American University (AU) is a private, federally chartered research university located in Washington, D.C., United States. Founded in 1893, it is renowned for its programs in international service—including its School of International Service—political science, public affairs, and communication, leveraging its proximity to the U.S. government and international organizations. The main campus spans 90 acres in the Spring Valley and Tenleytown neighborhoods of Northwest Washington, D.C., offering a student-centered environment that emphasizes experiential learning, research, and community engagement. AU provides a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as arts, sciences, business, economics, finance, biology, and law, with over 150 recognized student organizations, including a highly ranked Model United Nations team. The university maintains extensive archives and special collections that preserve more than a century of its history, supporting scholarly research and institutional memory. As a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), AU is committed to advancing academic research and education, with strategic initiatives focused on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and global partnerships. Its organizational structure includes various facilities and departments that facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, making it a key player in higher education within the nation's capital. AU's location in Washington, D.C., enhances opportunities for internships, policy work, and international diplomacy, attracting students interested in careers in government, nonprofits, and global affairs, such as Nomani, who studied international communications there. The institution prioritizes ethical leadership and social responsibility, reflected in its budget allocations, policies, and campus initiatives that promote equity and environmental stewardship.