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The Office of Inclusive Excellence (OIE) works to create a strong community by valuing and engaging the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences of our students, faculty, and staff in order to cultivate collaboration, innovation, and leadership on campus and beyond. Our office also addresses issues of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct to ensure compliance with local and federal civil rights laws. Our aim is to live out our values of inclusive excellence by leading with conviction, modeling compassion, and inspiring efforts that build a better world for all of us.

Dialogue Across Differences


This program aims to promote and model AU’s key values of respectful inquiry, critical thinking, active listening, and principled changemaking through a series of campus events, programs, and learning opportunities.

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Welcome Message from the VP of Inclusive Excellence Embracing Our Commitment to Inclusion and Community

Nkenge Friday

Dear AU Community and Friends,

It is my honor and privilege to welcome you on behalf of the Office of Inclusive Excellence. As Vice President of Inclusive Excellence, I am delighted to connect with each of you as we continue our journey toward fostering a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.

The Office of Inclusive Excellence (OIE) works to create a strong community by valuing and engaging the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences of our students, faculty, and staff to cultivate collaboration, innovation, and leadership on campus and beyond. Our office also addresses issues of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct to ensure compliance with local and federal civil rights laws. We aim to live out our values of inclusive excellence by leading with conviction, modeling compassion, and inspiring efforts that build a better world for all of us.

AU is built on the belief that inclusive excellence strengthens our community, drives innovation, and prepares us to thrive in our global world. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that each of you brings to our campus community. By championing inclusion, access, and belonging, we strive to create an environment where every voice is heard, and every person can thrive.

Whether you are new to AU, a passionate member of our community, a connected alum or friend, your commitment to our shared values is what makes us stronger. Together, we can build a culture that not only embraces inclusive excellence but also actively works to remove barriers and create opportunities for all.

I encourage you to engage in our initiatives, participate in upcoming events, and share your ideas for making AU even more inclusive. Your input is invaluable, and your actions contribute to positive changes for our university and beyond.

Thank you for being part of our community and for your dedication to making this a welcoming place. I look forward to supporting and serving alongside each of you as we continue to grow and lead by example.

Let’s continue to learn and move forward together,

Nkenge Friday

Vice President of Inclusive Excellence

 

4

National Awards for Inclusive Excellence

131 plus

Cultural and inclusive excellence-focused student clubs and organizations

8

AU Faculty & Staff Community Groups

Stay Connected

The OIE office can be reached at ie@american.edu with general questions, ideas, or opportunities for collaboration. To report an incident of bias, discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct, please access the reporting form. If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or call the AU Police Emergency Line at 202-885-3636.

Support the Office of Inclusive Excellence

The Office of Inclusive Excellence (OIE) fund supports OIE's strategic priorities by funding programs and initiatives such as Dialogue Across Differences and sponsorships for projects that promote a campus climate where people of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included. Support the important work of the Office of Inclusive Excellence with a gift today!