Iowa State University


Inside Iowa State
Nov. 1, 1996

BCC, university sign 10-year agreement

by Steve Sullivan
Iowa State has formalized its relationship with the Black Cultural Center (BCC) and committed at least $40,000 for the renovation of the center's facility at 517 Welch Ave. The renovation will focus on repairs needed to meet building and fire codes, and to improve the facility's usefulness.

Under a new 10-year agreement, the university officially recognizes the BCC as an organization affiliated with the university. It also establishes terms for the university and the center to provide support for each other.

The agreement rose out of an offer made by university officials last January to help renovate the facility. Since March, the BCC and the university have been working toward the formal agreement, which was signed by both groups in October.

ISU also has agreed to cover the costs of utilities, special property assessments and general liability and casualty insurance for the facility. The ISU Foundation will provide assistance in fund-raising endeavors to benefit the center's operations.

"The Black Cultural Center has been an important part of the African American community of Iowa State for nearly three decades. This new agreement will provide mutual benefits for ISU and the BCC," said President Martin Jischke. "The BCC is positioned to play an important role in the university's diversity efforts and enhancing the teaching, research and service missions of the university."

Under the new agreement, the BCC will give special attention to programming that supports the success of African American students; maintain communication with the African American Studies Program, the director of Minority Student Affairs (MSA), the ISU Black Faculty and Staff Association and appropriate African American student organizations; and seek the advice and guidance of the director of MSA regarding major changes in the activities of the center. Center officials have agreed that the MSA director will be an ex- officio member of the BCC board.

The Black Cultural Center is a private, non-profit organization created in 1969 to promote cross-cultural understanding and provide programs to benefit ISU students and employees. It provides a place for students and employees to gather and discuss issues of African American life and culture, hold cultural events and programs and find resources of interest to African Americans.

The BCC and the university each will designate three to four people for a coordinating committee that will meet regularly to discuss programs and operation of the center.

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Revised 10/31/96