. It translates to mean “I am because you are.” It expresses compassion, reciprocity, dignity, harmony, and humanity toward building and maintaining a community with mindfulness and mutual caring. Our values encourage the effort for Black students, staff, and faculty to have unified partnership, empowerment, and success.
Meet the team
The Black Student Success team is dedicated to improving the university experience for UBCO’s black population and to bring this community closer together. We are working toward this mission through various social programs and awareness campaigns, as well as conversations with higher-ups in the university structure about the challenges faced by our community. Ultimately, we are here for you, in whatever capacity you need.
Taiwo Penner
Coordinator, Black Student Success
I am Nigerian, with a background in Kinesiology from the University of Manitoba. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve designed and led programs focused on high-performance sport and barrier-free access for high-risk, inner-city youth. As an immigrant who moved to Canada from the UK, I am deeply passionate about advocacy and creating space for marginalized communities. It has been a meaningful privilege to build and grow the Black Student Success Program over the past three years, and to witness its evolution into the vibrant support system it is today.
Enock Mutabazi
Student Staff, Community Specialist
I am Rwandan, and a third-year computer science student in the Faculty of Science. I have a passion for photography and all things related to videomaking. Being a people person, I naturally enjoy welcoming others and fostering a sense of community. I am excited to serve as one of your Black Student Success Community Specialists and hope to organize various events that promote a strong sense of belonging and representation for everyone.
Fikayo Adeleke
Student Staff, Community Specialist
I am a Nigerian who grew up in South Africa. I am a third-year PPE major (Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics). I am also currently doing my master’s degree in management. I enjoy reading and watching movies in my free time. I am so excited to be one of the Black Student Success Community Specialists so I can help improve campus life for Black students. I can’t wait to help organize fun events and continue cultivating community.
Contact us
Find us in the Black Student Space (COM121) from 11 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday, between September and April.
Email: bss.ubco@ubc.ca
