Administrators and alumni reaffirmed the University's commitment to high black student graduation and retention rates this weekend during the 20th annual Spring Fling.
Spring Fling is an event for black prospective students who have received admission into next year's entering class. During the event, students learn about various aspects of the University and are encouraged to accept the offer of admission.
The University saw a 25 percent decrease in black applicants this year.
"U.Va Black Co.Net: Cooperative Opportunities and Networking," a series of panel discussions concerning topics of interest to members of the black community, made its first appearance at Spring Fling this year.
One panel discussion, held Saturday in Minor Hall auditorium, stressed the importance of black alumni involvement in the University and the value of maintaining connections between alumni and students.
Third-year Commerce student Tia Ayers asked black alumni to take the initiative to inform students about job opportunities.
"We do not have enough wisdom. We do need that guidance," Ayers said.
She also encouraged students to make an effort to meet with alumni to discuss job and internship offers.
Third-year College student Jonathan Tolliver advised students to meet with deans to talk about academics and plans for the future because they could provide valuable advice for students seeking counsel.
Second-year College student Bokar Ture commended alumni for striving for equal educational opportunities during the civil rights movement 30 years ago.
"You paved a path for [black students] to be here. In that sense, you are our parents," Ture said.
He lamented the fact that movements to eradicate affirmative action still exist today.
"There is no reason for us to be fighting for the same things we fought for 20 years ago," he said.
At 87 percent, the University's graduation rate for black students is the highest of all public universities in the nation.
The black graduation rate ranks ninth nationally and is also higher than that of Duke, Stanford and five of the eight Ivy League colleges.
The event was sponsored by several organizations, including the Walter F. Ridley Scholarship Fund, the Office of African-American Affairs, and the Black Student Alliance.
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