Understanding the Experiences of BIPOC Students

In Fall 2020, the System Office administered the Racial Equity Task Force survey to understand more about perceptions of equity, diversity, and inclusion at institutions across the system. In analyzing the survey results, we found that white students are much more likely to feel included, valued, and like they belong at UNC Asheville.

  • 49% of BIPOC students always or often feel welcome on campus (co
    mpared to 86% of white students)
  • 32% of BIPOC students always or often feel free to share their thoughts and opinions with peers, faculty, and staff (compared to 77% of white students)
  • 24% of BIPOC students always or often feel they are a part of a community within our institution (compared to 55% of white students)
  • 59% of BIPOC students always or often feel respected as individuals (compared to 79% of white students)

UNC Asheville offers a Living Learning Community specifically for historically underrepresented students to help combat these feelings. T

he SANKOFA LLC is open to first-year students of color who all live on the same floor in the residence hall and take AFST 174 together. Students who are a part of SANKOFA also participate in community building activities like residence hall and campus programming, local cultural activities, and get ready for all that the first year at UNC Asheville has in store.

Living Learning Communities have been shown to help students feel more supported socially, more respected, and create community.