DEI Achievements Across MSU
The Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion wants to celebrate MSU's DEI efforts. For additional information, please contact Dr. Vanessa Holmes at holmesv1@msu.edu
August
From left to right: Salah Hassan, Jemimah David-Makeri, Rita Ambeu, Anjam Chaudhary, Chioma Fakorede, Cynthia Wakuna, Priye Diri and Joseph M.J. Ndondi.
Cross-Campus Collaboration to Support the Mandela Washington Fellows 2023 Cohort
International Studies and Programs
The International Studies and Programs' DEI team and Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities joined forces with professionals from 11 MSU units, departments and colleges, as well as East Lansing's Mayor Ron Bacon during summer 2023. The aim is to offer an enriching coaching experience to the Mandela Washington Fellows, who spent six transformative weeks on MSU’s campus.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative that brings together accomplished African leaders who have demonstrated a dedication to innovation and positive change within their Sub-Saharan communities and nations. Led by Salah Hassan, the director of Global Studies, MSU was selected as a host institute for 26 of the 700 Mandela Washington Fellows.
Twenty-two MSU staff and faculty members and East Lansing Mayor Ron Bacon positively responded to our invitation to serve as a mentor sharing their insights and experiences with the fellows. These interactions laid foundations to share stories, build relationships and materialize our Global DEI vision.
This collaborative achievement stands as a testament to MSU's dedication to fostering an inclusive environment that transcends boundaries and nurtures a collective understanding of diversity in all its forms. Through these efforts, MSU's commitment to global DEI reaches new heights, inspiring future global leaders and forging enduring cross-cultural connections.
July
Presenters and moderators of the 3rd annual Inclusive Campus Intiative Campus Partner Summit on June 26.
3rd Annual Inclusive Campus Initiative Campus Partner Summit
Inclusive Campus Initiative
The 3rd Annual Inclusive Campus Initiative, or ICI, Campus Partner Summit was held on Monday, June 26, at the STEM Building. The theme for this year’s summit was “Building an Inclusive Campus Ecosystem,” focusing on the crucial role of campus partners in fostering a culture of inclusion at Michigan State University. The event featured mini-flash presentations by Shelby Gombosi, assistant director at the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, Grace Wojcik, director of The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center, and Matea Čaluk, associate director of Prevention, Outreach and Education Department, discussing disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+ perspectives and Relationship Violence & Sexual Misconduct through a diversity, equity and inclusion lens.
Attendees engaged in strategy sessions, including a Community Trauma Response Team, campus resource sharing and inclusive digital spaces, with plans to form ongoing task forces for the 2023-24 academic year. The summit also included updates on DEI Foundations by Office for Institutional Diversity staff members Mina Shin, Ph.D., DEI learning development specialist, and Patti Stewart, Ph.D., director of education and development programs and a global perspective on DEI presented by Anjam Chaudhary, Ph.D., DEI coordinator in International Studies and Programs.
The keynote talk was delivered by Fijian Humphrey Fellow Lite Seruvakula, who shared her transformative journey at MSU, highlighting the impact of the university’s inclusive ecosystem on her sense of belonging during life-changing moments. The day concluded with an inspiring panel of dedicated MSU staff—Luis Garcia, director of Migrant Student Services, Murray Edwards, assistant director of the Office of Cultural & Academic Transitions, Brenda Nelson, associate director of DEIB for Culinary Services, Stephanie Chau, assistant director of undergraduate diversity for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Swapna Hingwe, D.O., associate director of Counseling and Psychiatric Services—providing valuable insights and proven methods for enhancing student success.
For more information about the Inclusive Campus Initiative, contact Meaghan Kozar, Ph.D., kozarmea@msu.edu.
MSU panelists at the 2023 NCORE in New Orleans, Louisiana, from left to right: Meaghan Kozar (at lectern), Dwayne Jones, Kimberly Steed-Page, Swapna Hingwe and Matea Čaluk.
The Inclusive Campus Initiative Represents MSU at NCORE!
Several representatives from the Inclusive Campus Initiative, or ICI, had the opportunity to share with higher education professionals around the country the impact of the ICI’s work at the 35th annual National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in two sessions. The first session, "From the Ground-Up!: A Blueprint for Centering Marginalized Student and Community Needs,” demonstrated ICI’s ability to remove barriers in supporting student and community needs by hearing from the perspective of a student (Nadir Hamid), staff (Meaghan Kozar) and administrator (Vennie Gore).
Our second presentation, "We Really Do Care! The Creation of an Inclusive Campus Ecosystem," featured an MSU campus partner panel who has played an integral role in shaping the ICI. The panel outlined the impact of the ICI task forces over the past two years. Kimberly Steed-Page, director of Student Parent Resource Center, described strategies and challenges of supporting our historically marginalized students. Swapna Hingwe, D.O., associate director of Counseling & Psychiatric Services, described strategies for incorporating mental health. Dwayne L. Jones, sergeant and member of the inclusion and anti-bias unit for MSU Police and Public Safety, identified the increased safety measures within our campus environment. Finally, Matea Čaluk, associate director of Prevention, Outreach and Education Department, demonstrated the increased awareness of the Anti-Discrimination Policy. In addition, our panelists identified the ICI’s contribution in breaking down silos. Through increased awareness and collaborations, campus partners can identify gaps in resources while working toward solutions.
2023 Mandela Washington Fellows: Sandra Sefhako, Djamiratou Natounkelsba Nadege Zorom, Wakuna Ngang Sirri Cynthia, George Agbor-Ntoh Ashu, Rita Chiepie Jocelyne Ambeu, Ilham Said Chirwa, Kulsma Nur Ali, Cherno Gaye, Brian Muchiri Waihenya, Lilian Olivia Akinyi Orero, Kahisano Amelia Kolobe, Refiloehape Khauhelo Sesinyi, Fatoumata Koita, Joseph Mukuve Junior Ndondi, Diepriye Ibim Diri, Chioma Sylvia Fakorede, Jemimah Seer Rumunter David Makeri, Onyeka Nwigwe, Ibrahima Syll, Ephraim Modi Duku Sokiri, Patrick Kapanda Kabanda, Calvin Manika, Juliet Gudhlanga, Takunda Wilson Make, Youngerson Matete with Mayor of East Lansing, Ron Bacon standing in the middle, Rofiat Bello (graduate student at MSU) sitting on the left with a white scarf and Dr. Anjam Chaudhary standing on the left.
Delivering Intercultural Competence and Global DEI Training
International Studies and Programs
For the second consecutive summer, the International Studies and Programs, or ISP, joined forces with both Visiting International Professional Program, and Global Studies in Arts and Humanities to deliver enriching intercultural competence and Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion workshops and courses. These initiatives have provided valuable opportunities for hundreds of global Spartans visiting Michigan State University during summer 2023.
One notable collaboration involved Dr. Salah Hassan, director of Global Studies in Arts and Humanities who led the Mandela Washington Fellowship Program at MSU and Dr. Anjam Chaudhary, DEI coordinator for ISP. Together, they organized a series of training sessions for the Mandela Washington fellows, focusing on team building and intercultural communication. Over 20 dedicated MSU professionals generously volunteered their time to coach the fellows, providing them with guidance throughout this unique experience.
In addition, the SUSI (Study of the United States Institute) fellows from various European countries started a program centered on immersion into cross-cultural communication within a global context. SUSI acquired strategies to navigate different cultural environments and build meaningful relationships with their international peers. Similarly, German Fulbright fellows participated in a one-week course on intercultural communication and leadership in a global context. They explored their own value systems, uncovered biases, and developed skills such as offering compassionate and culturally aware feedback, as well as strategies for active listening.
These cross-campus collaborations and training programs for international visitors illustrate a vision to integrate Global DEI principles across MSU programs. This vision was developed by both Dr. Ashley Green, director of DEI at ISP and Chaudhary. These efforts highlight a dedication to fostering intercultural understanding and collaboration among Spartans from around the world.
New Student Orientation July 2023 Includes Panel Discussion on Inclusive Practices in Medicine and Medical Research
College of Osteopathic Medicine
On the first day of orientation for the new class of medical students, the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, or MSUCOM, hosted a panel discussion on Inclusive Practices in Medicine and Medical Research. During this time, students from the Class of 2027 interacted with diverse MSUCOM faculty who embody diversity, equity and inclusion. Also, MSUCOM’s commitment to both inclusion and equity as core values was demonstrated during this event.
The panel discussion included MSUCOM Dean Andrea Amalfitano, D.O., Ph.D.; Richard Bryce, D.O., Family and Community Medicine faculty; Amara Ezeamama, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry; Reddog Sina, D.O., associate professor in the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine; and Marita Gilbert, Ph.D., associate dean of Diversity and Campus Inclusion for the college. Moderators were Chinyere Tobias, M.A., academic and career advising faculty at the college’s Detroit Medical Center site; and medical students Naiyah Thompson and Neema Kamau.
Panelists offered reflections centered on inclusive practices in their work. Also, they shared personal experiences of their efforts to promote Diversity and Inclusion in their roles as clinicians, researchers and/or DEI practitioners. In addition, students engaged with the panelists by asking questions, reflecting on the knowledge they gained and discussing their plans to be inclusive excellence advocates.
June
In the left image, from left to right, Ashley Green and Anjam Chaudhary. Pictured in the right image, is Anjam Chaudhary and Daniela Felleti on screen.
Presenting Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NCORE 2023
International Studies and Programs
Michigan State University made a significant impact at the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity, or NCORE, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Spartans had a strong representation of 41 participants among the 5,000 attendees. The conference provided a platform for engaging discussions on race, ethnicity and other crucial DEI topics.
Ashley Green and Anjam Chaudhary presented MSU’s work on Global DEI, approaching it from varying perspectives. They shared with participants the operationalization of Global DEI at MSU, highlighting the Global DEI task force and its four subcommittees: Language and Images, Campus Climate, Service and Support and Curriculum & Faculty. They showcased the collaborative efforts of administrators, practitioners, scholars, educators and students, emphasizing the inclusion of a global perspective in MSU's DEI initiatives across the campus.
In collaboration with Daniella Felletti, a global DEI practitioner, Anjam delved into the topic of race and racialization from a global standpoint. This discussion shed light on the diverse experiences of race and ethnicity across various local cultures worldwide. The positive feedback received has led to the development of an upcoming three-part webinar series on race and racialization from a global perspective, scheduled to commence in fall 2023.
On the top from left to right, Vanessa McCaffrey, Anjam Chaudhary, Raychel Meyer-Payne, Shelby Conrad, Claudia Vergara and Ann Allegra. On the bottom from left to right, Becky La, Sherri Reese and Ashley Maloff. Photo credit: Nick Goldblatt
NatSci DEI Facilitation Training Members
College of Natural Science
The College of Natural Science Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has trained 10 new facilitators to lead the workshop series, Cultural Competency for Personal, Organizational and Community Change. Over the spring semester, trainees dedicated more than 30 hours to achieve their new facilitator roles. They will join the current team of facilitators, who have lead workshops since 2019.
The cultural competency workshops are offered in the fall and spring semesters. The workshops are open to MSU employees and graduate students. Through self-reflection and group activities, participants explore issues of power, oppression and privilege. During this time, the participants will increase their self-awareness of social identities, identify systems of inequity and oppression and learn a framework for cultural competency development. These concepts are applied toward personal and organizational change, with a focus on work at MSU.
Pictured is the MSU and UM6P planning committee for the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education Conference, held on the campus of UM6P in Ben Guerir, Morocco. From left to right, Ashley Green (MSU), Karim Maredia (MSU), Quentin Tyler (MSU), Mustapha El Bouhssini (UM6P), Anjam Chaudhary (MSU), Meryem Inabi (UM6P) and Callista Rakhmatov (MSU).
The Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education Conference Morocco, May 16-17
International Studies and Programs
Michigan State University's International Studies and Programs, or "ISP," College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU Extension and AgBioResearch collaborated with the University of Mohammed 6 Polytechnic, or "UM6P," to host the inaugural Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Education conference in Morocco on May 16-17, 2023. Supported by Creating Inclusive Excellence Grants funding from IDI, this event provided a platform for multi-cultural engagement and cross-cultural communication with an objective to discuss and address DEI topics through a global lens.
Bringing together these MSU campus partners and UM6P, showcased the power of global leadership and collaboration in driving meaningful change. The conference served as a catalyst for fostering inclusivity and equity in higher education, particularly in the field of Agriculture in the MENA region. It offered a platform for dynamic discussions, embracing diverse voices, experiences and expertise. Key DEI topics, such as women's equity, cross-cultural competence and effective implementation strategies took center stage, inspiring participants to address these vital issues collectively.
The conference's success lays the foundation for continued collaboration and network expansion, paving the way for future initiatives that contribute to a more equitable and inclusive higher education landscape.
Images of various professional clothing items collected through the donation drive. Photo credit: Elizabeth Newman
Career Services Network Creating Career Resources
Career Services Network
For many students, getting access to appropriate and professional attire for career fairs, interviews and networking events is a barrier. This May, MSU Career Services Network wrapped up a successful campus and community wide clothing drive for the career clothing closet scheduled to open this Fall Semester 2023. The drive was also supported by various alumni and professional organizations throughout the state of Michigan allowing a wide range of professional clothing items representative of all genders, sizes, and styles to be collected. The closet will be a free resource for all MSU students to borrow the professional items needed to confidently participate in various career related events (i.e., career fairs, interviews, employer mixers).
The career closet will be in the Student Services Building, Room 113 – Career Exploration Center, 556 E Circle Dr. Room 113 East Lansing, MI 48824.
Please contact Ellise Lee; leeellis@msu.edu or Victoria Morris; morrisvi@msu.edu for more information.
May
Diversity Week 2023
MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine DEI Report
The Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, or MSUCOM, students and members of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, planned and carried out a series of events, covering topics from disability awareness to caring for pediatric patients and disparities to celebrate the fourth annual Diversity Week, March 27-31. Diversity Week provides a platform for students to discuss and promote a variety of issues important to them and in their careers.
The week of events provided an opportunity to “generate discussions around some of the more nuanced aspects of medicine and reminding us that equality is not the same as equity. Many of the events this year are looking at the unique considerations of certain patient populations and are designed to ask students, staff and faculty to critically engage with some of their own biases,” said Megan McGrath, a D.O.-Ph.D. student and OMS-I with MSUCOM.
This year’s events included interactive opportunities, such as finding the Spartan Helmet on the MSUCOM website. When located, participants could click on the helmet to be taken to an interactive discussion board regarding disability awareness. Abril Rodriguez, OMS-II, said the team chose the topics carefully and worked to make them interactive so participants would get more out of Diversity Week.
Events included a panel of patients with rare disease(s) and family members who tried to help participants understand their experiences with healthcare providers, which Anhdao Tran, OMS-IV, said was invaluable to the future physicians because the panel was “willing to answer difficult questions and guide us on how to better the patient-provider relationship and reduce harm.”
Also, in an effort to reduce harm, this year’s week focused on food insecurity and partnered with MSUCOM’s Detroit Street Care, Spartan Street Medicine and Macomb County Street Medicine, and competed to raise the most donations.
The week of events culminated with an informal dinner where students were able to meet with other students, faculty and staff for open discussions.
Learn more here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CqTrja5N_5y/
The Nightly News installation view at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University, 2023. Photo credit: Eat Pomegranate Photography.
The International Studies and Programs and the Broad Art Museum Collaboration
Office of International Studies and Programs
Candy Chang's virtual talk and artistic installation, The Nightly News, currently featured at Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum are significant achievements for the International Studies and Programs Office and the Broad Art Museum's collaborative DEI efforts. Chang shared her unique perspectives and experiences using art as a transformative tool to connect people, heal communities and inspire social change.
During her talk, Chang discussed The Nightly News, an interactive installation that encourages visitors to anonymously share their dreams, and how it facilitates community reflection and contemplation, promoting empathy and understanding among individuals.
Chang's work not only highlights the valuable contributions of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American and Asian community but also emphasizes the impact of our actions on our communities and the world. The collaboration between the Office of International Studies and Programs and the Broad Art Museum brought this powerful conversation on the power of art to transform our world and encourage diversity, equity and inclusion.
April
International Studies and Programs Butterfly Garden. Credit: Dane Robinson
International Center Lobby Transformed into Butterfly Garden
Office of International Studies and Programs
The Office of International Studies and Programs has partnered with the Asian Studies Center Japan Council. This collaboration will showcase Zahrah Resh's Butterfly Garden in the lobby of the International Center. This stunning art exhibit features more than 3000 colorful butterflies, each one is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire Spartan community.
Thousands of people learned and practiced the Japanese art of paper folding, known as origami, to create this stunning garden. Months of preparation and contributions from all participants resulted in a grandiose display that highlights the strong and supportive community present on and beyond campus.
As a former MSU student, Zahrah Resh is a talented and creative artist. She contributed her skills to create a space of healing and hope while celebrating the Asian culture during the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, or APIDA, Heritage Month.
The Butterfly Garden will remain on display throughout the spring semester, serving as a beautiful and inspiring reminder of the power of community and cooperation.
March
ISP and GenCen Partner to offer Global Gender and Sexuality Webinar
Office of International Studies and Programs
On January 30, 2023, International Studies and Programs, or ISP, and the Center for Gender in Global Context, or GenCen, partnered to offer MSU’s first webinar on Global Gender and Sexuality. This partnership provides an intentional platform for international students, faculty, staff and partners to share their voices to increase awareness and understanding around global gender and sexuality. A diverse group of four students, two faculty members, and an international practitioner shared their lived experiences, research, expertise, personal needs and challenges as a part of working with LGBTQIA2S+ global communities.
Following the “inclusive language and images" webinar series, the global gender and sexuality webinar is an additional initiative to increase understanding and of Global Spartans’ needs, facilitate conversations and develop resources to reinforce inclusive communication and practices in a global context. ISP and GenCen are preparing an additional webinar that will include recommendations from students, faculty and experts to support and appropriately engage with the LGBTQIA2S+ global communities.
December
MSU Department of Physiology's DEI Goals Encompassing by Design
Department of Physiology
The MSU Department of Physiology is committed to building and fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration prosper to deliver meaningful outcomes for its scholars, faculty and staff. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental elements of the PSL Department’s strategy and culture to create a sense of belonging while actively contributing to its collective success.
As part of its DEI goals, faculty and staff members recently participated in multiple training sessions sponsored by the College of Natural Science on developing cultural competency skills. Last year, the department created a DEI committee comprised of graduate students, faculty and staff members that best represent the department’s equitable and inclusive environment.
Under the guidance of Interim Chairperson Lawrence ‘Karl’ Olson, the DEI committee created a climate survey to better examine and understand the department’s DEI needs as well as the creation of the department’s Shared Value Statements. These efforts are important initiatives that will direct, lead and guide the Department of Physiology’s ongoing conversation and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
From left to right, Jennifer Cobbina-Dungy, Carole Gibbs, Kendall Morris and Emilie Smith.
Jennifer Cobbina-Dungy and Interdisciplinary Team Win Diversity Research Network's Launch Award
School of Criminal Justice, School of Social Work, Department of Human Development and Family Studies
Jennifer Cobbina-Dungy, Professor of Criminal Justice (CJ), is leading an interdisciplinary team of researchers including Carole Gibbs (CJ), Kendall Morris (Social Work) and Emilie Smith (Human Development and Family Studies) to examine community-engaged approaches to violence prevention. This effort represents the work of the MSU Youth Equity Project, the College of Social Science Thematic Area on Marginalized Youth focused on reducing disparities and increasing opportunities.
Led by the Michigan Public Health Initiative (MPHI) and the Ingham County Health Department, this partnership seeks to increase understanding of Advance Peace (AP), which strives to end “cyclical and retaliatory gun violence” by investing “in the development, health and wellbeing of those at the center of this crisis” using a healing-centered approach to address trauma. The project received a grant from IDI's Diversity Research Network Launch Awards Program.
Interestingly, a very small number of disproportionately poor, marginalized yet highly influential people in communities commit gun violence. This study will center on the perceptions and experiences of the outreach workers, family members and loved ones of participants. In addition, this examination will explore the challenges and benefits of outreach approaches for community safety efforts that move beyond traditional policing models.
November
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun in Cairo, Egypt, features ancient architecture styles and decorations created from carved stucco and wood. (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Muslim Studies Program Receives Templeton Religion Trust Grant
Muslim Studies Program (International Studies and Programs)
This past spring, the Muslim Studies Program—in conjunction with James Madison College and Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities—applied for and received a $228,000 Templeton Religion Trust grant for a project looking at Islamic architecture and interreligious relations. The project, entitled “Science, Art and Faith: Architectural Heritage and Islam,” is led by Martha Olcott, Mohammad Khalil, and Salah Hassan and involves numerous contributors in multiple countries. Special attention will be given to the architectural heritage in Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Morocco, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Thus far, the project has organized various events, including a major spring workshop, and is currently developing a digital archive. For more information, please see https://cal.msu.edu/news/msu-receives-templeton-religion-trust-grant-for-islamic-architecture-science-and-interreligious-relations-project.
Spartan Street Medicine teams talks with patient (left) and prepares equipment and bags for street run.
MSUCOM Makes DEI History
College of Osteopathic Medicine
The DEI Committee of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine held its first annual retreat in August. Members discussed efforts and better ways to share accomplishments and stories. In addition, MSUCOM is the only health college invited to the Ubuntu Dialogue International Conference on decolonizing the academy (South Africa).
Also, MSUCOM has conducted several outreach programs including:
- FutureDOcs – provides high school students interested in pursuing medical careers an opportunity to interact with physicians, medical students, and other healthcare professionals.
- OsteoCHAMPS – an eight-day, on-campus residential summer program where high schoolers learn about osteopathic medicine, including anatomy, biochemistry, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), a research project, clinical skills and more.
- Street Medicine/Street Care – student-led organizations partnering with others to provide care for the most vulnerable patients at each MSUCOM site.
- Spartan Street Medicine – East Lansing
- Detroit Street Care – Detroit
- Macomb Street Medicine – Macomb County