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. We will be hosting weekly community programming every Tuesday from 6 to 8 pm in the Upper Level Collegium (UNC 335).
Eden (she/her)
My name is Eden and I am from Mombasa a county in Kenya. I am a second-year student in the Bachelor of Arts program, where I intend to major in Economics. I am a huge fan of music and I listen to all types of music, although I do have a slight preference for afrobeat and R&B. Something interesting about me is that I enjoy watching doomsday movies, I find them quite fascinating. Moreover, I also love reading particularly science fiction and fantasy novels. I am extremely excited to be one of your Black Student Success Coordinators and I look forward to assisting and supporting you through your journey at UBCO!
Marco (he/him)
My name is Marco. I am Ugandan and I am in my fourth year studying Political Science. A fun fact about myself is that I have read all the Percy Jackson books including the three spin-off series. I am most looking forward to planning memorable events that get people to interact with each other and form friendships with students they wouldn’t have otherwise met.
Nancy (she/her)
Hi! My name is Nancy and I’m currently a third-year microbiology student. I’m a huge fan of music, with my favourite genres being neo-soul and highlife. Something interesting about me is that I love taking naps – I can fall asleep anytime and anywhere! Additionally, I’m an avid reader, particularly of fantasy and dystopian novels. I’m thrilled to be one of your Black Student Success Coordinators and can’t wait to assist you in any way that I can!
Contact us
Find us in University Centre (UNC) 329. We provide virtual and in-person services from 9 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Email: bss.ubco@ubc.ca
