The Office of African Descent Student Opportunity and Success provides Black students with academic, employment and community resources and engagement to facilitate their success.
Our Office
Dotun Olutoke
Coordinator, African Descent Student Opportunity and Successdotun.olutoke@acadiau.ca 782-641-0522Dotun provides both academic and personal advising to Black students currently enrolled at Acadia. He can refer you to campus and community partners for additional support.
Resources
We have several scholarships and bursaries available to students of African descent, including the Edwin Borden Award and the Clifford and Helena Oliver Bursaries.
The Human Rights and Equity Office creates a fair and safe environment to ensure our students thrive. We also work with students to help prevent and address harassment and discrimination on campus.
Free tutoring is available to Black students in collaboration with Acadia Tutoring Services.
The lounge is a welcoming and safe space for Black students that’s available during the day and after hours. It’s equipped with a computer, free printing, microwave, fridge, kettle and snacks.
Our dedicated BIPOC counsellor is intentional about creating a safe space for Black students to process and understand their experiences.
The spiritual heart of Acadia, the Manning Memorial Chapel hosts both secular and nonsecular groups, and is open every day of the year.
Our partnership with the Valley African Nova Scotia Development Association (VANSDA) helps Black students find employment opportunities.
Clubs, Societies, and Associations
Acadia has over 60 student-led clubs, societies and associations. In addition, each semester, we host a series of social events and cultural workshops to enhance the student experience, including our Black Student Meet and Mix and our Black Men Barbershop events – a safe space for Black men to talk about mental health, race, masculinity, and more.
(Please note that the operation of student clubs, societies, and associations may change year-to-year depending on student involvement.)
Black Student Association (BSA)
The Acadia BSA is a non-political student association which embraces the culture and advocates for the empowerment of Black Nova Scotian, Canadian, and International Students at Acadia.
Acadia Caribbean Union
Acadia’s Caribbean Union is a space for Caribbean students on campus to share cultural experiences and build a strong community.
Sisters of Color (SOC)
Sisters of Color (SOC) was created to embody and find strength in a sisterhood that reflects the values observed in a Black community. SOC is a support system, a place to go for advice and share stories without judgement.
Scarborough Charter
Acadia is a signatory of the Scarborough Charter and we’re committed to providing a diverse, fair and inclusive environment and experience for all our students. This includes addressing all forms of systemic racism on our campus and more specifically taking concrete, meaningful action to address anti-Black racism and promote Black inclusion in Canadian higher education.