The African American Theme Program (AATP): exploring issues related to African American culture
The African American Theme Program provides a network for students to explore black experiences at Cal. A live-in Theme Program Assistant provides resources and support for residents’ social and academic needs. Our academic seminars, programs, community service projects, and resources encourage solidarity and unity among black students of all backgrounds, cultivating a broader understanding of social issues within a global context. Residents and interested community members are encouraged to openly discuss specific issues related to African Americans in the university community, the country, and the world. We gain leadership skills, and understanding of each other, form friendships that can last a lifetime, and have fun.

Program requirements
AATP residents are expected to spend 2-4 hours a week engaged in Theme Program activities including:

• Enrollment and active participation in the seminar class, African American Studies 98/198, during both fall and spring semesters
• Completion of an individual community service project
• Attendance at AATP meetings as organized by the Theme Program Assistant
• Active participation in Theme Program events sponsored by the African American Student Development Office

Seminar and events
The seminar is a 2-unit pass/no pass class that meets once a week in the residence hall during the evening. You can review a sample course syllabus to get an idea about the coursework and expectations. If you’re admitted to AATP, you will be given more information about how to enroll in the class.

Events include a wide variety of interaction with faculty and staff, as well as community activities. AATP runs a number of programs such as the Open house Weekend, High School Outreach, Newsletter, and the Attitude is Gratitude program for leading individual community service projects like reading to children, writing letters to imprisoned mothers and foster children, working at a soup kitchen, food drives, and more.

The living space
AATP residents live together in mini-suites in Christian Hall, Unit 1, which is situated on the South edge of campus, a few blocks away from the bustle of Telegraph Avenue. It’s about a 5-minute walk to campus.

You can take a virtual tour of sample suites in Christian Hall. Each room has in-room network connections and basic cable, and Unit 1 has laundry facilities, vending machines, and live-in staff. Most students have a roommate and take meals at the Crossroads Dining Commons. There's also a great Academic Services Center in Unit 1 which offers tutoring, peer advising, copy and fax services, and computers and printers.

How to apply
African American students and people interested in exploring black experiences at Cal are encouraged to apply. You must complete the UC Berkeley online housing application by the deadline. On the online application Theme Program page, select AATP from the drop-down menu; at a prompt, you'll also be asked to write a short essay. The housing contract you receive will indicate if you have been selected to the Theme Program.

If you have additional questions that are not answered here, you can call 510/642-3213.