Center for Reconciliation and Diversity

“As an evangelical Christian community of disciples and scholars, Azusa Pacific University approaches diversity from a biblical perspective, affirming that diversity is an expression of God’s image, love, and boundless creativity.” - APU’s Diversity Statement.

Cultivating Cultural Awareness, Engagement, and Christ-Centered Community 

CRD’s VISION STATEMENT: To cultivate a community where every member acknowledges and stewards the Imago Dei within their identity and experiences, a deep sense of belonging translating to thriving, holistic outcomes.

The Center for Reconciliation and Diversity (CRD) guides the development of a university culture at APU that values and celebrates the diversity within its Christ-centered community, promoting equity, unity, racial reconciliation, intercultural understanding, and a commitment to love God and neighbor.

CRD pursues its mission by:

• Supporting university marketing, recruitment, and retention efforts directed toward all students, including underrepresented student populations. 
• Providing a safe environment for students to engage in critical thinking and dialogue where differences of perspectives are sought and respected. 
• Equipping student leaders to empathically understand and engage communities of differing racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Sponsoring programming that increases awareness of and appreciation for cultural diversity.
• Supporting student leaders in developing, articulating, and applying their personal identity and faith in Christ to advance the work of God in the community and the world
• Providing supplemental support and services for all students, including ethnic minority and first-generation students.
• Partnering with staff and faculty to integrate diversity in curricular and co-curricular experiences.
• Promoting diversity across the university.

The CRD office promotes student development by coordinating annual cultural events and advising ethnic organizations.

In addition, the CRD coordinates the Multi-Ethnic Leadership Scholarship Program that includes leadership development, social justice discussions, and discipleship with selected students who become leaders of intercultural understanding and racial reconciliation on our campus and beyond. For more information, visit the Scholarship Opportunities page.

CRD administers other scholarship programs for the university, and provides information on scholarship, fellowship, and internship opportunities offered by community organizations. The office also sponsors various annual events for the campus, including workshops and diversity/leadership retreats.