American University
PAE-8: Support Programs for Under-Represented Groups

Number 5 of American University's ten strategic goals is to "reflect and value diversity." Accordingly, the university supports several programs within the student body:

- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Ally Resource Center: AU has a GLBTA center with two full-time and six student staff members that works to strengthen and sustain an inclusive campus community that welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities by providing support, educational resources, and advocacy.

The Safe Space Sticker Program seeks to create a safer and more inclusive campus environment for all members of the campus community by reducing heterosexism, homophobia, and transphobia. Through the training program and the display of Safe Space stickers the program creates a visible and supportive network of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and ally members of the campus community.

- Multiethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary program that offers a broad course of study of ethnicity in the United States and the larger world. To meet the challenges and opportunities of diversity in an increasingly multicultural and multiethnic society, the program provides students with an understanding of the rich history of ethnic and racial diversity from multiple perspectives. The minor helps students prepare for an increasingly diversified workplace and a globalized economy by encouraging them to develop an awareness of and appreciation for their ethnic experiences as part of the greater human experience.

- The mission of Disability Support Services (DSS) is to ensure that students with physical, medical, or psychological disabilities have equal access to university programs and services. DSS provides or coordinates a range of services and accommodations that meet the individual needs of a student based on the impact of the specific disability.

- The Washington Internships for Native Students (WINS) offers students of sovereign American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian (AI/AN/NH) nations the opportunity to build leadership skills while living, studying, and interning in Washington, DC. Developed in response to the White House Initiative on American Indians and Alaska Natives, this enriching program offers qualified students full scholarships funded by American University and sponsoring organizations. Participating students will gain professional work experience through interning at a federal agency or private firm, take courses focusing on Native American public policy concerns, and enjoy engaging social and cultural extra-curricular activities.

- The GLBTA Faculty Staff Network is an informal group coordinated by the GLBTA Resource Center that gives faculty and staff opportunities for social interaction, academic engagement, and advocacy. The group meets monthly for lunches and also has a GLBT Host Program.

- The non-discrimination policy prohibits discrimination and discriminatory harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and any other bases under federal or local law.

- Same sex domestic partners are covered by employee medical, dental, tuition remission, life and accident insurance benefits. Employees may take FMLA leave for the care of their partner. Transgender medical benefits for our faculty and staff include psychological and hormone therapy.

- The International Student & Scholar Services gives staff awards to recognize outstanding work in diversity issues.

- The GLBTA Faculty Staff Network is an informal group coordinated by the GLBTA Resource Center that gives faculty and staff opportunities for social interaction, academic engagement, and advocacy. The group meets monthly for lunches and also has a GLBT Host Program.

- Non-discrimination policy prohibits discrimination and discriminatory harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and any other bases under federal or local law.

- Same sex domestic partners are covered by employee medical, dental, tuition remission, life and accident insurance benefits. Employees may take FMLA leave for the care of their partner. Transgender medical benefits for our faculty and staff include psychological and hormone therapy.

- Several training courses are offered by the university to support professional development in "Building Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion" and employees can earn a certificate in this area. Courses offered include Exploring Intercultural Communication, Generations in the Workplace, and the Safe Space Sticker Program which has a goal of goal building a support network among AU’s straight and GLBT communities and foster a more inclusive environment.

Non-discrimination Policy: http://www.american.edu/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=684026

GLBTA Resource Center: http://www.american.edu/ocl/glbta/index.cfm

ISSS Awards: http://www.american.edu/ocl/isss/staff-awards.cfm