Goal: Provide strong, active, and visible leadership for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Diversity and Inclusion Framework Report, 2017

1. Academic Diversity Partners 

Academic Diversity Partners (ADPs) are faculty members or other academic leaders who act as liaisons between university diversity and inclusion efforts and their colleges. ADPs forge connections among programs, align existing diversity efforts with MSU’s strategic diversity goals, and examine potential gaps in offerings. They are instrumental in informing university-wide practices to advance our strategic diversity goals. 

Academic Diversity Partners who are responsible for: 

  • Coordinating diversity and inclusion initiatives within their colleges. 
  • Tracking progress and participation in college-wide efforts. 
  • Communicating DEI priorities and initiatives. 
  • Supporting the adoption of inclusive practices within their colleges. 

 

Meet the current ADPs and connect with yours.


ADPs are doing important and varied work in each college. In the past year, Academic Diversity Partners have: 

  • Convened and expanded diversity committees within their colleges to advise on DEI matters, plan events, and inform initiatives. 
  • Developed web pages and newsletters to communicate diversity resources and efforts. 
  • Distributed funding to faculty and staff to support innovative DEI initiatives. 
  • Conducted listening sessions with departments about DEI issues. 
  • Developed college-wide diversity strategic plans that align with the university’s diversity goals. 
  • Worked with donors and granting organizations to acquire support for diversity work. 
  • Established new partnerships with tribal colleges and community partners. 
  • Shared opportunities for professional development and education relevant to diversity in their disciplines. 
  • Gathered and analyzed data to better understand experiences and resources needed within their colleges. 
  • Curated and shared DEI resources. 

2. Diversity Council 

Established in 2020, the Diversity Council provides guidance, consultation, and leadership to support the advancement of institutional efforts to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable campus environment. As efforts to advance diversity goals grow, the Diversity Council serves as a crucial connector and venue for university-wide discussion. Led by the Senior Diversity and Inclusion Officer, the council engages in several goals, from identifying best practices that can lead to increased equity and belonging to tracking university progress related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The council is composed of 12 members — including students — who reflect the broad-based perspective, skills, and experience found at MSU. Currently the council has three standing committees: Campus Climate; Education and Scholarship; and Access and Success. 

 

A student wearing a shirt printed with the word "love" three times takes part in an LGBTQ pride event on campus.

Pride Event

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Diversity and Inclusion Student Commons host an LGBTQ+ Pride event on campus with yard games, face painting, music, shirt decorating, and interactive string art in 2019.

American Indian students wearing fashion dresses and fashion masks huddle as they look at photos on one of the students’ phones.

Celebrating Diversity through Art

MSU American Indian students showcase face-mask designs and fashion dresses by Native American designers during a fashion show on the Centennial Mall for MSU’s 2020 American Indian Heritage Day celebration.

Headshot of Jessica Brito.

Student Leadership

Psychology major Jessica Brito recently won a 2021 Newman Civic Fellowship award. Brito won the national award for promoting inclusion, stepping into leadership roles for MSU’s Black Student Union, and helping to organize Black Lives Matter events in Bozeman.