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American University Experience

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Experience AUx

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Interested in learning more about the American University Experience (AUx) Program and the AUx1 and AUx2 curricula? Watch this video to hear about how AUx is a fundamental component of the first-year experience for students at American University.

About Our Program

The American University Experience (AUx)is a full-year AU Core Curriculum course specially designed for first-year and transfer students transitioning into their first year of college at AU. Students will complete AUx1 in their first semester (1.5 credits) and then complete AUx2 in their second semester (1.5 credits). To support student learning and development, AUx classes are co-facilitated by an Instructor and a Peer Facilitator. AUx uses a co-facilitation model as one of the ways to flatten the hierarchy structure in the classroom environment.

The AUx program is continuing to evolve to better meet the needs and concerns of AU students. This summer, recognizing and seeking to address the harm Black students face, the program is incorporating anti-racist pedagogy and practices into AUx1 and AUx2 and centering the voices of people of color in the curriculum. The changes are directly based on student, Peer Facilitator, and Instructor feedback and experiences.

Charting AUx Progress

  • Through classroom discussions, assignments, and office hours, AUx1 provides a place for students to establish their short- and long-term goals; build academic skills for college success; learn about issues of privilege and bias; and explore their own personal identities.
  • AUx1 course learning outcomes are achieved through online learning, in-class activities, reflective writing assignments, and individual and small group discussions with course Instructors, Peer Facilitators, and classmates.
  • AUx2 seeks to create a space for conversations and learning about race, social identity, and structures of power.
  • The course builds upon concepts introduced in AUx1, blending personal exploration of social identity formation with a multidisciplinary approach to race.
  • AUx2 aims to equip students to begin the practice of engaging in dialogue with recognition of impact on individuals, communities, and structures.

Explore the site to find out more about AUx.