ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½

At ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½, equity, diversity, and inclusion promotes successful transition of Black/African students to university.

EDI also:

  • celebrates the rich and diverse cultures that students come from and bring to ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½
  • engages all members of the ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½ community in understanding the rich histories and cultures of the Black/African peoples

Questions? Email deiar@mta.ca.


Supports and services

NEW! MtA Black Students Mentorship Program

The Black Students Mentorship Program is designed to help Black students thrive academically, socially, and professionally at ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½. By pairing students with experienced mentors, we provide guidance, encouragement, and meaningful connections to help you succeed on campus and beyond.

Whether you’re navigating your first year or preparing for life after graduation, this program is here to support your growth, leadership, and sense of community. Questions? Email deiar@mta.ca.

How the mentorship program works

Why this program matters

Research and student feedback show that Black students face unique challenges navigating campus life, from finding role models to accessing resources. The MtA Black Students Mentorship Program addresses these challenges by providing:

  • Guidance: Connect with mentors who understand your experience
  • Community: Join a supportive network of peers 
  • Opportunity: Access workshops, events, and leadership programs
  • Recognition: Celebrate achievements and contributions 

Program goals

Our program is built around four core goals:

  1. Support academic excellence and career readiness
  2. Provide mentorship and guidance from experienced peers 
  3. Foster leadership development and networking opportunities
  4. Celebrate Black excellence and build a strong, supportive community 

How it works

  • Mentor–mentee meetings: Mentors and mentees meet at least twice per month for one-on-one discussions, social activities, or goal-focused sessions.
  • Themed workshops and events: The program hosts at least one structured workshop or themed event each month for all participants. 
  • Community and experiential activities: Occasionally, participants may take part in trips or other off-campus experiences to strengthen connections and explore the local community.
  • Recognition and opportunities: Upon completing the program, participants receive certificates of participation and may be eligible for internship opportunities tied to mentorship leadership roles. 

For mentees

What you’ll gain:

  • Personalized guidance from a mentor who has navigated similar experiences
  • Leadership and academic development opportunities
  • Connections with peers
  • Access to workshops, events, and other resources

What you’ll do:

  • Meet your mentor at least twice per month
  • Attend themed program events and activities
  • Share your goals and challenges to maximize your mentorship experienc

For mentors

What you’ll gain:

  • Leadership, communication, and coaching skills
  • Meaningful relationships with students and peers
  • Recognition for your contribution (certificate or letter of acknowledgement)

What you’ll do:

  • Commit to meeting your mentee at least twice per month
  • Attend a mentor training session
  • Attend themed program events and activities
  • Provide academic, social, and professional guidance

Program timeline and events

  • Kickoff and mentor training
  • Mentorship meetings
  • Workshops and seminars
  • Community events
  • Program completion: recognition ceremony and certificate award

 

Black Resource and Information Centre (BRIC)

The BRIC, located in WMSC 124, is a dedicated safe space designed to support the Black experience on campus and in our community. The space serves as a community gathering space, and gives access to peer support and resources.

Student clubs and societies


Supporting our Black community

In acknowledgement of the unique challenges that Black people face in this society and on our campus, Student Life, in cooperation with various stakeholders and community partners, has committed to the following initiatives towards substantive change.

On-going initiatives

Staff, students, and faculty have the chance to participate in a range of programs, initiatives, and events designed to engage the public and empower Black communities at ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½, including:

  • Creation of a dedicated safe space — a dedicated space for all on campus that centres the Black experience.
     
  • Braids and Fades Fridays — recognizing that there are no haircare services for Black people in our community, Student Life has partnered with Black haircare experts in the Moncton area to provide these services monthly and on campus.
     
  • The Black Experience at MtA — a presentation and panel discussion on how to support Black students in and out of the classroom.
     
  • Black health and wellness circles — on-going wellness support groups with a focus on lived experience.
     
  • Black celebrations — commemorating and celebrating days of significance such as Black History Month, and Black Grad.
     
  • Black Alumni Network — an affinity group for Black MtA alumni

When we talk about unpacking Black history, we must recognize that anti-Black racism, discrimination, and oppression are not a concept of the past. As an institution, we will continue to uplift our Black communities and create safe and affirming spaces for all who call this place home.

Questions? Email deiar@mta.ca.


February is Black History Month

Black History Month is about honouring the enormous contributions that Black people have made, and continue to make, in all sectors of Canadian society. It is about celebrating resilience, innovation, and determination to work towards a more inclusive and equitable country called Canada.

Find out what is happening at ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½ for Black History Month.

Days of significance

January (third Monday of the month) Martin Luther King Day
February Black History Month
March 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UN)
March 21-27 Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling Against Racism and Racial Discrimination (UN)
July 18 Nelson Mandela Day (UN)
Aug. 1 Emancipation Day
Dec. 2 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery (UN)