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AASCU Pluralism Cohort

Interfaith America is collaborating with AASCU to create an Advancing Campus Pluralism Cohort for a set of institutions seeking to become exemplars of campus pluralism.

Applications Closed

 
Request for Proposals
 
Application Info
 

We live in a deeply divided country with rising levels of distrust and isolation, in which religious, cultural, and ideological diversity are often seen as sources of division rather than as a foundation for cooperation. In these fraught times, we need leaders who can foster pluralism as an antidote to rising prejudice and polarization. Institutions of higher education, a treasure of American civic life, are uniquely situated to promote and practice pluralism and serve as models for the rest of society. University campuses can be places where people from diverse identities and divergent ideologies learn from one another, and places that actively equip students with the knowledge base, mindset, and skillset to serve as bridgebuilders in a divided world. From the admissions process to first-year orientation to the general education curriculum, students should understand that the university seeks to model pluralism and to teach the skills for constructive engagement across differences. When a university president shakes the hand of a graduating student, they should be confident that the graduate is equipped to be a bridgebuilder who can lead effectively in diverse civic and professional settings, including in the most contentious and challenging situations.   

Interfaith America (IA), a Chicago-based non-profit, supports the efforts of American colleges and universities to engage diversity by modeling pluralism across the entire campus ecology. At IA, we believe pluralism is defined by respect for diverse identities, genuine relationship-building across diverse communities, and common action for the common good. As an organization with over two decades of bridgebuilding expertise in the U.S. higher education context, IA is well positioned to partner with campuses as they articulate and advance strategies for their distinct environments.  

The Advancing Campus Pluralism Cohort (AASCU) will consist of ten member institutions. Each will identify a three-person Core Team in the application process, which includes at least one senior administrator appointed directly by the president or chancellor.  After acceptance, the Core Team will be responsible for participating in convenings. Each institution in the cohort then creates a five to eight-person Pluralism Working Group (which includes the Core Team) and at least three senior administrators. This group will be responsible for submitting and implementing a strategic plan with the support of a $25,000 grant for each institution .

The Core Teams will participate in a series of in-person and virtual convenings over the course of 2025-2026:

  • The first convening will take place in person, June 16-18, 2025. All travel, food, and lodging for this convening will be covered by IA. The goals include gaining foundational knowledge in civic pluralism, learning best practices to promote and deepen campus pluralism, and drafting a strategic plan.
  • By July 2025, each Pluralism Working Group will submit a finalized strategic plan for implementing several best practices for campus pluralism in their community. Upon submission of the strategic plan, each institution will receive the first installment (or half) of a $25,000 grant to support the implementation of these practices. The second installment of the grant will follow the submission of a mid-grant report.
  • Between August 2025 and April 2026, the core teams will meet virtually for five sessions (90 mins each) for ongoing professional development and peer-to-peer support.
  • There will be a final in­-person, two-day convening in May 2026 to share learnings. Again, all travel, food, and lodging for this convening will be covered by IA.

Overview

IA is collaborating with AASCU to create an Advancing Campus Pluralism Cohort for a set of institutions seeking to become exemplars of campus pluralism. The purpose of the program is fourfold:   

  1. To learn best practices for promoting and deepening campus pluralism  
  2. To identify and address tensions and obstacles in the current higher education climate that impede pluralism on college campuses  
  3. To provide opportunities for cohort teams to begin to develop long-term goals and a strategic plan for advancing pluralism on their campuses  
  4. To develop a close network of institutions deeply committed to learning from one another and collaborating with one another in the transition toward becoming exemplars of pluralism  

Selected Institutions

In partnership with AASCU, Interfaith America has chosen 10 AASCU member institutions to participate in the Advancing Campus Pluralism cohort, created for institutions seeking to become exemplary campuses in the practice of pluralism. The institutions that were selected are:

  • Hunter College (NY)
  • University of Washington Bothell
  • Kennesaw State University (GA)
  • California State University, Long Beach
  • University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  • James Madison University (VA)
  • Coastal Carolina University (SC)
  • Governors State University (IL)
  • North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
  • State University of New York at Oswego
Map in Interfaith America office with pins showing all the schools IA works with.

Details

  • Applicant institutions must be members of AASCU
  • Submission of an application through IA’s online portal, which includes a written proposal that addresses the following topics:
    • Why does your institution want to make pluralism a priority? How does building a culture of pluralism align with your school’s mission or values?
    • Please describe one key opportunity and one key challenge around pluralism on your campus. Please also note specific strengths (e.g. existing infrastructure, staff roles, programs, courses, etc.) in your campus community that support a culture of pluralism.
    • How will participating in the pluralism cohort allow you to make sustainable, lasting change on campus?
    • Is there anything more we should know about your campus that is pertinent to this program?
  • The identification of your Core Team members, one of whom must be a senior administrator appointed by the President or Chancellor of your institution.
  • A letter of support from the President or Chancellor of your institution
  • During the month of March, accepted institutions form a Pluralism Working Group (consisting of five to eight people, including the Core Team, and at least three senior administrators)
  • Core Team members must commit to participation in scheduled in-person and virtual convenings.
  • Grant funds should primarily be used for purposes that directly support the grant proposal. This includes accelerating and adapting pluralist practices for campus communities.
  • We are amenable to grantees using up to 10% of disbursed grant funds for operational costs if needed. 
  • The grantee is responsible for understanding and navigating their institutional or organizational grant processes.  
  • Those who receive funding may receive a 1099 tax form at the end of the year.  
  • Institutions receiving funds over $10,000 may be required to provide a certificate of insurance listing IA, or provide documentation of insurance. 

Grant funds may not be used for:  

  • Alcohol 
  • Expenses associated with political campaign activities, including directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office; making contributions to political campaigns; or attempting to influence legislation (i.e., lobbying)  
  • Capital funds or expenses (e.g., endowments, capital campaigns, annual funds, tuition, or student fees) 
  • While not restricted, IA generally does not fund grantees to use a large portion of their funds for IA’s fee-for-service offerings, such as campus consultations or speaking engagement fees. 
  • Stategic Plan: Each Pluralism Working Group outlines implementation of pluralism practices in their specific campus context. 
  • Mid-Year Report Survey: account of progress towards goals, success and challenges. IA will give surveys for campuses to submit reports.
  • Final Grant Report Survey: outcomes of pluralism practices plan and campus implementation. IA will give surveys for campuses to submit reports. 
  • January 15 – February 24, 2025 – Application period 
  • February 24–29, 2025 – Selection period 
  • Early March 2025 – Campuses are informed of selection, pre-work is shared 
  • March 2025 – Each campus creates Pluralism Working Group 
  • March to June 2025 – The Working Group (which includes and is led by the Core Team) does pre-work in preparation for strategic planning convening  

Pre-work for the Pluralism Working Group will include:

  • Completing short readings and videos on definitions and foundational concepts of pluralism
  • Clarifying goals for the project and their alignment with institutional priorities
  • Conducting a campus-assessment of assets and challenges to the work
  • Reflecting on your personal values and motivation for the work

IA will provide guiding materials to successfully complete the pre-work. The anticipated time commitment for pre-work is 10-12 hours but will vary. Campuses that have already begun to develop a pluralism infrastructure, for example, may find that they need less time to complete the pre-work. IA will make office hours available in March for campus-specific questions and clarifications on the project.

  • June 16–18, 2025 – First in-person convening with campus Core Teams to draft strategic plan for implementing a series of pluralism practices over the granting period; learning and consultations with IA staff.
  • July 15, 2025 – Each Pluralism Working group submits finalized strategic plan. Upon submission of plan, the first grant installment is disbursed to each campus.
  • August 2025 – First virtual convening (90 minutes)
    Campuses implement their plans and are involved in launching grant activities in between convenings outlined below.
  • October 2025 – Second virtual convening (90 mins)
  • December 2025 – Third virtual convening (90 mins)
  • December 15, 2025 – Each campus submits a mid-grant report; the second grant installment is disbursed to each campus
  • February 2026 – Fourth virtual convening (90 mins)
  • April 2026 – Fifth virtual convening (90 mins)
  • May 2026 – Second in-person Convening for Core Teams (2 days)
  • June 2026 – Each campus submits a final grant report

Related Documents

Advancing Campus Pluralism Cohorts

IA is collaborating with AASCU to create an Advancing Campus Pluralism Cohort for a set of institutions seeking to become exemplars of campus pluralism. 

 
Request for Proposals
 

Related Resources​

Interfaith America’s Pluralism Framework

Interfaith America’s work to unlock the potential of American religious diversity has been grounded in a steady vision for pluralism.

Pluralism Texts Bibliography

This bibliography reflects a variety of perspectives that provide foundational theory, knowledge, and practical wisdom about civic pluralism.

Advancing Campus Pluralism: Courageous Leadership in Contentious Times

This convening will bring together college and university presidents committed to promoting positive cooperation across political, ideological, and religious divides. 

The Learning & Action Bridge

Use Interfaith America's Learning & Action Bridge to discover your next steps. Find interfaith opportunities based on your role and goals.

Contact Us

Please contact us with any questions about the AASCU Pluralism Cohort.

Homayra Ziad

Director of Campus Partnerships

Interfaith America

[email protected]