We want you to feel at home on campus. Here are some of the services and programs that may be helpful to you.
Center for Black Culture
The Center for Black Culture provides support to WVU students, faculty and staff – particularly African and African American Mountaineers and Mountaineers of color. They provide our community with an educational, social and cultural support system that is unique to the African World experience. Whether you need help adjusting to University life or want to connect with other Mountaineers of color, the Center is here for you.
RISE WVU
RISE WVU is a program from our Office of Student Success that aims to create opportunities for and bring success to students of color. Students will be surrounded by a community that encourages them to persist towards graduation.
All students of color are encouraged to apply to join the program and have the chance to work and study alongside other students of color. To join the RISE WVU program, fill out an application so they can get into contact with you.
Contact Info
For more information on the RISE WVU program, contact Niara Campbell.
niara.campbell@mail.wvu.edu
304-293-5804
Social
Academic STARS
Housed in the Center for Black Culture, the Academic STARS program is designed specially for newly enrolled African American freshmen. The STARS program, which stands for Students Achieving and Reaching Success, helps these students develop an academic foundation on which they can build during their years in college and beyond.
To be eligible for this program, you must be an incoming African American student who has at least a 2.75 GPA and can show involvement in extracurricular activities or service-related projects. You will be asked to write an essay and complete an application.
Contact Info
For more information on Academic STARS, contact the Center for Black Culture.
The Quad Living-Learning Community
Want to live in a residence hall community that was created to provide students of color a space for connection and support? The Quad Living-Learning Community (LLC) is a community housed in the Evansdale Residential Complex (Towers) where students of color will live with and alongside other students of color.
This LLC focuses on the four areas of student development that are priorities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as well as Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs): cultural connections, engagement, academics and service. While living in the community, students are provided an environment where they can grow and flourish.
To live in The Quad, interested students must complete an application and pay their housing deposit, like normal. If chosen for this community, students will be automatically placed into a room in The Quad. If you are interested in living in The Quad for the upcoming school year, monitor The Quad’s website for updates on the application timeline and process.
Contact Info
For more information on The Quad, contact Niara Campbell.
Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion seeks to provide University-wide education, support, accountability and leadership on issues relating to diversity on campus and in our community. The Division engages in advocacy, policy development, consultation and evaluation to create a more inclusive campus community.
Visit the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Website
Honors Students of Color Affinity Group
This affinity group meets biweekly, bringing together Honors students of color to connect with and support each other, and to talk with guests from the WVU and Morgantown communities who can help them succeed at WVU.
Contact Info
For more information on the Honors Students of Color Affinity Group, contact the Honors College.
Office of Student Engagement and Leadership
The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership is dedicated to enhancing student involvement and leadership development of students. Student Involvement works to create an inclusive and vibrant community that serves as an outlet for every student to get connected to all potential involvement and engagement opportunities. Leadership Development, as a unit within Student Engagement and Leadership, provides students with leadership development opportunities through individual programs, retreats and experiential learning.
Student Legal Services
The Office of Student Legal Services is available to educate students about their legal rights, responsibilities and obligations. They provide services to all students with legal issues.
TRiO/Student Support Services
Student Support Service (SSS) programs are designed to serve undergraduate college students who meet specific program requirements. To be eligible for admission to WVU’s SSS program, students must meet at least one of the following criteria: low-income, first generation or students with disabilities. Each year, SSS serves 200 students – from first-year students to seniors – by providing them with academic, social and cultural support.
Office of Accessibility Services
The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) is dedicated to enhancing the educational opportunities for students with temporary and permanent disabilities at WVU. To ensure access to University programs, accessibility specialists work individually with students to help them achieve academic success.
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association is responsible for representing the needs and concerns of all Mountaineers. Student Government has been responsible for many major projects and initiatives at WVU. The organization is housed in the Division of Student Life via Student Engagement and Leadership.
Diversity Ambassadors
Each year, the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion seeks responsible and model WVU students who understand, embrace, respect and value diversity, ethnic cultures and new ways of thinking and connecting with current and potential WVU students. Ambassadors serve as an extension of the Division. They help to represent the Division and spread its mission and services among their peers. Participating students will be able to assist in the creation, planning and implementation of Diversity Week, create their own diversity- and inclusion-themed events and train fellow students on a variety of diversity topics and issues.
Visit the Diversity Ambassadors Website
Peer Advocates
WVU employs Title IX Education Specialists who coordinate the WVU Peer Advocate program. This program trains students to work to end sexual assault and power-based personal violence on campus through prevention education. This training takes the form of a 3-credit hour course where students receive the knowledge and tools they need to help their peers.
Halal Meals
Café Evansdale, Summit Café and Hatfields offer halal meals every day by request. Ask a dining hall manager for a halal meal and it will be ready within in few minutes.
Carruth Center and other mental health resources
We are continually working to ensure our students, faculty and staff of color are supported – physically, emotionally and mentally. The Carruth Center is available to provide you with a place to talk about your concerns, frustrations, anxieties, angers and more as a Black person in America. Your experiences matter, and you do not need to process them alone.
You can also use other free mental health resources when needed:
- Crisis Text Line – Text WVU to 741741 to talk with a trained crisis counselor 24/7 from anywhere in the world. It’s free!
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – If you are thinking about suicide or are worried about someone who is, call 1-800-273-TALK for free, 24/7 support.
Contact Info
To use these resources and take time for your mental health, contact the Carruth Center at 304-293-4431.