Goal: Create a civil, supportive, and respectful environment where difference is a source of strength.

Diversity and Inclusion Framework Report, 2017

1. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Plan 

Leaders of Montana State University’s Black Student Union, student organizations representing students of color, and select members of the MSU administration have worked together over the past year to develop and implement a plan for addressing the needs and concerns of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students at MSU. 

This group began meeting in summer of 2020 to discuss students’ racial equity concerns. This BIPOC action planning group met weekly throughout the fall semester to develop a mutual understanding of student needs, meeting with key stakeholders across the university to discuss specific challenges, identify barriers and opportunities, and ultimately draft actions that would address existing gaps. In spring 2021, the team worked to organize the actions into priorities, identifying the following top three priorities for the coming year: 

Develop an undergraduate certificate program and/or a minor in Africana Studies by academic year 2023-24. 
Expand and sustain Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE) trainings around racial equity topics that provide opportunities for ongoing involvement of BIPOC students using evaluation responses to inform existing training. 
Submit a formal request for new Diversity and Inclusion Student Commons (DISC) space that supports the vision for expanding DISC services and offerings to more directly support BIPOC students and address issues of racial equity. 

Learn more about the BIPOC Plan and progress on these priorities. 

 

The Diversity & Inclusion Student Commons

Interior of the Diversity and Inclusion Student Commons

The Diversity & Inclusion Student Commons (DISC) hosts meet and greets to welcome LGBTQ+ and multicultural communities to campus each fall. In 2020, the DISC had over 100 members of the MSU community attend these outdoor celebrations to make connections and strengthen a collective sense of belonging. 

 

Queer Faculty & Staff Association

Stock image of an LGBTQ pride t-shirt and t-shirt buttons.

Our Queer Faculty & Staff Association (QFSA) has a new leadership team and is organizing activities for the coming year!

 

2. Building Connections 

GATHER, which stands for Gathering All Together Honoring Every Race, is a network for faculty and staff from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups that provides opportunities to develop a sense of community, access mentoring and professional development, intentionally build support, and exchange ideas. GATHER offers social events throughout the calendar year that help employees create a stronger sense of community. Last year, GATHER hosted various events — including a virtual trivia night — with food, prizes, and new connections made. 

Learn more or get connected with GATHER.

 

BIPOC members talk with stduents on campus during a meet and greet.

Meet and Greet

Montana State University students attend a multicultural meet and greet hosted by the DISC in 2021 at MSU. 

Portriat of Bryce Hughes

QFSA Leadership

Bryce Hughes, assistant professor of education and co-leader of the Queer Faculty and Staff Association, was recently recognized by the National Science Foundation for his project examining the outcomes and experiences of LGBTQ+ undergraduates in STEM fields.