Black students who attend PWIs often experience social exclusion on campus. To gain a greater understanding of this issue I conducted a qualitative research study that allowed me to gain insight of the difficulties that Black undergraduate students experience at PWIs. The institutions in this study excluded Black students by not providing the space that would allow them to congregate safely and comfortably. Duquesne and Pitt did not provide the necessary resources for Black students, which created disparities and inequities. When college employees are not welcoming and supportive of Black students, it makes them feel excluded. When non- Black students are not welcoming, and in some instances are hostile towards Black students by being non-verbally aggressive, this also impedes Black students' feelings that they are a part of the campus community. There are other barriers that come between Black students because of how the institution values them as athletes and embraces them differently than students who are not athletes. Black fraternities and sororities were viewed as being more socially influential compared to other Black student organizations and informal Black student networks. I gained a greater understanding of the implication that Black students at Duquesne and Pitt often feel that they are not welcomed and the importance of Black students having a safe space so that they can create a sense of belonging. My research also explored the importance of Black students interacting with each other for support purposes. This study is significant and unique because it provided information on the importance between a formal Black student association (e.g., a Black student union) and an informal Black student association (i.e. a group of friends who are Black students and support each other but are not part of a formal Black student organization).Through critical race theory and sense of belonging theories, it became clear that it was important for Black students to have autonomy to create a safe space on a PWI campus where they could congregate, network, and support each other. This safe space would allow them to be able to create a community of their own. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]