The Black Student Space is closed from Wed, Dec 18 to Sun, Jan 5. Regular hours will resume on Mon, Jan 6 at 10 am.
About the space
The Black Student Space is an identity-affirming space available only for Black undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at the UBC Vancouver campus. It’s a space to study, connect with each other, recharge, host events and sessions, and build community.
With the intention of creating a safer space, the Black Student Space celebrates the diversity and shared experiences within the Black community, and aims to foster a sense of belonging and wellbeing at UBC. The Black Student Space is student-centered, with a focus on providing networks, programming, and resources that are specific, relevant, and representative of Black experiences, intersectional identities, and cultures.
All staff and faculty are welcome to organize programming and resources in the space that support the needs and interests of Black UBC Students.
History of the Black Student Space
The Black Student Space was opened in fall 2023 by the Office of the Vice-President Students and the Centre for Student Development and Leadership, in consultation and co-creation with the UBC Black student community on the Vancouver campus. It is an intentional step in response to the Student Strategic Plan (strategies 4 and 9), as well as the Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence Recommendations Taskforce Report (recommendations 3 and 41).
Anti-Black racism exists in all systems, such as the Canadian higher educational system. Unique supports that directly impact Black students’ academic success, personal growth, and wellbeing are needed. The Black Student Space aims to be one of these support options at UBC.
Contact us at the Black Student Space
Email: bss.info@ubc.ca
Location and layout
The space is located in the Exchange Building (5960 Student Union Boulevard) and consists of an Upper and Lower area that cater to different activities:
- The Upper Space, located on the second level, is a dedicated quiet area for studying, individual contemplation, meditation, and other quiet activities. See how it looks with the interactive tool.
- The Lower Space includes a lounge space for napping and resting, as well as a large open area for events and group activities. Students, staff, and faculty can book the Lower Space. Find out how it looks with the interactive tool.
Opening hours
The Black Student Space is closed on all statutory holidays observed by UBC.
- Monday: 10:00am – 8:30pm
- Tuesday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
- Wednesday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
- Thursday: 10:00am – 8:30pm
- Friday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
How to access the Black Student Space
The space is only open to currently enrolled students who identify as Black, including but not limited to those who are of Black African descent, African-American, African-Canadian, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, and Afro-Indigenous.
To access the Black Student Space, please complete the form below. Requests are currently processed bi-weekly. You’ll receive a confirmation email verifying your access.
The Black Student Space will reopen on Tues, Sep 10 for regular programming.
If you have an urgent need to access the space, please email bss.info@ubc.ca.
Black Student Space amenities
To ensure a welcoming space, the Black Student Space offers multi-purpose activities from baking, hosting movie nights, reflecting and writing, to hosting events.
The following amenities are available:
- Kitchen facilities, including an oven, microwaves, refrigerators, small appliances, dishes, and cutlery
- Quiet space for study and contemplation in the Upper Space
- Ample outlets for charging devices in the Upper Space
- Library in the Upper Space
- Moveable furniture to accommodate different group activities and events in the Lower Space
- Lounge/napping area with couches and fireplace in the Lower Space
- Television and projector in the Lower Space
- Showers and lockers
- Bathrooms
- Board games
- Beanbag chairs
- Whiteboards and bulletin boards
- Printer and scanner
- Coffee and tea
Events and activities
The space offers events and activities that cater to the diversity of Black experiences, intersectional identities, and cultures. Students are invited to build community both within and beyond UBC, through programming and events offered by staff, faculty, community partners, and Black student groups at UBC.
If you’re a Black student, Black student group, or staff member interested in booking the space, please review our Community and Booking Guidelines and submit the form below. All bookings must align with the mandates and principles of the Black Student Space.
Accessibility features
The Black Student Space offers the following features:
- Ramp access at the main building entrance
- Wheelchair accessible gender-neutral bathrooms and shower facilities
- Wheelchair accessible automated doors
- Soft lighting and warm paint colours
- Elevator access between Upper and Lower Spaces
If you have questions
Please email bss.info@ubc.ca for more information.
A UBC staff member will also be available at the Black Student Space to support and connect with students.