Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
The most diverse group of individuals at MSU are student-athletes. Of the total student enrollment at MSU, 52% are male, 47% are female, and 1% are other or no response. The ethnic majority is White (84%), with 4% Latino, 5% two or more races, 3% international, and 4% other or unknown.2 According to the NCAA, more than 34% (172,000) of all student-athletes are self-identified racial-ethnic minority student-athletes.1 A large portion of racial-ethnic minority students at MSU are also athletes. Getting involved in diversity and inclusion events on campus is important for athletes of all identities in order to find support and facilitate a welcoming and inclusive culture at MSU.
Diversity and Inclusion Student Commons (DISC)
"A commons is a place - physical or intellectual - where culture, space, and community converge. The name: Student Commons reflects MSU's commitment to inclusion, aligns with the diversity and inclusion framework, and represents the collective and collaborative way the university addresses inclusion. DISC promotes inclusion and understanding of difference, supports students from underrepresented identity groups, and encourages critical thinking about diversity topics"
- Instagram: @msudisc
- Website: www.montana.edu/studentdiversity/
Core DISC Programs
DISC is the student hub for diversity and inclusion efforts at MSU. A variety of programs are available to students through DISC, and they exist to support inclusion across campus and in the community. 1. Diversity and Inclusion Ambassadors (DIA)
This is a volunteer program for students interested in supporting diversity at MSU and enabling DISC to remain open. Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. As a volunteer, you will have office hours and various responsibilities including developing training modules, creating graphics for student events and the office, and other tasks involved with running DISC. The time commitment is about 5 hours per week. To become a volunteer, you will submit an application and attend a one-day training event. If you have questions, please contact DIA via email (diversity@montana.edu), stop by their office in SUB 386, or the Manager's office in SUB 268.
2. All-Inclusive Mentorship (AIM)
This mentorship program is for students of diverse backgrounds looking for support from someone who shares an aspect of their identity. This may be religion, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, being a transfer student, growing up outside of Montana, unique abilities, and more). Social support is extremely important for wellness, and AIM is intended to provide this support. You can join the program as a mentor or a mentee. Mentors can be faculty, staff, or fellow students, and receive training prior to beginning mentorship. Members of AIM will be invited to at least 1 major social event each semester. At least 3 meetings between the mentor and mentee are recommended each semester. You can express interest in becoming a mentor, or express interest in finding a mentor.
3. SAFE Zone: Co-directed by Counseling & Psychological Services (CPS) and DISC
SAFE Zone delivers training and awareness about LGBTQ+ identity and allyship. The goal is to promote an inclusive environment that is physically and emotionally safe for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. People of all genders and identities are welcome to get involved in the Safe Zone Program.
4. Sustained Dialogue
The sustained dialogue began in Washington D.C. as an international strategy for communication across differences. These communication skills are now being offered to college students across the world. In this program, students will learn and practice conflict resolution skills. Students will discuss issues in the community and reach an agreement on how to fix them. This is an action-oriented program and will help you gain the skills you need to work with other people with different backgrounds.
Get involved
- MSU Events Calendar
- Reoccurring and Upcoming Events
- Black Student Union (BSU): Facebook Page, Instagram Page, email: bsuatmsu@gmail.com
- Queer Straight Alliance: Facebook, Instagram
- African Society at MSU: Facebook, email: msuafricansociety@gmail.com
- Fuerza Latinx: Facebook, Instagram
- Other diversity events
- LGBQT+ Groups: Queer Frontier, Queer Straight Alliance, Sustained Dialogue, Lavender celebration, STEM, and SAFE zone
- Racial Connection and Healing Space: This space is for anyone who identifies as an ethnic minority or has an underrepresented ethnic or racial identity on campus. It is a safe space to discuss your experiences with identifying with an underrepresented ethnic identity. Topics may include microaggressions, discrimination, privilege, political stress, imposter syndrome, experiences in the community, and whatever is on your mind. "Racial connection and healing space" is facilitated by a counselor from CPS each week.
- Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC): this forum gives an opportunity for athletes from all teams to voice their concerns on a wide range of issues that are important to all student-athletes. SAAC members are allowed many responsibilities and opportunities, such as facilitating communication between athletes and administration, giving student-athletes a voice, improving leadership skills, and more
More Resources
- Diversity & Inclusion at MSU
- MSU Identity Resources: ability, sex/gender, nationality, sexual identity, race & ethnicity, veteran, religion, first-generation, basic needs and security, and general.
- NCAA Office of Inclusion
- NCAA Diversity & Inclusion
References
1. Ballesteros, J., & Tran, A. G. T. T. (2020). Under the face mask: Racial-ethnic minority student-athletes and mental health use. Journal of American College Health, 68(2), 169–175. https://doi-org.ezproxy.umary.edu/10.1080/07448481.2018.1536663
2. Office of Planning and Analysis. (n.d.). Quick Facts 2019-2020. Montana State University [MSU]. Retrieved January 19, 2021, from https://www.montana.edu/opa/facts/quick.html#Athletics
Developed 2021 by Quinn DeStefano, OTD Student
Reviewed 2021 by Aaron Grusonik, MA, Psy.D
Reviewed 2021 by Aaron Grusonik, MA, Psy.D
