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.
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.
MSU is working to recruit, retain and expand career development for staff with diverse backgrounds.
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.
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
The 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
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.
Spotlight Stories
MSU program prepares students with disabilities for the workforce
Advocating for the needs and success of individuals with disabilities is critical to advancing student success and equity at MSU.
MSU’s inclusive course receives overwhelmingly positive feedback
To date, over 18,537 first-year and second-year students and 1,824 employees have successfully completed the course.
Summer science program ‘builds bridges’ between MSU, Native American students
The summer program is tailored to members of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Bay Mills Indian Community and other federally registered tribes.
More Stories
- Nov. 14, 2024: A STRIDE towards success: MSU program prepares students with disabilities for the workforce
- Nov. 13, 2024: MSU’s inclusive course receives overwhelmingly positive feedback
- Sept. 12, 2024: Summer science program ‘builds bridges’ between MSU, Native American students
- July 9, 2024: Building access through collaboration with HBCUs
- MSU welcomes, honors inaugural 1855 Professorship recipients
- MSU doubles down on student success
- MSU IT forms DEI Advisory Committee
- Exploring Black experiences and cultivating belonging
- MSU’s newly formed Youth Equity Project working to reduce disparities
- MSU breaks ground on first standalone multicultural center
- New policy furthers commitment to inclusivity and respect
- MSU Multicultural Center construction to commence this spring
- MSU extends support services for LGBTQIA+ students and employees
- Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards