CSUDH has been officially designated as a California Black-Serving Institution (BSI), a groundbreaking statewide recognition for universities that excel in supporting and advancing the success of Black and African American students. CSUDH is one of three California State University campuses to earn this distinction, alongside CSU Northridge and CSU Sacramento.
“CSUDH’s history and mission are inextricably linked with social and racial justice, so we are incredibly proud to be recognized by the state as a Black-Serving Institution,” said President Thomas A Parham.
“This distinction honors the ancestors and is a recognition which both reflects decades of cultivating, celebration and elevating Black excellence among our students, faculty, staff, curriculum—and sense of belongingness among our campus community—and elevates the notion of servingness beyond mere demographic representation.”
Established through SB 1348 (Bradford, 2024) to help address historically low college enrollment and graduation rates among Black students in California, the BSI designation creates the first formal statewide framework for identifying institutions demonstrating meaningful progress in retention, graduation, representation, belonging and equity for Black students.
“In a region without the historic legacy of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), this designation underscores both the progress we’re making and the work still ahead to fully support Black and African American students,” said Dilcie D. Perez, deputy vice chancellor for strategic enrollment management and student success for the CSU. “It reinforces our systemwide Black Student Success efforts and our commitment to creating environments where every student can thrive.”
CSUDH, CSUN and Sacramento State not only reflect the highest enrollments of Black students in the system but also serve as models for fostering a welcoming space for Black students through the outreach, academic and student engagement programs they offer.
CSUDH enrolls 1,891 Black students (13.1% of overall student population) and is widely recognized for cultivating strong community and student success pathways through such programs as the Dymally Institute, Male Success Alliance and its Black Resource Center.
BSI Designation
The CSU Center Office for the Advancement of Black Student Success, housed at Sacramento State and part of the CSU’s larger effort to better serve black students, is the managing entity of the BSI designation per SB 1348. It is responsible for overseeing the application process and presenting eligible applicants to the BSI Governing Board, which is chaired by California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and is responsible for awarding designations, guiding implementation and ensuring impact statewide.
For the BSI designation, institutions must meet state eligibility requirements per SB 1348, including enrolling either 10% Black or African American students or at least 1,500 Black or African American students, and submit a formal application. Once awarded, the designation is valid for five academic years, after which campuses may apply for renewal.
