The University at Buffalo has made some major gains in closing the completion gap between white and black students. WBFO's Focus on Education Reporter Eileen Buckley says a new, national study shows an improved graduation rate for black students at UB.
“And we are very pleased to see, obviously because it means that the accomplishment of all our students is getting equal merit,” said Andrew Stott, UB Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education.
The Education Trust issued a new, national study, Rising Tide II: Do Black Students Benefit as Grad Rates Increase?
The report indicated that "from 2003 to 2013 graduation rates for black students at UB have increased by 20.1 points, to 63.5 percent. During the same period UB has also improved graduation rates for white students by 13.5 points, to 72.3 percent. As a result, the completion gap between white and black students at UB has decreased from 15.4 points in 2003 to 8.8 points in 2013."
Rising Tide II: Do Black Students Benefit as Grad Rates Increase? - See more at: http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2016/03/068.html#sthash.sfyDeVPL.dpuf
Rising Tide II: Do Black Students Benefit as Grad Rates Increase? - See more at: http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2016/03/068.html#sthash.sfyDeVPL.dpuf The report indicated from 2003 to 2013 graduation rates for black students at UB have increased by 20.1 points, to 63.5 percent. During the same period UB has also improved graduation rates for white students by 13.5 points, to 72.3 percent. As a result, the completion gap between white and black students at UB has decreased from 15.4 points in 2003 to 8.8 points in 2013.
From 2003 to 2013 graduation rates for black students at UB have increased by 20.1 points, to 63.5 percent. During the same period UB has also improved graduation rates for white students by 13.5 points, to 72.3 percent. As a result, the completion gap between white and black students at UB has decreased from 15.4 points in 2003 to 8.8 points in 2013. - See more at: http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2016/03/068.html#sthash.ZVDBKcLR.dpuf
Stott tells WBFO News this puts UB ahead of other colleges in the nation.
“Decrease this to just about under nine-percentage points. We really have that problem nationally. In other institutions around the country you’re going to see a much bigger gap,” explained Stott.
UB provides a number of support services for minority students ranging from mentoring and advising to academic help.
“UB has the largest EOP program in New York State,” said Stott. “The student support services, which act as a safety net for students who may be having challenges both financial and social on campus, and scholars program, which again, seeks to provide research experience and preparation for graduate school.”
The study says among colleges making gains for black students UB is an "exemplar".
