News from the Wackerlin Center

As a new academic year approaches, the excitement and anticipation of returning to campus is growing. At the same time, many of us ease into the year very aware of the pressure that the combination of study, work, and many other responsibilities creates.

Among the many resources offered on campus, I am grateful for AU’s Labyrinth, a generous gift from the class of 1967 that sits just outside the Wackerlin Center. For me, it is a daily reminder to pause, slow down, and think deeply about the journey we are choosing to take in life. During lunch, I often walk slowly around the seven circuits, taking long, deep breaths and seeking clarity.

With the hope that this truly unique structure can serve as a symbol for all of us to slow down from time to time this year, the Wackerlin Center invites you to Linger at the Labyrinth, a new initiative beginning this fall. It will be a time to slow down and center ourselves, to find joy in community, and to know one another more deeply. All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to participate.

As we know, a plethora of issues and challenges continue coming our way, individually and collectively, that call for slowing down and reflection. The recent Supreme Court ruling on the use of race in college admissions is one of them. In light of the Supreme Court decision, it is appropriate to pause and share the university’s position on race-based admissions. Read our official statement below.

Finally, the Wackerlin Center is excited to offer a new series of Cultural Exchanges. As we seek to deepen our awareness, acceptance, and understanding for lived experiences different from our own and realize our interconnectedness, plan to join us this semester for interactive dialogue on relevant topics about social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In solidarity,

Justin West
Executive Director, Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action
Chief Diversity Officer

Linger at the Labyrinth

Linger at the Labyrinth is an informal gathering for students, faculty, and staff to connect with one another over the lunch hour. We invite you to bring your lunch to the benches and tables on the Labyrinth’s patio and garden space and enjoy lingering in community. Bring a picnic blanket and basket, too, if you’d like, and use the peaceful garden space to sprawl and recuperate. For each gathering, a Labyrinth reflection guide will be provided for walking the circuit. Don’t know what a labyrinth is or about AU’s? No problem. We’ll explain it when you come! Dates of this initiative will be announced soon.

Click here to watch a video about the history of AU's labyrinth.

University Statement on Race-Based Admissions

After the Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding race-based admission policies, many across our country as well as in our community have paused to reflect on the policies of their institutions and the effect the ruling might have on them. Below, you will find AU’s position in light of the ruling:

“The recent Supreme Court decision striking down race-conscious admission policies in higher education will have no effect on AU's admission practices. Our admissions team uses a holistic approach to reviewing student qualifications and has never taken race into consideration when making admission decisions. AU will continue to be an inclusive campus, and we will continue our commitment to serving our students and putting them first so that ALL can succeed and achieve their educational goals.”

The Cultural Exchange

The Cultural Exchange is a framework that provides students with the following: an awareness and/or additional knowledge about a topic relevant to their transformational experience at AU, a sequence of questions designed to engage students in a brave listening and learning space, and interactive dialogue focused on building community among students of differing backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures.

Here are the dialogue topics for the fall semester (dates to be announced later):

• Regenerative Neighborhood Development: a conversation with Sweet Water Foundation about their response to the chaos of economic hardship, violence, perpetual poverty, and systematic racism in Chicago.

• Identity is My Superpower: a conversation in honor of Latina/o Heritage Month.

• Two-Spirit: Deconstructing Gender and Colonialism: a conversation in honor of the diversity of Native and Indigenous lived experiences.

What We're Reading

Save the Date

On September 22, AU will hold a university-wide, and its first ever, Cultural Fest. AU Cultural Fest is a campus event designed to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of AU's students, staff, and faculty. Cultural Fest will feature food, arts and crafts, games, music, and dancing that reflect our unique cultures.

We need your participation to make this event come to life. If you would be willing to represent your culture through a performance or talent, please fill out this form.

If you have questions, please contact Justin West at juwest@aurora.edu.