Welcome, Eagle Families! Our goal is to foster a strong partnership with AU families, ensuring families remain informed, engaged, and empowered to contribute positively to their students' success. Please find here orientation resources to help families support their students at American University.
NEW STUDENT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS
Safety & Security
- Security Video Monitoring
- Access Control & Alarm Monitoring
- Fire Alarm Monitoring Station
- Emergency Notification System
- Safe Ride Back to Campus
- Emergency Blue Phones
- Safe Escorts
- Shuttle App (Rider by Transloc)
- Self Defense Classes
- Emergency Operations Center
- Rave Guardian Personal Safety App
- Emergency Preparedness
- Violence Prevention Program
AU Police Department Contacts:
- Emergency line: 202-885-3636
- Non-Emergency line: 202-885-2527
Career & Internship Conversations
The Career Center offers programs to support students at various stages in their development, including information for specific majors and affinities, resume and cover letter assistance, interview preparation, individual advising, internship and job fairs, workshops, employer visits, online tools, and more.
Access AU resources at the career center and view various types of jobs and internships at student jobs.
Supporting Belief, Faith, and Spiritual Wellness
Kay Spiritual Life Center is American University's place for people of all beliefs to explore meaning, discern purpose, and find community since 1965.
Students can enjoy tea and cupcakes every Tuesday outside Kay Spiritual Life Center -- Tea Time, campus tradition!
AU has more than two dozen belief communities, including many community partners, volunteers, and student organizations.
Helping Your Eagle Get Off the Ground
Transition to college can be difficult, however it is important to maintain perspective. Your student may have a challenge, and you may as well but this process is normal and AU is here to support every student.
American University has a wealth of resources. From academic support to mental health services, support is available. Encourage your student to send the emails, make the calls, and schedule the appointments. A resource is only as useful as one's willingness to engage with it.
Regularly check in with your student. Ask them how they are doing and listen to their joyful moments as well as the difficult ones.
Visit the Office of the Dean of Students.
Getting Involved
Discover how students can foster leadership development skills and get connected to community involvement opportunities at AU through various programs and initiatives.
Students can participate in clubs, student government, programming councils, fraternity & sorority life, service learning, community outreach, and volunteer opportunities.
Check out the Center for Student Involvement and Center for Leadership and Community Engagement websites for more information on how your student can get involved.
Supporting Academic Success
Encourage positive help-seeking behavior with your student and remind them that asking for help does not mean they are weak or capable. AU staff is here to help students learn and grow.
Resources for students: Faculty have office hours every week. Every student has an academic advisor. Many courses have embedded peer support (program leaders, peer facilitators, supplemental instructors, etc.) who students can turn to outside of class for help. The Writing Center, peer tutors, supplemental instruction sessions, and academic coaching sessions are available to students at no additional cost.
Help your students realize that temporary setbacks (not getting it right the first time, receiving a lower than desired grade on an assignment, etc.) are components of their growth. It is the actions that students take after a setback that determine their success.
Every student admitted to AU has proven that they can achieve. We believe in them and we are on this journey together.
Visit the Academic Support and Access Center (ASAC).
Eagle Alumni
From before classes start through graduation and beyond, AU alumni are here to support students!
Programs such as Dinner with Alumni, Student-Alumni networking opportunities, and platforms like Alumnifire for AU, offer students a chance to think about and discuss their careers and future.
We host events like Lunar New Year with the Pacific Islander Alumni Alliance, the Annual CBCF Ebony Eagles of Excellence Awards Reception with the Black Alumni Alliance, the Annual Latino Alumni Brunch and Night OUT at Nationals Park with the Pride Alumni Alliance.
Visit the American University Alumni page.
AU Dining
Optimizing the meal plan: Students are encouraged to explore all dining options available to maximize their meal plan benefits and create balanced, nutritious meals.
Embrace Culinary Adventures: The dining experience at AU allows students to step out of their comfort zone and try new dishes in the dining venues to discover new flavors and expand their culinary horizons.
Convenience at Your Fingertips: Visit our website for dining highlights, including daily menus and enhanced technology for quick service, empowering students to make informed dining choices efficiently.
We Value Your Feedback: We are here to listen and improve the dining experience for students.
Visit Dine on Campus.