The objective of the Center is to meet current needs and enrich and expand offerings in the areas of minority and international student retention services, disabled student support services, adult learner programs and student community service. A number of factors have a direct or indirect impact on retention of black students at a major institution like Kennesaw State University. These factors include the quality of support services, professors expectations and attitudes, the atmosphere of the campus with regard to socialization and programming, and the level of isolation and alienation experienced by the students. Minority students are provided with support services that include advisement, advocacy to facilitate problem solving, exposure to mentors and role models, information on campus and community resources and multicultural programming. Through the Black Collegian Advisement Program, faculty and staff members serve as mentors to students and advise them in their academic disciplines.
Advisers meet with students individually several times per semester.
Peer counseling and advisement are also made available to students. Students may also consult staff for counseling and academic advisement as their individual situations warrant. The program is administered by the Coordinator of Minority and International Student Retention Services. This office serves as a resource and advocate for international students. Students may receive counseling and advisement pertaining to cross-cultural adjustment, academic concerns, financial matters and course scheduling.