At WashU, we achieve excellence in teaching, research, and patient care through our ongoing commitment to supporting a wide variety of perspectives, community connection, access to opportunity, and a welcoming, inclusive culture.
Perspectives
We welcome, support, and celebrate individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and areas of expertise because we know it takes a variety of perspectives to fuel greater knowledge, deeper understanding, and rigorous discovery.
Connection
We believe that belonging and connection are essential to allowing each of us, whether a student, trainee, faculty member, or staff member, to find and build connections to help us reach our fullest potential.
Opportunity
We offer a breadth of opportunities that recognize the strengths of all our students, trainees, faculty, and staff and support their individual paths to success.
Culture
We aim to create a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members of our University community.
Advisory Board on Advancing Community Excellence
To support our campus community in the ongoing pursuit of these commitments, Chancellor Martin has established the standing Advisory Board on Advancing Community Excellence comprised of WashU experts and senior leaders with relevant professional expertise and university responsibilities that include the creation and support of an inclusive community.
Provide feedback and guidance on proposals relevant to the realization of our core commitments and work collaboratively to refine program proposals before they are submitted to department and/or school leadership for final approval.
Support alignment across the institution to enhance impact, conserve resources, and limit redundancy.
Develop resources to support individuals, programs, departments, schools, and the University in identifying best practices to implement our commitments that are evidence-informed and compliant with the law.
Advise department and school leadership responsible for final approval of proposed new programs and activities regarding their efficacy and compliance.
Coordinate and provide consultation and training to leadership and others regarding the commitments and best practices for implementation of those commitments.
Advisory Board members
The Associate Vice Chancellor and Senior Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the School of Medicine
The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Culture and Team Development in the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration
The Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success
The Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, or their designee
A faculty representative appointed by the Provost
A representative from the Office of the Vice Chancellor and General Counsel (OGC) as legal advisor to the group
Request an Advisory Board consultation
Common questions
- Who should reach out to the advisory board?
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WashU staff and faculty who have ideas or plans for new activities, after they’ve been reviewed by their relevant Dean, Department Chair, or Vice Chancellor.
- What about students?
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Students should engage with the appropriate Division of Student Success (Danforth) or the appropriate Program Leader (School of Medicine), who would follow the question above.
- Do I have to run my idea past through the channels listed above?
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A committee finding was that coordination, collaboration, and alignment are organizational opportunities for more impact and sustainability when it comes to programming that supports university mission and commitments while remaining legally compliant. This process is designed to support this.
- What if I need some help thinking through those things before I take it to my leadership?
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There are two administrative departments that regularly support individuals and teams in thinking through strategy, programs, and interventions related to how students, trainees, faculty, and staff experience the WashU culture. Please reach out to the WashU Medicine Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion or to the Culture and Team Development.
Request an Advisory Board consultation
Read the Inclusive Excellence Advisory Committee Report