About Us

The purpose and mission of the Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) of Virginia Commonwealth University is to provide a supportive and collaborative environment for students of African descent, and students of color currently enrolled in graduate programs at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The BGSA seeks to address the under-representation of Black students in graduate programs both through efforts to retain current Black graduate students, and efforts to increase the number of Black undergraduate students who apply to and enroll in graduate programs. The organization also aims to increase Virginia Commonwealth University’s awareness and responsiveness to the professional and academic needs of Black graduate students. The BGSA will accomplish this purpose and mission through promoting scholarship, developing mentorship, establishing a supportive professional and personal community, providing service to the greater Richmond area, and encouraging social justice within the larger community.