For many North American Indigenous people, the Pilgrims’ entry into their homeland was a day of mourning, rather than a moment of giving thanks. This notion of the holiday is at odds with how it has been celebrated (and taught) as a time to express gratitude in the spirit of peacefully sharing culture and food with loved ones.
IDI shares the progress made in DEI initiatives in key areas, including Academic Affairs, FASA, Health Sciences and MSU Extension. These ongoing efforts are aligned with the DEI Report and Plan recommendations and exemplify MSU's dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable campus community.
Abrams will oversee daily office operations, support the advancement of institutional strategic priorities and bolster internal and external constituent engagement.
Poorly chosen Halloween costumes can cause undue harm to others, even if that's not our intention.
On Oct. 7, the Coalition of Racial and Ethnic Minorities, or CoREM, hosted its annual welcome reception event at Cowles House to welcome new faculty, administrators and staff of color to the university.
Each fall, the DRN reception brings together members to discuss interdisciplinary collaboration across disciplines and how to enhance diversity in scholarly contexts throughout the university.
University Communications and the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion welcome the 2024-25 diversity, equity and inclusion communications interns.
In August, the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion welcomed Randy Lytes as the inaugural Assistant Director of Equity and Compliance, working with Director of Equity and Compliance Matthew J. Olovson, J.D.
Students who receive the scholarship will be featured at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration's Community Dinner.
MSU Dialogues will be available as a 1-credit course in fall 2024 under UGS at the 200 level.
Each year the Diversity Research Network admits 20-30 faculty for its writing retreats.
DEI learning development specialist travels to South Korea and shares insight on developing DEI Foundations.
View photos featuring spring events, including the MSU Dialogues Celebration, Transforming Theatre Ensemble Playwriting Fellowship Showcase, IDI Speaker Series, and the César Chávez and Dolores Huerta Commemorative Celebration.
Ralph Johnson joins IDI as the assistant director of education and development programs.
University Arts and Collections highlights several programs advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in 2023-24.
IDI welcomes Micaela Flores as the assistant director of the Diversity Research Network. She provides managerial and operational support for MSU faculty and scholars at the intersection of diversity and excellence.
I am excited to share the 2023-24 DEI Report, which highlights diversity data and reports on efforts to advance inclusive excellence on campus.
Institutional Research launches a second dashboard on employee data, showing MSU’s various faculty and staff data by employee type, race, sex, disability, veteran and administrative categories. Forthcoming DEI dashboards include student enrollment and undergraduate student outcomes.
President Guskiewicz brings with him a steadfast dedication to fostering inclusivity and a keen ear for understanding the needs of our diverse community.
Dr. Mina Shin shares her insight and experience leading the development of a new, MSU-specific, fully tailored e-learning experience for the campus community.
Following extensive review, IDI releases a fully tailored e-learning experience to reflect MSU's diverse communities and needs.
University Communications and the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion welcomed Michale Coffey as a DEI communications intern.
More than ever, faculty scholars require support and advice on balance and productivity in a “care” centered institution.
Welcome back, Spartans! IDI is excited about our return to campus following a robust year of advancing numerous diversity, equity and inclusion organizational efforts.
Professors Yael Aronoff and Saliba Sarsar will discuss the heart-wrenching complexities of the current Israel/Hamas war and the tangled history that brought us to this moment.
IDI shares the progress made in DEI initiatives in key areas, including faculty affairs, health sciences, employee programs, vendor platforms, web accessibility and the Anti-Discrimination Policy. These ongoing efforts are aligned with the DEI Report and Plan recommendations and exemplify MSU's dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable campus community.
Across higher ed, cowriting has become a popular and expanding approach for enhancing support and productivity in academic writing. DRN offered a one-day workshop with partners in Philadelphia this fall before a professional conference.
On Oct. 3, the Coalition of Racial and Ethnic Minorities, or CoREM, hosted its annual welcome reception event at Cowles House to welcome new faculty, administrators and staff of color to the university.
The DRN fall reception brought together members to discuss interdisciplinary collaboration across disciplines and how to enhance diversity in scholarly contexts throughout the university.
In light of recent events, some in our community may feel isolated or have safety concerns.
In September, IDI’s Director of Education and Development Program Patricia (Patti) Stewart, Ph.D., and Dialogues Coordinator Jade Richards attended the Technology and Innovation Congress, or Yucatan i6, in Mérida, Mexico.
Brady Velazquez joins the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion as the equity and compliance coordinator.
University Communications and the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion welcome the 2023-24 diversity, equity and inclusion communications interns.
I hope this message finds you well and ready for the fall 2023 semester. I am excited to share numerous DEI updates, and as we return to campus, it is also important to acknowledge and reflect upon the challenges we face and opportunities ahead.
The Michigan State University DEI Bulletin captures briefings from recent activities, including executive updates, campus happenings, innovation and research, recognitions and upcoming events. Click to access an audio reader version.
In early September, MSU's Institutional Research launched an interactive institutional comparisons dashboard in alignment with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report and Plan.
For the first time, MSU held a DEI new student orientation at the Breslin Center.
The Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion is funding over 32 projects this academic year through the Creating Inclusive Excellence Grants program.
On July 28, IDI hosted its 2nd Annual Summer Leadership Institute at the Kellogg Center, bringing together senior leaders and DEI practitioners together across campus.
We are pleased to announce the implementation of the Name, Gender, Sexual Identity and Pronoun Data Policy at MSU.
MSU is mentioned in Inside Higher Ed as one of a few higher education institutions that have revised and broadened its policy.
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of diversity, equity and inclusion, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with some reflections and updates on recent initiatives.
Diversity Research Network retreats create the right environment to inspire writing for diverse scholars.
The Michigan State University DEI Bulletin captures briefings from recent activities, including executive updates, campus happenings, innovation and research, recognitions and upcoming events. Click to access an audio reader version.
IDI welcomed Virgi Strickland as the senior equity, inclusion and compliance analyst. She will work to address requests for diversity, equity and inclusion learning opportunities across Michigan State University.
The Michigan State University DEI Bulletin captures briefings from recent activities, including executive updates, campus happenings, innovation and research, recognitions and upcoming events. Click to access an audio reader version.
Excitement is in the air with the emerging warmth of spring and new growth literally sprouting from the ground!
Following a three-year hiatus, the Diversity Research Network Faculty Study Break returned to provide a moment of respite and connection for diverse faculty at MSU.
This spring, IDI presented the first “Conversations on Antisemitism and Islamophobia” event series adapted from previous MSU Dialogues on religion and ethnicity.
MSU Dialogues participants, facilitators, and MSU community members gathered to celebrate a year’s worth of community, important conversations and growth.
As we enter spring, I find campus is bustling with many recognitions in continuation of the work that gives us all purpose.
The Michigan State University DEI Bulletin captures briefings from recent activities, including executive updates, campus happenings, innovation and research, recognitions and upcoming events. Click to access an audio reader version.
IDI wishes Dr. Shondra Marsha well in her new role and thanks her for the indelible imprint she has left on the Diversity Research Network and MSU.
Groundbreaking for the freestanding multicultural center is set for Friday, April 21, at 2:30 p.m., on the corner of North Shaw and Farm lanes.
Muslim Studies Program presented the 2nd annual Malcolm X Muslim Studies Community Forum at the Erickson Kiva, 60 years and two days after Malcom X spoke at MSU.
Michigan State University is celebrating its 13th annual César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Commemorative Celebration on Friday, March 31st, 2023, honoring the legacies of local and national community leaders and organizers with a special lunch on campus for MSU students, employees and community members. The public is welcome.
At MSU, Black student leaders are making an impact across campus and local communities. Learn about these MSU RSOs who are uplifting Black students.
University Communications and the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion welcomed Luz Vazquez as a DEI communications intern.
The MSU community is invited to join an additional Multicultural Center Community Engagement Session with SmithGroup designers, Monteil Crawley and Julian Arrington, on Feb. 3.
On Nov. 28, I joined colleagues for the first MSU 2030 Strategic Planning Summit to discuss broad efforts to advance implementation across all six strategic themes, which includes DEI.
University Communications and the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion welcomed Sadie Nguyen as a DEI communications intern.
Read about several 2022 implemented DEI report and plan action items, including robust resources, policy revisions and efforts that strengthen inclusive culture at Michigan State.
The Michigan State University DEI Bulletin captures briefings from recent activities, including executive updates, campus happenings, innovation and research, recognitions and upcoming events. Click to access an audio reader version.
IDI's education team prepares for spring with numerous offerings, including MSU Dialogues for students and employees, conversations on antisemitism and Islamophobia and DEI achievement recognitions.
With the recent addition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a full university holiday, I encourage reflection on his legacy and how we can collectively advance it with purpose and perseverance.
On Dec. 3, MSU Asian Pacific American Student Organization, or APASO, hosted the first Asian Pacific Islander Desi American and Asian, or APIDA/A, Winter Celebratory.
In alignment with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report and Plan, University Communications and the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion are proud to share the Inclusive Guide.
Here at Michigan State, we hold ourselves to the highest standards as representatives of this great institution. Being a Spartan is about delivering on our commitment through the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan, Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Plan and DEI Steering Committee Report and Plan.
The Diversity Research Network began its 7th year of operation this fall welcoming new and returning faculty to the fall reception.
The Michigan State University DEI Bulletin captures briefings from recent activities, including executive updates, campus happenings, innovation and research, recognitions and upcoming events. Click to access an audio reader version.
Transforming Theatre Ensemble and Department of Theatre produce moving plays through playwriting fellowship to reimagine campus.
After 14 years, Dr. Rubén Martinez stepped down as director of the Julian Samora Research Institute at Michigan State University in 2021 and retired in October as a sociology professor.
On Oct. 3, the Coalition of Racial Ethnic Minorities, or CoREM, hosted its first in-person reception since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The North American Indigenous Student Organization hosted the 37th annual Powwow of Love on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the IM East Field.
Latino famers attend luncheon hosted by MSU to discuss H-2A program.
MSU is home to one thousand registered student organizations (RSOs), ranging from networking and career development to enjoying hobbies together. Get to know Latine-specific RSOs who are making an impact both at MSU and in their communities.
IDI welcomed Vanessa Holmes, Ph.D., as the Multicultural Development Manager. She will work to address requests for diversity, equity and inclusion learning opportunities across Michigan State University.
The Michigan State University Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bulletin captures briefings from recent activities. The bulletin covers executive updates, campus happenings, innovation and research, recognitions and upcoming events. Click to access an audio reader version.
IDI welcomed Dr. Mina Shin to the team as the inaugural DEI Learning Development Specialist. She will play a pivotal role in shaping the DEI Foundations curriculum.
In its seventh year of existence, the Diversity Research Network, or DRN, held its first Virtual Informational Session on August 31, 2022 with 48 participants in attendance, including faculty and administrators.
IDI staff participated in the College of Education's Pakistan Women Leadership in Higher Education discussion. The panel met with 25 Pakistani university leaders from diverse academic and leadership backgrounds.
University Communications and the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion welcome DEI communications interns Journalism major Ashley Zhou, James Madison College Social Relations and Policy major Jesús Hernandez and English major Brigita Felkers.
Welcome back to another exciting academic year at Michigan State University with many diversity, equity and inclusion efforts underway!
Summer is a time for recalibrating, recharging and renewing preparations for an exciting year of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Michigan State University! In the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, or IDI, we have been gearing up for the first year of instituting DEI priorities.
The Mafungo retreat is a three-day intensive experience where consistent concentrated writing time occurs alongside the availability of consultation and opportunities for support of the whole scholar.
The Creating Inclusive Excellence Grants funded over 42 projects this past year, distributing approximately $525,000 to enhance inclusion across Michigan State University. Now accepting funding requests for 2022-23 through Aug. 1
In April, Melanie Trowbridge became the first head of human resources in the Office of Health Sciences. Trowbridge brings more than 20 years of experience to help attract, retain and develop talent overseeing the colleges of human medicine, nursing, osteopathic medicine and more.
As we wish Dr. Samuel Saldívar well on his next adventures, I am reminded of the words Maya Angelo offers us, "...people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report provides an overview of the compositional diversity of MSU students, staff and faculty and DEI initiatives occurring across campus. This year's report is a compilation of data and brief descriptive narratives for the academic years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Join the campus community for the second annual commemorative celebration of Juneteenth at the Breslin Center.
The MSU community is invited to join an additional Multicultural Center Community Engagement Session with SmithGroup designers, Monteil Crawley and Julian Arrington, on June 15.
MSU endorses enterprise system modifications to offer names and pronouns self-identification options.
While spring was late to arrive, the end of the 2021-22 academic year was not and brought many celebratory activities and advancements in diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI.
On March 29, Michigan State University’s Department of Police and Public Safety hosted their first Women’s History Month Bazaar steered by Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Captain Florene McGlothian-Taylor and Human Resources Administrator Crystal Perry.
On April 4, Matthew J. Olovson, J.D., joined the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion as the director of equity and compliance. Olovson works to ensure adherence to equal opportunity laws and related university programs and policies. He will be responsible for designing and administering strategic plans to attain diversity goals, equity in practice and markers of inclusive excellence.
On March 21, Evette Chavez joined the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion as the fiscal and human resources officer. She works closely with staff and community partners regarding fiscal and human resources matters.
The All-Gender Restroom Design Study is a stakeholder initiative to ensure equitable and inclusive restroom access at Michigan State University. The study will identify parameters for the initial scope and serve as a guide for future improvement projects.
Each year, the Michigan State University, Greater Lansing, and East Lansing communities gather at MSU to honor the legacy of two of the most prominent U.S. labor leaders and civil rights activists, César E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. provides an update on the diversity, equity and inclusion implementation planning to set Michigan State University on a course to formulate and deliver actionable plans in the coming year.
The MSU community is invited to join both of the Multicultural Center Community Engagement Sessions with SmithGroup designers, Monteil Crawley and Julian Arrington, on March 16 and 31.
On Feb. 14, Dr. Amber Benton started in her new role as Chief Officer for Diversity Equity and Inclusion at the School of Music Theatre and Dance at the University of Michigan.
Join the first event on March 24 featuring Professor Dorinda Carter Andrews titled, "A Way Forward in Practice: The Myth and Misconceptions about Teaching Race and Racism."
As my letter has been reflective of past, current, and upcoming events, I would like to start by acknowledging the recent ongoing bomb threats against Historically Black Colleges and Universities or HBCUs.
"I find that relaying social justice information through arts and culture, tends to be the most provocative, informative and engaging work," said Crystal Bernard, senior at James Madison College.
The Researcher’s Workshop went virtual for the first time this year to great success.
This year's celebration of Black History Month is about fortifying in the here and now. The celebration seeks to disrupt the erasure of the contributions of Black people, Africans and African Americans in the United States while offering an invitation for others to bear witness.
APIDA/AFSA leader, Jeffrey Tsang shares reflections on the spring festival. "We say Lunar New Year because we need to be inclusive of all the communities that celebrate the new year," said Tsang.
January is a time for renewal that is customarily filled with new year’s resolutions. So, I extend best wishes for greater self-preservation, wellness, less fatigue and more connection!
The public is encouraged to attend the collection of events occurring throughout the week.
Doctoral students Melissa Yzaguirre and Gia Casaburo in the College of Social Science launch the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Graduate Certificate pilot program funded by Creating Inclusive Excellence Grants.
On January 17, 2022, the office will have a new name: Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion or IDI for short.
Jade Richards joined the team as the Dialogues Coordinator from her role in MSU Extension where she served as a mental health program instructor and facilitated many of the Mental Health First Aid workshops.
To align with safety precautions, the MLK Community Unity Dinner has been canceled and shifted to a virtual program, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Conversation. The webinar will take place January 17, 2022, 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET. Register for the event on Zoom.
To align with safety precautions, the MLK Community Unity Dinner has been canceled and shifted to a virtual program, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Conversation. The webinar will take place on January 17, 2022, 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET. Register for the event on Zoom.
The Michigan State University Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration Planning Committee is hosting a virtual Stuff the Library event as a component of the 42nd week-long Annual Celebration. This year, the celebration will take place Sunday, Jan. 16 - Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. Leading up to this week-long event, the committee is partnering with Detroit Public Schools to fill libraries with books on topics of social justice and with characters representing diverse backgrounds.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. recaps the months’ diversity, equity and inclusion news.
Diversity Research Network hosts the 2021 Fall Reception at Cowles House. Photography by Derrick Turner.
Frazier will focus on the implementation of the DEI Steering Committee report. He will be bringing stakeholders together from across campus (faculty, staff and students) to support the four strategic goals with the twenty-seven recommendations within the report.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. recaps the months’ diversity, equity and inclusion news.
Behind the scenes of every celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion at MSU, there stands an exceptional leader — her name is Audrey Bentley.
When we come back together this semester, we must do so with empathy, grace and compassion, acknowledging that many feel anxious and vulnerable after such a challenging year.
In February, the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives welcomed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Communications Manager Henry Mochida to Michigan State University.
Diversity Research Network Summer Stay Scholars embarked on a writing retreat.
The work aligns with and will inform the university’s ongoing and longer-term diversity, equity and inclusion strategic framing and planning processes.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. recaps the months’ diversity, equity and inclusion news.
The 2019-20 annual report provides an overview of student and workforce data. It provides information on enrollment, graduation rate, hiring rate and other measures based on demographics and domestic vs. international status for student data.
Recent messages on the MSU rock regarding the university’s mandatory diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) online programming have left many in our community feeling targeted and erased.
One of the most active areas of support and resources provided by the Diversity Research Network centers around writing retreats and spaces.
As we take our first steps, we have to invest in deepening our knowledge and skills. Accepting for fall 2021, limited capacity!
Now accepting applications for fall.
This semester the education team offered the Implicit Bias Certification (I.B.C.) to 200+ faculty, staff, academic specialists, and MSU community members housed in more than 12 programs and departments around campus.
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. recognizes the leadership in the APIDA community, DEI efforts in the wake of George Floyd's death, DEI strategic plans and news from the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives.
April 29, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. What can colleges do to recruit and retain more minority students? To examine this issue, a panel of leading professionals and practitioners in diversity and inclusion will join The Chronicle for an hour-long discussion of the steps needed to finally make inroads on this pivotal issue in higher ed today.
On March 30, the Association of American Universities announced that Michigan State University’s Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D. has been selected to serve on the Advisory Board on Racial Equity in Higher Education.
The Graduate and Undergraduate Entomology Student Society (GUESS) in collaboration with the CANR Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) invited Dr. Anthony Abraham Jack, Harvard sociologist and author of “The Privileged Poor: How Elite Colleges Are Failing Disadvantaged Students,” for an afternoon of virtual events with students, faculty and staff. To host this event, GUESS and the CANR ODEI received the Creating Inclusive Excellence Grant from the MSU Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives.
Proactively taking steps for self-education is a critical step to learning how to address anti-APIDA and anti-Asian violence and bias. The College of Natural Science has developed a list of resources to help guide this endeavor. The list offers resources around action steps, history, terminology and anti-racist tools, including resources for understanding the 2020 summer protests for Black Lives and much more.
DEI Foundations is intended to heighten awareness and take a step toward ensuring all members of our community feel welcome, respected and included, which are prerequisites to offering an environment where all can succeed. Your participation is vital to the realization of this goal, and if you have completed the program, we thank you.
MSU Dialogues provides a unique opportunity for the MSU community to have conversations about issues that impact our community. It is one space for community members with different backgrounds and perspectives to be able to share their narratives and challenge the dominant narratives within our society. We each have our truths, which inform how we navigate the world, but those are not the only true experiences. Briana Bohannon, former participant and trained facilitator shares insights.
The online modules for Diversity Equity and Inclusion learning at MSU are underway. As an inaugural mandate from President Stanley, I3 coordinated the process of delivering 62,000 modules to employees and students over the last month (October/November).
The MSU Broad Art Museum’s full staff participated in a Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) training called A.R.T.(Addressing Racism Together). We shared six two-hour sessions on Friday mornings focused on restorative solutions. From that training, we created our own DEAI statement and identified areas of improvement that will inform our institutional goals in our upcoming 2021-2026 Strategic Plan.
From 160 submissions to the “FUTURE PRESENT: Design in a Time of Urgency” exhibit, curators selected MSU’s Empathic Games as one of 16 to feature at the Science Gallery Detroit, a new pop-up museum located in the Bedrock Building at the corner of Woodward and Michigan Avenues.