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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Progress

Become a national leader in increasing diversity, promoting inclusion, ensuring equity and eliminating disparities on our campus and beyond.

Primary Metrics


MSU is working to advance equity by eliminating race and ethnicity opportunity gaps across all subgroups of students by 2030. Initiatives addressing and supporting this goal are evident in many areas of this report, particularly within the Student Success section. While data in the graphic below reflect racial and ethnic diversity, multiple factors such as disability, first-generation, socioeconomic and veteran status — along with others — are considered when supporting student, staff and faculty success.

graph for graduation rates by race and ethnicity and percentage point change from 2021

MSU is dedicated to providing opportunity through education and to building the future of Michigan and the nation with the talent and contributions of individuals from all backgrounds and communities.
The official enrollment total for an academic year is established at the beginning of the fall semester.

Graph for student enrollment by race and ethnicity

graph for undergraduate enrollment by race and ethnicity

graph for graduate student enrollment by race and ethnicity

MSU is working to recruit, retain and expand career development for staff with diverse backgrounds.

graph for number of support staff by race and ethnicity

MSU is committed to dramatically increasing MSU academic staff and faculty who make significant contributions to advancing social justice and ethics, ensuring equity, addressing disparities and empowering communities through scholarship and engaged research.

graph for number of faculty by race and ethnicity

Graph for number of academic staff by race and ethnicity

Key Initiatives


Redesigning the e-learning experience

The DEI Foundations online introductory education program has been redesigned to provide an understanding of MSU’s institutional values, key initiatives, diversity, equity and inclusion-related policies and resources, underrepresented community experiences and actions to support a more inclusive environment. The improvements, which better reflect MSU’s diverse communities and needs, were based on extensive review and community feedback. More than 400 stakeholders participated in cross-campus input sessions to envision, create and pilot the program. All students, staff and faculty are required to take the course.

Inaugural 1855 Professorships

Cohort of 1855 professorsThe 1855 Professorships program is an initiative to enhance student success and the academic experience by elevating the academic quality and reputation at MSU. The aim is to advance MSU’s strategic priorities and diversity, equity and inclusion goals by creating a cross-disciplinary group of professors to foster partnerships to positively impact and support underrepresented communities, on campus and beyond. The first cohort was announced in December following a review of 76 proposals representing each college. The nine professors represent the categories of social and environmental justice, minority politics, urban journalism, law and democracy, diversity and data science, and health.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Changes to the Anti-Discrimination Policy have been shared and continue to be aligned to other university policies and federal regulations. Several groups have contributed to this process, including the ADP Workgroup, the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Restorative Practices Initiative and the Workplace Bullying and Incivility Task Force. Feedback sessions have been integral to the review process. The university is also actively working on a comprehensive approach to ADP education across campus. Success is gauged through collaborative recommendations and evaluations of educational initiatives. With the release of the 2024 Title IX Regulations, the university is working to align an updated policy to ensure it remains robust and effective in addressing discrimination, harassment and retaliation within our university community.

Collecting DEI narratives

People clapping at an event The new Diversity and Belonging Collection on the MSUToday website reflects the various backgrounds of MSU students, staff, faculty and alums, highlighting authentic stories and showcasing path-setting leadership and initiatives making a difference each day. The collection, which includes more than 100 stories and will continue to expand, serves as a hub for learning about MSU’s diversity while fostering belonging.

More Key Initiatives


Spotlight Stories

MSU welcomes, honors inaugural 1855 Professorship recipients

1855 Professorships aim to transform the impact made on minoritized, marginalized, and underrepresented communities both on and off campus.

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MSU doubles down on student success

Student success programs play a pivotal role in closing graduation gaps among underrepresented students in college.

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Building access through collaboration with HBCUs

Land-grant alum leaders at Michigan State reflect on the importance of broadening access and opportunity.

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More Stories