WashU Resources on Diversity and Inclusion

Bias Report and Support System (BRSS)

BRSS has been designed to allow members of the Washington University community to report incidents of bias involving students. These incidents can be reported either anonymously or with identifiable information. The BRSS has been designed for three primary purposes:

• To Support students who have witnessed or been the target of bias-related incidents.
• To Refer community members to appropriate university and local resources, and educate reporters on what to expect from each resource.
• To Inform the university community about the frequency and nature of bias incidents through quarterly summary reports in order to drive discussion on making Washington University more diverse and inclusive.

Center for Diversity and Inclusion

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion supports and advocates for students from traditionally underrepresented or marginalized populations and creates collaborative partnerships with campus and community members to promote dialogue and social change. The Center for Diversity and Inclusion is an integral part of the university’s core mission to develop students as future leaders in the diverse global community of the 21st Century.

Disability Resources

Disabilities Resources is where students with disabilities or suspected disabilities can request accommodations and services (such as additional time on an exam or note-taking ) to ensure equal access to the programs and services of the University.

Diversity Resources

Faculty, students, and staff can find information and resources on the university’s efforts to encourage and support diversity and inclusion in our community and in our connections to the St. Louis region. Programs include

• Diversity and inclusion grants, including the Ferguson Academic Seed Fund
• Distinguished Visiting Scholars Program
• Academic pipeline programs
• Faculty leadership workshops

This website also includes a calendar of events related to diversity and inclusion, information on the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, a map of gender-inclusive bathrooms on campus, and the university’s Community Values statement.

The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement

The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement cultivates informed and actively engaged citizens in our community of students, faculty and staff. The institute supports faculty excellence in community-based teaching, and facilitates partnerships, dialogue, and volunteer assistance for community projects. The institute is located in the Danforth University Center, Suite 150.

Habif Health and Wellness Center

Habif Health & Wellness Center provides the student community of Washington University in St. Louis with premiere, student-centered health and health promotion services, including medical checkups and mental-health services.

Kathryn M. Buder Center for American Indian Studies (BCAIS) 

Originally founded to provide scholarships for American Indians, the BCAIS has grown into one of the most respected centers in the nation for the academic advancement and study of American Indian issues related to social work.

Office for Religious, Spiritual and Ethical Life

The Office for Religious, Spiritual and Ethical Life is an initiative at Washington University to encourage interfaith understanding, support the diverse religious, spiritual and ethical communities on campus, and facilitate interfaith student leadership development.

Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)

The OISS office assists international students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty. Resources and support services include English-language courses, as well as information on immigration and visa aid.

Office of Military and Veteran Services

The Office of Military and Veteran Services is Washington University’s focal point for military and veteran matters, to include transitioning military-connected students into higher education, providing and connecting students with programs and services, and partnering across campus and in the community.

Preferred Name Policy: Guidelines for Faculty

Faculty, staff, and students are permitted to use a preferred name on most university-related records without a legal name change. This page offers suggestions to faculty on supporting students’ use of the preferred-name option, as well as links to pronunciation guides that may be helpful when learning the names of international students.

Safe Zones Training

The primary aim of the SafeZones Training Program is to promote safer and more secure living, learning, and research environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and ally (LGBTQIA) students. Faculty and staff can request peer-led Safe Zones training, provided by Washington University’s Safe Zones facilitators.

Staff Campus Diversity Collaborative (CDC)

The Campus Diversity Collaborative (CDC) encourages campus conversation on issues of diversity and inclusion, and fosters a support network for WashU professionals who are passionate about these issues.

Statement on Teaching and Learning by the Undergraduate Council

This statement on teaching and learning, written and endorsed by the Undergraduate Council, identifies best practices for faculty and student collaboration in creating conditions for learning.

TRiO Program Support Services 

The TRiO Program Support Services supports the increase of university students who are first in their families to go to college, low-income by federal guidelines, or have a learning or physical disability. The TRiO program provides individual support to TRiO Scholars through collaborative approaches to ensure enriching, engaging, full and fulfilling transition, retention, graduation and post-graduation experiences and success.