The Center for Student Belonging (CSB) offers a variety of educational and social programs, events, activities, and resources, all grounded in student needs and aligned with the university’s goals of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging (DEIAB). Our initiatives encourage open dialogue and participation, critical reflection, and awareness of personal and collective experiences, fostering progressive action on social issues.
We engage, support, collaborate with, empower, and celebrate students to create and sustain an inclusive and equitable community where students of all identities, experiences, and backgrounds practice cultural humility and solidarity. Feel free to contact us via email at shanghai.belonging@nyu.edu or visit our office at W630!
LEAD Program
Through the LEAD Program, students at NYU Shanghai can join equity-minded peers to cultivate diversity and social justice awareness, practice allyship and inclusive leadership, and create positive change on campus.
There are four stages of participation in the LEAD program: Diversity in Dialogue, Diversity in Action, Diversity in Engagement, and Diversity in Leadership. Application opens each fall.
ALLY Week
Ally Week is a week of events that creates opportunities for everyone to deepen their understanding of intersectional identities and the experiences of others, and raise awareness of the individual and collective injustices that many in our society face.
Each year, Ally Week Ambassadors are recruited from the LEAD program members. Student leaders who have demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice also have the opportunity to lead their own Ally Week events.
First-Generation Program
The NYU Shanghai First-Generation Program is dedicated to supporting and advocating for first-generation students at NYU Shanghai. Acknowledging first-generation students’ effort in confronting and navigating systemic challenges, our program aims to create and sustain a supportive community through regular events and workshops. We provide resources to support first-gen students navigate university life and beyond, foster solidarity, and facilitate their initiatives to take action, empower themselves and the community.
The First-Generation Program recognizes a first-generation student at NYU Shanghai as the first person in their family to attend university or does not receive guidance to help them navigate university life.
CultureXChange
Every Spring semester, CultureXChange offers a platform for our community members to organize events centering and celebrating their cultures, engaging community members to practice experiential learning and cultural humility. We support students who apply for cultural ambassadors to practice leadership, culturally-specific advocacy, and critical multicultural community building. Past events engage students through traditional practices, customs, foods, arts, and more.
VisionCine Film Program
“VisionCine: Exploring Diversity Through Films” is a film program focusing on diversity-related themes, hosted by the Center for Student Belonging. Our program is dedicated to illuminating the hidden narratives surrounding gender, sexuality, disability, race, and politics. By showcasing a curated selection of films, the program endeavors to offer the NYU Shanghai community fresh perspectives and insightful explorations of social justice issues. Moreover, our program fosters inclusive dialogues by inviting participation from faculty members, staff, and students following each screening.
Student Diversity Framework Task Force
To review the past work and make strategic plans for diversity and inclusion at NYU Shanghai, Diversity Initiatives created the Student Diversity Framework @ NYU Shanghai Task Force In July 2021. In the year that followed, the Task Force went through an intensive process of research, campus outreach, and critical inquiry, and created a report including major findings and strategic recommendations.