Division Services
Our Commitment
The Diversity and Equity division works in collaboration or partnership with each of the 53 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities campuses, other units in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system office, various communities, K-12 school districts, agencies, businesses and the Attorney General's Office, when necessary to insure that equality of opportunity be available to students in all academic programs and out-of-class activities. Students are part of a culturally diverse world, and it is important for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to help them understand that world as they prepare to live and work in it. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities will convey values that emphasize the importance of diversity, will use its resources to encourage it and will demonstrate behavior to embody it.
The Diversity and Equity division consults, advises, trains and provides policy development in the areas of non-discrimination investigations, diversity, and affirmative action for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Diversity and Equity provides assistance and guidance to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities institutions for affirmative action plan development, complaint investigation and compliance review with regards to State, Federal and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities rules and regulations.
The responsibility for meeting the goals of equal opportunity and for creating an environment that reflects an appreciation of cultural diversity rests with the Diversity and Equity staff, the community and the college and university communities. Particular obligations center on persons in supervisory roles. Implicit in the latter group is the responsibility to lead, to monitor progress, to be alert to problems and to provide remedies when we fail to meet our goals.
The division promotes working and learning environments that are both physically and psychologically safe. The division assists Minnesota State Colleges and Universities institutions by providing employment and educational environments free of discrimination, harassment, and violence as well as assistance by recruiting and retaining a diverse staff and student body.
The Diversity and Equity division also develops partnerships with business, community, civic and educational organizations to assist Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in carrying out its overall mission to provide support and assistance. And we are committed to fully supporting equal opportunity for everyone, providing affirmative action activities that strengthen the presence of under-represented groups and the development of a system-wide environment in which every individual is valued.
