Community Values & Standards
The Academic Achievement Program (AAP) is designed to develop and enhance the academic and leadership potential of Black, Latine, Native American, and other underrepresented students in the greater New York University community. AAP provides a family atmosphere where students can make lasting friendships, seek refuge from classes and daily stresses, and push their limits to achieve their potential in all aspects of their academic journey at NYU.
To ensure that all members of AAP feel safe and included in the community, whether in-person or in virtual spaces, we have established a set of core values that we will honor and will hold ourselves and each other accountable to.
Learning. AAP members value opportunities to enhance their overall academic experiences at NYU, whether at the Washington Square and Brooklyn campuses or while they are studying away through domestic exchange or global programs. We value academic, professional, and social experiences and resources that enhance what is learned in classroom spaces, self-reflective opportunities and personal growth, and opportunities to glean wisdom from AAP alumni and other trusted NYU community members.
Authenticity. The AAP community is a space where members should feel safe to be their most authentic self, representing who they truly are at their deepest core. Members are encouraged to say what they mean and mean what they say. All members are celebrated for their uniqueness in culture, religious and faith-based beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, race, ethnicity, the way they walk, style of dress, taste in music and art, food preferences, and anything that is of value to that member. We also understand that we are all learning and evolving and that our preferences may change over time. We will continue to support and celebrate the authentic nature of all members, regardless of where they are on their journey of self-discovery.
Inclusivity. We will welcome all persons into the AAP community, regardless of their salient and intersecting social identities (i.e., race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, etc.). We will continue to create inclusive spaces so that all members feel that they are included and that they belong.
Respect. As an AAP family member, we must all support one another and be respectful toward one another. This includes using inclusive language, not causing physical harm to one another, and being mindful of references that may be triggering for others due to prior experiences. We will also avoid putting any of our members in any form of harm (physical, emotional, mental, etc.) and will not support or condone any actions that will oppress members of our or any community. Also, we believe in the Platinum Rule - treat others the way that they would like to be treated. We are all unique and have our own unique experiences, and we will respect those things that make us unique through our programming and general interactions.
Responsibility. All AAP members will take full responsibility for their actions and how they relate to other members of the AAP community and throughout NYU. Each member will be held accountable for their actions and will not cause harm to themselves or to anyone else, whether that be emotional harm, physical harm, mental harm or any other form of harmful behaviors.
Open-mindedness. We will continue to embrace opportunities to learn new things about the world around us. We will continue to offer programming and support to diverse populations and celebrate opportunities that expand our understanding of various groups of people or social and cultural topics.
If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact the Associate Director of the Academic Achievement Program, Christopher Holiman, at cwh335@nyu.edu. Last Modified: May 2023.