Skip to main content

Black student support

A welcoming and supportive environment for Black students at ±«Óãtv and the University of King's College

Support services

BSAC offers the following supports and services:

The Centre provides support for students of African descent to help identify goals and pathways while in university. We assist you in developing skills that will make you successful learners and outstanding individuals. We can help you navigate academic expectations, financial management, and the complexity of campus life through one-on-one advising and academic encouragement. We can also act as an advocate if you find yourself involved in the academic or non-academic discipline processes. 

BSAC current offers free tutoring in Biology, Math, Chemistry, and writing for the fall/winter semesters. No appointment necessary, just drop in:

  • Biology: in person on Mondays (6 – 8 p.m.) andÌýÌý(4 – 6 p.m.)
  • Math/Stats: in person on Tuesdays (4 – 5 p.m.) andÌýÌý(4 – 6 p.m.)
  • °ä³ó±ð³¾¾±²õ³Ù°ù²â:ÌýÌý(7 – 8 p.m.)
  • Writing:Ìýin person on Wednesdays (1 – 2 p.m.) and Thursdays (1 – 2 p.m.)

BSAC can refer you to the other advisors, resources, and supports on campus.

  • Advisor, African Nova Scotian Student Cohort (Medical Science): Vanessa Jackson (vanessa.jackson@dal.ca)  

  • Program advisor, African Nova Scotian/African Descent Student Cohort (Nursing): Meaghan Ryan (meaghan.ryan@dal.ca)

  • Afrocentric Cohort coordinator (School of Social Work): Bria Symonds (abswc@dal.ca)

  • Student athlete and community relations advisor, head of basketball operations (Department of Athletics): Anton Berry (laberry@dal.ca) 

BSAC supports all societies on campus, and we encourage you to visit the   for a full list of student societies, including:

  • ±«Óãtv Black Student Society (DBSS)

  • ±«Óãtv African Nova Scotian Society (DANNS)

  • Black United Student Association (BUSA)

  • ±«Óãtv African Students Association (DASA)

  • ±«Óãtv Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Caucus (BIPOCUS)

  • ±«Óãtv Black Law Students’ Society (DBLSA)

  • ±«Óãtv Caribbean Connections

  • ±«Óãtv Black Business Student Association (DBBSA)

  • ±«Óãtv Eritrean and Ethiopian Diaspora Society (DEEDS)

Funding sources

We know that financing a post-secondary education can sometimes be a challenge, but there many resources available to help relieve the burden. The advisors at BSAC can help you navigate the options.

If you are applying to ±«Óãtv directly from high school, you can apply for and be considered for hundreds of entrance scholarships and bursaries through one common General Entrance Award application. You will be considered for all entrance awards for which you are eligible. There are a number that are specifically applicable to Black/African Nova Scotian students that can beÌý:

  • The Forsyth Family N.S. Scholarship: One awarded per year up to $20,000 per year (up to $80,000 total). This award is for Black African Nova Scotian students. Criteria include financial need and extra-curricular activities. 

  • First Nations and Indigenous Black Students Entrance Scholarship: 10 awarded per year at $3,000 per year (up to $12,000 total). This award is for students who identify as Indigenous Black/African Nova Scotian as well as students who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Metis from Atlantic Canada. Financial need is also considered. 

  • The Jeff D. and Martha Edwards Scholarship: One awarded per year at $4,500 per year (up to $12,000). Preference is given to Canadian students of Black African descent, and second preference to Black Bermudian students at Dal. Preference is also given to students entering a Bachelor of Science. Ìý

  • The Richard and Melda Murray Scholarship: One awarded per year at $22,000 (up to $88,000). For Jamaican students entering a Bachelor of Engineering (not specific to Black students).

Once enrolled at ±«Óãtv, you can apply once per term for the Undergraduate Bursary Program, through which you will be considered for hundreds of awards based on financial need. You will be considered for all bursaries for which you are eligible. There are a number that are specifically applicable for Black/African Nova Scotian students:

  • Rev. J.W.A. Nicholson Bursary (for Black students from N.S.) 

  • Rt. Honourable Robert L Stanfield Bursary (for Black students from N.S.)

  • Sen. Donald Oliver Bursary for Black Atlantic Students (for Black students from the Atlantic provinces)Ìý

  • Kostman Family Bursary (For Indigenous or Black students who are graduates of the TYP program) 

  • Charles A. Smith Memorial Bursary (for Black students from N.S.)

  • MacCullum S. Grant Charitable Foundation Bursary 

  • Computer Science Black/African Canadian or Indigenous Student BursaryÌý

  • English Black/African Canadian or Indigenous Student Bursary 

  • History Black/African Canadian or Indigenous Student Bursary 

  • Advancement Black/African Canadian or Indigenous Student Bursary

  • Psychology and Neuroscience Black/African Canadian or Indigenous Student BursaryÌý

  • Economics Black/African Canadian or Indigenous Student Bursary 

  • Sociology & Social Anthropology Bursary for African NS & Mi’kmaq Students

  • Chemistry Bursary for Black/African Canadian or Indigenous Students

  • FSPA Music Bursary for Black/African Canadian or Indigenous StudentsÌý

  • FSPA Theatre/Cinema Bursary for Black/African Canadian or Indigenous Students

Additional awards and scholarships include:

  • Ìý

Ìý

The goal of the Imhotep’s Legacy Academy (ILA) is to increase the number of African Nova Scotians pursuing post-secondary education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).ÌýCheck out other opportunities through ILA.

For other King’s scholarships and bursaries please visit the .

Meet our advisors

Black Student Advisor Guyleigh Johnson.

Guyleigh Johnson

guyleighjohnson@dal.ca

Guyleigh Jonson is a published author, spoken word artist, community advocate, arts facilitator, and filmmaker from North End Dartmouth. As a proud African Nova Scotian woman, she has a passion for community engagement, diversity, mental wellness and healing.

With her creative background and knowledge, she hopes to implement culturally relevant resources and supports within the centre to further encourage students of Black/African descent with a goal of helping them connect, create safe spaces, build community, and push through challenges.Ìý

Black Student Advisor Matthew Thomas.

Matthew Thomas

matthew.thomas@dal.ca

Matthew Thomas is a dedicated community leader, entrepreneur, and mentor with a passion for empowering young people and building community. Hailing from the vibrant African Nova Scotian community of East Preston, he learned the value of service and community from an early age. Matthew holds a BA in Criminology from Saint Mary's University and a Master of Divinity from Acadia University.

With years of experience connecting with students and young professionals, Matthew brings restorative, creative, and fun approaches to advising, helping students navigate challenges and achieve their goals. He is known for his commitment to building authentic relationships and serving as a resource for those he works with. When he's not advising, Matthew can be found on the baseball and football field coaching his son's team, taking long walks with his dog Quincy, or exploring new restaurants around the city.

Stay connected

To stay up to date with our schedules for tutoring or events, visit our Instagram page  a²Ô»å 

Contact us

Black Student Advising Centre (BSAC)

1321 Edward St., HalifaxÌý
902-494-6648Ìý
bsac@dal.ca

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.