The task force charged by President G.P. "Bud" Peterson to examine and explore the black student experience at Georgia Tech is moving forward with focus groups, discussions and information gathering.

Comprised of 13 student, faculty, and staff members, the Black Student Experience Task Force will be supporting focus group sessions and individual interviews with Georgia Tech students, faculty, and staff in order to assess and better understand the climate and environment here at Georgia Tech. 

“We are committed to conducting the focus group and individual interviews with the highest degree of professionalism, so we can obtain accurate, well-analyzed findings that will lead to positive change,” said John Stein, vice president of Student Life and Dean of Students. 

The goal of the focus groups and interviews is to summarize the student experiences and identify common themes that emerge. The results will inform the task force in its efforts to propose recommendations to ensure a supportive, inclusive campus climate for black students — and all of the campus community. The task force is expected to share its report and suggestions with President Peterson early in the spring semester.

“At Georgia Tech, we take our students’ perspectives very seriously and we are grateful for their efforts to play a critical role in shaping policy and advocating for a safe, inclusive climate,” said Archie Ervin, vice president of Institute Diversity.