The Committee for the Improvement of African-American Life at Princeton will present to the CPUC today a report stating problems in the academic, emotional and social life of black students on campus.
Committee members will recommend to the Council of the Princeton University Community the hiring of a more diverse faculty, the reformation of advising programs and the creation of a committee to investigate social alternatives.
These ideas stem from a Nov. 29 town hall meeting sponsored by the Black Student Union for the University community to discuss African-American life on campus.
During the open forum, students and faculty raised several issues they believe contribute to unease among black students, issues they say were being dealt with insufficiently.
As a result of the meeting, students formed the Committee for the Improvement of African-American Life at Princeton. Brittani Kirkpatrick '05, Ayana Harry '05, Brandon Nicholson '05 and Shena Elrington '04 issued the committee's first report.
"Our goal is to initiate structural and administrative changes by encouraging the University to acknowledge the problems and issues facing the black community and work alongside student organizations to improve campus life," authors of the report said in a statement.
The changes they hope to achieve, which stem from perceived problems on campus, are outlined in a preliminary statement.
They have identified the lack of faculty diversity and the consequent effects on students as a significant problem in terms of academics. The presenters will propose hiring more diverse faculty to make minority students more comfortable in the classroom.
In relation to the emotional health of black students, the committee will discuss "advising and mentorship problems" rooted in MAA and Princeton Achievement Alliance programs, according to the outline of the report.
Committee members will suggest improvements to mentoring programs and faculty-student relationships — specifically, a mentoring program for incoming African-American freshmen and the collaboration of the Princeton Achievement Alliance and MAAs with minority organizations.
The report will also highlight problems related to the social life of African-American students in a scene dominated by the 'Street— the most discussed topic at the town hall meeting.
The students will suggest the University administration form a committee to organize alternative social activities on a regular basis to create a more welcoming atmosphere for students.
Other notable concerns from the town hall meeting include the need for increased study of other cultures and more upperclassmen dining options. The students said they want the report to spark dialogue and alleviate the "uncomfortable atmosphere" for minorities on campus by primarily creating a "strong support system."
The presentation of the report to the CPUC will be in Dodds Auditorium this afternoon.
Read More
Students weigh in on changes to hours at Murray-Dodge Café
Eojin ParkMurray-Dodge’s hours have been cut nearly in half. Previously, Murray-Dodge was open from 3 p.m. to midnight every day. Amid other closures of campus cafes, its hours have been reduced to 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.
Murray-Dodge’s hours have been cut nearly in half. Previously, Murray-Dodge was open from 3 p.m. to midnight every day. Amid other closures of campus cafes, its hours have been reduced to 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson reflects on path to the Supreme Court in campus lecture
Isaac Bernstein and Justus WilhoitAt Princeton’s Harlan Lecture, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her journey to the Supreme Court, the power of dissenting opinions, and the importance of inspiring future generations.
At Princeton’s Harlan Lecture, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her journey to the Supreme Court, the power of dissenting opinions, and the importance of inspiring future generations.
Student employment in flux as University navigates budget cuts
Kian PetlinThe future of student employment remains uncertain amid budget cuts, with impacts ranging from reduced hours to staffing shortages.
The future of student employment remains uncertain amid budget cuts, with impacts ranging from reduced hours to staffing shortages.