African American Studies 

For additional information about Black Issues Forum, contact the CSU Office of Admissions at 970-491-6909.

Look at photos from past BIFs

• 2009
• 2008
• 2007 
• 2005

Admissions Office

Black Student Services

CASAE [Center for Applied Studies in American Ethnicity]

Colleges and Departments Listing

Office of the President - Interim President Tony Frank 

Diversity Goals in the University Strategic Plan

• Diversity at CSU

 Black Issues Forum is a pre-collegiate leadership program sponsored by the
 Colorado State University Admissions Office.

The purpose of the Forum is to provide students a vehicle to demonstrate their written and oral communication skills and to enhance leadership potential. Participants have the opportunity to meet and interact with community leaders and University faculty as they discuss and evaluate important issues that affect the Black community at the local, state, national, and/or global level.

This program, which began in 1993, focuses on exceptional high school students who have completed their high school junior year. Initially, the program was for students who lived in Colorado, however, the Forum expanded in 1995 to include participants from all over the United States.

BIF has a significant library research component. BIF participants spend several hours in the University Libraries researching pre-selected (current) topics. Information is disseminated either through presentations, debates, or town meetings.

The topics for focus in the 2009 Black Issues Forum are:

African Americans and Education:  Exploring Male/Female Ratios in Higher Education

African Americans and Technology:  Impact of Computer Technology on High School Students

African Americans and Politics:  Impact of the “First Family” on the African American Community

African Americans and Society:  Influence of Rap/Hip Hop and Gangs on the African American Image

Black Issues Forum highlights include:

• Small peer group discussions of current issues affecting the Black community
• Experience in a university library
• Training in research methods
• Interaction with faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students of Colorado State University
• Reside in a University residence hall
• Attend special leadership workshops
• Participate in social activities such as an Evening of Cultural Expression, informal rap sessions, and a Recognition Luncheon