The Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence uses the example of Frederick Douglass and other distinguished individuals from all racial and ethnic backgrounds to promote academic excellence among Bloomsburg University Students and enhance their understanding and appreciation of human diversity. The institute is part of a State System of Higher Education collaborative established to enhance the academic life of participation universities and to enrich their campus climate.

The Frederick Douglass Institute enables all members of Bloomsburg University to identify with a man whose life and work embody American democratic ideals and educational excellence.

• The Institute develops and implements collaborative and interdisciplinary teaching projects that enriches our general education ad enhances the quality of our culturally diverse courses.
• The Institute encourages students to take responsibility for their academic performance.
• The Institute encourages students to use Frederick Douglass as a model for their own academic achievement.
• The Institute helps to improve the retention and graduation rate of historically under represented students.
• The Institute promotes joint research projects among Bloomsburg University faculty and students with those in other State System Universities.