48 | AUGUST 17 • 2023 

A

mid growing concerns over 
the uptick in antisemitic 
incidents on college campuses, 
Oakland University (OU) is becoming 
proactively involved. Partnering with 
Hillel of Metro Detroit 
(HMD), the university is 
embarking on an initiative 
that underscores its 
commitment to creating 
a safe and welcoming 
atmosphere. 
 This joint effort is the 
Campus Climate Initiative 
(CCI) led by Hillel International. It aims 
to provide campus administrators with 
tools to cultivate an environment where 
Jewish students can comfortably express 
their identities without encountering 
antisemitism, harassment or exclusion.
The significance of the Campus 
Climate Initiative extends beyond 
just the partnership between OU and 
HMD; it reflects a broader movement to 
address the challenges faced by Jewish 

students on campuses nationwide.
The program involves a 16-month 
engagement, with a core team 
comprising three staff members from 
Oakland University and two (including 
myself) from Hillel of Metro Detroit. 
This team encompasses a range 
of expertise, including individuals 
such as Jessie Hurse, Associate Dean 
of Students and Deputy Title IX 
Coordinator at Oakland University; 
David Dulio, professor of Political 
Science Department and director of 
the Center for Civic Engagement at 
Oakland University; Jean Ann Miller, 
senior director of the Office for Student 
Involvement at Oakland University; 
Miriam Starkman, executive director of 
Hillel of Metro Detroit; and me, Brittany 
Begun, associate director of Hillel of 
Metro Detroit.
The initiative will include com-
prehensive training, covering topics such 
as Jewish student identity, antisemitism, 
inclusion, integrating Jewish life into 

student support efforts, bias incident 
and hate crime response, and support 
services for students with experienced 
antisemitism. This training aims to 
empower the core team to affect real 
change on campus.
Additionally, an action plan will be 
developed and implemented, including 
best practices, policies, procedures and 
programs, that effectively counteract 
antisemitism and foster a positive 
campus climate for Jewish students.
Together with OU, HMD strives to 
create an environment that is welcoming 
to students. 
The cohort experience began this 
month with a virtual orientation 
and introduction sessions. Regular 
learning sessions will follow, conducted 
approximately twice a month, 
culminating in an in-person conference 
in spring 2024. 

Brittany Begun is associate director of Hillel of 

Metro Detroit.

Oakland University has partnered with Hillel of Metro Detroit 
for the Campus Climate Initiative program amidst 
growing concerns about antisemitism.

Campus Climate Initiative

Brittany 
Begun

OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

for college students 
by college students

