AU has joined Hillel International’s Campus Climate Initiative (CCI), a nationwide program that helps universities build awareness, allyship, and action around antisemitism; address hate and bias on campus; and foster a sense of belonging for Jewish students and all members of the university community.

AU is part of CCI’s fifth cohort, which kicked off on March 4. To date, more than 50 colleges and universities across the country have participated in the program.

Over the course of the next 10 months, AU—in partnership with the Office of Institutional Research and NORC at the University of Chicago, one of the largest independent social research organizations in the US—will gather data to understand the current climate for Jewish students on campus. That data will contribute to work on policies, procedures, and programs to address antisemitism. CCI also includes intensive training to help university leaders better understand the Jewish experience and identity and universities’ legal obligations under federal civil rights law.

Jason Benkendorf, SPA/BA ’04, executive director of AU Hillel, says CCI will help the university examine its ongoing efforts to address antisemitism “through a new lens” and “identify opportunities for education and programming that support Jewish students . . . and ripple out” to benefit all Eagles. 

“Even before the increase in antisemitic incidents on campuses around the country, there was a recognition that the work of building a vibrant, inclusive, and safe campus culture is really important,” he says. “The same steps that ensure that campuses feel welcoming and supportive for Jewish students are conducive to fostering that kind of environment for students of all backgrounds and identities.”

In addition to Benkendorf, AU’s CCI working group includes Sarah Baldassaro, chief of staff; Seth Grossman, vice president of administration and chief administrative officer; Nkenge Friday, vice president of inclusive excellence; Raymond Ou, vice president of student affairs; and Vicky Wilkins, acting provost and chief academic officer.

“The CCI work is essential, especially during this difficult time on many university campuses,” Ou says. “It will bolster our efforts to support the sense of belonging for students, and our team will benefit from training on how to better support our Jewish student population and directly address antisemitism.”