Introducing the Committee for Inclusive Excellence and Compassionate Care and Collaboration (CIECCC)
By Nicole Lesher, Ph D, Executive Director of Institutional Research and Assessment
Fostering Belonging, Justice, and Respect at AUHS
The American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) is proud to introduce the newly renamed and reimagined Committee for Inclusive Excellence and Compassionate Care and Collaboration (CIECCC). Formerly known as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, CIECCC reflects a renewed commitment to creating a culture where all students, faculty, and staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
A Mission Rooted in Our Christian Values
The mission of CIECCC is to nurture a supportive environment in which every member of our university community, regardless of background, can grow academically and professionally. Using data-driven decision-making, the committee ensures that everyone is recognized for their unique perspectives and contributions. This work aligns closely with AUHS’s overarching mission to provide exceptional, patient-centered care within a globally conscious, Christian framework.
Our Objectives
CIECCC’s work centers on seven core objectives:
- Promote Belonging and Compassionate Care: Promote belonging and compassionate care within the curriculum, university policies, services and community events.
- Advance Justice: Advance justice and provide access to the same opportunities and resources for everyone by identifying and addressing barriers that may prevent participation and success.
- Foster Human Dignity: Create an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and welcome.
- Promote Cultural Competence: Develop cultural competence, understanding, and appreciation of everyone.
- Measure Progress: Evaluate the effectiveness of committee efforts, by setting specific goals, tracking metrics and regularly evaluating progress.
- Educate and Raise Awareness: Raise awareness about the importance of belonging and compassionate care.
- Community Engagement: Engage with the broader community to promote social change.
Recent and Ongoing Initiatives
The CIECCC has hit the ground running in 2025 with several key initiatives:
- Completed an in-depth analysis of national guidelines, accreditation requirements, and the “Dear Colleague” letter to inform the committee’s future direction.
- Revised the committee’s name to better reflect the university’s evolving priorities.
- Reviewed and updated DEI policies to ensure alignment with accreditation standards.
- Analyzed the curricula for the School of Pharmacy (SOP) and School of Nursing (SON) to ensure cultural representation and readiness to serve a variety of different populations.
- Working to raise awareness and communicate the committee’s efforts across university platforms, including the website, student handbook, and course portals.
Get Involved
Every member of the AUHS community, students, faculty, and staff, has a role to play in creating an environment of inclusive excellence. Stay tuned for updates, initiatives, and opportunities to participate.
Together, let’s create a campus where everyone belongs and where compassionate care starts with how we treat each other.