Celebrating Diversity, Inclusion

  • BY NATALIE FEULNER
  • September 24, 2019

AVÀÇ has once again been recognized for championing diversity and inclusion. For the sixth consecutive year, the university has received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award from “INSIGHT Into Diversity” magazine.

The award is the only national recognition honoring universities and colleges for their efforts and successes in diversity and inclusion. 

AVÀÇ has several programs to support its diverse student body. For example, the university's Sankofa program aims to support African American transfer students and is the first of its kind in the AVÀÇ system to become an official affiliate of the Umoja Community Program. And a similar program focused on Latinx transfer students known on campus as GANAS, boasts a 4-year graduation rate of 90 percent. 

According to “INSIGHT Into Diversity,” the HEED Award is open to all colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada and is awarded based on the institution’s level of commitment to broadening diversity and inclusion on campus. This could be through initiatives, programs, retention and hiring practices for faculty and staff.

Several other CSUs received HEED awards this year including Fresno State, CSU Fullerton, CSU Los Angeles, CSU Northridge and CSU San Marcos. More information about HEED is available on