As Here & Next paves the way for change at WashU, we want to provide opportunities for you to explore what change you can be a part of now. This desire is at the core of our new series, launching this spring.

A New Series

The Commit Series is our newest offering and welcomes all employees to join and explore what change they can be a part of now.

The series is a set of seven classes that align with our charge. Each is designed with staff and faculty in mind and each equip our community as we move towards an equitable, inclusive WashU.

Which Date Works for You?

The first class, Community Commitments, is now open for enrollment, and the same class will be offered on various days and times all throughout March to best meet different scheduling needs. 

After taking the first class in the Commit Series, register for Class 2, Commit to Dialogue, beginning in April. 

The full series of seven classes will be introduced on a rolling basis this spring! 

The Commit Series is: 

• supportive,
• interactive, and
• iterative. 

The series is a space for staff and faculty to learn and practice skills as they begin their journey towards equity and inclusion at WashU. 

What commitments has WashU made as an institution in pursuit of equity and inclusion? How does that promise impact staff and faculty in the workplace and what responsibility do each of us hold? Explore the language of EDI and the meaning we assign it to create a shared understanding.

March 6 | 1:30-3:30pm | Virtual |

March 8 | 9:00-11:00am | Virtual

March 14 | 2:00-4:00pm | In Person

March 16 | 10:00-12:00pm | In Person

March 20 | 1:30-3:30pm | Virtual

March 22 | 9:00-11:00am | In Person

March 28 | 2:00-4:00pm | In Person

March 30 | 10:00-12:00pm | Virtual

Class Two: Commit to Dialogue 

Begins this April 

What to expect:

Participants will feel supported with intentional guidance and support of trained facilitators. After finishing the full series, participants will have invested 14 hours over several months as part of their contributions to make WashU an equitable and inclusive

At a Glance:

• Start with Class 1: Community Commitments
• Set your own schedule and pace 
• Register for each of the 7 classes (rolling out this spring)
• 14 total hours of skill building & practice
• 1 Personal Commitment Statement

Mindfulness*

March 27 | 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. CST | Virtual

How can a mindfulness practice help support success in creating and maintaining an inclusive environment? This interactive session explores foundational concepts of mindfulness, its benefits, and scientific evidence of its efficacy. In addition, participants will learn about various forms of mindfulness practice to learn what may be best for them to incorporate into life.

Fostering Age Inclusivity

May 9 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. CST | In Person

Aging is a natural part of life, but is not always openly embraced by those who are growing older and/or those around them. Nationally renowned experts from WashU's Center for Aging will lead participants to become aware of how to foster age-inclusive mindsets and practices.