Becoming an "Involving College" for African American Undergraduate Men

     Data indicates that many institutions are not "involving colleges" for African American men (Harper & Wolley, 2002).  An "involving college" is one that emphasizes learning both inside and outside the classroom and values and supports student learning wherever it occurs. 
     It is important to avoid a "one size fits all" approach when considering how to get underrepresented students more involved on college and university campuses.  The research speaks for itself that actively involved students gain more from college than students who are not as involved.  African American students, and even fewer African American males are actively involved in activities outside of class, especially on campuses that are predominantly white.  Studies show that African American females are much more likely to get involved on campus and seek leadership opportunities than African American males.  It has actually become socially abnormal for African American males to be actively involved.  Participation in campus clubs limits the time African American males can dedicate to more masculine endeavors such as playing sports, engaging in video games, gaining material possessions, pursuing romantic relationships, and spending time with other African American males.  Perceptions of masculinity and popularity held by African American males actually follow them to college and limit their desire to participate in campus activities and organizations.  There is also a significant lack of outreach and recruitment of African American males to join campus groups.  African American males need to feel wanted by an organization in order to consider joining.  There are very few racial/ethnic minority advisers in student activities, which also makes recruitment challenging.  African American male undergraduates also feel that they may lack the leadership skills to be eligible to participate in campus organizations.  Another simple explanation for low participation in campus activities by African American males is a lack of interest.

Strategies for Increasing Involvement of African American Males

1.  The best recruiter of African American males is an actively involved African American male student leader.
2.  Do research to discover why African American men are not involved on your campus.
3.  Collaborate with sports' coaches to recruit African American males.
4.  Collaborate with African American faculty and staff. 
5.  Publicly reward involvement.
6.  Use black fraternities as a resource.
7.  Start early by recruiting during orientation. 
8.  Encourage African American males who are general members of student organizations to pursue leadership positions.
9.  Plan a program to increase African American student involvement in campus activities.
10.  Feature student leaders.

Harper, S. R., & Wolley, M. A. (2002). Becoming an “involving college” for African American undergraduate men: Strategies for increasing African American male participation in campus activities. The Bulletin, May, pp. 16-24.