In the past seven years, the enrollment percentages of students who identify as Black, white and Hispanic have all decreased. Minority student groups are making an effort to change some of those numbers.
Following the early admissions decisions’ release on Jan. 26, UNC's Black Student Movement created a short video to send to newly admitted Black students.
BSM Secretary Kellan Robinson, President Aaron Epps and Outreach Chair Kelley Traynham took the initiative and met with UNC admissions to come up with the idea of creating a video.
"This was a way to get them to come to Admitted Student Day, where we will have a focus group slot for Black students," Robinson said.
In the 36-second video, members of the BSM Leadership Team congratulate new admits on their admission and encourage them to enroll at Carolina.
“We’re members of the Black Student Movement, and on campus, we host events and programs that welcome you all to become part of our family and find your home at UNC,” Epps said in the video.
BSM senior advisor Joia Freeman said that because she attended a predominantly white high school, her transition to Carolina was easier than that of other Black students, who attended more diverse high schools.
“If people are used to a more diverse environment, or just being surrounded by people who look like them, it can be a very jarring and intimidating experience," Freeman said. "It’s especially important for our admitted Black students to know that they can come here, that they can be successful and that they can find a place."
Freeman said the percentage of Black students at Carolina has decreased during her time here as a student and that by working with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, BSM has made efforts to address the decline.
