Membership Info & FAQs 

Member speaking at event 

A nominee for membership must be represented by an already standing member.

In order to become and maintain an active member status you must attend at least TWO meetings out of each month and participate in various BSU activities throughout the year.

Privileges for membership are:

A member has the right to vote on any voting situation; can be nominated for office; and can introduce any person or persons wanting to become members of the BSU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Black Student Union solely for young, Black students?

No. It isn’t. BSU is all about African-American concerns and everyone is invited to participate in addressing those concerns—young, old and everyone in between. All people of all races are welcome.

I'm a community member who would like to do something with BSU? How do I go about that?

Contact Tracy Theard at (815) 280-2352. She will be interested to find out what your interest is and what information you can provide her to proffer to BSU members.

Does BSU have contacts with other groups and clubs on campus that deal with minority concerns?

Yes. BSU collaborates with all the entities that exist on campus, including the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Project Achieve, Student Government’s Diversity Committee, ENLACE, and Latinos Unidos. BSU actively participates in fundraising for scholarships as well. They recently helped raise $4,564 to aid students of color for JJC’s Committee of African-American Concerns.

I have a really great idea for a BSU event, but don’t know how to put it forth to the JJC community.

You can do one of three things: come to a meeting and present it to the club; contact the club adviser; and/or send a mention via the BSU suggestion box.

Does BSU volunteer in the community?

Yes, it does and as frequently as possible. We know that personal growth is not restricted to books and academia, and as active members of the community, we want to do our part in giving back. If you’re seeking volunteers, contact BSU with opportunities.

Why should I join BSU?

To make a difference, to feel connected to fellow human beings, to become a role model for others, to network with people on-and off-campus, to enrich student life through African-American focused events, and to make your college experience more meaningful. As journalist Alex Kotlowitz has said to a JJC audience, "we should step outside of our comfort zone in an effort to seek out the myths that keep us apart and debunk them. Life is more than the good and bad, the light and dark; it’s about mingling the extremes."

How does BSU help me with my future?

BSU is with you every step of your educational career. It’s a great place for ideas and sharing. Former members have won scholarships and accolades thanks to their involvement in BSU (directly or inadvertently). Former BSU treasurer Dionte Yarborough was a recipient of the first Tribute to Men of Color Scholarship through the Project Achieve office and former president Anesha Barefield was the Student Leader of the Year for her efforts. As an example of JJC’s Project Success program, she went on to serve as a peer mentor to students for the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, and served on the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship in conjunction with helming the BSU group. Both are proof that BSU can be a launching pad to your resume now and in the future.

© 2010 Joliet Junior College

Joliet Junior College
1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431-8938
Phone: (815) 729-9020