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Building an Inclusive Campus Culture

A community that welcomes everyone.

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Striving for Excellence

American University values open and honest inquiry, servant leadership, and the affirmation of the human dignity of all. We envision a thriving American University community where individuals of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included, and where equitable treatment, opportunities, and outcomes prevail.

AU's Plan for Inclusive Excellence reflects the university's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion - the cornerstone for achieving institutional and educational excellence. Through it, we hold ourselves accountable for achieving real change based on clear and transparent measures and regularly examine ourselves and everything we do.

On Campus

First Steps Toward Inclusive Excellence

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Faculty, students, and staff, including President Sylvia Burwell, share how AU is beginning to move forward together toward achieving our inclusive excellence goals.

Confronting Bias

Read about how we are establishing an infrastructure to support, cultivate, and foster greater diversity and inclusion, as well as how to report a bias incident to the university.

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Year 3 Updates

See updates from Year 3 of AU’s Plan for Inclusive Excellence, including stories of community action and institutional learning.

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Get Involved

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  • Join an Intergroup Dialogue to participate in an ongoing conversation about an aspect of identity 
  • Check out other student resources from the Center for Diversity and Inclusion which can help you navigate the complexities of campus life
  • Join one of more than 200 student-led organizations that help students create connections and find support systems on campus
  • Take advantage of AU's professional development courses to learn how to build a more inclusive workplace and build skills in awareness, self-exploration, and allyship
  • Join a faculty-staff affinity group to build relationships with colleagues across campus
  • Reach out to AU Connects to request a facilitated discussion if you need help responding to an intercultural conflict or inclusivity challenge in your work
  • Attend a Noontime Conversation to learn about building an inclusive classroom
  • Check out the online resources for inclusive teaching and culturally sustaining classrooms
  • Join a faculty-staff affinity group to build relationships with colleagues across campus
  • Reach out to CTRL to request a confidential consultation and get help responding to an intercultural conflict or inclusivity challenge in your class

News

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Achievements

Collaboration Key to Inclusive Excellence Efforts

PCDI has a huge mandate: to envision and promote a diverse and inclusive campus.

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Beverly Tatum and Sylvia Burwell

On Campus

Race, Dialogue, and Tackling 'Tough Conversations'

At an event hosted by Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, author of "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?", engaged in conversation with AU president Sylvia M. Burwell.

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Headshot of Dr. Moudi in Kogod.

Business

Empowering Women Around the World

Dr. Moudi A. Al-Humoud has charted a professional path around leadership and women empowerment. She hopes she can serve as an inspiration for other women pursuing business careers.

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Pallavi Kumar

Communications

Diverse Voices: Profiles in Leadership

Professor Pallavi Kumar contributed a chapter to the book Diverse Voices: Profiles in Leadership.

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