Task Force Reviews Report on Black Student Experience at Tech, Prioritizes Recommendations for Campus Inclusivity

The process developed to assess the black student experience at Georgia Tech is about to enter its next phase. 

The Black Student Experience Task Force, formed last September and co-led by Institute Diversity Vice President Archie Ervin and Student Life Vice President and Dean of Students John Stein, created a process to learn about the lived experiences of Tech’s black students and then synthesize these experiences to provide recommendations to President G.P. “Bud” Peterson.

The Task Force partnered with an independent consultant to conduct focus groups and interviews to gain additional insights. During spring semester, more than 130 interviews — both focus groups and one-on-one discussions — were conducted with undergraduate and graduate students as well as select faculty and staff.

At its meeting yesterday, the Task Force had its first chance to hear from the consultant and discuss his findings. 

“Classroom and academic settings, safe spaces, and campus inclusivity were among the high-level issues that emerged from the consultant’s research,” Ervin said.

In his final report, the consultant will provide an overview of findings to the Task Force, which will prioritize its recommendations and present them to Peterson next month.

Peterson will identify appropriate units at Tech to implement the recommendations as early as next month. A full update to the campus community is tentatively scheduled for early fall semester to share themes, actionable steps, and recommendations.

“As outlined in our Strategic Plan, Georgia Tech aspires to create a campus community that exemplifies the best in all of us,” Stein said. “I want to thank all those who served on the Task Force as well as those who volunteered their experience for the shared purpose of a more inclusive academic institution.” 

For questions about the Black Student Experience Task Force, email institutediversity@gatech.edu.