Mission and Philosophy
The Office of African-American Affairs (OAAA) has been an integral part of the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Virginia since its establishment in 1976. Our primary mission is to support African-American students by assisting academic and non-academic units in meeting their service needs effectively.
We strive to create a nurturing environment that encourages African-American students' full participation in university life while promoting awareness and appreciation of their needs, interests, and cultural heritage within the broader community. Our programs and services are designed to accommodate the diverse intellectual and social backgrounds of our students.
Beyond providing services, we aim to cultivate an appreciation for African-American culture as a vital component of a diverse society. We maintain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and the community to facilitate information exchange and offer support for the educational success and retention of African-American students.
Additionally, as change agents, we advocate for the interests of African-American students and work to address institutional barriers that may hinder their development and success. We strive to promote inclusivity and diversity by advocating for structural, policy, and procedural changes within the university.