Diversity Initiatives

Every student at NYU Shanghai has a unique story and perspective. The Diversity Initiatives team works to promote awareness of these perspectives and experiences, and to build an inclusive university community.

During their years at NYU Shanghai, students have many opportunities to explore themes of identity and social justice, engage differences, and help build a more inclusive environment. If you have any questions or suggestions, please get in touch at shanghai.diversity@nyu.edu.

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. 

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.

To operationalize the strategic recommendations proposed by the Task Force, a Strategic Action Group (SAG) will be formed and take lead in the next phase. The Student Government will establish a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ad Hoc Committee (DEI Ad Hoc Committee) to support that effort through student advocacy. If you are interested in becoming part of the SAG or the Student Government DEI Ad Hoc Committee, or if you would like to nominate someone who is committed to advancing DEI work at NYU Shanghai, please email shanghai.diversitytaskforce@nyu.edu.